SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts, June 3, 2026 — Beacon Bank has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s best regional banks for 2026, receiving the highest possible rating of five stars.
Beacon Bank was selected from more than 8,800 banks and credit unions across the country that are committed to powering local economies by supporting businesses, financing community projects and providing reliable access to everyday banking services.
Results were based on a comprehensive research study that combined, “No child should have to grieve alone.”
Wilbraham, MA – Rick’s Place, a grief support center for children, teens, and their families, is pleased to announce its move to a new home at 35 Post Office Park in Wilbraham. To mark this meaningful milestone, Rick’s Place invites community members, supporters, and neighbors to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 18, 2026, and learn more about the organization’s mission and impact.
Rick’s Place provides support through facilitated peer activities, Monson, MA – Monson Savings Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Meghan J. Caputo to Assistant Branch Manager of its East Longmeadow Branch. “Meghan’s dedication to our customers, her strong work ethic, and her commitment to the East Longmeadow community make her a valuable member of our team,” said Dan Moriarty, President and CEO of Monson Savings Bank. “We are proud to recognize her contributions with this well-deserved promotion.”
In her new role, Caputo will support the Branch Manager in 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 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. Throughout the year, the Applied Mortgage team attends, sponsors, and speaks at various events to strengthen ties with the community. Their outreach underscores a strong commitment to engagement with both staff and the communities they serve.
Previous 2026 Events:
May 20th - (Sponsored and Attended) - The Pioneer When: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Thursday, June 11th, 2026 (9:30 AM Check-in & Arrival)Where: William J. Dean Tech High School1045 Main St, Holyoke, MA 01040
What: State Senator Jake Oliveira, Chair of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development, and Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia will host a meeting of the Massachusetts State Workforce Board at Dean Technical High School in Holyoke.
The Massachusetts State Workforce Board plays a critical role in strengthening Massachusetts' workforce system and 6/2/2026 - Ware, MA – Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, recently donated $2,500 each to the United Way of Pioneer Valley and The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC) in support of their ongoing efforts to strengthen local communities and small businesses throughout the region.
Country Bank has long supported the United Way of Pioneer Valley through both financial contributions and volunteerism. United Way continues to Springfield, MA – Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield Head Start (HCS Head Start) recently gathered team members from across the organization for a Professional Development Day held at the Castle of Knights in Chicopee. The event served as an opportunity to celebrate the dedication, leadership, and impact of individuals who continue to make a difference in the lives of children and families throughout Western Massachusetts.
Head Start Hero Awards
As part of the celebration, HCS Head Start presented three For Immediate ReleaseMedia Contact:Alison Skratt, Corporate CommunicationsCommunications@BeaconBank.com413.769.6007
June 16: Virtual workshop for 1st time homebuyersFree event in partnership with Pawtucket Central Falls Development
SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts, May 27, 2026 — Beacon Bank, in partnership with Pawtucket Central Falls Development (PCF Development), will host a free virtual workshop for first-time homebuyers on June 16 at 5:30 p.m. to commemorate National Homeownership BOSTON – Today, State Senator Jake Oliveira (D-Ludlow) proudly voted in favor of An Act relative to teacher retirement election, legislation that would provide thousands of Massachusetts educators with a second opportunity to enroll in the RetirementPlus pension program after missing the original enrollment window more than two decades ago. Senator Oliveira was also a proud cosponsor of the original legislation.
The bill addresses a longstanding inequity affecting an estimated 6,500 to 8,500 Massachusetts Monson, MA – Monson Savings Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Wendy L. Wakefield as Vice President, Director of Residential Lending.
“Wendy’s depth of experience in residential lending, combined with her leadership and commitment to customer success, make her an excellent addition to our team,” said Dan Moriarty, President and CEO of Monson Savings Bank. “We are confident that her expertise will further strengthen our mortgage operations and enhance the services we provide to our
New graduate business offerings prepare professionals for leadership in increasingly data-driven industries.
SPRINGFIELD, MA – American International College (AIC) has introduced a redesigned Master of Business Administration (MBA) program alongside new graduate offerings in data analytics to prepare professionals for leadership in increasingly data-driven industries.
