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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Holyoke receives 250K for SPARK Grant
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click photo to read the article
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Press Release
BOSTON - A cross-section of leaders convened at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston on Wednesday to celebrate the announcement of grants under the Working Cities Challenge program, a community development initiative for Massachusetts' gateway cities. Holyoke was the recipient of a $250,000, three-year award that will be used to implement SPARK, an entrepreneurship and social venture development center in downtown aimed at putting city residents at the forefront of economic growth.
"This award is more great news for the future of the City's Innovation District," Mayor Alex Morse said. "We've been working hard to position Holyoke to compete in the modern economy, which requires us to stimulate innovative projects and in businesses ventures. With the collaboration of some of Holyoke's finest organizations and community leaders, this funding will allow us to assist local residents in bringing their innovative ideas to fruition."
SPARK (short for Stimulating Potential, Accessing Resource Knowledge) will be geared towards identifying, recruiting and stimulating Holyoke residents and organizations that have a "spark" or desire to move their innovative projects or business proposals from concept to reality by emphasizing a whole-community approach to entrepreneurism, individual learning, and leadership training. The program will provide access to a broad range of community based resources from a collaborative of partners from non-profit, government, private business and higher education, collectively linked on-line and at numerous human-driven public networking sites throughout the city. The recognition makes Holyoke one of only six cities that won a total of $1.8 million to support projects that build on cross-sector collaboration and strengthen civic leadership. Last spring, 20 eligible communities applied to participate in the initiative. Applicant cities focused on employment challenges, adult education, and workforce development for youth, among others.
SPARK will be run through the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce Foundation in partnership with several key partners, including the City, Public Library, Food & Fitness Policy Council, the MGHPCC, Holyoke Community College, CareerPoint and the JUNTOS Collaborative. Monetary and in-kind matches were also provided by the Chamber Foundation, Regional Employment Board, Holyoke Library, Housing Authority and Holyoke Gas & Electric.
Kathy Anderson, President of the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce pointed out that "the Chamber has many programs and workshops to help businesses and but there are many others, including JUNTOS Collaborative, the Library, the City and others do. But there are so many more resources in Holyoke than those who attend our workshops could access if they only knew how. SPARK will tie these and other spaces from the private sector to generate more economic activity."
"This project is a perfect example of how public and private organizations can come together to empower the community to be productive and profitable with their talents" said Marcos Marrero, Director of Planning and Economic Development for the City of Holyoke. "We can't just think of innovation as pursuing the next big tech company. Many of our own people have great talents and ideas, and sometimes they just need the assistance to make them happen. This will allow the City to more aggressively unleash innovation and entrepreneurship from within." Wednesday's announcement was attended by the Governor, members of the philanthropic community, Boston Fed officials, private sector leaders, and representatives of city government, nonprofits, and businesses in many of Massachusetts' gateway cities.
Funding awards have been made possible by the Massachusetts Competitive Partnership, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, MassDevelopment, Living Cities, Bank of America, The Boston Foundation, Surdna Foundation, the Move the World Foundation, the Hyams Foundation, and Boston Private Bank and Trust. Other key partners in the endeavor include Boston Community Capital, which will serve as fiscal agent, and MassINC, which is a long-time leader on small city initiatives.
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Holyoke's Roger P. Donoghue
Honored as 2014 St. Patrick's Day Parade Grand Marshall
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Mayor Morse signs deal with Geriatric Authority of Holyoke
HOLYOKE - Mayor Alex B. Morse and Patricia Devine, Chairperson of the Board of the Geriatric Authority of Holyoke, have established a Memorandum of Agreement that will begin the process of preparing and facilitating a sale of the Authority's property located at 45 Lower Westfield Road, in Holyoke, Massachusetts. The agreement will allow the City of Holyoke to provide resources and assistance for the bidding process that may result in the sale of the Geriatric Authority, while ensuring that the Geriatric Authority of Holyoke will continue to operate during
this time.
The agreement follows weeks of conversations between Mayor Alex Morse and Chairperson Devine in an effort to establish a cohesive plan that will allow the City to provide the resources needed to begin the public bidding process for the sale of the Geriatric Authority. These resources include providing assistance and advice around any legal, financial and procurement policies necessary to effectuate a sale of the Authority's property. In addition, a committee will be established that will be responsible review and oversee the public bidding process, and will be comprised of representatives from the Mayor's Office, City Council, and other interested parties from the public and private sector. Members will be selected by the Mayor, City Council and the Board of the Geriatric Authority, and will be announced by the end of the month.
