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Monson Savings Bank’s $10,000 Contribution Strengthens the Regionwide Food Assistance Network
Monson Savings Bank supports the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts through its Together for Food Security campaign and volunteer efforts.Dan Moriarty, President and CEO of Monson Savings Bank, presented a $10,000 donation to Andrew Morehouse, Executive Director, and Cheyenne Burnham, Public Engagement Manager of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Monson, MA - Monson Savings Bank has donated $10,000 to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts as part of the Bank's Together for Food Security campaign, a
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Quabbin Delegation Urges Rejection of MWRA’s 20-Million-Gallon Quabbin Application
Lawmakers say proposed transfer lacks identified receiving communities and demonstrated demand BOSTON — State Representative Aaron Saunders, State Senator Jo Comerford State, State Representative Susannah Whipps, and State Senator Jake Oliveira are urging the Massachusetts Water Resources Commission to reject the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority’s application for advance approval to withdraw an additional 20 million gallons of water per day from the Quabbin Reservoir system. The lawmakers
UMassFive Announces Fall 2026 Financial Wellness Webinars & Workshops
Hadley, MA – UMassFive College Federal Credit Union (UMassFive) is dedicated to advancing financial well-being for its members and the broader community through education and access to trusted resources. For more than a decade, UMassFive has offered free financial wellness workshops designed to help individuals build knowledge, confidence, and long-term financial stability—covering topics such as managing debt, preparing for homeownership, and planning for the future. This fall, UMassFive will offer the
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Senator Oliveira Recognizes Stephanie Perez with the 2026 Latino Excellence Award
LUDLOW — State Senator Jake Oliveira (D-Ludlow) is proud to recognize Ludlow resident Stephanie Perez as his 2026 Latino Excellence Award honoree for the Hampden, Hampshire & Worcester District, celebrating nearly two decades of service to children and families across Western Massachusetts and the countless lives she has touched along the way. Presented annually by the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, the Latino Excellence Awards celebrate Latino leaders from across the Commonwealth
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Senator Oliveira Leads Senate Push to Protect Head Start Standards: Lawmakers call on federal officials to withdraw proposed changes to education, health, and family supports
BOSTON — State Senator Jake Oliveira (D-Ludlow) is leading an effort in the Massachusetts Senate urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to withdraw proposed changes to the Head Start Program Performance Standards, warning that the changes could undermine services relied upon by thousands of children and families across the Commonwealth. In a letter to U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Oliveira and two dozen senators raised concerns about proposed changes
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Monson Savings Bank Hosts Annual Food Drive as Part of “Together for Food Security” October Campaign
Community members are invited to donate food, household essentials and personal care items during October Monson, MA – Throughout the month of October, Monson Savings Bank is inviting the community to come together in support of local individuals and families facing food insecurity through its annual Food Drive, held as part of the Bank’s Together for Food Security campaign. From October 1 through 31, Monson Savings Bank branches will collect non-perishable food items, paper goods and toiletries to
Lia Toyota Wilbraham Donates $5,000 to YMCA of Greater Springfield to Support Youth and Family Programs
WILBRAHAM, MA – September 24, 2026 - Lia Toyota Wilbraham is proud to announce a $5,000 donation to the YMCA of Greater Springfield in support of programs that help children, families, and individuals throughout the Greater Springfield community. Lia will present a check to the organization on Friday 9/25 at 9:00am at Lia Toyota located at 2145 Boston Road. The donation will help support several YMCA initiatives, including its before- and after-school programs, summer camps, and 2 learning centers,
Denise Kelcey Honored with 2026 Age of Excellence Award
SPRINGFIELD, MA – Denise Kelcey, a dedicated public servant and workforce development advocate, has been named one of the 2026 Age of Excellence Award recipients by Glenmeadow, recognizing individuals over the age of 60 who continue to make a meaningful impact within their communities.Throughout her distinguished career, Kelcey has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public service. Her contributions include serving as a Legislative Aide to Senator Brian Lees, serving on the Springfield Liquor
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Polish National Credit Union Supports Alianza’s First Annual Cider Donut Dash
