SPRINGFIELD — Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin announced that eight attorneys from the firm were selected to the 2018 Massachusetts Super Lawyers List and three attorneys were selected to the 2018 Massachusetts Rising Stars List. 

Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a multi-phase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates, and peer reviews by practice area.

• Shareholder Michele Feinstein was recognized for the 12th year in the fields of estate planning and probate;

• Shareholder Gary Fentin was selected for the 13th year in the field of government finance;

• Shareholder Carol Cioe Klyman was recognized for the 14th year in the field of elder law;

• Managing Partner Timothy Mulhern was selected in the field of tax law for the 11th consecutive year;

• Shareholder Steven Schwartz was selected for the 13th time in the field of business and corporate law;

• Shareholder James Sheils was selected for the fourth consecutive year in the field of banking law;

• Shareholder Ann (Ami) Weber was selected for the 15th consecutive year in the field of elder law; and

• Shareholder Steven Weiss was selected in the field of business bankruptcy for the 12th consecutive year.

Additionally, three attorneys have been selected to the 2018 Massachusetts Rising Stars list. To be eligible for inclusion in Rising Stars, a candidate must be either 40 years old or younger or in practice for 10 years or less.

• Attorney Mark Esposito was recognized in the field of general litigation;

• Attorney Michael Fenton was selected for the fifth consecutive year in the fields of business and corporate law; and

• Shareholder David Webber was honored in the field of closely held business for the seventh consecutive year.

SPRINGFIELD — As ValleyBike Share started taking shape in several municipalities in the Pioneer Valley this year, veteran-owned and operated service contractor Corps Logistics was tasked with building and maintaining the 48 stations and more than 200 bikes.

Corps Logistics provides a military-grade approach to bike-share system implementation and operations. It works to find talented veterans that care about their community and the mission at hand. Many of its veteran employees come home with physical and emotional limitations, and Corps Logistics offers them the opportunity to continue the utilization of their talents and skills to better the lives of the community around them.

“Corps Logistics is proud to have a team comprised of qualified veterans, people who have gained unparalleled experience while serving the United States of America,” CEO Jim Duffney said. “The veteran employees do not simply apply their military experience to provide exceptional service, but they do this with a level of conviction and efficiency that can only be mastered through military training. I deeply love all my veteran brothers and sisters that make this team so strong.”

Launched this past June, the ValleyBike Share system offers electric-assist bicycles to users. The service is available 24/7 and is ideal for errands, commuting, or recreation.

FLORENCE — Florence Bank President and CEO John Heaps Jr. announced the bank has hired three well-known and banking professionals with long-term industry experience in the Springfield area. They will be charged with helping to grow the bank’s Hampden County presence as it expands in that region.

Michael Moriarty will serve as senior vice president/commercial team leader, Joseph Kulig will serve as vice president/commercial loan officer, and Candace Pereira will be assistant vice president/commercial portfolio manager.

“We are very excited about bringing in these three professionals who truly are renowned in the region’s commercial lending world. The trio will focus on further developing commercial relationships in Hampden County and Northern Connecticut,” Heaps said. “This is a big move for us and solidifies our strategic direction. Florence Bank is committed to expanding in Hampden County, and we are thrilled to have these banking leaders from the region join our commercial team to shepherd new growth. They will make Florence Bank even stronger.”

Florence Bank will open a branch on Allen Street in Springfield this fall; last year, it opened the Hampden County Banking Center in West Springfield, its first branch in the county.

Moriarty, Kulig, and Pereira previously worked at Farmington Bank, a $3 billion commercial bank whose assets were recently purchased by Peoples United Bank. At Farmington, Moriarty was senior vice president and regional commercial team leader, Kulig was a relationship manager, and Pereira was assistant vice president. All three previously worked with United Bank.

ENFIELD, Conn. — Asnuntuck Community College announced new degree options for students looking to enter a career in the healthcare field. The college has received approval to award associate degrees in massage therapy and registered medical assisting. In addition to the new degrees, the college is also offering certificate programs for certified phlebotomy technician, health career pathway, health information management technician, and certified administrative medical office skills.

The college continues to offer career certification and licensure programs in areas where the Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected growth, including basic skin esthetics, advanced skin esthetics, certified pharmacy technician, certified EKG technician, certified sterile processing technician, CNA/certified patient care technician, dental assistant (X-ray and infection-control certified), emergency medical technician, medical coding and billing (CPC-certified professional coder and CIC-certified inpatient coder), nail technician, ophthalmic assistant, personal trainer (national certification), and veterinary assistant. The college will also be offering a certificate in cosmetology in the near future.