The redesigned MBA blends leadership preparation with analytics and evidence-based decision-making across core business disciplines, BOSTON – State Senator Jake Oliveira (D-Ludlow) announced that he secured more than $2 million in funding for local communities and early childhood education priorities as part of the Massachusetts Senate’s unanimously passed $63.37 billion Fiscal Year 2027 budget.
The investments support organizations and initiatives throughout Western Massachusetts focused on expanding educational opportunities, strengthening youth programming, supporting veterans and older adults, improving mental health care access,
Herndon, Va. — Sophia Learning, an online, on-demand, self-paced learning platform offering courses recommended for college-level credit by ACE®, today announced a new partnership with American International College (AIC). Through this partnership, AIC, a private, co-educational, doctoral-granting institution, joins Sophia Learning’s growing network of partner colleges and universities, providing their learners with a flexible, more affordable pathway to degree completion. This offering is distinct from Dan Moriarty, Monson Savings Bank President & CEO (left) and Michael Rouette, EVP & COO, presented Tony Bergeron, South End Community Center Executive Director with a $2,500 donation during the Monson Savings Bank Community Giving Initiative Reception event.
Monson, MA – Monson Savings Bank is proud to support the South End Community Center (SECC) with a $2,500 donation as part of its 2026 Community Giving Initiative, a program driven by community participation and dedicated to uplifting local nonprofit SPRINGFIELD, MA – American International College (AIC) has introduced new programs focused on preparing the next generation of public service leaders, including undergraduate degrees in Fire Science and Emergency Services and a fully online Master of Public Administration (MPA).Offered through the School of Business, Arts, and Sciences, the Bachelor of Science in Fire Science and Emergency Services blends science, strategy, and service through coursework that integrates fire behavior and protection systems For Immediate Release
Media Contact:Alison Skratt, Corporate CommunicationsCommunications@BeaconBank.com413.769.6007
For Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Beacon Bank announces free support for visually impaired users at all branches
BOSTON, May 21, 2026 — Beacon Bank is pleased to announce free access at all branches to an on-demand service that connects visually impaired users to live, real-time Monson Savings Bank President and CEO and elected Board of Director of Mass Bankers Dan Moriarty (center), with President and CEO of Mass Bankers Kathleen M. Murphy (right), and President & CEO of BankFive and elected Chair of Mass Bankers Anne Tangen (left).
Monson, MA – Dan Moriarty, Monson Savings Bank President and CEO has been elected to the 20-member Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Bankers Association (MBA) at its Annual Meeting in May. Founded in 1905, the MBA is the only Association Country Bank Pledges $100,000 to Support YWCA of Western Massachusetts
May 21, 2026 - Country Bank is proud to announce a $100,000 pledge in support of the YWCA of Western Massachusetts and its comprehensive $7.5 million “Shifting the Paradigm” campaign, an initiative focused on expanding violence prevention programs, supporting survivors, and strengthening critical services across the region. Dawn Fleury, FSVP and Chief Risk Officer of Country Bank, has also been appointed to the YWCA’s Board of SPRINGFIELD —The 12th annual 40 Under Forty Alumni Achievement Award finalists have been announced by BusinessWest.
BusinessWest launched its 40 Under Forty program in 2007 to identify and celebrate the rising stars across our region who are excelling in business and involved in the community. Launched in 2015, the Alumni Achievement Award (AAA) was created to honor the 40 Under Forty honorees who have most impressively continued and built upon their track records of accomplishment.
This year’s AAA
SPRINGFIELD — The 12th annual 40 Under Forty Alumni Achievement Award finalists have been announced by BusinessWest. BusinessWest launched its 40 Under Forty program in 2007 to identify and celebrate the rising stars across our region who are excelling in business and involved in the community. Launched in 2015, the Alumni Achievement Award (AAA) was created to honor the 40 Under Forty honorees who have most impressively continued and built upon their track records of accomplishment. This year’s AAA Springfield, MA – The Board of Directors of the YWCA of Western Massachusetts recently elected three new members, Dawn Fleury, Kiana Lowe and Mollie Sullivan.