"This is a very positive step in the right direction for the future of the Geriatric Authority of Holyoke, and I would like to thank Patti Devine for her cooperation and leadership that helped make this agreement possible," Mayor Alex Morse commented. "This is a true testament to the notion that politics can and should be overlooked in order to do what is best for the City of Holyoke and all of the employees and patients at the Geriatric Authority."
"The current Board of the Geriatric Authority has worked very hard to continue the mission of the Geriatric Authority," Chairwoman Patti Devine said. "As chair, I have seen the commitment of the Board and staff, which never waivers no matter what challenges we face. Our future is brighter due to Mayor Morse and his leadership, who reached out to the Geriatric Authority to work together to endeavor that the viability of the GAH is most important in our vision for the future."
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Press Release from Mayor Morse regarding MGM Springfield
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HOLYOKE - After months of negotiations, Mayor Morse is pleased to announce that the City of Holyoke has been designated a surrounding community by MGM Springfield in their proposed plan for a casino. This designation makes Holyoke the only non-abutting community to be voluntarily named a surrounding community in MGM's amended RFA 2 application to the gaming commission. Being named a surrounding community ensures that Holyoke will have access to monies from 13 funds designed to mitigate potential issues that will affect the City. Money from these funds will address areas such as transportation, infrastructure improvements and public health.
MGM will also pay Holyoke the sum of $50,000 upfront and an additional $1,275,000 direct mitigation funds over 15 years, after its opening in Springfield. This will bring $85,000 annually into the city. The agreement includes a provision for Look Back studies which will allow MGM and Holyoke to revisit the agreement after the first and fifth year of the casino's operation, and where appropriate, negotiate further compensation.
Aside from the host community, in addition to Holyoke's surrounding community status, MGM has also entered into a written memorandum of agreement, providing hundreds of permanent job opportunities for Holyoke residents. Such efforts shall include working directly with agencies and institutions such as Career Point, Holyoke Community College and the Holyoke School Department to identify and train qualified employees and engage in community outreach regarding employment opportunities.
"Although the casino is not coming to the City of Holyoke, there is no doubt that we will be affected by one in our backyard," Mayor Morse commented. "I am pleased with the results of these negotiations, as they will benefit and protect the interests of Holyoke's residents, business owners, and the local economy. This agreement would not have been possible without the hard work of City Solicitor Heather Egan."
"Throughout all of our surrounding community discussions we have worked hard to get the best result for the region so Western Massachusetts can regain its urban core. Holyoke is a city we looked at early on as a regional partner. After several meetings with Mayor Morse and his team it became clear that the designation along with a strong and fair jobs agreement was the right course of action for MGM Springfield and for Western Massachusetts. We believe an MGM Springfield and Holyoke collaboration will benefit the entire region." Mike Mathis, Vice President, Global Gaming Development, MGM Resorts.
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Wistariahurst Museum to feature local Jazz musicians
William Parker and Daniel Carter
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HOLYOKE MEDICAL CENTER WELCOMES DR. JOHN NICASIO
Holyoke Medical Center is pleased to welcome of Dr. John Nicasio to HMC Endocrinology
located at Suite 402 on the fourth floor of the medical center
Nicasio obtained undergraduate degrees in both biochemistry and medical laboratory science, before receiving his doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. From there, he completed an internal medicine residency and endocrinology fellowship at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY. Nicasio is board certified in internal medicine and endocrinology.
All are welcome to meet Dr. Nicasio at his upcoming Dessert with the Docs program:
Diagnosed with Diabetes. Now What?
on Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at 4 p.m.
in the Holyoke Medical Center Auxiliary Conference Center.
Dr. Nicasio is fluent in English and Spanish and currently accepting new patients.
Appointments can be made by calling 534-2820.
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 Career Pathways MENTORING PROGRAM What: The Career Pathways Mentoring Program is run by the Holyoke Boys and Girls Club. This program pairs high school students from Holyoke with mentors who work in fields that match their vocational programs. Last year we matched 4 youth in the Health Services Program at Dean Tech with mentors working at Holyoke Health Center. For the upcoming year, we will find placements for youth in other vocational programs at Dean, youth at Holyoke High, and find new community partners. We will be also be focusing more on giving the men-tees actual job training, and are looking at this program as more of an 'internship' with a mentoring component. How: - For the 2013/2014 school year, the Career Pathways Mentoring Program is looking to recruit six to eight 10th, 11th, or 12th grade students from the either Holyoke High or Dean Tech.