Asnuntuck’s Massage Therapy Clinic is now open to the public. The sessions are available for $25 for one hour or $50 for a two-hour session. Gift certificates are available. Reservations are required. Call (860) 253-3081 to schedule an appointment. The Spa at Asnuntuck is also open. Treatments include back facials, waxing, body treatments, customized facials, makeup application, manicures, and pedicures. Call (860) 253-3083 to make an appointment.

Asnuntuck will host an open house on Tuesday, Nov. 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

EAST LONGMEADOW — EMA Dental will accept donations now through December for new, unwrapped children’s toys for ages 1 to 18, and also new or gently used clothing.

There are hundreds of kids in foster care in the Springfield area alone, along with families that cannot afford gifts. To help meet these needs, EMA will accept donations at both its locations at 16 Gerrard Ave., East Longmeadow, and 64 Gothic St., Northampton. As a thank you, EMA will offer coupons for this year’s Festival of Trees.

HOLYOKE — Leah Martin Photography announced that a grand-opening celebration at its Holyoke studio, sponsored in part by Lisa Scheff Designs, will take place Thursday, Nov. 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. at 4 Open Square Way, Studio 213.

The celebration will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. and will continue with studio tours; a chance to meet the artists; pop-up surprises, including a pop-up boutique from Sara Anderson of the Humble Fox in Somers, Conn.; refreshments catered by Chez Josef; and giveaways.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming past clients and members of the community to the studio as a way to kick off the newest chapter of Leah Martin Photography,” said Leah Zaskey, owner of Leah Martin Photography. 

The studio was designed by the WBENC-certified Lisa Scheff Designs’ interior design team and built by LAKAY Building and Remodeling Inc., owned by Jason Pecoy. Lisa Scheff Designs focused on using Zaskey’s brand colors in a fresh and innovative way to create a warm and welcoming studio for her clients. 

“First impressions are important in a small business office, and we wanted Leah’s clients first impressions to be ‘wow,’” said design firm owner Lisa Scheff, who will be available during the open house to talk about the design and inspiration.

NORTHAMPTON — With many Massachusetts employment laws going into effect this year, now is a good time for employers to look at their employee handbooks to see if any revisions may be necessary.

Daniel Carr, an attorney with Royal, P.C., will conduct a seminar on employee handbooks on Thursday, Dec. 6 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at 270 Pleasant St., Northampton. He will discuss what should be included, as well as some of the newer laws and amendments that have been implemented recently in Massachusetts, including the new Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which took effect on April 1; amendments to the Massachusetts Equal Pay Act, which came into effect on July 1; and the ‘grand bargain’ bill, which was signed into law in August.

Because the law is continually changing in numerous ways, it is advisable that employers set aside a time, at least once per year, to review and update their handbook. 

The cost to attend is $30 per person. Registration is limited, so call Heather Loges, practice manager, at (413) 586-2288 to register or if you have any questions.

LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University announced that Cheryl Sheils has been named program director for its new doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree program. 

Sheils comes to the university from Elms College, where she taught in the Nursing program for nearly 30 years at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. She was a founding member and nurse manager for 20 years at Pioneer Valley Free Health Service in East Longmeadow. She has also been project director for an HRSA Health Workforce Diversity Grant and has travelled to Jamaica with nursing students on medical missions for the past several years. She has presented at numerous conferences, and her articles have been published in industry journals and other publications.

“I am excited about welcoming nursing graduates of Bay Path’s RN to BSN program back to the university to pursue the doctor of nursing practice, as well as graduates from other colleges and universities who seek top-quality online education,” Sheils said. 

The DNP program, set to begin in spring 2019, will be offered 100% online, ensuring flexibility for nurses who wish to obtain the skills to become advanced nurse practitioners with a specialization in family practice (FNP).

“Bay Path’s doctor of nursing practice program is one of only five fully online programs of its kind in the country,” Sheils said. “The online format allows working RNs to further their professional development and careers without having to leave their living and workplace environments. Bay Path University has been a leader in providing online education in several fields and provides first-rate support for online learners.”

The DNP prepares students with the critical skills needed to translate evidence-based care into practice, improve systems of care, and measure outcomes of patients and communities. The program was designed for graduates to become strong, effective nurse leaders who will transform today’s healthcare system and advance the profession of nursing.

HOLYOKE — Margaret’s Pantry, a program of Providence Ministries, is a full-service food pantry that provides food to residents of the Greater Holyoke area. Currently there is not enough food to last through the end of the month.

“In my 12 years here, I’ve never seen the shelves so empty,” said Program Manager Brenda Lamagdeleine. “While we never would turn anyone away, the amount we are able to give is less and less.”

Serving an average of 1,100 individuals a month requires 80,000 pounds of food. Unfortunately, the supplies right now are a fraction of that. In the past, food donations made over the summer months provided enough food to last through November. However, this year, those summer donations did not come in at an amount to meet the current need.  