CHICOPEE, MA – Polish National Credit Union (PNCU) is proud to support the upcoming Alianza Cider Donut Dash Run/Walk, an event benefiting Alianza DV Services and its mission to provide critical resources and support to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence throughout the region. PNCU recently presented a donation to help support the organization's inaugural fundraising event. The Alianza Cider Donut Dash will take place on September 26 at Ashley Reservoir in Holyoke and will bring
AIC Welcomes Jason Lawrence as New Chief Information Officer
American International College Chief Information Officer Jason Lawrence(photo by Leon Nguyen) SPRINGFIELD, MASS. — American International College (AIC) has named Jason Lawrence as its new chief information officer (CIO), following a national search process. As CIO, Lawrence will lead AIC’s information technology operations and strategy in support of the technology needs of students, faculty, and staff across the College.With more than 20 years of technology leadership experience, Lawrence has worked
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Boston Business Journal honors Beacon Bank as Top Charitable Contributor in MA
For Immediate Release Media Contact:Alison Skratt, Corporate CommunicationsCommunications@BeaconBank.com413.769.6007 Boston Business Journal honors Beacon Bank as Top Charitable Contributor in MA BOSTON, Sept. 18, 2026 — The Boston Business Journal this week honored Beacon Bank as one of the Most Charitable Companies in Massachusetts at its 2026 Corporate Citizenship Awards, which showcase
UMassFive Expands Hampden County Presence with New East Longmeadow Branch
East Longmeadow, MA – UMassFive College Federal Credit Union (UMassFive) has opened its newest branch at 465 N. Main St. in East Longmeadow, expanding its local presence and bringing its personalized financial services to even more individuals, families, and businesses throughout the Pioneer Valley. The East Longmeadow location is UMassFive’s seventh branch and second in Hampden County, joining its existing location in the Mercy Rehabilitation Building in Springfield. While the new branch marks
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Regional Leaders Call for Springfield Water and Sewer Commission Reform to Remain in Final Mass Read
BOSTON — State and local officials across Western Massachusetts are calling for long-sought reforms to the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission to remain in the final version of the Mass Ready Act, citing broad regional support for giving communities outside Springfield a formal voice in governing a system that serves about 250,000 people. The Massachusetts Senate adopted the reform on April 15 as part of its passage of the Mass Ready Act. The House subsequently passed a different version of the
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Monson Savings Bank Donates $2,000 to ClubOh
Monson Savings Bank President & CEO Dan Moriarty (left) and Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer Michael Rouette (right) presented the donation to Ty Ward, CEO of ClubOh (center) at the Bank’s Community Giving Initiative Reception back in February. Monson, MA – Monson Savings Bank is committed to supporting organizations that make a significant difference in the communities it serves. Earlier this year, Monson Savings Bank donated $2,000 to ClubOh through its 2026 Community Giving
Special Anniversary Celebration
Springfield, Mass. – Nadim's Downtown Mediterranean Grillcelebrated more than a quarter century of serving the Springfield community with a special 25+ One Anniversary Celebrationlast night, Thursday, September 10. Nadim's first opened its doors in 2000, introducing authentic Mediterranean cuisine to downtown Springfield. After relocating to its current home at 1390 Main Street in 2005 and expanding its menu in 2011, the restaurant has become a cornerstone of the city's dining scene, known for its warm
Live Music, Theater and More Take the Stage at 52 Sumner This Fall
Springfield, Mass. – The stage is set for a busy fall at 52 Sumner as Springfield Performing Arts Ventures, Inc. announces a diverse lineup of live entertainment coming to downtown Springfield this September through November. The upcoming season brings together musical theater, Americana, iconic singer-songwriter favorites, classic rock tributes, and a uniquely spooky twist on a holiday tradition. With performances scheduled throughout the fall, 52 Sumner continues to grow its role as a destination for
Applied Mortgage Recaps Q3 Community Support and Announces Support for September’s Events
Springfield, Mass. – The Applied Mortgage Team at HMA Mortgage recently concluded a successful series of community events and are pleased to announce their upcoming quarterly event schedule, along with two exciting accomplishments for their very own Lindsay Barron LaBonte, Branch Manager and Senior Loan Officer of the Applied Mortgage Team! Lindsay LaBonte is thrilled to have been chosen as a Panelist at The Easthampton Chamber’s annual SheLeads Conference this year. The SheLeads conference is an
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Monson Savings Bank Donates $1,000 to Aida's Food Truck
From left to right: Aimee Kohn, Business Development Officer, Monson Savings Bank; Dan Moriarty, President & CEO, Monson Savings Bank; Bob Ainsworth, Volunteer, Aida's Food Truck; Aida Torres, Founder, Aida's Food Truck; Michael Rouette, EVP & COO, Monson Savings Bank; and Paul Shepardson, AVP Digital Systems Officer, Monson Savings Bank. Monson, MA – Reinforcing its commitment to supporting organizations that make a meaningful difference in the communities it serves, Monson Savings Bank donated $1,000
