Springfield Jewish Community Center Receives $100,000 Grant to Boost early Literacy Programs
We are thrilled to share that the Springfield JCC has been awarded a $100,000 grant from The Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation to strengthen early literacy in our Early Learning Center. This generous investment will support a new Early Literacy Development Initiative serving children from birth to age five, including the addition of an Early Literacy Specialist who will work directly with children, coach teachers, and engage families in literacy-rich learning experiences. The initiative will
Monson Savings Bank Donates $2,500 to the Springfield Ballers
Left to right: Dina Merwin, Monson Savings Bank’s Senior Vice President & Chief Risk and Senior Compliance Officer; Dan Moriarty, President and CEO of Monson Savings Bank; Lien Baker, Springfield Ballers; James Gee, Springfield Ballers; Michael Rouette, Monson Savings Bank’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer; and Carla Carnevale, Community Relations Manager at Monson Savings Bank. Monson, MA – Monson Savings Bank is proud to support Springfield Ballers with a $2,500 donation as part
Country Bank Celebrates Employee Promotions
June 25, 2026 – Country Bank announced the recent promotions of employees across its commercial banking, retail banking, lending, and marketing divisions, recognizing their leadership, commitment to customers, and contributions to the Bank’s continued growth and positive community impact. “These promotions recognize a talented group of leaders who consistently deliver exceptional service, drive meaningful results, and embody Country Bank’s corporate values of integrity, service, teamwork,
ArchitectureEL and Valley Opportunity Council Partner to Transform Former Holyoke Convenience Store into New Housing Opportunity
HOLYOKE, Mass. —ArchitectureEL (AEL) is proud to announce its partnership with Valley Opportunity Council (VOC) on the adaptive reuse of a former neighborhood convenience store in Holyoke, transforming the long-vacant commercial space into a new residential apartment. The project represents another step forward in addressing housing needs while revitalizing underutilized properties throughout the city. The redevelopment reflects a growing commitment by local organizations to create innovative housing
Monson Savings Bank is proud to support the Monson Free Library
Dan Moriarty, Monson Savings Bank President & CEO and member of the Monson Free Library Finance Committee met with Hope Bodwell, Monson Free Library Director, to present her with a $2,000 donation on behalf of the Bank. Monson, MA – Monson Savings Bank is proud to support the Monson Free Library with a $2,000 donation as part of its 2026 Community Giving Initiative, a program driven by community participation and dedicated to supporting local nonprofit organizations. Dan Moriarty, President and CEO of
BusinessWest Accepting Nominations for the 2026 Healthcare Heroes Awards
BusinessWest Accepting Nominations for the 2026 Healthcare Heroes Awards SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest and HealthcareNews.com are now accepting nominations for the 10th annual Healthcare Heroes awards. Nominations for the Healthcare Heroes class of 2026 are due by Thursday, July 23, 2026, and may be submitted online at https://businesswest.com/healthcareheroes/nominations/. The Healthcare Heroes program was created in 2017 to honor the individuals and organizations working across the region’s vast, diverse,
Music, Murder, Theater, and More
Fill the Summer Calendar at 52 Sumner Springfield, Mass. – 52 Sumner continues its exciting season of live entertainment with a lineup of immersive experiences, family friendly theater, regional festivals, nationally recognized musicians, and beloved stage productions. From interactive mysteries and dual language performances to blues, rock, ska, and musical comedy, audiences can look forward to a variety of memorable experiences throughout the summer and fall. Upcoming performances include: Serial
ERC5Senior Alliance Team encourages Adults to Complete Health Care Proxy Forms During Honoring Choices MA Spring Celebration
ERC5 Senior Alliance Team Encourages Adults to Complete Health Care Proxy Forms During Honoring Choices MA Spring CelebrationLUDLOW, Mass. — The ERC5 Senior Alliance Team is encouraging health care providers, community partners, residents, patients, and families across Massachusetts to take part in an important statewide effort to ensure every adult has access to a Health Care Proxy and Personal Directive resources. Through a partnership among the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Honoring Choices