In addition to donations of food, Providence Ministries is seeking donations of warm clothes, especially winter coats, hats, and gloves.

“We need the public’s help. Margaret’s Pantry might not have enough food to make it through the end of the month, and the closets at St. Jude’s Clothing Center need to be filled with winter wear to keep our neighbors warm,” said Executive Director Shannon Rudder. “The ever-increasing demand, combined with dwindling supplies, have left our shelves bare. We are asking for donations of gently used warm clothing, and non-perishable food, in any amount.”

Donations can be dropped off at the following Holyoke locations: Margaret’s Pantry, 56 Cabot St., Holyoke City Hall, 536 Dwight St.; Holyoke Police Department, 138 Appleton St.; and any fire station throughout the city. Anyone who would like to host a food or clothing drive at their place of business is asked to call Rory Casey at (413) 536-9109 to make arrangements.

Another way to give is by attending Providence Ministries’ Retro Game Night at the Log Cabin on Friday, Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. This fun-filled event features a game-show showdown between teams like city of Holyoke versus Holyoke School Committee, Marcotte Ford versus Gary Rome Hyundai, Holyoke Police versus Holyoke Fire, and more. Tickets include retro food stations put together by the chefs at the Log Cabin, and a chance to win prizes. Proceeds will directly benefit the programs of Providence Ministries, including Margaret’s Pantry and St. Jude’s Clothing Center.

For more information about how to make a donation, or Retro Game Night, visit www.provministries.org.

SPRINGFIELD — CBS Xerox, an integrated provider of office-productivity systems, organized a donation drive to benefit Good to Go, a new initiative of MHA to supply every individual who arrives for emergency respite care with basic personal-care items, such as soap, shampoo, a toothbrush, toothpaste, undergarments, and socks.

“People who arrive for emergency respite are intellectually or developmentally disabled, challenged by mental-health problems, new in their recovery from addiction, or chronically homeless,” said Kimberley Lee, vice president of Resource Development and Branding. “I have seen the condition in which so many of these folks arrive at MHA. They need assistance, and quickly. By collecting and donating personal care items for Good to Go, the generous folks at CBS Xerox are helping to support our participants who are truly in need of a soft landing.”

According to Patrick Roberts, nonprofit specialist and GEM representative for CBS Xerox, his company had been working with MHA as a business partner for about a year when the opportunity to do more presented itself.

“We handle their printers and copiers and developed a way to manage that part of their business,” Roberts explained. “In coming up with the solution, we met a lot of their staff, and every time we had an interaction with someone at MHA, it was so positive. They invited us to their annual meeting, and I heard this incredible story from a client who at one time felt suicidal, but through counseling and the efforts of MHA, this person now feels like they are worth something. Now this person is doing so well. What a story. The experience cemented our desire to do more for MHA, and organizing a Good to Go drive was a good place to start.”

The 25 staff members at the CBS Xerox office in West Springfield were joined by 100 staff at the company’s headquarters in Wethersfield, Conn., to collect donations. A truck with donations from Wethersfield drove to West Springfield to pick up donations collected there, then delivered it all to MHA in Springfield.

AMHERST — A recent pilot study by kinesiologists at UMass Amherst found that pedaling while conducting work tasks improved insulin responses to a test meal. Investigators led by Dr. Stuart Chipkin found that insulin levels following the meal were lower when sedentary workers used a pedal desk compared to a standard desk. In addition, work skills were not decreased in the pedaling condition.

Chipkin and colleagues concluded that pedal desks “could have the potential to achieve public and occupational health goals in sedentary work environments.” They pointed out that physical inactivity and sedentary work environments have been linked to higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease through insulin resistance and other mechanisms. Results appear in the October issue of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.

Chipkin, an endocrinologist who studies the impact of physical activity and medications on insulin sensitivity and skeletal muscle metabolism at UMass Amherst’s School of Public Health and Health Sciences, explained that, instead of approaching the problem by trying to squeeze intermittent activity into a largely sedentary work routine, “we chose to consider integrating physical activity into the workday.”

He and colleagues felt that the alternatives now available for office workers — standing desks and treadmill desks — are not feasible to use for whole shifts and may even pose some barriers, such as standing too long. By contrast, a pedal desk can be used in a seated position at the user’s own pace for as little or as much time as the worker chooses. 

Though there are currently no commercial pedal desks on the market, Chipkin and colleagues were able to use a prototype Pennington Pedal Desk co-invented by UMass Amherst kinesiology researcher Catrine Tudor-Locke, a co-author who did not determine study design or have any contact with participants or study data.

