It’s Time to Nominate an Individual for the Alumni Achievement Award

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — When BusinessWest launched its 40 Under Forty program in 2007, it did so to identify rising stars across our region — individuals who were excelling in business and through involvement within the community — and celebrate their accomplishments.

In 2015, BusinessWest announced a new award, one that builds on the foundation upon which 40 Under Forty was created. Called the Alumni Achievement Award, it is presented to the 40 Under Forty honoree who, in the eyes of an independent panel of judges, has most impressively continued and built upon his or her track record of accomplishment. The presenting sponsor of the 2023 Alumni Achievement Award is Health New England.

Past winners include: 2022: Anthony Gleason II, president and co-founder of the Gleason Johndrow Companies (40 Under Forty class of 2010); 2021: Anthony Gulluni, Hampden County district attorney (class of 2015); 2020: Carla Cosenzi, president, TommyCar Auto Group (class of 2012), and Peter DePergola, director of Clinical Ethics, Baystate Health (class of 2015); 2019: Cinda Jones, president, W.D. Cowls Inc. (class of 2007); 2018: Samalid Hogan, regional director, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (class of 2013); 2017: Scott Foster, attorney, Bulkley Richardson (class of 2011), and Nicole Griffin, owner, ManeHire (class of 2014); 2016: Dr. Jonathan Bayuk, president, Allergy & Immunology Associates of New England (class of 2008); and 2015: Delcie Bean, president, Paragus Strategic IT (class of 2008).

Click here to nominate someone for this award. Only nominations submitted to BusinessWest on this form will be considered. The deadline is Wednesday, May 10 at 5 p.m., no exceptions. The 2023 honoree will be announced at the 40 Under Forty gala on Thursday, June 15.

Candidates must be from 40 Under Forty classes prior to the year of the award — in this case, classes 2007 to 2022. For your convenience, a list of 40 Under Forty alumni can be found by clicking here and scrolling to the bottom.

Picture This

By
Picture This

Email ‘Picture This’ photos with a caption and contact information to [email protected]

 

Future of Journalism

Bay Path’s student digital newsroom and online student publication, Network News, hosted three area media professionals during Academic Achievement Day on April 11. The discussion highlighted the state of journalism and the future of a digital world filled with artificial intelligence, social media, and new technology.

Pictured, from left: Kaylah Sheppard, Network News reporter; Janine Fondon, assistant professor and chair of Undergraduate Communications at Bay Path; George O’Brien, editor and associate publisher of BusinessWest; Julia Deridder, 2022-23 Network News editor, Rebecca Wehner, 2023-24 Network News editor; Aprell May Munford, reporter at the Republican; and Vanessa Pabón-Hernandez, senior director of Education & Community Engagement at New England Public Media.

 

 

That’s Entertainment

After being shuttered by the pandemic for more than three years, the STCC College Theater Workshop has returned to Springfield Technical Community College, which will host free performances of six 10-minute plays on Thursday, May 4 at 11 a.m., Friday, May 5 at 7 p.m.; and Saturday, May 6 at 7 p.m. at Scibelli Theater in Building 2. “Laughing for All the Wrong Reasons: A Night of Dark Comedy” is free, but donations to the STCC College Theater Workshop will be accepted.

Pictured: Lauren Tracy and Malissa Boone rehearse a scene for the upcoming production.

 

Ignite!

Bay Path University staged its 26th annual Women’s Leadership Conference (WLC) in April at the MassMutual Center. The more than 1,500 attendees at the event, which had the theme ‘Ignite,’ heard from several keynoters and could take in a number of breakout sessions.

Springfield Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris (left), Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, and Bay Path President Sandra Doran

 

Robin Roberts, Good Morning America co-anchor, was the closing keynoter and was interviewed by Doran

 

MassMutual employee and Springfield native Victoria Ann Rodriguez was emcee for the event

 

Employees at MassMutual (a WLC sponsor) gather for a group photo at the conference

 

 

 

 

Agenda

By
Agenda

Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference

April 28: Organizers for the 2023 Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference (MassURC) announced that Christina Royal, president of Holyoke Community College (HCC), will be the keynote speaker at the conference. The keynote is titled “Hacking Ourselves: Learning, Unlearning, and Relearning” and will examine the concept of unlearning, discuss its relevance to learning through a research-based lens, and challenge students to think differently about their approach to life and educational journey. The 2023 conference will be entirely virtual. Royal’s keynote will be presented virtually from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. on the conference day, with options for the public to view it through the MassURC website. The MassURC is a one-day conference at which undergraduate students from the 28 public colleges and universities within the Commonwealth present research, share knowledge, and learn from fellow students. The conference serves to broaden attendees’ understanding of research, showcasing investigations in more than 60 subject areas, including biochemistry, history, architecture, marketing, fine art, and sociology. Visit www.umass.edu/honors/massurc for more information and to register.

 

Pioneer Valley Conference for Women

May 4: The Pioneer Valley Conference for Women will host its first in-person event at the Marriott in downtown Springfield. The theme of the conference is “Let Go.” Leading the speaker lineup are Paulette Piñero, social entrepreneur, writer, and leadership coach, and Yvonne Williams, author of Tested Faith and It’s All About the Shoes. Each will provide a keynote address to an expected audience of more than 300 attendees. The conference highlights topics that were chosen by the women of Western Mass., based on current trends and interests. Alison Maloni, owner of Alison May Public Relations, news anchor for a national network, and bestselling author of Breaking in the News: Build Buzz for Your Brand, will emcee the conference. Local comedian Jess Miller will entertain attendees during a VIP Comedy Kick-off the evening before the conference; tickets cost $35. The cost to attend the Pioneer Valley Conference is $52, which includes breakfast, lunch, a swag bag, and an afternoon celebration with a female DJ and complementary wine and hors d’oeuvres following the full-day conference. The lunch sponsor is M&T Bank. The panel sponsor is Westfield Bank. The network sponsors are Smith Executive Education and USI Insurance. The small-business sponsors are Lovelace Design and Rooted Flowers. Keeping with the goal of accessibility, the conference will also be available virtually for those who are more comfortable watching through a screen. Sessions will be taped for future viewing. For more information on keynote speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and panelists, visit sheslocal.org/pioneer-valley-conference-for-women.

 

Sundae Funday 5K and Family Fun Fest

May 6: Marianna Litovich, founder and executive director of All Our Kids Inc., announced the organization’s third annual Sundae Funday 5K and Family Fun Fest will take place on from 9 a.m. to noon at Stanley Park in Westfield. The event will kick off with a 5K run/walk and simultaneous family festival that is open to the public. Families can enjoy games, crafts, prizes, food, community information, and lots of entertainment. “This event helps All Our Kids raise awareness, celebrate foster and adoptive families, bring our community together, and have fun,” Litovich said. Anyone interested in registering to run or walk the 5K or sponsor this nonprofit fundraiser can visit fosteringaok.org/aok5k.

 

Whip City Animal Sanctuary Golf Tournament Fundraiser

May 13: Whip City Animal Sanctuary will host its third annual golf tournament fundraiser at St Anne Country Club, 781 Shoemaker Lane, Feeding Hills. The tournament starts at 12:30 p.m., with dinner following at 5:30 p.m. There will be contests, raffle prizes, a free T-shirt for the first 52 players, and a cash bar. The registration fee is $125 per player and includes a cart and dinner following the tournament. Additional details and forms can be found at whipcityanimalsanctuary.com or the sanctuary’s Facebook page, or by emailing Sonia Henderson at [email protected]. Whip City Animal Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides a caring, safe, long-term home for abandoned, rescued, and surrendered farm animals.

 

Mother’s Day Brunch, Concert

May 14: Judd’s Restaurant at Gateway City Arts has a full schedule of events planned for Mother’s Day, beginning with its Sunday brunch, served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Following brunch at 2 p.m. will be a benefit concert for Safe Passage, featuring “Fantasie for Flute and Piano,” performed by Mosaic, the flute/piano duo of Sue Kurian and Meg Kelsey Wright. The concert, which is free and open to the public, will feature a kaleidoscope of unusual pieces: two fantasies by Gabriel Fauré and Albert Franz Doppler; two tangos by Astor Piazzolla and Brazilian composer Ernesto Nazareth; a folk-like, jazzy theme and variation by New Hampshire composer Gwyneth Walker; a haunting nocturne for alto flute and piano by Norwegian composer Johan Kvandal; and flute and piano solos by Arthur Honegger and Clara Schumann. The concert is part of the classical-music series at Gateway City Arts sponsored by GLC, the venue’s nonprofit arm. Donations for Safe Passage will be accepted at the door. Safe Passage provides survivors with the support and information to keep themselves and their children safe and to rebuild their lives in the wake of domestic violence. Learn more at safepass.org. Visit tableagent.com/springfield/judds-restaurant to make Mother’s Day brunch reservations.

 

40 Under Forty

June 15: BusinessWest will host the annual 40 Under Forty Gala at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke. One of the most anticipated events of the year, the gala will celebrate the class of 2023, which is announced and profiled in this issue of BusinessWest and at businesswest.com. The gala will feature a VIP hour for the honorees and sponsors, networking, the presentation of the Alumni Achievement Award, and introduction of members of the class of 2023. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit businesswest.com. This year’s 40 Under Forty presenting sponsor is PeoplesBank, and the 40 Under Forty Alumni Achievement Award presenting sponsor is Health New England. Partner sponsors include Comcast Business, Live Nation, the Markens Group, MGM Springfield, Mercedes-Benz of Springfield, the UMass Amherst Isenberg School of Management, and Webber & Grinnell Insurance.

