Holyoke Chamber

 

The Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce is sending weekly event updates to our friends and members. These updates will include Chamber, civic, and organizational news, events and entertainment.

 

Our goal is to keep our Chamber and Community members informed and engaged in local events. We invite you to discover the creative pulse that makes Holyoke such a great place to live and to visit.  We will also, on occasion, include information on regional events that might be of interest to our Chamber and Communtity members.

 

If you would like to include a company or civic event please do so by submitting it on the Chamber's website at holyokechamber.com and clicking on "Submit a Community Event".

 

  

 

 
 
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Congratulations to Elected Officials

 

Please accept our sincerest congratulations on your success in the recent election.    We appreciate your hard work and commitment to serving the City of Holyoke and 2nd Hampden Hampshire District.

   

City Clerk

 Brenna Murphy McGee

 

*City Treasurer

Jon D. Lumbra

 

City Council at Large

 Kevin Jourdain

 Peter Tallman

 Joseph McGiverin

 Rebecca Lisi

 James Leahy

 Daniel Bresnahan

Jennifer Chateauneuf

 Howard Greany, Jr.

  

City Council, Ward 1

 Gladys Lebron-Martinez

*City Council, Ward 2

Anthony Soto

*City Council, Ward 3

David Bartley

City Council, Ward 4

 Jossie Valentin

City Council, Ward 5

 Linda Vacon

 *City Council, Ward 6
 
Todd A. McGee

City Council, Ward 7

 Gordon Alexander

 

 

*School Committee at Large

Devin M. Sheehan

*School Committee, Ward 1

Mildred I. Lefebvre

*School Committee, Ward 2 

R. Tensley Williams

School Committee, Ward 3

 Dennis Birks

School Committee, Ward 4

Cesar Lopez

School Committee, Ward 5

  John Brunelle

School Committee, Ward 6

William Collamore

School Committee, Ward 7

 Erin Brunelle

 

 

Non-Binding Question 1: Should the City of Holyoke have a resort-style casino?

> No 5,645  (61%)

Yes 3,536  (39%)

 

Non-Binding Question 2: Should the City of Holyoke have a needle exchange program?

> No 4,623  (51%)

Yes 4,433  (49%)

 

State Senate - 2nd Hampden Hampshire District

Don Humanson

 

 

* - uncontested

 

 

Member Spotlight 

 

 

 

 

 

The Cottage is a gift, home decor and jewelry shop. But not just any gift shop. The owners, Wendy Werbiskis, Estelle Czarnecki and Kathy Manijak strive to bring you a unique variety of items and lines at affordable prices.  The Cottage carries a wonderful selection of Jewelry, Handbags, Inspirational, Bereavement, Baby, Wedding, Irish, Home Decor plus a whole lot more.

If you're from Holyoke, past or present, the "Holyoke section" is a must see! If you want to see what the Cottage carries, check out their website at http://www.thecottagegifts.com, stop in for some hometown customer service, or visit them on their Facebook page for real time updates and ongoing events at the shop.

 

Store Hours

Mon., Tues., Weds., Fri: 10:00AM-5:30PM
Thursday: 10:00AM-7:00PM
Saturday: 10:00AM-4:00PM
Sunday: 12:00PM-4:00PM

 

Location

1615 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040

(413) 533-4432

 


HOLYOKE NEWS

TRANSFER STATION OFFICIAL OPENING City Hall Moon

 

Mayor Alex B. Morse joined Scott Lemay, President of UWM Holdings, Ward 2 Councilor Anthony Soto, and other city officials on Wednesday, October 30 at 10:30AM for the official opening of the new transfer station, located at 686 Main Street in Holyoke.

 

The transfer station, owned by UWM Holdings, is permitted by the Board of Health and Mass DEP to handle up to 750 tons per day of municipal solid waste and construction debris. The 22,550 square foot building is designed to receive waste and load it into trucks or train cars for shipping to waste disposal facilities out of the area. Truck traffic to and from the facility will use Main Street and nearby I-391. UWM Holdings paid to upgrade the traffic signals on Main Street and I-391 to improve traffic flow through the neighborhood. The project employs state-of-the-art dust and odor control technologies to minimize impacts to the surrounding area.

 

The City has entered into a three year contract, with two optional one year extensions, to deliver it solid waste to the facility. The City will save $20,000 in disposal costs the first year of the contract as well as cost savings in fuel and labor not having to haul its waste out of the city. The city will also receive revenue from a host community fee for all waste delivered to the facility from non-municipal sources. Over time the transfer station will become an asset for the city. As local landfills close over the next few years, the transfer station will provide access to competitive disposal markets outside the Western Mass Area. Utilizing the transfer facility to reach markets outside the area will help keep disposal costs down saving money for all users.