- These students will receive an internship at a local business, agency, or organization. They will receive a weekly stipend for their time.
- Each student will get a mentor at the internship site who will be their contact person and meet with them at least once weekly.
- The program will last for the entire school year.
Who: To be eligible for this program, students must: - Be in 10th, 11th , or 12th grade
- Be recommended by designated Guidance Counselor
- Be able to get to the workplace of the mentor each week on his or her own (We do not provide transportation, but we will provide bus passes.)
Our Goals: The Career Pathways Mentoring Program will provide caring, consistent adults in the lives of students who attend Dean Technical / Holyoke High School. Professionals from various sites throughout Holyoke will help students explore future career goals and interests. They will also provide mentees with the chance to experience first-hand what work life is like, which will expand their sense of what is possible for their own futures. This program also provides local businesses and organizations the opportunity to share their skills and engage with the Holyoke community. For more information, contact Megan Grant, Program Coordinator, at the Holyoke Boys and Girls Club. (413) 534 - 7366 mgrant@hbgc.org
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Western Massachusetts Historical Events
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Life as a fireman in the 19th Century
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at Storrowtown Villiage in West Springfield Historic Deerfield to host lecture on History of Massachusetts furnituremaking
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click photo for lecture info
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West Springfield
Welcomes Annual Motorcycle Show
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Costs:
General: $15
6-12: $5
Under 6: Free
January 17-19 from 5-9pm
at the Eastern States Expo |
When: Friday January 17th and
Saturday January 18th
Where: City Stage, Springfield, MA
Cost: $20
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Calling all "Gear-Heads"
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36th annual all automotive enthusiasts'/collectors' event for the car fanatic
January 18th and 19th from 8-5
at the Eastern States Exposistion
Nationally recognized auto related swap meet features one million parts & literature - new & used - for antique cars, street rods, NASCAR, race & competition cars.
Nationally recognized as one the best by Hemming Motor News - 35 years in same location!
Admission: $10/day; 12 & under free with paid adult
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Wistariahurst Museum
February Events 2014
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January/ February Art Exhibition:Echoes of Industry
The Death and Rebirth of Holyoke's Mills Eric Broudy's photography offers a quiet memorial to a bygone industrial era, yet at the same time presents a proper introduction to its successors.Broudy also captures on video an illustration preserved and renovated for a new generation of creativity and commerce. On view through February 26.
Admission to gallery $3
Saturday, February 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Dark Dining Room House Concert Series Features Winterpills with Opener Luray Dark Dining Room brings the warmth and coziness of your living room to the stage at Wistariahurst. Performing at the opening show, Winterpills bring their melancholic male-female harmonies to the museum for a night of folk and chamber pop. Opening the show is Washington, DC-based Luray, creating banjo-inspired indie folk with warm vocals and lush instrumentation. While no dinner is served, there will be light refreshments provided by Tony Jones Catering and a cash bar.
Doors open at 7 pm for all shows.
Reservations are suggested.
Tickets $18/ Members $15.
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Holyoke Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency
Friday, February 7 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm: I Love Wine!
A Night to Benefit Wistariahurst Museum Join us for an elegant and festive evening at our most popular wine event!Guests will enjoy a sampling of various wines from different regions. Light refreshments will be served, courtesy of Log Rolling-Catering Division of The Log Cabin and Delaney House. All proceeds benefit Wistariahurst Museum.
The event is sponsored by
Liquors 44
Historic Holyoke at Wistariahurst.
Reservations necessary and tickets can be purchased online at www.wistariahurst.org or by calling the Museum at 413-322-5660. Advance tickets are $25 each/$40 couple; Tickets at the door are $30 each/$50 couple
Sunday, February 9 at 1:00 p.m.-
Victorian Valentine Workshop
Participate in a fun and creative program that will inspire the artist in everyone! Channel your inner artist and create your own beautiful, unique card for special friends, family and sweethearts. Reservations for the workshop are suggested.
$7 per person / $5 members
Monday, February 24 at 6:00 p.m. - Historical Lecture Series: Made in the Happy Valley - Life of a Mill Hand with Sara Campbell
Using genealogical records and primary resources genealogist Sara Campbell will prepare a sketch of an Irish immigrant family in Civil War-era Holyoke.
$7 general / $5 members
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At the Majestic Theater
click image for showings and info
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