 

Hooplandia

June 23-25: Registration for Hooplandia, a 3×3 basketball tournament and festival, is now open at www.hooplandia.com and includes levels of play for all ages and divisions. The tournament, presented by the Eastern States Exposition (ESE) and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, will take place on the grounds of ESE in West Springfield June 23-25, with special games at the Hall of Fame in Springfield. The event is expected to attract thousands of fans and players as hundreds of games take place across more than 70 courts. Divisions of play have been created to provide an all-inclusive environment for players of all ages and playing abilities. With brackets that include veterans, first responders, youth, wheelchair athletes, college elites, and many more, there’s a spot on the court for everyone. Players are invited to build teams of four, create their own unique team name and uniforms, and register at www.hooplandia.com. Team fees range from $75 to $190, with children under 8 and participants in the Special Olympics category being free of charge. Hooplandia has teamed up with Boys and Girls Clubs throughout the region as its designated philanthropic partner, providing $10 from every team registration to support the mission and programs of the clubs. Partnership opportunities for Hooplandia are available at a variety of levels to help underwrite all areas of play, including Boys & Girls Club youth, active military, veterans divisions, and more. Anyone interested should email [email protected]. Hooplandia welcomes participation from youth team referees, scorekeepers, Fan Village contest facilitators, and volunteers for myriad duties to help make this inaugural year a success. Those interested in participating in this groundbreaking event can fill out the volunteer form at www.hooplandia.com.

 

MOSSO Concert

July 23: MOSSO (Musicians of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra) will make its Sevenars Concerts debut in Worthington at 4 p.m. MOSSO and Friends, which opened the Westfield Athenaeum series, features violinist Beth Welty, horn player Sarah Sutherland, and pianist Elizabeth Skavish. They will perform Frédéric Duvernoy’s Trio No. 1 for Violin, Horn, and Piano; Trygve Madsen’s Trio, Op. 110 for Violin, Horn, and Piano; and Johannes Brahms’ Trio in E-flat Major for Violin, Horn, and Piano. Sevenars performances are held at the Academy, South Ireland Street and Route 112, South Worthington. There is no charge for admission to the performance, and no tickets are needed, although donations at the door are welcome ($20 or more per person is suggested to help defray expenses). For program details and information on Sevenars, visit www.sevenars.org.

People on the Move

By
People on the Move
Steven Musso

Steven Musso

Country Bank President and CEO Paul Scully announced the appointment of Steven Musso to the bank’s board of trustees at its annual meeting. Musso joins the board with more than 30 years of experience in the banking industry. He previously served as the chief operating officer for FinPro Inc., leading consulting engagements, running the consulting operation, and building the technology division. He has extensive experience working with banks on strategic planning, interest-rate risk analysis, and other consulting and advisory services. In addition, he has worked with various bank boards and management teams in financial institutions across the country. He holds Series 63 and 79 financial-securities licenses. Country Bank also appointed new corporators: Mary McGovern, executive vice president, chief financial and operating officer; G. Thomas Wolcott, first senior vice president, commercial banking; Dawn Fleury, first senior vice president, chief risk officer; Miriam Siegel, first senior vice president, chief culture and development officer; and Musso.

•••••

Emily Tower

Emily Tower

Florence Bank promoted Emily Tower to the position of vice president and branch manager of the bank’s main office in Florence. Prior to her promotion, she was the assistant vice president and branch manager in the Florence branch. A graduate of the New England School of Financial Studies, Tower brings more than 15 years of banking experience to her role. She has been with Florence Bank since 2006 and has worked in the Belchertown and West Springfield offices as well.

•••••

Eric Lesser

Eric Lesser

Bay Path University announced that Eric Lesser — attorney, educator, and former four-term state senator — has been elected to its board of trustees. Lesser was one of the original members of President Obama’s White House team. From January 2009 to July 2011, he served as special assistant to the president’s senior advisor, David Axelrod. Later, he served as the Council of Economic Advisers’ director of Strategic Planning. In 2014, Lesser was elected to the Massachusetts State Senate, representing the First Hampden and Hampshire district. As a state senator, Lesser led and served on numerous committees and commissions. He chaired the Joint Committee on Economic Development & Emerging Technologies; the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development, and the Senate Committee on Ethics. He also was vice chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation and co-chaired the Massachusetts Commission on the Future of Work. Among his many priorities, he was a key proponent of east-west rail, a leading advocate for civics education, a champion for alleviating student debt, and a national leader on the future of work. Lesser is currently a senior counsel at WilmerHale, a Boston-based law firm, where he is a member of the Public Policy and Regulatory Affairs Group. He earned his juris doctorate from Harvard Law School in 2015 and his bachelor’s degree from Harvard College in 2007.

•••••

Dr. Sarah Haessler

Dr. Sarah Haessler

Dr. Sarah Haessler, whose expertise in infectious diseases has been recognized at the local, state, national, and international levels, has been named chair of the Department of Medicine for Baystate Health. Haessler, who has served as interim chair of the Department of Medicine at Baystate since 2022, was appointed chair after a highly competitive national search. She is the inaugural female chair of Baystate Health’s largest clinical/academic department. Her tenure begins immediately. She received her medical degree from George Washington University School of Medicine and completed a residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in infectious diseases at Dartmouth Hitchcock in New Hampshire. She is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in internal medicine and infectious diseases. Haessler joined Baystate Health in 2005 and since that time has held progressive leadership roles, including as the hospital epidemiologist for the health system, vice chair of the Department of Medicine, interim chief of the Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Care, and most recently interim chair of the Department of Medicine. Active in the field of academics and research, Haessler has trained and served as advisor and mentor for dozens of residents and fellows in the specialty of infectious diseases. She is currently an associate professor of Medicine at UMass Chan Medical School – Baystate. Since 2002, as either principal or co-investigator, she has completed numerous research projects and is currently co-investigator in Reducing Antimicrobial Overuse Through Targeted Therapy for Patients with Community-acquired Pneumonia.

•••••

City of Greenfield Community and Economic Development Director MJ Adams announced her intention to retire from city service, effective May 6. Adams played pivotal roles in advancing downtown revitalization efforts, coordinating stakeholder and state assistance in creating an expansion of the I-91 Greenfield Industrial Park, helping local businesses navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, and brokering the agreement to redevelop the former Wilson’s Department Store building. Adams joined city government in December 2015 as Community Development administrator and was promoted to Community and Economic Development director in September 2018. Her prior experience includes positions with the Franklin County Regional Housing and Redevelopment Authority and the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, and as executive director of Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity. The city will launch a search in the coming weeks for a new Community and Economic Development director. Adams has agreed to remain available during the transition process.

•••••

Daniel Coyne

Daniel Coyne

Barbara Fontaine

Barbara Fontaine

River Valley Counseling Center (RVCC) recently welcomed Daniel Coyne and Barbara Fontaine to its board of directors. Coyne is a certified addictions registered nurse with more than 10 years of experience in behavioral-health treatment. He served as director of Nursing at Swift River addiction campuses, and more recently as the director of Utilization Review on the quality team of Vertava Health. He holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from UMass, a bachelor of arts degree from Middlebury College, and a master of fine arts degree from the University of Florida. Fontaine is a certified alcohol/drug-abuse counselor with more than 15 years of counseling experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English and creative writing from San Francisco State University and completed the Alcohol and Chemical Dependency Treatment Services Program at Boston University in 2007. She started her career in substance-abuse treatment at Gosnold on Cape Cod and also worked at Habit OpCo in South Yarmouth. She has worked at Swift River in Cummington since 2016.

Company Notebook

By
Uncategorized

UMass Amherst Awarded $15 Million to Lead Regional Transportation Center

AMHERST — UMass Amherst will lead the New England Region 1 consortium — one of 10 regional university transportation centers (UTCs) — for the U.S. Department of Transportation under a five-year, $15 million grant. The goal of the centers is to advance state-of-the-art transportation research, technology, and safety. The colleges and universities comprising New England’s Region 1 consortium led by UMass Amherst include the University of Connecticut, MIT, the University of Maine, the University of New Hampshire, the University of Rhode Island, and Norwich University, as well as Bunker Hill and Holyoke community colleges. The UTC program has been congressionally mandated since 1987, and each consortium includes two- and four-year colleges and universities that form a unique center of transportation excellence on a specific research topic. There are five national centers, 20 Tier 1 centers, and 10 regional centers in the U.S. President Biden’s infrastructure package included $90 million in funding per year for the competitively selected UTC program grants. The DOT received 230 grant applications, which represents the largest number of applications ever submitted in the 35-year history of the UTC program.

 

AIC Launches Graduate Criminal Justice Program

SPRINGFIELD — Law-enforcement professionals looking to further their education can now get a master of science degree in criminal justice through American International College (AIC). The fully online program is designed to appeal to criminal-justice professionals looking to enhance their skills and credentials, as well as provide the next step for students completing their undergraduate degrees at AIC. The program is now accepting students for the summer 2023 semester, which starts Monday, May 22. The MS in criminal justice provides specialized knowledge of public policy, organizational management, and administrative processes, along with advanced graduate leadership and research training. In addition to foundational theories of criminology and criminal justice, students will explore policy design and implementation alongside emerging trends in the field. The program will provide the skills, knowledge, and practical experience needed to protect and serve the public through a wide range of careers, enabling students to develop as ethical and skilled decision makers in the various branches of criminal justice. The program offers students specializations including social justice and public policy, victim studies, executive leadership, homeland security, and intelligence studies. These specializations allow students to focus on an area of interest unique to their career goals. They can also serve as stand-alone certificates for those interested in enhancing their educational goals and learning activities that overlap across disciplines but remain connected by a single shared subject.