 

"I am excited to have a new business that provides jobs, revenue, and infrastructure for our community," said Scott Lemay, President of UWM Holdings. "Department of Public Works trucks now travel shorter distances which makes our City pickup more efficient while reducing traffic, emissions, greenhouse gas effects and pollution in general. Growing Holyoke's revenue, infrastructure and creating jobs is critical to Holyoke's future and we are happy to partner with the community and assist in accomplishing our goals."

   

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City of Holyoke, MA $11,295,000 Bonds Net 3.46%; $2,579,649 Bond Anticipation Notes Net 0.39%; $1,058,000 Grant Anticipation Notes Net 0.68%

 

Jon Lumbra, City Treasurer, received competitive bids from bond and note underwriters on Wednesday, November 6, 2013 for an $11,295,000 20-year bond issue, $2,579,649 BAN issue and $1,058,000 GAN issue. UBS Financial Services, Inc. was the winning bidder on the Bonds with an average interest rate of 3.46% while Jefferies & Co. was the winning bidder on the BANs with an average interest rate of 0.39% and Eastern Bank was the winning bidder on the GANs with an average interest rate of 0.68%. The City received a total of 5 bids on the Bonds, 4 bids on the BANs and 5 bids on the GANs. Bond proceeds will be used to finance sewer, senior center construction and parking garage purposes, while the BAN proceeds are for Dean Technical High School Science Labs and the Holyoke Public Library. The GAN proceeds are in anticipation of federal grants for the Wistariahurst Museum and 2011 storm clean up.

 

Prior to the sale Moody's Investors Service, a municipal credit rating agency, affirmed its 'A1' underlying rating on the City's long-term debt and assigned a 'Aa2' rating for this issue, which is enhanced by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' State Aid Intercept Qualified Bond Program. The agency also assigned a 'MIG-1' rating on the Notes. The agency cited the City's sufficient reserve levels and manageable debt burden as positive credit factors.

 

The bids for the Bonds and the Notes were accepted at the offices of the City's Financial Advisor, First Southwest Company, at 54 Canal Street in Boston, Massachusetts.

 

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Holyoke's Christmas Tree Selection

 

Holyoke Mayor Alex B. Morse invites anyone in the local area who wishes to donate a tree for possible selection as this year's City Christmas tree to contact the Mayor's Office at (413)322-5510.

 

Trees must be located within the local area and must be away from electrical lines.

 

The deadline for tree submissions is Friday, November 15, 2013 at 4:00 p.m. Selection of the tree will be made on Wednesday, November 19, 2013.

 

CHAMBER MEMBER NEWS

 

ALUMNI INVITED TO CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY GALA

 

Holyoke Catholic High School alumni are invited to attend the Spirit of the Season Holyoke Catholic High School 50th Anniversary Gala on Nov. 30 from - 11 p.m. at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield. On this very special evening, join us as we dine, dance and celebrate the history of this extraordinary school and honor exemplary individuals who have dedicated themselves to fostering the well-being and success of Holyoke Catholic High School. Tickets are $60 each and valet parking is available. Dress is cocktail attire. To purchase tickets, please call (413) 331-2480 and ask to speak with Barbara Moran or Taylor Johnson or email [email protected] or [email protected].

 

 

 

 

   
  
  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  
In This Issue

Reader Raves

Thank you from the Chamber

Business Section  

 

 It's that time of year.  Once again, the Republican/El Pueblo News is offering the opportunity to voice our opinions for the "Best" of almost everything in the Greater Springfield Area. 

 

This gives us an opportunity to thank you again for voting the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce the "Best Chamber of Commerce" for 2013. 

 

We have been working even harder now to live up to your expectations and we don't plan on disappointing you . . .  ever. 

 

The image above provides a link to the Business voting section.

 

Please support your fellow Chamber members and local businesses by thinking of them as you  cast your vote for your favorites . . .  and don't forget to vote for your favorite Chamber of Commerce! 

Have you Moved or Updated your information?

Please tell us.

 

 

 We are updating our Business Resource Guide for 2014.

Please contact our office at 413-534-3376

if you have moved or changed any of your business information:

telephone/fax number

 email address

contact information

(new director, president, etc.)

so that we may publish your updated listing.