Country Bank Earns Spot on Newsweek’s America’s Best Regional Banks & Credit Unions 2026 List
Country Bank Earns Spot on Newsweek’s America’s Best Regional Banks & Credit Unions 2026 List June 16, 2026 — Country Bank announced it has been named to Newsweek’s America’s Best Regional Banks & Credit Unions 2026 list. Presented by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group, the ranking recognizes institutions that drive local economic growth through small-business support, community investment, and expanded access to everyday banking services. The annual ranking recognizes
Heather Arbour Earns Prestigious Emerging Leader Award from Massachusetts Bankers Association
Monson Savings Bank was proud to celebrate with Heather Arbour for her achievement. Left to right: Dina A. Merwin, Senior Vice President, Chief Risk & Senior Compliance Officer; Dan Moriarty, President and CEO; Heather Arbour, Vice President, BSA, Fraud, & Compliance and the Massachusetts Bankers Association (MBA) 2026 Emerging Leader Award recipient; and Terri Fox, Senior Vice President, Chief Retail Officer.Monson, MA – Monson Savings Bank is proud to announce that Heather Arbour, Vice President, BSA,
Baystate Academy Charter Public School Invites Prospective Families to Open House on July 9
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Baystate Academy Charter Public School (BACPS) will welcome prospective students and their families to an Open House on Wednesday, July 9, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., providing an opportunity to learn more about the school's unique educational approach, meet faculty and staff, and explore the campus. The event is designed for families interested in enrolling students in grades 6-12 and offers an inside look at Baystate Academy's college-preparatory curriculum, which features
Beacon Bank among America’s Best Regional Banks for 2026
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,
Rick’s Place Invites Community to Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at New Location
“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 Savings Bank Announces the Promotion of Meghan J. Caputo to Assistant Branch Manager of East Longmeadow Branch
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
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
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Applied Mortgage Recaps Recent Events and Reveals Upcoming Events for their Next Quarter
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
Senator Jake Oliveira and Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia to host Massachusetts State Workforce Board Meeting
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
Country Bank Donates $5,000 to Support United Way of Pioneer Valley and MSBDC
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
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HCS Head Start Celebrates Team Members, Volunteers, and Leaders During Professional Development Day
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
June 16: Virtual Workshop for 1st Time Homebuyers
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
Senator Oliveira Supports Passage of RetirementPlus Legislation to Correct Longstanding Inequity for Massachusetts Teachers
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 Savings Bank Announces the Appointment of Wendy L. Wakefield as Vice President, Director of Residential Lending
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
Xfinity Mobile Launches Mobile Plus and Mobile Select, Redefining Premium Wireless with Lifetime Device Protection Included
Xfinity Mobile Launches Mobile Plus and Mobile Select,Redefining Premium Wireless with Lifetime Device Protection Included Premium Mobile Plus Plan Includes Lifetime Device Protection for Any Phone, Tablet, and Smartwatch, Device Upgrades Anytime and Global Travel Pass – In One Simple Industry-Leading Plan Customers Cut Their Mobile Bill in Half When They Switch from the Big Three All Plans Deliver Speeds Up to 1 Gig When Connected to Xfinity WiFi with WiFi PowerBoost and Run on America’s Most Reliable 5G
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,
Bouncing Back: Proven Strategies for Businesses to Survive and Thrive in Adversity
Join the ERC5 Chamber of Commerce today and be part of a thriving business community dedicated to fostering economic growth in East Longmeadow, Hampden, Longmeadow, Ludlow, and Wilbraham. When your business hits a rough patch, it can feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. The pressure to stay afloat, maintain morale, and find a way forward can be overwhelming. However, tough times are often the catalyst for innovation and resilience. By taking deliberate and strategic steps, you can