 

Hooplandia Partners with Local Boys & Girls Clubs

SPRINGFIELD — Hooplandia, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament and festival making its debut at the Eastern States Exposition (ESE) in June, announced on Thursday that its philanthropic partner will be Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Western Mass. Hooplandia takes place June 23-25 and will be hosted by the Eastern States Exposition and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Games will take place across more than 70 courts at ESE, and showcase games will be held at the Hall of Fame. As a community-forward, all-inclusive event, Hooplandia has vowed to donate $10 of every team registration to local Boys & Girls Clubs in support of the program’s mission and enrichment of the region’s youths. Additionally, Hooplandia has begun a partnership program with regional businesses to underwrite the cost of team registrations for young players from clubs throughout the region. Boys & Girls Clubs of America provide a fun, safe, and constructive environment for kids and teens during after-school hours. Community-based and led by professional staff, these programs offer students opportunities that allow them to succeed in school, develop leadership skills, and maintain healthy lifestyles.

 

LightHouse Holyoke Celebrates Transformational Youth Outcomes

HOLYOKE — LightHouse Holyoke, Personalized Education for Teens, recently celebrated its annual Raise Your Glass event at Mill One at Open Square in Holyoke. LightHouse is a personalized middle- and high-school alternative now in its eighth year in downtown Holyoke. LightHouse maintains an innovative collaboration with Holyoke Public Schools through Opportunity Academy, where students earn credit toward a Holyoke High School diploma in a program modeled after University Without Walls at UMass Amherst. The partnership allows a limited number of Holyoke Public School students to attend LightHouse along with privately enrolled students. LightHouse is accredited through the New England Assoc. of Schools and Colleges. At the annual Raise Your Glass event, speakers included musician, performer, and LightHouse graduate Nehemiah Caradwyn; Liam Russell, a current privately enrolled student and graduating senior; and Damasco Santiago, father of Jhaydon Santiago, also graduating this year, who is enrolled through the LightHouse partnership with Holyoke Public Schools.

 

Citizens Gives Nonprofits $397,000 in Financial-empowerment Grants

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Fifteen nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts will receive a total of $397,000 from Citizens through the bank’s Citizens Helping Citizens Manage Money program. The initiative helps strengthen communities by supporting programs, through direct funding as well as volunteerism, that give people the resources they need to be financially healthy and inspire them to pursue their goals. The announcement comes during Financial Literacy Month, a nationally recognized campaign that raises awareness of the need for more financial-literacy education. Through Citizens Helping Citizens Manage Money, the bank will provide $2 million in contributions to 150 nonprofits across the communities it serves. This years’ recipients in Massachusetts include two in Western Mass.: Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts and Way Finders Inc. Other recipients include ACT Lawrence Inc., Camp Harbor View Foundation Inc., Centro de Apoyo Familiar, Council for Economic Education, Economic Empowerment Trust Fund, Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción Inc., Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance, Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership Inc., Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship, the Children’s Museum, Neighborhood of Affordable Housing Inc., Urban Edge Housing Corporation, and Dress for Success Boston Inc.

 

Girl Scouts Receive $10,000 Grant from Davis Foundation

EAST LONGMEADOW — Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts (GSCWM) announced it received a $10,000 grant from the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation in support of It’s a Girls World, one of the community-based programs it offers. The afterschool program engages Hampden County girls in grades K-6 in STEM, financial literacy, and health and personal-wellness topics. The Girl Scout Leadership Experience is a collection of engaging, challenging, and fun activities for girls to develop a strong sense of self, display positive values, seek challenges, learn from setbacks, form and maintain healthy relationships, and learn to identify and solve problems in their community. The support of contributors such as the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation makes this possible. The Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation supports a variety of nonprofit organizations seeking to improve quality of life for those living in Hampden County.

 

Revitalize CDC Seeks Volunteers to Help Rebuild 12 Homes

SPRINGFIELD — Revitalize CDC’s #GreenNFit Neighborhood Rebuild is back after a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19. This year, a total of 12 homes in Springfield’s Memorial Square neighborhood — owned by low-income families with children, aging adults, military veterans, and people with special needs — will be worked on by 1,000 volunteers and more than 100 supporters. In addition, vacant lots will be cleaned up and Calhoun Park improved. Volunteers return each year from Maine to Virginia and work alongside the residents of Springfield. Families who benefited from past #GreenNFit events volunteer to help their neighbors on the next block. Revitalize CDC focuses on making meaningful improvements on homes to help reduce energy use, save money, and create a safe, healthy, and sustainable living environment for residents and the community. Improvements include installing or retrofitting HVAC systems to allow for a transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy, such as solar conversions; new roofs; energy-efficient windows, doors, and appliances; water-saving plumbing fixtures; electrical upgrades; mold remediation, lead abatement, and pest control; interior and exterior painting; and modifying homes for aging or disabled homeowners, such as building exterior access ramps. Revitalize CDC is still seeking donations, sponsors, and volunteers. Visit www.revitalizecdc.com for more information, the current list of supports, and to register.

Incorporations

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Incorporations

The following business incorporations were recorded in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties and are the latest available. They are listed by community.

AGAWAM

Big Rig Truck & Trailer Repairs Inc., 87 Ramah Circle South, Agawam, MA 01001. Emil Lachinov, same. Truck and trailer repair.

Regional Practice Expansion Consultants Inc., 70 Royal St., Agawam, MA 01001. Jacqueline Montanez, same. Medical practice growth consulting.

BLANDFORD

Air Plus Inc., 146 Otis Stage Road, Blandford, MA 01008. Julian Mecher, same. HVAC Services.

CHICOPEE

Exclusive Painters Group Inc., 35 Kimball St., Chicopee, MA 01013. Luis Carrion Rodriguez, 1060 Liberty St., Springfield, MA 01104. Painting and construction related services.

J&S Smile Pros Inc., 874 Prospect St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Sara Jambard, 5 Halon Ter., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Portable dental practice.

EAST LONGMEADOW

GSD Cards & Collectibles Inc., 45 Saint Joseph Dr., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Abel Lee, same. Sale of sports trading cards and memorabilia.

The Stoke Collective, LCA, 26 Williston Ave., Easthampton, MA 01027. Jen Sandler, same. Organizational consulting services.

INDIAN ORCHARD

JT Realty Associates Inc., 31 Kopernick St., Indian Orchard, MA 01151. Thaddeus Tokarz, same. Real estate services.

PALMER

Paws 4 Blue K9 Inc., 29 French Dr., Palmer, MA 01069. Janice M. Garabedian, same. K9 support services.

PITTSFIELD

Colbert Artists Management Inc., 180 Elm St., Suite 221, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Lee Prinz, same. Manager and agent of classical musicians.

SPRINGFIELD

Leena’s Place Inc., 660 Boston Road, Springfield, MA 01119. Jessica Morehouse, same. Restaurant with alcohol service.

Newer a Little League A Baseball Corp., 38 Bryant St., Springfield, MA 01108. Edwin Ferrer, same. Organization established to bring the sport of baseball to the community.

TURNERS FALLS

Sisson Accounting Services, PC, 55 Dell St., Turners Falls, MA 01376. Kathryn A. Sisson, same. Professional Certified Public Accountant.

WESTFIELD

Vendking Corp., 1257 East Mountain Road, Westfield, MA 01085. Alexsander Bloom, same. Vending machine and ATM servicing.

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates

The following business certificates and/or trade names were issued or renewed during the months of March and April 2023. (Filings are limited due to closures or reduced staffing hours at municipal offices due to COVID-19 restrictions).

EAST LONGMEADOW

Pioneer Athletic Center
21 Baldwin St.
Danielle McKinnon

Pioneer Valley Arms
50-58 Shaker Road
Kendall Knapik

TigerPress
50 Industrial Dr.
Jennifer Shafii

GREAT BARRINGTON

Awaken with Susan Inc.
140 West Ave., Suite B
Susan Quam

Bernal Woodworks Inc.
131 Monument Valley Road
Andrew Bernal

Connect First Consulting
389 Main St.
Lais Howard

Fairground Real Estate
631 Main St.
Eric Streuernagle

LaundryLand
11 School St.
Paula Kohler

The Little Store
88-90 Main St.
Victor Cella

Macony Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine
100 Maple St.
Berkshire Faculty Services Inc.

Marshalls #1362
354 Stockbridge Road
Marshalls of Massachusetts Inc.