For this work, the researchers recruited 12 overweight or obese full-time sedentary office workers — six men and six women — and tested them in two conditions, pedaling at self-selected light-intensity pace for two hours, and working while seated for two hours at a conventional desk. In both conditions, participants performed computer-based tasks and were tested on mouse proficiency, typing speed and accuracy, reading comprehension, and concentration/attention.

The participants also provided blood samples after eating a light meal for analysis of metabolic responses of glucose, insulin, and free fatty acids, a link between obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.

Chipkin and colleagues reported that pedal-desk use required significantly less insulin to maintain glucose concentrations compared with using the standard desk. “It took much less insulin to keep their blood sugars the same,” he noted. “This means that the body doesn’t work so hard to maintain blood glucose and fatty-acid levels with use of the pedal desk compared to a standard desk. From the metabolic point of view, the pedal desk seems to be helpful, and from the work point of view, work tasks were not impaired.”

He added that, “while there were no changes in blood glucose or free fatty acids, none would be expected in a group of subjects without diabetes.” In future studies, Chipkin plans to explore the impact of the pedal desk on people with diabetes. 

This work was supported by a grant from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health to UMass Lowell, which in turn awarded study funds to the UMass Amherst research team. Chipkin said he and colleagues would next like to conduct a larger, longer-term study, perhaps in a real-world setting where half the office staff use a pedal desk and half use a conventional desk.

NORTHAMPTON — Girls on the Run (GOTR) of Western MA will host its 5K celebration on Sunday, Nov. 18 at 10:30 a.m. at Smith College.

Girls on the Run is a positive, physical-activity-based youth-development program that uses fun running games and dynamic discussions to teach life skills to girls in third to eighth grade. During the 10-week program, girls participate in lessons that foster confidence, build peer connections, and encourage community service while they prepare for an end-of-season celebratory 5K event.

Participation in the 5K event on Nov. 18 is open to the public. About 500 girls and 150 volunteer coaches are participating in the program this season, and more than 1,200 participants are expected at the 5K. Pre-registration cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children, and includes a GOTR 5K event shirt. The event will begin on the athletic fields off Tennis Court Drive, and will go through the campus.

Registration is open at www.girlsontherunwesternma.org. Registration will also be available the day of the event beginning at 9 a.m., for a cost of $30. The run will begin at 10:30 a.m., but festivities including a group warm-up and games will begin at 10 a.m. Early arrival is suggested. For more information about the event, how to register, and volunteer opportunities, visit www.girlsontherunwesternma.org.

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Hampden County Bar Foundation and the Dante Club will hold a chili cookoff fundraising event on Sunday, Nov. 18 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Dante Club, 1198 Memorial Ave., West Springfield.

All proceeds from this event will benefit the Hampden County Bar Foundation and the Dante Club Scholarships Inc. The Hampden County Bar Foundation funds the Colonel Archer B. Battista Veterans Scholarship, the John F. Moriarty Scholarship, the Hampden County Legal Clinic, and the Children’s Law Project. The cost to register chili for the cookoff is $25, and registration is open to all. For more information and to register, visit www.hcbar.org.

ENFIELD, Conn. — Dr. James Lombella, president of Asnuntuck and Tunxis community colleges, hosted the November episode of Changing Lives, a program that runs on PATV 15 on Thursdays at 8 p.m. and Fridays at 11 a.m.

His guests were Jennifer Brown, director of Workforce Development and Non-credit Programs, and Tim St. James, interim dean of Student Services and Campus Facilities. The show featured information on recent growth at Asnuntuck, including the new Advanced Manufacturing Technology building, additional space and renovations for the high-school College Connections program, the college’s new façade, the addition of solar panels, and an expanded parking lot. Lombella also shared updates about workforce-development programs, including the soon-to-be-unveiled Cosmetology program.

Asnuntuck will host an Open House on Tuesday, Nov. 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Registration for the spring semester opened on Oct. 29.

CHICOPEE — The board of trustees at Elms College have appointed a number of notable figures to be new members of the board.

“These new trustees bring a wide range of perspectives and experience to the board and will help Elms College find greater success as we move into the future,” said Cynthia Lyons, board chair.

The new trustees are Beth Anderson, founder and CEO of Phoenix Charter Academy Network; Pascale Desir, chief legal officer of Way Finders; Dr. Jose Fernandez, co-owner of Sunrise Behavioral Health Clinic; Mark Fulco, president of Mercy Medical Center; Steven Gobel, first vice president of Morgan Stanley; Fawwaz Habbal, executive dean for Education and Research and senior lecturer at the Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Harvard University; and Richard Sullivan Jr., president and CEO of the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council.

“I am really pleased with the new board members’ diversity of backgrounds, level of experience and accomplishments, and commitment to Elms College,” said Harry Dumay, president of the college. “I look forward to working with them to advance the mission and vision of the institution at this exciting moment in our history.”

