52 Sumner Announces Expanded Lineup of Live Music, Theater and Community Events
Springfield, Mass. – From legendary rock and blues to chamber music, theater and community events, 52 Sumner is bringing a diverse lineup of live entertainment to Springfield this fall and winter. Springfield Performing Arts Ventures, Inc. has announced a growing calendar of events running through January 2027, featuring nationally recognized musicians, tribute performances, theatrical productions and special community programming. The upcoming schedule also introduces the Blue 52 Series, bringing an
.gif)
Monson Savings Bank Donates $5,000 to Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services Food Pantry
Contribution supports emergency food access and choice-based pantry services for households throughout Hampden CountyMonson Savings Bank proudly presented a $5,000 donation in support of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services Food Pantry. Shown left to right: President and CEO (left) of Monson Savings Bank Dan Moriarty, Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services (MLKFS) Vice President of Finance and Operations and Monson Savings Bank Corporator Patricia Bernard, MLKFS Director of Development & Community
Baystate Academy to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Community Celebration
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Baystate Academy Charter Public School will bring students, families, staff and the public together for a special Hispanic Heritage Month celebration on Thursday, October 15, 2026, honoring the rich cultures, traditions, histories and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. The celebration will take place at Baystate Academy, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and festivities running from 6 to 8 p.m. The event will feature food, music, art and opportunities for
Pun Longmeadow Realty Announces Grand Opening of Newly Reconstructed Maple Shopping Center
Longmeadow, MA — After nearly five years of rebuilding following the devastating November 2021 fire, Pun Longmeadow Realty is pleased to announce the Grand Opening Celebration of Maple Shopping Center on Saturday, October 24, 2026.Located at the intersection of Shaker Road and Maple Street, the Maple Shopping Center represents a significant new chapter for the Longmeadow community. The original building opened in 1961 and has served generations of Longmeadow-area residents and beyond. The center carries
.gif)
Ware Jubilee Food Cupboard Gains Support Through Together for Food Security Food Drive Collection and Donation
Monson Savings Bank contributes $1,000 to Ware Jubilee Food Cupboard, helping purchase a needed freezer, and gathers food donations at its Ware Branch to support pantry.Kate Blackwell, Assistant Branch Manager (left) and Shannon Ortona, Branch Manager (right) of Monson Savings Bank, presented a $1,000 charitable contribution to Cheryl Vaugh, Pantry Manager of the Ware Jubilee Cupboardat Trinity Episcopal Church. Ware, MA - Monson Savings Bank has donated $1,000 to the Jubilee Food Cupboard at Trinity
.jpg)
Senator Oliveira to Present $75,000 for Granby Public Schools’ IT Career Pathway
When: 10:00 AM – Thursday, October 8th, 2026WHERE: Granby Junior Senior High Schoolhttps://maps.app.goo.gl/FG24RieP9Z5ESsms9 What: State Senator Jake Oliveira will join Granby Public Schools Superintendent Mary Jane Rickson, school leaders, students, and community officials on Thursday, October 8th, for a ceremonial check presentation recognizing $75,000 in Fair Share funding secured for Granby Public Schools. The funding will support the expansion of the IT Career Pathway at Granby Junior Senior High
Elizabeth Dineen, YWCA CEO, Reappointed for a Fifth Term to the Massachusetts Governor's Council
Springfield, MA—Attorney Elizabeth G. Dineen, CEO of the YWCA of Western Massachusetts, has been reappointed for a fifth term to the Massachusetts Governor's Council to Address Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, and Human Trafficking. This 30-member council is a coalition of state leaders and subject-matter experts. They possess expertise in areas such as sexual assault prevention, domestic violence intervention, human trafficking response, direct service provision, criminal justice system operations,
Angela Santiago Foundation to Host “Amplify the Youth” Music Festival at 52 Sumner in Springfield
Community music festival will bring together live local bands, family activities and food while supporting opportunities for local youth SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — The Angela Santiago Foundation will bring music, families and the community together for Amplify the Youth, a music festival dedicated to supporting and empowering local young people, on Saturday, October 3, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 52 Sumner Avenue in Springfield.The five-hour festival will feature live performances from local rock bands
HCS Head Start Celebrates Head Start Awareness Month, Highlights Generational Impact and Career Opportunities
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — This October, HCS Head Start is celebrating Head Start Awareness Month by recognizing more than six decades of Head Start’s impact on children and families while highlighting the dedicated professionals who continue that mission every day.Head Start programs provide comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and family support services designed to give children a strong foundation for success. At HCS Head Start, that mission extends beyond the children enrolled in its
.gif)
Monson Savings Bank Invites Community to Vote for Nonprofits in Annual Community Giving Initiative
Community members can vote beginning October 1, 2026, to help determine which nonprofit organizations will receive donations from Monson Savings Bank in 2027. Monson, MA – Monson Savings Bank is inviting the public to help shape its community giving by voting in the Bank’s 2027 Community Giving Initiative. For more than a decade, Monson Savings Bank has invited community members to play an active role in its charitable giving. Each year, the Bank asks the public to vote for the nonprofit
.gif)
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
.jpg)
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
.jpg)
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
.jpg)
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
.gif)
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
.png)
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
.png){kind=tracking}
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
.jpg)
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
.gif)
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
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,