MotherhoodWorks
50 Castle St., Suite 2
Ilana Siegal

Refill GB
152 Main St.
Jamie McCormack

Shire Glass Co.
87 Railroad St.
Matthew Meandro

TW McClelland LLC
597 Main St.
Thomas McClelland

Whimsy Media
211 Oak St.
Jordyn Cormier

HOLYOKE

FTF
475 Beech St.
Ronny Authier

Gold & Diamonds
50 Holyoke St.
Lavinia Oprea

The Hair Place
103 Chapin St.
Ronald Holland

Lovely Affairs
193 High St.
Jacqueline Bones

Maranatha Cleaning
183 Sargeant St.
Marcos Colon, Felicita Colon

QA Maintenance
98 Lower Westfield Road
Frances Russell

Rodriguez’s Holyoke Kenpo Karate
233 Maple St.
Lizabeth Rodriguez

Springfield Grocery
845 Main St.
Muhammad Khawaja

Through the Trees Photo
10 Cook St.
Kevin Fitzell

LENOX

Berkshire Roll Off
18 Crystal St.
Daniel Hunter

Catwalk Boutique
51 Church St.
Sherry Betit

Doctor Sax House
35 Walker St.
Bryan Binder

Holistic Balance and Bodywork
55 Pittsfield Road, Building 5, Unit B
Jermaine Gomes

LAM
194 Main St.
Leonard Miller

Sohn Fine Art
69 Church St.
Cassandra Sohn

Sports School Day Camp
194 Main St.
Leonard Miller

PALMER

D&M Auto Repair
1422 Park St.
Nathan Jensen

Dean P. Browne Home Improvement
203 State St.
Dean Browne

Wen Ming House
1427 North Main St.
Tian Hau Yang

SOUTH HADLEY

Cote Entertainment & Lighting
23 Grandview St.
Cote Entertainment & Lighting

SOUTHWICK

Aerogreen Urban Farm LLC
23 Bonnie View Road
Renee McGee

Crawl Mat
21 Babb Road
Denis Zinchenko

Echo Home Remodeling
10 Cedar St., Apt. 12
Philip Billington

Illuminated Girl Art
287 College Highway
Julie Seibert

Munm Brook Valley Camp
353 North Loomis St.
Stephanie Price

Southwick Services
1 Eden Hill Lane
Diana King

Total Home Services Inc.
445 College Highway
Anthony Whitehead

Tractor Supply Co.
673 College Highway
Jeff Stiles

Twin Pines Holistic Health
152 Berkshire Ave.
Chelsea Pratt

STOCKBRIDGE

Pecorino Provisions
36 Main St.
Claire Raposo

Wander and Whimsy Travels
36 East St.
Chelsea Bordonaro

WESTFIELD

The Crafty Chics
48 Stephanie Lane
Melissa Connors

Designed by Depino
57 Patriots Dr.
Laurie Depino

East Mountain Country Store
349 East Mountain Road
Clifford Laraway

Eastern Vehicle Recycling Inc.
88 Neck Road
Eastern Vehicle Recycling Inc.

Estelle Leeds Artists Management
26 Lady Slipper Circle
Estelle Leeds

Oksana’s Art
3 Sherman St.
Oksana Chepurenko

Pioneer Valley on the Move
94 North Elm St.
Rachel Burke

Rolling Hills Lawn Care LLC
23 Bates St.
Daniel Fontaine

Roof Maxx of Enfield
53 Murray Ave.
AG Home Infusion LLC

Sophy Nails and Spa
84 Main St.
Chansophy Lim

Thunder in the Valley Festival
99 Northridge Road
Unbroken Wings Inc.

Tribeca Gastro Bar & Grille
89 Elm St.
Connecticut Valley Restaurant Group

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

The following bankruptcy petitions were recently filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Readers should confirm all information with the court.

B’Shara, Michael D.
1C Castle Hill Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/30/2023

Blanchard, William F.
Blanchard, Suzanne T.
135 Edgewood Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/28/2023

Connolly, John James
Connolly, Diane Irene
21 Ferry Hill Road
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/23/2023

Cook, Bryan Joseph
18 Willard Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/22/2023

Daviau, Peter T.
PO Box 5460
Springfield, MA 01101
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/24/2023

Devoe-Marsh, Lorie A.
a/k/a Marsh, Lorie A.
695 Mill St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/22/2023

Douglas, Haley A.
1384 Barre Road
Gilbertville, MA 01031
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/25/2023

Enman, Douglas J.
Enman, Tammy J.
23 Wenonah Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/24/2023

Frazer-Malone, Dawn L.
18 Drew Court
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/31/2023

Frisbie, Robert
85 Manchonis Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/23/2023

Grande, Deborah
21 Meadow St.
North Adams, MA 01247-4215
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/29/2023

Guadeloupe, June Felicity
103 Leitch St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/24/2023

Karpoff, Marlena
97 Russellville Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/30/2023

Litwin, Jeffrey
21 Craig Dr., Apt 6F
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/24/2023

Menard, Robert A.
Menard, Angela J.
PO Box 88
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/23/2023

Nadeau, Mary Elizabeth
713 Britton St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/29/2023

Pereira, Amadeu P.
a/k/a Pereira, Amadeu Peneda
1256 Worcester St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/24/2023

Perez Santiago, Jose Antonio
901 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/22/2023

Serrano, Nelson
17 Bushwick Place
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/24/2023

Smith, Thomas B.
305 Amostown Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/27/2023

Solano, Feafeld D.
32 Manilla Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/30/2023

Tobin, John H.
c/o Cathy Tobin
140 Boutin St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/24/2023

Together Physcial Therapy, LLC
Hurley, Robert F.
Hurley, Lisa Ann
152 Cheney St., Apt. 2
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/21/2023

Ward, Kathleen Mary
19 Mountain Road, Apt 10
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/30/2023

Williamson, Henry G.
138 Main St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/29/2023

Building Permits

By
Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the months of March and April 2023. (Filings are limited due to closures or reduced staffing hours at municipal offices due to COVID-19 restrictions).

CHICOPEE

Community Care Resources
41 Woodlawn St.
$4,800 — Install fire-alarm system

Emma Jopson
46 St. James Ave.
$18,000 — Air sealing and weatherization

Brian Lapointe
219 School St.
$26,000 — Demolish and dispose of existing two-story front porch, replace second-floor door with window, build one-story porch with roof, replace first-floor entry door, fix existing fascia and soffit at roof, replace shingles on half the roof

O’Leary-Vincunas No Two LLC
102 First Ave.
$15,000 — Create staff break room in existing warehouse facility

Drew Petrolati
269 Chicopee St.
$11,250 — Install tub replacement and wall surround system

Society Faith Methodist Church
191 Montcalm St.
$12,270 — Replace 10 windows

Lee Suhyun
116 School St.
$72,833 — Roofing

HADLEY

Home Depot USA Inc.
358 Russell St.
N/A — Install non-illuminated wall signs

LEE

200 Laurel LLC
200 Laurel St.
$12,200 — Convert existing motel to 16 apartments

Philip Levy, Rita Levy
880 East St.
$1,200 — Install four windows

Ericedis Olaverria
26 Railroad St.
$13,000 — Install 20 windows

Martin Robertson
1290 Cape St.
$16,000 ­— Add addition on back of existing studio space

PITTSFIELD

David Kahn
38 North St.
$34,000 — Roofing

Lori McHugh
307 Elm St.
$12,000 — Roofing

Ranchodji Inc.
16 Cheshire Road
$65,685 — Flooring

William Rhodes
161 Seymour St.
$74,150 — Install new wet and dry sprinkler system

NORTHAMPTON

Fitzgerald Realty Corp.
224 Prospect St.
$27,930 — Siding on second floor

Gleason Bros. Inc.
7 Pearl St.
$4,000 — Add partition wall

Livett Lovett & Crumberg
184 Main St.
$5,000 — Build half-wall to support new counter

Meadowbrook Preservation Associates LP
491 Bridge Road
$159,420 — Replace pool

Northampton Community Arts Trust Inc.
33 Hawley St.
$1,017,837 — New drainage for existing downspouts, new seating area, interior renovation to parts of building

Northwood Development LLC
15 Atwood Dr.
$9,000 — Create emergency egress

Nova Realty Holdings Inc.
9½ Market St.
$37,752 — Install roof-mount solar system

ServiceNet Inc.
48 Pleasant St.
$15,480 — Awning sign

SPRINGFIELD

1277 Liberty St. LLC
1355 Liberty St.
$120,000 — Alter space at previous Kmart building into new Fun City trampoline amusement park

Baystate Medical Center Inc.
759 Chestnut St.
$94,206 — Alter space for a new ships ladder and vestibule for elevator machine room access in Springfield Building

David Duncan Sr., Walter Patterson, Robert Sullivan
115 Progress Ave.
$37,000 — Add insulation to attic of Teamsters Local 404

The Republican Co.
1860 Main St.
$53,691 — Remove and replace fire-alarm system

Restoration Worship Center
1492 Boston Road
$190,307.50 — Roofing

Salvation Army of Massachusetts Inc. Adult Rehabilitation Center
840 Boston Road
$23,000 — Add insulation to roof and walls

Springfield Hobby Club Housing Inc.
307 Chestnut St.
$98,900 — Remove and replace Seniority House

Springfield Museums Corp.
74 Fairfield St.
$23,164 — Install accessible modular aluminum ramp to rear of building

Italian Consulate Office Opens in Downtown Springfield

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Italian government officially opened its Western Massachusetts Consulate of Italy office in Springfield on Monday, taking advantage of an offer from Paul Picknelly, president and CEO of Monarch Enterprises, who donated class-A real-estate space and other resources on the 25th floor of Monarch Place.

Picknelly, named honorary consul of Italy for Western Mass., recognized the need for the consulate to be re-established in Springfield. Western Mass. residents with business or important personal matters to conduct with or in Italy have had to travel to the Consulate General of Italy in Boston for years, an especially difficult hardship during the pandemic. Trade, tourism, Italian passports, dual residency, birth and death certificates, and other important business has required residents to travel, often several times, back and forth to Boston.

“When a family is experiencing a significant issue like the need to secure a birth or death certificate, this distance and challenge can be overwhelming while waiting to bury a loved one or provide proof of birth and nationality for other business. Some of the stories I’ve heard have been heartbreaking. This is something that we had to correct,” Picknelly said. “I am so happy that we have been able to bring the two governments together to do this in Springfield for all the people of Western Massachusetts.”