BOSTON — Business confidence in Massachusetts declined to its lowest level in 17 months during October as the uncertainties that roiled global financial markets seeped into employer outlooks.

The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Business Confidence Index lost 1.6 points to 61.0 last month, the fourth decline in the last five months. The reading remains well within optimistic territory, but the BCI now sits 1.7 points lower than its level of a year ago and at its lowest point since May 2017.

Raymond Torto, chair of AIM’s Board of Economic Advisors (BEA) and lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Design, said the October decline is noteworthy because of large declines in employer confidence in their own operations, and among manufacturers.

“Fears about slowing growth, trade wars, and rising interest rates buffeted financial markets this month, and some of those same fears, combined with an increasingly acrimonious midterm election, affected employers as well,” Torto said. “The good news is that the fundamentals of the economy remain strong. MassBenchmarks reports that the Massachusetts economy grew at a 3.3% annual rate during the third quarter, and the national economy added 250,000 jobs last month.”

The AIM Index, based on a survey of Massachusetts employers, has appeared monthly since July 1991. It is calculated on a 100-point scale, with 50 as neutral; a reading above 50 is positive, while below 50 is negative. The Index reached its historic high of 68.5 on two occasions in 1997-98, and its all-time low of 33.3 in February 2009. It has remained above 50 since October 2013.

The constituent indicators that make up the overall Business Confidence Index were almost all lower during October. The one exception was the Massachusetts Index assessing business conditions within the Commonwealth, which rose 0.2 points to 64.7. Confidence in the state economy has declined 0.4 points since October 2017.

The U.S. Index lost 2.0 points to 61.6, leaving it 0.9 points lower than a year ago. The Company Index, measuring employer assessments of their own operations, dropped 2.0 points to 59.6, down 2.4 points year-to-year. The Employment Index lost 0.3 points during October, while the Sales Index tumbled 3.1 points to 57.4.

The Current Index, which assesses overall business conditions at the time of the survey, fell 1.0 point last month to 63.3 and 0.3 points for the year. The Future Index, measuring expectations for six months out, lost 2.1 points for the month and 3.2 points for the year.

Non-manufacturers (61.7) were slightly more optimistic than manufacturing companies (60.3). Companies in the eastern part of Massachusetts (61.7) were more bullish than those in Western Mass. (60.3). Medium-sized companies (62.1) registered higher confidence readings than either large companies (59.5) or small companies (60.6), an unusual result since large companies typically show the most optimism on the Index.

Katherine Kiel, professor of Economics at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester and a member of the BEA, suggested that large companies may be particularly concerned about the ratcheting up of trade tensions between the U.S., China, and other trading partners. “Employers responding to the survey are expressing fears about the potential effects of rising tariffs both on the price of raw materials and their ability to expand overseas markets.”

AIM President and CEO Richard Lord, also a BEA member, agreed that international trade friction and uncertainty about the duration and scope of new tariffs are clouding employer views of an otherwise solid economy. “Concerns about trade and tariffs are likely to influence employer decisions as we move toward the end of 2018 and into the New Year. Hopefully, the results of the midterm elections will shed some light on the direction of trade policy moving forward.”

LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University’s master of science (MS) in accounting program has been named seventh on a list of the top 50 best in the nation, as ranked by OnlineMasters.com. In addition to this placement, Bay Path’s program was also recognized as the “Most Accelerated Program.” This is the program’s second placement on a national best-of list this year alone.

“We’re so pleased that the master of science in accounting at Bay Path University was recognized once again for the quality education and career preparation it provides to students,” said Kara Stevens, assistant professor and director of Accounting programs. “Students who graduate from our program are ready to hit the ground running in their chosen accounting industry upon graduation, which many are able to achieve in under one year.” 

According to the site, the review assessed academic quality, student success, and affordability. Researchers devoted more than 90 hours to analyzing every online master’s in accounting program in the U.S., and consulted 35 industry experts, hiring managers, current students, and alumni.

SPRINGFIELD — The fourth installment of the BusinessWest lecture series Future Tense, titled “Power of the Pause,” will take place on Thursday, Nov. 8 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at Tech Foundry, 1391 Main St., ninth floor, Springfield.

The lecture, open exclusively to CEOs and business owners, will be delivered by Moira Garvey, senior consultant and facilitator with the Potential Project, and Susan O’Connor, vice president and general counsel at Health New England. The cost is a $25 donation to Tech Foundry. Event sponsors include Paragus IT, the Jamrog Group, and Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.