Dawn Fleury, who will join the Board as Treasurer and will serve on the Executive Committee, brings over 35 years of experience in finance to the YWCA of Western Massachusetts’ Board of Directors. Currently serving as the First Senior Vice President of Corporate Risk at Country Bank, headquartered in Ware, MA, Dawn oversees the bank’s
Longmeadow, MA - ERC5 is thrilled to announce our Annual Meeting and Awards Night, set to take place at Twin Hills Country Club on Wednesday, May 27th.The meeting will begin at 4:30 PM and conclude at 5:25 PM, followed by our Annual Reception and Awards Night, where we will honor the outstanding contributions of local nonprofits and businesses.
We are excited to recognize the following awardees for their exceptional service and commitment to our communities:Nonprofit of the Year: Rachel’s TableBusiness Springfield, Mass. – 52 Sumner is turning up the volume with another exciting season of live entertainment, bringing nationally recognized talent, community favorites, theater productions, and unforgettable musical experiences to Springfield’s Forest Park neighborhood. From blues royalty to rising rock stars, the venue continues to build a diverse lineup that offers something for every audience.
Two highly anticipated national acts are soon to be arriving at 52 Sumner:Christone “Kingfish” Ingram– Sunday, One of Only Two Hospices in the Region to Receive Top Distinction
LONGMEADOW, MA–Legacy Lifecare VNA & Hospice West (originally called Spectrum Home Health & Hospice Care) has been awarded the prestigious 5-Star Rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This designation recognizes the non-profit, an affiliate of Legacy Lifecare, for its excellence in patient care, family satisfaction, clinical quality, and compassionate service delivery.
Notably, Legacy Lifecare Hospice West is one
Beacon Bank among America’s Best Regional Banks for 2026
Rick’s Place Invites Community to Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at New Location
Monson Savings Bank Announces the Promotion of Meghan J. Caputo to Assistant Branch Manager of East Longmeadow Branch
Moving Season Made Easier: How Xfinity Helps You Stay Seamlessly Connected
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Applied Mortgage Recaps Recent Events and Reveals Upcoming Events for their Next Quarter
Senator Jake Oliveira and Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia to host Massachusetts State Workforce Board Meeting
Country Bank Donates $5,000 to Support United Way of Pioneer Valley and MSBDC
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HCS Head Start Celebrates Team Members, Volunteers, and Leaders During Professional Development Day
June 16: Virtual Workshop for 1st Time Homebuyers
Senator Oliveira Supports Passage of RetirementPlus Legislation to Correct Longstanding Inequity for Massachusetts Teachers
Monson Savings Bank Announces the Appointment of Wendy L. Wakefield as Vice President, Director of Residential Lending
AIC Launches Redesigned MBA and New Data Analytics Graduate Programs
Press Release – For Immediate Release Senator Oliveira Secures $2 Million in FY27 Budget
American International College Partners with Sophia Learning to Expand Access to Education for Working Adult Learners
South End Community Center Receives $2,500 from Monson Savings Bank to Support Vital Programs
American International College Expands Public Service Programs with New Degrees in Fire Science and Public Administration
For Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Beacon Bank announces free support for visually impaired users at all branches
Monson Savings Bank President and CEO Dan Moriarty Elected to Massachusetts Bankers Association Board of Directors
Country Bank Pledges $100,000 to Support YWCA of Western Massachusetts
Meet the 2026 40 Under Forty Alumni Achievement Award Finalists
Meet the 2026 40 Under Forty Alumni Achievement Award Finalists
THE YWCA WELCOMES DAWN FLEURY, KIANA LOWE AND MOLLIE SULLIVAN TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ERC5 Annual Meeting and Awards Night: Celebrating Our Community’s Achievements
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A Grammy Winner, a National Rock Band, and More Take the Stage This Summer at 52 Sumner
Legacy Lifecare VNA & Hospice West Earns Prestigious 5-Star Rating
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