Arnaldo Minuti, consul general of Italy from the Boston consulate, attended Monday’s official opening, representing the Italian government. He was joined by Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, a first-generation son of Italian immigrants, and other mayors from throughout the region. Many members of the Italian-American community and business and civic leaders were also in attendance.

bankESB Promotes Ian Megraw to IT Officer

By
Daily News

EASTHAMPTON — bankESB recently promoted Ian Megraw to information technology officer.

Megraw joined bankESB in 2016 as a systems administrator. He has seven years of experience in banking and brings many strengths that have significantly contributed to the success of the IT department and the bank’s conversions since joining the team. He is a respected manager, strong technician, and an important part of the growing Hometown Financial Group family.

Megraw earned an associate degree in Business Administration and Network Administration from John Abbott College.

Legislation to Compensate Quabbin Communities for Reservoir Water to Be Heard April 26

By
Daily News

BOSTON — The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources will hold a hearing on “An Act Relative to the Quabbin Watershed and Regional Equity” (H.897/S.447), filed by state Sen. Jo Comerford and state Rep. Aaron Saunders, on Wednesday, April 26, beginning at 1 p.m.

Beginning around 1927, four towns (Dana, Enfield, Greenwich, and Prescott) were disincorporated, evacuated, and then flooded to create one of the largest potable water sources in the U.S., known as the Quabbin Reservoir. Today, the Quabbin provides pristine drinking water to millions of people in Eastern Mass.

Under current law, the remaining communities surrounding the Quabbin (Belchertown, Hardwick, Pelham, New Salem, Petersham, Shutesbury, and Ware), which comprise the Quabbin watershed, receive minimal compensation for their efforts and sacrifice. These same communities do not have the ability to pull their own drinking water from the Quabbin.

The legislation seeks greater regional equity and provides for reasonable payments to Quabbin watershed communities for local municipal needs; water infrastructure, such as conduits, pipes, and hydrants; and nonprofit organizations providing health, welfare, safety, and transit services. The bill also requires more representation of Connecticut River Valley interests on a governing board.

The hearing will be held in person in Massachusetts State House Hearing Room A-2 and also livestreamed on the Legislature’s website; click here for the virtual link.

Members of the public who wish to provide oral testimony on April 26 should fill out a form by clicking here. Members of the public are also welcome to email written testimony to the committee at [email protected].

Institute for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Opens at Holyoke Medical Center

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Medical Center has expanded services to open the Institute for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, led by Dr. Frederik Pennings, an internationally recognized expert in minimally invasive spine surgery.

“We are excited to announce the opening of the new Institute for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, under the renowned leadership of Dr. Pennings,” said Spiros Hatiras, president and CEO of Holyoke Medical Center. “His expertise will allow us to provide patients throughout the region and beyond with the high-quality medical care they need.”

Pennings is the only fellowship-trained spine neurosurgeon in the area. He has more than 25 years of training and experience in neurosurgery, with a background that includes multifaceted training, various leadership positions, professional recognition, clinical education, technology development, and published research. Prior to Holyoke Medical Center, he established the Minimally Invasive Spine Center of New England and the minimally invasive spine surgery program at UMass Memorial Medical Center.

Also joining the Institute for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery is Michael Bennett, a neurosurgery physician assistant for more than 20 years. He brings a wealth of clinical experience to the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery of spine-surgery patients, while also assisting on advanced procedures. Bennett has been part of Pennings’ team for 13 years.

The experienced spine-surgery team is able to tailor treatments using patient-centered, evidence-based, multi-disciplinary care with either traditional open-spine surgery or minimally invasive techniques. However, minimally invasive options generally offer important advantages over traditional procedures.

“Minimally invasive spine surgery approaches the spine through much smaller incisions than in an open procedure,” Pennings explained. “It is less traumatic to tissues, so most patients recover more quickly, with less blood loss and lower risk of infection.”

Common conditions that may warrant minimally invasive spine surgery include spinal stenosis, scoliosis, lumbar spondylolisthesis, cervical and lumbar disc herniation, and sacroiliac joint pathology.

The new Institute for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery at Holyoke Medical Center is located at 10 Hospital Dr., Suite 101, Holyoke. To learn more or make an appointment, call (413) 535-4860.

BusinessTalk with Dr. Negar Beheshti, chief medical officer for MiraVista Behavioral Health Center

By
Business Talk Podcast Special Coverage

We are excited to announce that BusinessWest has launched a new podcast series, BusinessTalk. Each episode will feature in-depth interviews and discussions with local industry leaders, providing thoughtful perspectives on the Western Massachuetts economy and the many business ventures that keep it running during these challenging times.

Go HERE to view all episodes

Episode 159: April 24, 2023

George Interviews Dr. Negar Beheshti, chief medical officer for MiraVista Behavioral Health Center

Dr. Negar Beheshti

There was already a mental health crisis in this country before COVID. What the pandemic did was amplify the problem and bring some much-needed attention to it, according to Dr. Negar Beheshti, chief medical officer for MiraVista Behavioral Health Center. She is BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien’s guest on the next installment of BusinessTalk. The two discuss the breadth and depth of this crisis and the opportunities and challenges when it comes to helping those in need. It’s must listening, so tune in to BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest and sponsored by PeoplesBank.

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It’s Time to Nominate an Individual for the Alumni Achievement Award

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — When BusinessWest launched its 40 Under Forty program in 2007, it did so to identify rising stars across our region — individuals who were excelling in business and through involvement within the community — and celebrate their accomplishments.

In 2015, BusinessWest announced a new award, one that builds on the foundation upon which 40 Under Forty was created. Called the Alumni Achievement Award, it is presented to the 40 Under Forty honoree who, in the eyes of an independent panel of judges, has most impressively continued and built upon his or her track record of accomplishment. The presenting sponsor of the 2023 Alumni Achievement Award is Health New England.

Past winners include: 2022: Anthony Gleason II, president and co-founder of the Gleason Johndrow Companies (40 Under Forty class of 2010); 2021: Anthony Gulluni, Hampden County district attorney (class of 2015); 2020: Carla Cosenzi, president, TommyCar Auto Group (class of 2012), and Peter DePergola, director of Clinical Ethics, Baystate Health (class of 2015); 2019: Cinda Jones, president, W.D. Cowls Inc. (class of 2007); 2018: Samalid Hogan, regional director, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (class of 2013); 2017: Scott Foster, attorney, Bulkley Richardson (class of 2011), and Nicole Griffin, owner, ManeHire (class of 2014); 2016: Dr. Jonathan Bayuk, president, Allergy & Immunology Associates of New England (class of 2008); and 2015: Delcie Bean, president, Paragus Strategic IT (class of 2008).

Click here to nominate someone for this award. Only nominations submitted to BusinessWest on this form will be considered. The deadline is Wednesday, May 10 at 5 p.m., no exceptions. The 2023 honoree will be announced at the 40 Under Forty gala on Thursday, June 15.

Candidates must be from 40 Under Forty classes prior to the year of the award — in this case, classes 2007 to 2022. For your convenience, a list of 40 Under Forty alumni can be found by clicking here and scrolling to the bottom.

Dietz & Co. Architects Welcomes Three Team Members

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Dietz & Co. Architects Inc. recently welcomed three new employees, all in the role of architectural staff, to the firm.

Bethany Mauri earned bachelor of architecture and bachelor of building science degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Prior to joining Dietz & Co., she worked for firms in Albany, N.Y., and Connecticut, and as a freelance architectural designer. She has primarily worked on projects in the K-12 education sector but also has experience with retail and residential projects.

Jason Waisnor has spent his career thus far working for architecture firms in New York City, where he focused on housing and sustainable redevelopment. He also completed work for the hospitality and gaming industries earlier in his career. He holds both bachelor’s and master’s of architecture degrees from Roger Williams University. He enjoys working on preservation projects and specializes in historic restoration, renovation/interior fit-outs, and housing projects.

Priscilla Ramos earned a master of architecture degree from Hampton University and has spent a number of years working for firms in New York City in multiple market sectors, specializing in programming and spatial relationships. Project types she has worked on include single- and multi-family housing, education, and transportation. Outside of architecture, she has experience with engineering, code consulting, and work with the National Park Service.

Massachusetts Unemployment Down Slightly in March

By
Daily News

BOSTON — The state’s March total unemployment rate was 3.5%, down 0.2% from the revised February estimate of 3.7%, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) preliminary job estimates indicate Massachusetts gained 16,300 jobs in March, following February’s revised gain of 9,200 jobs. The largest over-the-month private-sector job gains were in leisure and hospitality, education and health services, and construction. Employment now stands at 3,758,300. Massachusetts gained 696,700 jobs since the employment low in April 2020.

From March 2022 to March 2023, BLS estimates Massachusetts gained 104,000 jobs. The largest over-the-year gains occurred in education and health services; professional, scientific, and business services; and leisure and hospitality. The state’s March unemployment rate of 3.5% was the same as the national rate reported by BLS.

The labor force increased by an estimated 300 from 3,741,500 in February, as 4,700 more residents were employed and 4,400 fewer residents were unemployed over the month. Over the year, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was down by 0.2%.

The state’s labor-force participation rate — the total number of residents 16 or older who worked or were unemployed and actively sought work in the last four weeks — remained unchanged at 65.0% over-the-month. Compared to March 2022, the labor-force participation rate was down 0.3%.

Westfield State to Present Discussion on Rewards, Challenges of Municipal Work

By
Daily News

WESTFIELD — On Wednesday, April 26 from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m., the Westfield State University master of public administration program will present a discussion with municipal leaders in Western Mass. on the challenges and rewards of municipal work. The discussion will take place at the Westfield State University TV studio in the Ely Campus Center.