It’s not easy managing in today’s fast-paced, complex, dynamic work environments. Leaders are required to remain focused in the face of a myriad of commitments, have clarity of mind, ensure they are doing the right things (not just doing ‘things’), and maintain calm in the midst of daily storms. But what if we as leaders could hit the ‘pause’ button during our day, step back, and meet challenges with a sense of space, clarity, and focus? What if there was a way to not just get things done, but ensure that what does get done connects us with ourselves, with the people we work with, and, ultimately, with our organization’s deepest values?

Mindfulness is a compelling tool for performance, teamwork, and effectiveness as well as presence, kindness, and balance. Garvey will share why mindfulness is relevant in the workplace and why companies around the globe are incorporating mindfulness to support workplace performance and employee well-being.

In this session, you will also hear how Springfield-based Health New England brought mindfulness training to its associates. In 2015, HNE ran a pilot to enhance its high-performance culture, with 30 leaders participating in a four-month course. HNE leadership knows the key to success is the ability to work at a high level of mental effectiveness, while also remaining resilient in the face of stress. In many industries, including healthcare, the velocity of change, competition, and complexity are constant challenges. Since the successful pilot, HNE has continued to invest in mindfulness training as a way to fortify a culture of high performance that is focused and intentional. In 2017, 63% of the participants held leadership positions.

In the foundational session, Garvey will provide an overview of the nature of the mind and attention, while sharing information on the most recent scientific findings regarding how the brain works and how it can be rewired to enable us to be more focused, calm, and effective at work every day. She will teach a basic mindfulness practice and offer a focus strategy for immediate application.

Metered street parking is available near the venue, and there are several parking-garage options nearby as well. To register, visit businesswest.com/lecture-series-2.

SPRINGFIELD — On the morning of Oct. 5, during the Western Mass Stand Down at the Greek Culture Center in Springfield, Paul DiGrigoli accepted an award from the Western Mass. Bilingual Veterans Outreach Center on behalf of DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology for its continued support of homeless and needy veterans in the community.

The school, located on Riverdale Street in West Springfield, offers free haircuts to all veterans and active service members year-round, and has participated in several veteran-honoring events since opening its doors in 2002.

“I’m only here to pick this plaque up,” DiGrigoli said. “This award truly belongs to my staff and all of our students. Since 2004, we have offered free haircuts to all veterans and active military personnel on all the days that our school is open — not just on Veterans Day. Thank you for giving us our freedom.”

The Western Mass. Bilingual Veterans Outreach Center, headquartered on Franklin Street in Springfield, operates with the mission of serving veterans once out of uniform, regardless of race, gender, or nationality. Most recently, it built 20 apartments for homeless veterans in Springfield and has continually offered financial and job services, healthcare, clothing, and other support.

SPRINGFIELD — The United Way of Pioneer Valley (UWPV) will introduce to the community its new president and CEO, Paul Mina, at a public event on Friday, Nov. 9 at 10 a.m. at the Monarch Place Plaza in Springfield. All are welcome to attend this event.

Mina brings more than 30 years of United Way experience to the Pioneer Valley and has already stepped into his new role. The UWPV board of directors has entered into a management agreement with the United Way of Tri-County, based in Framingham. Both organizations’ boards voted to approve the two-and-a-half-year management agreement, under which two organizations will share a CEO and other management operations, while UWPV still remains under local board oversight.

“This is not a merger, but a way to gain efficiencies in the back-end management,” said Steve Lowell, chairman of the UWPV board and president of Monson Savings Bank. “Plus we’ll get some much-needed stability in leadership and the value of Paul’s experience and energy. It’s a great opportunity for us.”

SPRINGFIELD — Terry Maxey, former interim director of Open Pantry Community Services Inc., has been selected to permanently lead the agency as director. He has served as interim director of Open Pantry since November 2017, and has been with organization since February 2016.

“Both on a professional and personal basis, Terry is the best person to lead this important agency, and we are fortunate to have him at the helm,” Open Pantry board member Stephen Penna said. “Terry understands our mission and is deeply committed to the community served by this critically important agency. I am confident that, under Terry’s steady leadership, Open Pantry will continue to provide essential services for individuals and families throughout the Greater Springfield region.”

As director, Maxey will be responsible for managing all aspects of Open Pantry, which serves more than 18,000 low-income and disadvantaged people annually, with an approximately $3 million annual budget and 40 staff members.

Open Pantry meets the most basic needs of individuals and families by providing hot meals at its Loaves and Fishes Community Kitchen. It also provides perishable and non-perishable food for people in need in the Springfield area through its Emergency Food Pantry Program. In addition, the pantry offers a program providing food assistance to seniors.

Open Pantry’s Open Door Social Services program provides case management, housing-search assistance, and medical, mental-health, and substance-abuse referrals for homeless people living in area shelters, on the streets, or in temporary locations in Western Mass.