Support the

Holyoke Winter Carnival 

 

The Holyoke Winter Carnival will be selling Atkins Farms  famous delicious pies for Thanksgiving. This will help raise money for artists, musicians, and special events associated with the Winter Carnival. 

Click in Image for more information.

Craft Fair

 

craft fair A  

Sunday, November. 10

 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish

435 Maple St., Holyoke

food and raffles

"Cultural Meat Pie Contest" at 10 a.m.

For information call (413) 536-6557.

 

Saturday, November 9

   St. Theresa's Church,

9. E. Parkview Dr., South Hadley

Sat., Nov. 9 from 9 a.m.-3

p.m. Over 50 crafters. Lunch available, quilt raffle, sweet

booth. 

Applications for 2014 Colleen Now Available
  
photo by Conor Brennan (Republican file photo)

 

Applications for the 2014 Colleen Pageant are now available on the St Patrick's Committee's website at www.holyokestpatricksparade.com. Eligible applicants must claim Irish heritage; be between 17 and 22 years old; be residents of Holyoke or South Hadley; never been married or have had a child. The application deadline is Dec. 27.   Click on image for full story.

Saturday Nigh Jazz

 

 Wistariahurst

 

 

SATURDAY NIGHT JAZZ

Final Concert with Ed Byrne &

 Eastern Standard Time

 

On Saturday, November 23 at 7:30pm, Ed Byrne & Eastern Standard Time will be the final featured act in a four-part Saturday Night Jazz series at Wistariahurst Museum.

You won't want to miss this amazing performance as this is 21st century jazz! Ed Byrne has worked with many of the world's finest musicians, such as Chet Baker, Herbie Hancock, Charles Mingus and Buddy Rich, to mention just a few. Byrne is a world-class jazz trombonist and composer and will be accompanied by Johnny Johansson, Mike Caruk, and Holyoke native and co-owner of the independent recording label Simmer Music, Mark Dunlap. Tickets $12 general / $8 members and can be purchased online at www.wistariahurst.org or by calling 413-322-5660. Doors open at 7:00pm.

.
  

Holyoke Medical Center

November is Diabetes Month

Holyoke Medical Center

Diabetics and their families are invited to attend this program on diabetes self management. The program offers a team approach to helping participants make better judgments about their care and to promote independence. Sessions will focus on what diabetes is, medication, diet, and the role exercise plays. This program is held five times a year, the first Thursday of the month during January, March, May, September and November.

November 7, 2013
 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
 Fran Como Conference Room

To Register please call (413) 534-2789 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

 

 ******************

 

November 13, 2013
 6:00  p.m.
 Holyoke Medical Center

 Auxiliary Conference Center

Nearly 2 million adults are diagnosed with diabetes each year. Many adults with type 2 diabetes struggle to lose weight and lower their blood sugars. Following a balanced diet may help people with diabetes have more stable blood sugar, lower cholesterol and triglycerides and lower their risk of heart disease and other health problems. Join Dr. Dickey as he discusses what type 2 diabetes is, what preventable measures can be taken to help avoid it, and what can be done to help reverse type 2 diabetes.

 Presented by Dr. Jefferson Dickey
 
To Register please call (413) 534-2789 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

 

 

 

 

Holyoke Merry Go Round

Events 

Please mark your calendars for Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013 as the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round and the Children's Museum at Holyoke proudly present the 17th annual "First Night Jr."  This fun filled event will be 10-4 pm and includes 6 hours of non stop fun and activities as only Holyoke's Heritage State Park can do!  This family friendly event includes admission to the Children's Museum and Volley Ball Hall of Fame, unlimited rides on the Merry-Go-Round, magic shows, balloon sculptures, musical performers, and so much more!  Tickets go on sale, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013 and are $6.00 in advance. Tickets can be purchased at the Merry-Go-Round or Children's Museum during business hours. For more information, please call the Merry-Go-Round (413) 538-9838 or the Children's Museum (413) 536-7048.

 

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Warming Tree

 

Once again the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round will began collecting donations of new winter hats, mittens and gloves for our "Warming Tree".  Last year, thanks to so many generous donors, we were able to donate over 200 sets of hats and mittens to a local charity and they were handed out to local residents who needed a little help. For every hat and/mitten or gloves you donate this holiday season, you will receive a ticket for a free ride on the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round.  All donations can be dropped off during regular business hours of Saturdays and Sundays, 12-4.  We will be open Monday, November 11, 2013 from 11-4 for Veteran's Day.  For more information, please call (413) 538-9838 or visit our web site www.holyokemerrygoround.org.