This event is free and open to students of all majors interested in public service, high-school students, and anyone interested in learning about the inner workings of local government.

“Local Government Career Opportunities and Challenges” will feature a panel including Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia; Westfield Personnel Director Anne Larkham, West Springfield Mayor William Reichelt, and Paul Sieloff, chair of the Berkshire Municipal Management Assoc.

The panel will be moderated by Rick Sullivan, adjunct faculty member of Westfield State University, former Westfield mayor, and current president and CEO of the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council.

The program will be livestreamed on the University website, westfield.ma.edu/live.

Greenfield Cooperative Bank Welcomes Paul Mokrzecki

By
Daily News

GREENFIELD — Tony Worden, president and CEO of Greenfield Cooperative Bank, announced that Paul Mokrzecki has joined the team as senior vice president of Government Banking.

Mokrzecki brings more than 40 years of experience in the public and private sectors, with a focus on providing banking solutions to municipal clients. He has been responsible for establishing, growing, and maintaining Government Banking departments for two local banks in the past. He has also served as the Finance director, treasurer, and collector for the town of Greenfield, where he oversaw all aspects of financial operations. Prior to that, he was the elected treasurer and collector for the town of Hadley.

He holds an MBA from UMass Amherst. He is a certified municipal treasurer, a certified municipal collector, and a member of the Massachusetts Collectors and Treasurers Assoc.

“We are excited to have Paul join our team, and we are confident that Paul will be a valuable asset to our organization and our clients,” Worden said.

VOC to Host Ribbon Cutting Today for Voces de Esperanza Affordable Housing Units

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Valley Opportunity Council (VOC) will host a ribbon cutting and open house today, April 21, at 10 a.m. to celebrate completion of phase-1 renovations of the Voces de Esperanza affordable housing community at 339 Chestnut St., Holyoke.

The $9 million rehabilitation project restores 36 units of affordable housing at the site. City and VOC officials will be in attendance to celebrate the new units.

Hampden County Bar Assoc. to Host Local Law Day Celebration

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — On Monday, May 1 at 1 p.m., the Hampden County Bar Assoc. (HCBA) will participate in a local Law Day event. The theme of this year’s event is “Cornerstones of Democracy,” and it will be hosted by HCBA President Kathryn Crouss, an attorney with Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury & Murphy, with the help and support of the master of ceremonies, Springfield District Court First Justice Kevin Maltby. The event will be held in District Courtroom #1 of the Roderick L. Ireland Courthouse, 50 State St., Springfield.

The program will include the annual presentation of the John M. Greaney Award to an attorney and non-attorney for their contributions to the Hampden County legal community. This year’s recipients are Hampden County Lawyers for Justice President Christopher Todd and Community Legal Aid’s pro bono coordinator, Carmen Gonzalez.

The event will also include the presentation and portrait unveiling for retired Springfield District Court First Justice John Payne Jr.

Springfield College Recognized by Campus Prevention Network

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield College has been named a recipient of the Campus Prevention Network (CPN) Seal of Prevention. Presented by Vector Solutions, the CPN Seal of Prevention is awarded to institutions of higher education that have demonstrated leadership in digital prevention programming focused on student safety, well-being, and inclusion.

Each recipient of the CPN Seal of Prevention has taken action to create a safer, more inclusive campus through comprehensive, evidence-based digital prevention education on issues such as sexual assault, alcohol misuse, mental health, and discrimination. It establishes guidelines for discerning quality online prevention education and implementation practices, and positions prevention as central to key institutional outcomes.

“Springfield College is known for holistically educating students in service to others. This Seal of Prevention is a recognition that the co-curricular experiences provided to students not only educate them on matters of safety and well-being, but prepare them to live and lead in a diverse world,” Vice President for Student Affairs Slandie Dieujuste said. “We are honored to be among the top 12% of higher-education institutions receiving this recognition.

At Springfield College, incoming students complete three courses: “AlcoholEdu” (first-year and transfer students), “Sexual Assault Prevention” (all new undergraduate, graduate, and regional and online students), and “Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging for Students” (all new students). Sophomores complete “Sexual Assault Prevention Ongoing: Healthy Relationships,” juniors complete “Sexual Assault Prevention Ongoing: Taking Action,” and student-athletes complete “Sexual Assault Prevention for Student-Athletes.”

In addition, all new employees complete “Title IX and Sexual Harassment Prevention” (supervisor or non-supervisor courses), “FERPA: Confidentiality of Records,” “Data Security & Privacy,” and “Managing Bias.”

“Creating a culture of prevention speaks to the heart of the Springfield College mission. We are proud to receive this seal of prevention as recognition for the support and commitment of college leadership to ensure our students and employees are informed about their safety and well-being,” said Erin Leeper, director of Non-discrimination Initiatives, Title IX administrator, and 504 coordinator.

According to research conducted by Vector Solutions, 34% of high-school seniors are more likely to attend a college or university that has achieved the CPN Seal of Prevention. Among current college students, 77% feel it is important that their institution has achieved the CPN Seal of Prevention.

“The CPN Seal of Prevention recipients reflect the top 12% of colleges and universities nationwide, further highlighting their commitment and investment to not only academics but also the well-being of their students and the overall college experience,” said Jonathan Cherins, CEO at Vector Solutions.

Holyoke Community College Receives Pledge of Historic $10 Million Gift

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) received a pledge of more than $10 million, the largest single gift commitment in the college’s 77-year history and one of the largest gifts ever to any community college.

The pledged gift is included in the estate plan of HCC alumna Margaret (Peg) Wendlandt ’58 and her husband, Gary Wendlandt, longtime supporters and frequent donors to the college. The money, estimated to be at least $10 million, will go toward student scholarships and the college’s greatest needs.

“Education has made a great deal of difference in our lives, and how we have succeeded over the years,” Peg Wendlandt said a few years ago. “Gary and I both received scholarships to assist us in achieving our goals of education and feel fortunate that we can help others do the same.”

The Wendlandts’ many gifts to the college in their lifetime already total more than $1 million and include donations to the President’s Student Emergency Fund and two endowed scholarships administered by the HCC Foundation: the Peg ’58 and Gary Wendlandt Scholarship, for students with financial need; and the Peg ’58 and Gary Wendlandt Health Scholarship, for students in nursing or health-related fields.

In each of the past two years alone, the Wendlandts have made matching gift donations of $100,000 during the HCC Foundation’s one-day “Together HCC: Drive to Change Lives” fundraising campaign. This year, the Wendlandts have again pledged to match up to $100,000 in gifts from new donors and alumni for this year’s campaign on Tuesday, April 25.

“News of the Wendlandt’s historic pledge comes at a time of leadership transition at HCC, and so their gift takes on even greater significance,” said Robert Gilbert, chair of the HCC board of trustees. “On one hand, their commitment celebrates the relationship they have developed with President Royal over the last six and a half years, and on the other, they are demonstrating their commitment to HCC’s mission and vision with a gift that will impact future generations.”

Over the years, HCC has been the beneficiary of two $1 million donations, one from HCC alumnus and Yankee Candle Company founder Michael Kittredge in 2003 and another from the estate of HCC alumna, professor emeritus, and textbook author Elaine Marieb, as well as a $7.5 million donation in 2020 from the Marieb Foundation, which was then the single largest donation ever to a community college in Massachusetts.

The $10 million-plus gift from the Wendlandts will be among the largest so far to any community college in the U.S., rivaling a $15 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott to Amarillo College in Texas in 2021 and a $10 million gift to Arapahoe Community College in Colorado from the Sturm Family Foundation in 2019.

“Community colleges serve roughly 45% of all undergraduates in the United States and are deserving of our support,” Gilbert said. “We are expanding access to higher education and preparing students for the workforce, and we intend to do that for decades to come. Peg and Gary’s estate commitment enables us to advance HCC’s mission well beyond any of our lifetimes.”

Allison Ebner to Succeed Meredith Wise as EANE President

By
Daily News

AGAWAM — The Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast (EANE) announced that Meredith Wise, president of the association, will be retiring at the end of June.

“After much contemplation, I have decided to retire as president of EANE. It has been my privilege to work with our members for the past 28 years, the last 21 of them as president of the association,” Wise said. “I am so proud of our accomplishments and the work we’ve done to continue the 100-plus-year tradition of the association, including expanding our footprint to serve employers in Connecticut and Rhode Island as well as all of Massachusetts. The depth and breadth of our resources and services has grown to meet the ever-changing needs of our members and employers in the region.”

The board selected Allison Ebner, currently vice president of Membership and Partnerships with the association, as the new president of EANE. She will continue to lead the team of professionals in developing high-quality human-resources support services and training for members and the region’s employers and will focus on building collaborative relationships within the region and creating new opportunities for the expansion of services.

Linda Olbrys will be joining the EANE team as the new director of Membership and Partnerships, bringing with her considerable experience in both human resources and talent acquisition and retention services.

PeoplesBank’s Earth Day Gardening Giveaways to Return on April 21

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — The arrival of spring means sunshine, warmer weather, and, of course, the annual Earth Day tomato-plant and garden-seed giveaways hosted by PeoplesBank at four of its banking centers.

This year, those who attend Earth Day events at a participating banking center can also enter to win $50 gift certificates to local garden centers, farmers’ markets, and farmshares from community-supported agriculture farms.

Earth Day Events will be held on Friday, April 21 from 10 a.m. to noon at the following PeoplesBank banking centers: 1866 Northampton St., Holyoke; 468 Newton St., South Hadley; 30 Bridge St., Suffield, Conn.; and 102 LaSalle Road, West Hartford, Conn.