“I have volunteered for Open Pantry Community Services, for over 20 years, and I’m excited for the opportunity to lead this agency to the next level,” Maxey said. “Open Pantry has a great management team and dedicated staff, and we are focused on continuing to deliver the highest-quality social services to those in need in our community.”

Before joining Open Pantry, Maxey served as director of Operations and project manager at Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services in Springfield. There, he helped lead the multi-cultural, multi-service agency dedicated to empowering individuals and families in need. He also held a number of leadership positions within the private sector. He has been recognized for his leadership skills, receiving the 2017 SMOC Housing Team of the Year Award and the MLK Jr. Family Services Employee of the Quarter Award for outstanding performance and leadership.

Maxey is invested in the Springfield community and serves with a variety of organizations, including the executive and operational committees of the city of Springfield Health and Human Services, Springfield-Hampden County Continuum of Care board of directors. He holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Virginia State University and a certificate from Leadership of Pioneer Valley.

LONGMEADOW — Women have been completing their bachelor’s degrees at rates significantly higher than the national average since the inception of the American Women’s College at Bay Path University in 2013, thanks to its digitally enhanced learning model, SOUL (Social Online Universal Learning). This innovative approach to education has earned it recognition among the 2019 Best Online Colleges in America, as ranked by Niche.com. 

“With the American Women’s College’s fully online, accelerated schedule, credit for prior experiences, and generous transfer policy, many students are able to finally obtain an undergraduate degree that may have been in progress for many years,” said Amanda Gould, chief administrative officer. “Our adaptive coursework can help students refresh on content, as needed, on each student’s customized learning path, even if they have had to take breaks in their learning.”

Niche.com ranked colleges based on the following categories: academic excellence, overall value, strength of faculty scholarship, campus quality, diversity, student life, student surveys on overall experience, safety, and location. The university placed 20th on a list of nearly 500 colleges and universities, and is the only New England-based institution to place in the top 20. 

The SOUL model uses data-driven intervention strategies to help mitigate achievement gaps, and has been recognized with more than $5 million in support from industry thought leaders and organizations. SOUL was developed after the American Women’s College was awarded a grant through the First in the World competition administered through the U.S. Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education. The four-year, $3.5 million award was used to develop and continually hone the program by improving educator access to learning data, allowing for targeted feedback and personalized guidance. SOUL has been recognized with several other grants and awards from national foundations, the federal government, and awarding agencies.

“The American Women’s College is focused on being responsive to students’ needs,” Gould said. “From accommodating complex lives with flexible delivery to using adaptive technology to create customized learning paths, to building an entire network of support and community, we try to find ways to meet students where they are and provide them the opportunity to change their lives with education.”

SPRINGFIELD — Through Nov. 15, participating Walgreens stores are asking customers to add a donation at checkout in support of the YMCA of Greater Springfield’s community-strengthening programs.

Supporting the Scantic Valley YMCA in Wilbraham are Walgreens stores at 1919 Wilbraham Road, Springfield; 54 East St., Ludlow; 1440 Boston Road, Springfield; and 171 West St., Ware. Supporting the downtown Springfield YMCA are Walgreens stores at 50 St. James Blvd., 707 State St., 501 Sumner Ave., 619 Chestnut St., and 625 Carew St, in Springfield; 60 Springfield St., Agawam; and 54 Center Square, East Longmeadow.

For more information about the YMCA of Greater Springfield, visit www.springfieldy.org. For further information about sponsorships, fundraising, giving, planned giving, and volunteer opportunities, e-mail Donna Sittard, Development director, at [email protected].

NORTHAMPTON — Webber and Grinnell Insurance announced that Bailey Eastman, commercial lines marketing manager, was named the MAIA 2018 Young Agent of the Year. This award is given to young agents who have demonstrated career growth and success within their agency as well as significant involvement in the community to which their agency belongs.

In addition to Eastman’s work ethic, she is dedicated to her community through volunteering. She is heavily involved with Look Park, has helped organize and run her own nonprofit dealing with child abuse, and serves in various other organizations and community events. She can often be seen out and about representing the agency in a friendly and positive light.

“Bailey has grown quickly in her insurance career and is always willing to take on more,” said Mat Geffin, vice president of Webber and Grinnell. “She is the consummate team player, and I congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition for her hard work and dedication to our company, our industry, and to our community.”

LONGMEADOW — A new public sculpture, “LIFE,” has been installed on the Bay Path University campus. The piece, designed and crafted from a fallen branch of a live oak tree, was created by philanthropist Harold Grinspoon, a longtime resident of Longmeadow and friend of the university.

A dedication for “LIFE” will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 3 p.m. in front of Elliot Hall, and is open to the public. In case of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled. “LIFE” will be on view at Bay Path University for the next two years.