Bay Path University Enters a New Era of Growth
Bay Path University Enters a New Era of GrowthThe University completes its integration with Cambridge College, expanding its community, reach, academic opportunities, and impact. LONGMEADOW, Mass., September 7, 2026. Today, Bay Path University announced the completion of its integration of Cambridge College, which brings Cambridge College’s academic programs, students, faculty, and staff into Bay Path University. The milestone marks a significant moment in the University’s history and expands its student
JGS Lifecare’s 45th Annual Frankel Kinsler Classic Day of Tournaments Supporting the Care of our Community’s Edlers
LONGMEADOW, MA –JGS Lifecare, a leading health care system serving seniors and their families, held its 45th Annual Frankel-Kinsler Classic Day of Tournaments at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow, on Monday, August 31st. Over 200 people participated in golf, pickleball, card-playing tournaments, and a celebratory awards dinner. The event grossed over $139,000 to support the care of our community’s elders. Strong Community Support JSG Lifecare expressed its gratitude for the overwhelming
Nadim's Downtown Mediterranean Grill Celebrates 25+1 Years of Serving Springfield with Special Anni
Springfield, Mass. – Nadim's Downtown Mediterranean Grill will celebrate more than a quarter century of serving the Springfield community with a special 25+1 Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, September 10, at 5 p.m. at the restaurant's downtown location. While the celebration is a private event for invited guests, members of the media are invited to attend and cover the milestone, which recognizes not only the restaurant's enduring success but also the remarkable journey of owner and chef Nadim
COUNTRY BANK AND THE WORCESTER RED SOX ANNOUNCE THE 2026 WOOSTARS
COUNTRY BANK AND THE WORCESTER RED SOX ANNOUNCE THE 2026 WOOSTARSSeptember 1, 2026 - Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, and the WooSox Foundation recently announced the 2026 WooStars, a program that supports non-profit leaders throughout the region. Country Bank and the Worcester Red Sox recently recognized six local WooStars and the non-profits they are affiliated with at Polar Park to include: Susan Buchholz – The Heartwell Institute,
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Monson Savings Bank to Host Clothing Drive to Benefit Suit Up Springfield & Dress for Success of Western MA
Monson, MA – For more than 150 years, Monson Savings Bank has been dedicated to giving back to the local communities where the Bank operates. Most recently, Monson Savings Bank announced they will once again be hosting a clothing drive to collect professional work attire for Suit Up Springfield and Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts at all Bank locations. Suit Up Springfield is happy to accept donations of suits, shirts, ties, shoes, and outer coats. Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts is
Moving Season Made Easier: How Xfinity Helps You Stay Seamlessly Connected
Same-day WiFi available to Xfinity homes and apartmentsInstant mobile connectivity with millions of WiFi hotspots and 5G accessStream thousands of shows and movies on day one, no equipment required Moving is one of life’s biggest transitions with equal parts excitement and complexity. Connectivity shouldn’t be another source of stress during a move. Xfinity has some new features focused on getting customers connected quickly so they can get back to what matters most, with their devices and entertainment
Brand Refresh on a Budget: What Actually Works for Small Businesses in Western Massachusetts
Most small businesses in the East of the River Five Town communities don't have a large agency retainer to call on. Industry research shows that 71% of businesses with annual revenue under $500,000 spend under $500 monthly on branding — confirming that a meaningful refresh has to fit the reality of lean operations. The good news: the highest-impact moves often cost nothing.The Myth of the Big Marketing Budget If you've been putting off a brand refresh because it seems expensive, that assumption is
Resilient by Design: Practical Risk Management for Small Business Owners
When Smart Isn’t Enough — Why Risk Still Rules Even the sharpest founders can lose their footing when uncertainty strikes. Markets pivot. Regulations tighten. A key employee vanishes just before launch. Risk management isn’t about paranoia—it’s about precision. It’s the discipline of knowing what could go wrong and ensuring it doesn’t derail what’s going right.Snapshot If you only read this part, remember this: smart founders manage risk through structure, not instinct. The most resilient businesses do
Drive Growth with These Intelligent Workflow Adjustments
In the relentless pace of today’s business world, the ability to refine and enhance workflows is not just beneficial—it’s essential. Businesses that prioritize strategic workflow improvements can achieve remarkable gains in productivity and growth. By integrating advanced tools and methodologies, companies can streamline operations, reduce inefficiencies, and empower their teams to focus on high-impact tasks. Below, this article delves into innovative strategies that can transform your business processes,