The events are open to the public. Seed and plant quantities are limited and will be distributed only while supplies last and only at the designated PeoplesBank banking centers.

PeoplesBank has sponsored Earth Day events for the past 10 years as part of its corporate-responsibility and community-support efforts. In 2022 alone, the bank donated a record $2.3 million to civic and nonprofit causes in Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Best Western Plus Berkshire Hills Promotes Anthony Arevalo

By
Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Best Western Plus Berkshire Hills Inn & Suites promoted Anthony Arevalo to the position of director of Operations for Best Western Plus Berkshire Hills Inn and Suites in Pittsfield.

Arevado will be responsible for day-to-day operations of all departments and ensuring customer satisfaction. In addition, he will work with General Manager Kevin Martin to increase group sales and general revenue management for the hotel.

“We are pleased to have Anthony take on this role,” said Mauer Desai, principal of Sita Hospitality, operator of Best Western Plus Berkshire Hills Inn & Suites. “Anthony has been a member of our team for two years, where he has worked in maintenance, front desk, and sales. His variety of skills and experiences will allow Anthony to bring our hotel to the level of service we need to prepare our hotel for the post-pandemic visitors.”

Growing up in California, Arevado worked on the customer-service side of the wedding and function industry and in manufacturing of new housing developments.

F-35 Fighters to be Based at Barnes

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Daily News

WESTFIELD — Years of intense lobbying by federal, state, and local leaders to see the Air National Guard’s 104th Fighter Wing, based at Barnes-Westfield Regional Airport, receive upgraded aircraft, has paid off in a huge way, with the Pentagon announcing that 18 of its $78 million, latest-generation F-35 fighters will be based at the facility.

The F-35s, which will arrive during fiscal year 2026 at the earliest, will replace a fleet of aging F-15C Eagles.

The announcement was hailed by federal and state officials as a big step forward for the 104th and Barnes, and as a potentially huge boost for the local economy. Indeed, supporters say the decision to base the F-35s at Barnes will not only secure the future of the Guard unit, but provide a needed jolt for an airport that has an estimated total economic impact of roughly $235 million per year.

Barnes was among three Guard bases across the country contending for either the F-35 or the latest incarnation of the F-15. The other bases are in Louisiana and California.

In a statement on the Pentagon’s decision, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal said, “today’s announcement that a new fleet of F-35A aircraft will be assigned to Barnes Air National Guard Base comes after years of advocacy from the Massachusetts congressional delegation, state leadership, the adjunct general for the Massachusetts National Guard Gary Keefe, and, most importantly, the superb efforts of the dedicated service members at Barnes. Over the past several years, I have been in constant communication with Air Force leadership to underscore the importance of supplying Barnes with the resources needed to complete their critical missions. I am glad that, after years of ongoing discussions, those efforts have culminated in a positive outcome, one that will benefit the Western Massachusetts community for years to come.

“I have long advocated for the brave airmen and women of Barnes who support and defend us here in the Commonwealth and throughout the country,” he went on. “Their integrity and commitment to service has upheld the longstanding reputation at Barnes, one that is nothing short of excellence. We have an obligation to support our service members, and today’s announcement means that the men and women of Barnes will be able to continue their work for years to come.”

CLEAR Identity-verification Technology Available at Bradley International Airport

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Daily News

WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — The Connecticut Airport Authority announced the launch of CLEAR and its identity-verification technology at Bradley International Airport.

“At Bradley International Airport, we are always looking for innovative approaches to the traveler journey,” said Kevin Dillon, executive director of the Connecticut Airport Authority. “With our focus on modernizing the whole travel experience while maintaining the integrity of safety and security protocols, we are thrilled to introduce CLEAR’s biometric technology to our traveler base. The addition of CLEAR now offers another convenient, time-saving travel option in our growing menu of services and amenities.”

CLEAR already serves nine of Bradley’s top 10 domestic destinations, allowing members traveling through the airport to use CLEAR on both ends of their journey. Nationally, it offers an expedited security program at 52 airports, serving more than 15 million members.

Members use CLEAR’s network of dedicated lanes to verify their identity with their eyes or fingers, replacing the need to take out their wallet and driver’s license. After verification, a CLEAR ambassador escorts members through the dedicated lane and directly to TSA physical security, saving them time waiting in line at the security checkpoint. CLEAR’s launch at Bradley is expected to create 23 jobs and generate approximately $1.2 million in local economic activity every year.

“CLEAR has officially landed in Connecticut, and we’re excited to partner with Bradley International Airport to make air travel easier, faster, and more secure for Connecticut travelers,” CLEAR CEO Caryn Seidman-Becker said.

CLEAR Plus, an opt-in membership that provides access to CLEAR’s expedited identity-verification lanes, costs about $16 a month billed annually, with discounts available for Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Express members. Newly enrolling active military, veterans, and government officials are also eligible for discounted memberships, and additional family members can be added to an existing CLEAR Plus account for $60 per adult per year.

Springfield YPS to Host 15th Annual Great Golf Escape on May 15

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — The Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield (YPS) will host its 15th annual Great Golf Escape event this May. The event will take place on Monday, May 15 at 10 a.m. at the Country Club of Wilbraham. Check-in begins at 9 a.m.

The cost for this event is $125 for individual YPS members, $500 for a YPS member foursome team captain, $150 for individual non-members, and $600 for a non-member foursome team captain. There will be prizes, a hole-in-one contest with a cash prize, a poker challenge throughout the event, and more. Registration includes lunch, post-golf dinner, and giveaways. Click here to register.

This event is open to the public, so there is no need to be a YPS member to play. However, members will receive a free mulligan, entry into the door-prize raffle, and more.

The event’s presenting sponsor is PeoplesBank. Other sponsors include Beauty Batlles Lounge, Brown and Brown Insurance, Caring Medical Staffing, Chikmedia, DDS Acoustical Specialties, HUB International, Kyle Sullivan, LiftTruck Parts & Service, LUSO Federal Credit Union, Monson Savings Bank, Raymond James, UMass Dining, and Visual Sound Production.

Hampden County Bar Assoc. to Hold Annual Judicial Dinner on April 24

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Hampden County Bar Assoc. will hold its annual Judicial Dinner on Monday, April 24 at the Log Cabin, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. The cocktail hour will begin at 5 p.m., with dinner and the program to immediately follow at 6:30 p.m.

The guest speaker will be Chief Justice Kimberly Budd of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts. The Hampden County Bar Assoc. will also award the Kent B. Smith Award, the William T. Walsh Longevity Award, and presenting judicial robes to newly appointed judges during the event.

For further information, contact the Hampden County Bar Assoc. at (413) 732-4660.

WNE School of Law Recognized Among Nation’s Best Law Schools by Princeton Review

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Western New England University’s (WNE) School of Law recently earned a spot on the Princeton Review’s “Best Law Schools for 2023” list.

The Princeton Review’s rankings are based on data the company gathers from surveys of administrators at the law schools, as well as surveys of students attending the schools, who rate and report on their experiences at them. The rankings for 2023 are based on surveys of administrators at 168 law schools in 2021-22 and surveys of 17,000 students enrolled in the schools over the past three academic years. More than 60 data points are factored into the company’s rankings.

“As the only law school in Western Massachusetts, we pride ourselves on welcoming students as lawyers in training from day one,” interim Dean Beth Cohen said. “We stress practical lawyering skills throughout the curriculum and offer a broad variety of externships and clinical opportunities so that our students begin their professional careers with a sound understanding of the practice of law and the lifelong habit of continued learning.”

Founded more than a century ago to provide legal education to underrepresented populations, the WNE School of Law today welcomes students from all walks of life who are seeking a rigorous education that blends theory, skills, and ethical values. The School of Law’s Center for Social Justice fosters student interest in establishing a more equitable and just society and serves as a focal point for community engagement through research, innovation, education, and advocacy.

UMassFive Federal Credit Union Joins MassHousing Mortgage Program

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Daily News

HADLEY — UMassFive College Credit Union announced it is offering MassHousing loans to its members in partnership with Member Advantage Mortgage, its mortgage service organization. As a community-focused financial institution, UMassFive is always looking for more ways to make a positive difference in the financial lives of its members. Joining the MassHousing program contributes to this aim by helping to make homeownership accessible to more prospective buyers.

MassHousing is an independent agency created in 1966, charged with providing financing for affordable housing in Massachusetts. It offers proprietary products, including down-payment assistance; affordable, straightforward terms; and unique mortgage insurance. UMassFive and partner Member Advantage Mortgage are excited to offer these options to their membership.

“For the past several years, we as an institution have put an increased emphasis on helping our membership reach their homeownership goals,” said Lauren Duffy, UMassFive’s executive vice president and COO. “Through our collaborative partnership with Member Advantage Mortgage, being able to offer MassHousing products adds another crucial option for our members.”

While not everyone may be eligible for MassHousing loans, Duffy noted that “these benefits are more accessible than one might think.” She encourages anyone thinking about financing a home in Massachusetts to consider MassHousing and find out if they are eligible.

The MassHousing program offers benefits including down-payment assistance up to $50,000; loans with affordable rates that are fixed for the life of the loan; and MIPlus, a unique mortgage insurance that includes job-loss protection. MassHousing has already helped more than 70,000 Massachusetts residents buy a home in the Commonwealth.

To learn more about MassHousing and potential eligibility, visit umassfive.coop/mahousing.