“We are honored to have LIFE featured so prominently on our campus,” said President Carol Leary. “It is a perfect complement to the surroundings and creates a dramatic outdoor art experience for our students and the public. We are deeply grateful for Harold Grinspoon’s generosity.”

After successful careers in business and philanthropy, Grinspoon, at the age of 87, developed a new passion: art. His work as a sculptor started when a towering cherry tree fell in his backyard. Over the course of time, the fallen tree captured his imagination, only to take form and become a lasting piece of artwork. This first sculpture was eventually placed on view at the Mount, the Lenox home and museum of celebrated author Edith Wharton. It was the starting point for the ensuing 26 unique pieces of large-scale sculptures made from reclaimed trees, selected locally, as well as imported from Florida, California, and elsewhere.

Now at age 89, Grinspoon produces his sculptures in a bustling workshop in Agawam with a large team. His work is also currently included in three curated group exhibitions with SculptureNow at the Mount; XTCA: Cross Town Contemporary Art Exhibition presented by the University Museum of Contemporary Art at UMass Amherst; and Art in the Orchard in Easthampton. His works have also been displayed in three public locations: MGM Springfield, the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, and Mass General Hospital in Boston.

SPRINGFIELD — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampden County will present an event featuring 25 brewers, including local and regional craft breweries pouring alongside award-winning and up-and-coming home brewers. “Brews, Bites & Bids” will take place on Thursday, Nov. 8 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. Doors open at 6 p.m.

This year’s event will feature creative cuisine from the chefs at the Log Cabin. Each menu item has been chosen to pair with the variety of beer styles offered. Drew Hastings from WMAS will emcee the event. 

While enjoying brews and bites, guests can bid on items donated by area businesses. Golf outings at a few of the area’s best courses, fine jewelry, and a private party including catering, custom-made beer, and live music are just a few of the items to choose from at the auction and raffle. This event is open to the public, and tickets cost $45.

Brewers in attendance will include Abandoned Building Brewery, Amherst Brewing Co., Arcpoint Brewing, Artisan Beverage Cooperative (Ginger Libation), Beerology, Bear & Bramble, Berkshire Brewing Co., Bottoms Up Brewing, Clear Headed Brewing, Down to Earth Brewing, Fort Hill Brewery, Great Awakening, Greater Good Imperials, Jack’s Abby Brewing, Lefty’s Brewing Co., Mombod Brewing & Chasing the Grain, Monsoon Roastery, Shelton Brothers, Skyline Trading, Swing Oil Beer Co., Tin Bridge, Two Weeks’ Notice, Vanished Valley, and White Lion.

Brews, Bites & Bids has become a signature fundraising event for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampden County, raising critical funding to support youth-mentoring programs throughout Hampden County, Granby, and South Hadley. All funds raised stay local. Since 2015, the event has raised close to $100,000.

WEST SPRINGFIELD — A Night of Light, the CHD Cancer House of Hope’s annual luminaria fundraising event, returns to the Green at Storrowton Village on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition on Thursday, Nov. 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. Storrowton Tavern will serve hot chocolate, cider, and snacks.

The event features hundreds of luminary bags that are lit and placed on the Storrowton Village Green to honor and remember those lost to cancer and those who are survivors. This evening of music, remembrance, and hope honors friends and loved ones and supports the many programs and services offered by Cancer House of Hope. Luminary bags cost $5 each and can be personally inscribed in honor of a friend or loved one. To dedicate a luminaria bag, visit www.chd.org/luminaria.

Cancer House of Hope, located at 1999 Westfield St. in West Springfield, offers free services and therapies and provides emotional, educational, social, and spiritual support in a home-like setting.

Advanced Restoration Group in Easthampton is the presenting sponsor for the event, with other major sponsors including Westfield Bank, Spherion Staffing, Liberty Mutual, Bearingstar Insurance, Northwestern Mutual, Comcast Business, and Cooley Dickinson Hospital.

“With the generous support of Advanced Restoration Group and our other community partners, we can leverage the energy created by this beautiful event over and over, so that those with cancer don’t have to face it alone,” said Joe Kane, director of Cancer House of Hope.

For more information about the luminaria event or Cancer House of Hope, visit chd.org.

NORTHAMPTON — Common Capital, Valley Community Development, and the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce will present “Making Digital Marketing Possible” today, Nov. 2, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Northampton Center for the Arts, 33 Hawley St., Northampton.

This free event — a conversation about using digital marketing to grow one’s business — will feature a panel of small-business owners and marketing specialists, including Kimberley Chagnon, co-owner of Kim’s Upholstery; Amy Scott, founder of Wild Apple Design Group; Dawn Cordeiro, co-owner of Holyoke Hummus Co.; and Mark Firehammer, a digital marketing consultant and marketing services provider at Attract More Clients.