 

 

HCC NIGHT OF JAZZ

at the

Clarion Hotel

  
HCC NIGHT OF JAZZ
  
Students, alumni and faculty from the Music program at Holyoke Community College Will present an evening of jazz, Thurs., Nov. 7, 7 p.m., at The Loft at the Clarion Hotel, 1 Atwood Dr., Northampton. Performances featuring a wide range of jazz styles, from swing and Latin to beebop and blues. Admission is free; however, there is a $10 minimum purchase charge  per person starting one hour before showtime. For more information, please contact Ellen Cogen at [email protected].

 

  

Delaney House

 

"Perfect Pairing" is the theme of a wine dinner being held at the Delaney House in Holyoke on Nov. 8.

Priced at $35 (not including tax or tip), the evening will feature a four-course menu designed to harmonize with a selection of four different wines.

The evening starts at 6 p.m.; dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. Contact the Delaney House at (413) 532-1800 for information and reservations.

 

  

PIONEER VALLEY USO

BREAKFAST

The Pioneer Valley USO will hold its third annual Armed Forces Appreciation Breakfast at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke, on Nov. 11.

Breakfast will be served from 8 to 11 a.m. Keynote speaker will be Col. Steven Vaultrain, commander of the 439th Airlift Wing at Westover Air Reserve Base.

Tickets and table reservations should be made by calling Allan Tracy, executive director of the USO at (413) 557-3290 or (413) 313-5695.

 

Other Events

Saturday and Sunday

November 1 and 2

FIBER FEST

Eastern States Exposition and the New England Sheep and Wool Growers Association will co-produce the fourth annual Fiber Festival of New England in the Mallary Complex.

Show hours are Saturday, 9am to 5pm

and Sunday, 9am to 3pm.

 

Thursday, November 7

EQUINE AFFAIRE - Eastern States Exposition

Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
Eastern States Exposition grounds, West Springfield
Adult single day, $15; ages 7-10, $8;

ages 6 and under, free.

Adult four-day ticket, $50
For more info: Call (740) 845-0085 or online at www.equineaffaire.com

 

November 09, 2013

8:00 PM

Reinventing Radio: An Evening with Ira Glass of

This American Life

Calvin Theater
 Price: $55.00, $45.00, $35.00

iheg.com

The creator of the public radio show This American Life, Ira Glass talks about his program and how it's put together: what makes a compelling story, where they find the amazing stories for their show, how he and his staff are trying to push broadcast journalism to do things it doesn't usually do. As part of this, Glass mixes stories from the show, live onstage, combining his narration with pre-taped quotes and music, recreating the sound of the show as the audience watches. And he plays funny, memorable moments from the show, and talks about what was behind their creation.

 

Sunday, November 10

Book Signing - Eric Earle Museum

1:00 p.m.

Author and illustrator Chris Van Allsburg, whose popular 1985 children's book, "The Polar Express," was turned into a 2004 movie of the same name starring Tom Hanks, will do a public presentation and book signing on Nov. 10 at 1 p.m. at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst.

 

Saturday, November 12

SKI & SNOWBOARD SALE. South Hadley Lions

Club will have a Ski & Snowboard Sale, from entry

level to expert new and used equipment, Sat., Nov. 2

at South Hadley High School from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. No

equipment will be accepted to sell.

 

"Something Worth Fighting For" is the theme of an upcoming pugilistic extravaganza at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meetinghouse in Holyoke.
 

Friday, November 22

SOMETHTHING WORTH FIGHTING FOR

Log Cabin
 Hosted by the Massachusetts State Police boxing team, honors Springfield Police Department Officer Kevin E. Ambrose, who was killed in the line of duty

on June 4, 2012. 
A steak dinner with cash bar will start off the evening at 5 p.m.; the fight card begins at 7:30 p.m. Proceeds from "Something Worth Fighting For," which also includes a raffle and a live auction, benefit the Kevin Ambrose Memorial Fund.

All seats, which are $50, are by reservation only and can be booked on line at logcabin-delaney.com or by calling (413) 535-5077.

 

Holyoke Chamber | 413-534-3376 | [email protected] 
http://www.holyokechamber.com/
177 High Street
Holyoke, MA 01040
Join Our Mailing List
 
Thank a Veteran!
 
Monday, November 11
A Veterans Social with coffee and pastry will be held at the War Memorial Foyer
 from 9-10 am. followed by a ceremony in the auditorium.
 
The War Memorial is located at 310 Appleton St.
 


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