Court Square Seasonal Setup to Return to Downtown Greenfield

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Daily News

GREENFIELD — Starting Tuesday, April 18, Court Square in downtown Greenfield will again be closed to vehicular traffic to make way for a seasonal pedestrian plaza and a full schedule of events continuing through October. Moveable planters will be used to close off Court Square between Main Street and Newton Place. Traffic will still be able to access the parking lot behind City Hall from Main Street at Veterans Memorial Mall and from Bank Row by way of Newton Place.

Events scheduled for Court Square and the common this season include Meltdown Children’s Book and Music Festival on April 22, the Greenfield Farmers’ Market every Saturday starting April 29, the Greenfield Recreation Department’s Cornhole Tournament on May 6, Greenfield Bee Fest on May 20, and the annual Harvest Supper Celebration on Aug. 26.

Other events still in the planning stages will feature food, live music, dancin,g and youth activities. Court Square will also serve as a pickup area for shuttle buses for the Green River Festival on June 23-25.

Those who are interested in planning a community event on Court Square can visit greenfield-ma.gov/courtsquare for information on reserving the space.

Whip City Animal Sanctuary Seeks Golfers for Third Annual Tournament

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Daily News

WESTFIELD — Whip City Animal Sanctuary will host its third annual golf tournament fundraiser on Saturday, May 13 at St Anne Country Club, 781 Shoemaker Lane, Feeding Hills. The tournament starts at 12:30 p.m., with dinner following at 5:30 p.m.

“We are raising funds this year to help with the purchase of a parcel of land to expand our sanctuary,” said Sonia Henderson, event coordinator for the sanctuary. “Last year’s event helped fund the cost of hay and vet services for our 70+ animal residents.”

There will be contests, raffle prizes, a free T-shirt for the first 52 players, and a cash bar. The registration fee is $125 per player and includes a cart and dinner following the tournament. The deadline to register is Tuesday, April 28. Additional details and forms can be found at whipcityanimalsanctuary.com or the sanctuary’s Facebook page, or by emailing Sonia Henderson at [email protected].

Whip City Animal Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides a caring, safe, long-term home for abandoned, rescued, and surrendered farm animals.

BusinessTalk with Corey Wrinn, Managing Director of Rivel

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Business Talk Podcast Special Coverage

We are excited to announce that BusinessWest has launched a new podcast series, BusinessTalk. Each episode will feature in-depth interviews and discussions with local industry leaders, providing thoughtful perspectives on the Western Massachuetts economy and the many business ventures that keep it running during these challenging times.

Go HERE to view all episodes

Episode 158: April 17, 2023

George Interviews Corey Wrinn, Managing Director of Rivel

It’s been a somewhat turbulent start to 2023 for the banking industry, with a few headline-making failures and questions about what will happen in this sector amid interest rate hikes, inflation, and other forces. On the next installment of BusinessTalk, Corey Wrinn, Managing Director of Rivel, who conducts primary research on U.S. banking customers, provides some perspective on the current landscape, especially with regard to the community banks that have a huge presence in the local market. It’s must listening, so tune in to BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest and sponsored by PeoplesBank.

 

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Elms College to Present Fourth Annual Rev. Hugh Crean Lecture on April 20

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Daily News

CHICOPEE — Elms College and the St. Augustine Center for Ethics, Religion, and Culture will present the fourth annual Rev. Hugh Crean Distinguished Lecture in Catholic Thought on Thursday, April 20 at 4 p.m. in the college’s Alumnae Library Theater.

Dr. Karin Öberg, professor of Astronomy and director of Undergraduate Studies for the Department of Astronomy at Harvard University, is this year’s distinguished lecturer. The title of her remarks is “Christian Creation and the Big Bang Cosmology.”

The most cited living astronomer in the world, Öberg’s research aims to uncover the way in which chemical processes affect planet formation, including the chemical composition of fledgling planets. Her research team, the Öberg Astrochemistry Group, approaches this work through laboratory experiments, astrochemical modeling, and astronomical observations of molecules in planet-forming disks around young stars.

The St. Augustine Center for Ethics, Religion, and Culture was launched in October 2020 with support from an anonymous naming gift and several significant contributions. The center, whose founding executive director is noted bioethicist Dr. Peter DePergola, aims to increase engagement and discourse on the most pressing and complex questions related to ethics, religion, and culture in today’s society, and to lead the regional community in thoughtful, engaging dialogue.

The annual Rev. Hugh Crean Distinguished Lecture was established through an endowment made by B. John (Jack) and Colette Dill to honor the legacy of Rev. Hugh Crean and recognize his academic work at Elms College and his pastoral ministry throughout the Diocese of Springfield and the entire region.

The lecture will take place both in person and virtually via Zoom. Click here to register for the event.

Berkshire Museum Welcomes Foster Families with Free Admission Program

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Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Museum announced a partnership with Wonderfund, a nonprofit working with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families to provide enrichment opportunities to foster children and families. Under this program, foster families receive free admission to Berkshire Museum for two adults and two children.

Free admission to the museum also gives families access to museum programs such as WeeMuse Littlest Learners, a weekly, educator-led activity for infants and toddlers to spark curiosity with hands-on cognitive and social experiences, on Thursdays from 4 to 4:45 p.m. The museum’s aquarium also hosts Discovery Tank, an educator-led program, on Fridays from 3 to 4 p.m., featuring the animals of the aquarium’s tide pool and demonstrating the behavior and life of crustaceans, sea urchins, starfish, and many other creatures of the shallows.

“This partnership with the Berkshire Museum and the Wonderfund throws open the doors of our treasured downtown institution to foster families,” state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier said. “The Wonderfund is now achieving its goals, not only in the Boston area, but now also here in the Berkshires. Foster families need to be lifted up and appreciated for all they do, and providing the space and programming that the Berkshire Museum offers is just one small way we can support them.”

Mercy Medical Center Launches TeamBirth

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Mercy Medical Center announced the launch of TeamBirth, a new initiative to enhance the birthing experience and improve outcomes for people giving birth and their babies.

TeamBirth is a communication and teamwork process that closes gaps in communication that challenge the safety and dignity of people giving birth. It was developed by Ariadne Labs, a joint center for health-systems innovation at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston.

“At Mercy Medical Center, we want every woman giving birth and the clinicians who care for them to feel empowered to participate in decisions made during labor and delivery,” said Dr. Robert Roose, chief administrative officer at Mercy Medical Center and Johnson Memorial Hospital. “TeamBirth will move us closer to that goal by fostering teamwork and communication among physicians, midwives, nurses, staff, and the woman giving birth so that our patients are heard and supported from the moment they walk into the Family Life Center.”

Research indicates that failures in communication between providers and between providers and patients account for up to 90% of preventable injuries during childbirth.

TeamBirth was developed to address these gaps in communication to ensure that people giving birth and the clinicians who are caring for them have shared input and understanding into decisions during labor and delivery.

A central component of the TeamBirth model is a shared whiteboard located in all labor and delivery rooms to outline care plans and progress for the patient and the baby that serves as an ongoing shared reference for the team. The full care team, of which the person giving birth and their support person are an integral part, meet frequently throughout labor and delivery in huddles to make sure all parties are aware of the patient’s preferences, symptoms, and experiences and to set clear expectations.

The TeamBirth model was developed and rigorously tested by Ariadne Labs as part of its Delivery Decisions Initiative, a research and social-impact program focused on transforming childbirth care around the world. In one TeamBirth trial, 90% of the clinicians said they would recommend TeamBirth, and nearly 80% of patients said their preferences made a difference in the care they received.

“All people who give birth deserve to have a safe, dignified experience; TeamBirth is an evidence-based approach to turn this vision into a reality,” said Amber Weiseth, director of the Delivery Decisions Initiative at Ariadne Labs. “We are excited to collaborate with Mercy Medical Center to ensure that the patient voice is central to all decisions in labor and delivery. We hope to see this model continue to spread to ensure the best possible care experience for every patient, everywhere.”

TeamBirth now has been implemented in more than 16 health systems around the country, collectively involving more than 1,500 clinicians and more than 67,000 mothers and babies.

WSU Students Launch Campaign to Raise Money for Square One’s Diaper Bank

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Daily News

WESTFIELD — Westfield State University (WSU) advanced public relations students are launching a campaign, Dunkin’ for Diapers, to raise money and awareness for Square One’s diaper bank.

The campaign will create awareness and collect donations for the organization’s diaper bank, which provides diapers and wipes to 1,200 families annually throughout the Pioneer Valley. The students are hosting two events featuring games and raffles: Saturday, April 22 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. outside of Target at the Holyoke Mall; and Tuesday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside Dunkin’ Donuts at Westfield State University.

The Instagram-based public-awareness campaign will take place via the handle @dunkinfordiaperssquareone and use the hashtags #dunkin4diapers and #squareonediapers.

Square One is a nonprofit organization based in Springfield that provides a range of family-friendly education and support services to local families. Its focus is on providing opportunities for children and families to build the foundation for lifelong learning, make smart choices, and grow strong cognitively, emotionally, socially, and physically.

“Families in our region continue to be challenged by the high cost of basic essentials, including diapers for their little ones,” said Kristine Allard, vice president of Development & Communication at Square One. “We are so grateful to the students and staff at Westfield State for recognizing this tremendous need and for taking action to help us support our region’s children and families.”

Suzanne Boniface, adjunct professor of Communication at WSU, added that “this Westfield State Communication Department course partners with a local nonprofit each semester to help the community through its civic-engagement program. These public-relations students use the skills they have acquired from their studies and gain practical experience for their future careers.”

She added that her students’ campaign will raise awareness of the diaper-bank program and will help fund expenses for diapers.

Donations to this campaign can be made by Venmo @dunkin4diapers.