GWCC Connection
In This Issue
GWCC Chamber Events
New Member Spotlight
GWCC Board Meetings/Notes
Mayor's Coffee Hour
City of Westfield Info Bites
Member Spotlight
Chamber Member Events
Chamber Member News
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JANUARY 2013 

Dear  ,

 

First, I would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year and am looking forward to another great year for the Chamber.  For those of you who were unable to attend our Annual Meeting last November, we announced our new slate of officers for 2013:

 

Chairman of the Board
Ron Bryant, President & CEO, Noble Hospital
First Vice ChairmanDan Burack, Owner, Tekoa Country Club
TreasurerWilliam Harmon, Wm B. Harmon, P.C.
SecretaryDawn Thomas, VP & CFO, Instrument Technologies, Inc.
Past ChairmanWilliam R. Parks, Exec. Dir., Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield

 

For a full listing of our current board members and to see our Chamber 2013 calendar of events visit our website at www.westfieldbiz.org.  Please mark your calendars for all of our upcoming events. Our committees are already actively working on your behalf and as always, please feel free to contact me if you would like to participate on any of these committees.

 

Also, as a reminder, please submit your company events and news to me at [email protected] so that we may publish them in the enewsletter and on the website (news only). The deadline is the third Thursday of every month. This is a great member benefit and we encourage you to participate.

 

Second, the Chamber had a busy December with our Events Committee Christmas Caroling at Westfield Care & Rehab....Wreaths Across America stopped at Stanley Park.....and our Holiday Breakfast at Tucker's Restaurant

 

 

 

Wreaths Across America


 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Holiday Breakfast

 

 

  

In January we held our first WestNet for 2013 at the

 Westwood Pub & Restaurant


 

 

Sincerely,

  

Kate Phelon

Executive Director

Join Us! Upcoming GWCC Chamber Events

February WestNet Connect

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Shaker Farms Country Club

866 Shaker Farms Road

Westfield, MA  01085

 

Come join us for an evening of casual networking and an opportunity to meet local businesses hosted by Shaker Farms Country Club. Our Sponsor is Ashston Services - Eclectechs. Tickets are $10 for members and $15 cash for non-members.  

  

March St. Patrick's Day Breakfast

Friday, March 15, 2013

7:15 am - Registration

Westfield State University - Scanlon Hall

577 Western Avenue

Westfield, MA 01085

 

You are cordially invited to attend the Chamber's festive St. Patrick Day's Breakfast.  Details to follow.  Chamber members are $25 and non-members are $30. Please contact Pam Bussell at 568-1618 or email [email protected] or more information.

 

   

See the full GWCC Calendar

NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

 (Please contact Kate Phelon at 568-1618 

to submit your free company bio)

GWCC Board Meetings and Notes

 

Events Committee

(Meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month at 8:00 am at
Air Compressor Eng.)

 

The Events Committee is actively working on the Golf Tournament in conjunction with the Golf Committee and on the July Pancake Breakfast. At this time we are accepting sponsorships for both events. Please contact Dave Felty at the email below or call the Chamber office at 568.1618 to learn about the sponsorship opportunities.

 

If you would like to be a part of this committee, please contact Dave Felty at  [email protected].

 

Membership Committee

The Membership Committee is looking for an Independent Business Developer to assist with our membership drive. If you know of a former Chamber member who may be retired and looking to supplement their income, please contact Kate Phelon, Executive Director at 568.1618. 

 

The Membership Committee meets every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 3:30 pm at Westfield Saving Bank, 141 Elm Street, Westfield. The next meeting will be Tuesday, February 12th. If you would like to be a member of this committee, please contact  [email protected].

 

Business & Community Affairs Committee

The next meeting of the Business & Community Affairs Committee is is Tuesday, February 5th at 7:30 am at Annino, Draper & Moore at 75 Broad Street. The meetings are held at 7:30 am at Annino, Draper & Moore at 75 Broad Street.  If you would like to be a member of this committee, please contact Cal Annino at [email protected].

 

Here is a list of our committees and contact names. We welcome current and new members to get involved.  Please feel free to contact the chairpersons below if you would like to participate on a committee.

 

Marketing CommitteeTina Stevens[email protected]
Nominating CommitteeWilliam Harmon[email protected]
Business & Community
Affairs Committee
Cal Annino[email protected]
Scholarship CommitteeMike Coffey[email protected]
Events CommitteeDave Felty[email protected]
Membership CommitteeKevin
O'Connor
[email protected]
 

Notes from the Mayor's January Coffee Hour

  • Mayor Knapik recognized Ron Bryant, CEO of Noble Hospital as the new Chairman of the Board of the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce.
  • Introductions were made by everyone in attendance at the request of Mayor Knapik.
  • Pioneer Valley Railroad announced they are celebrating their 30th anniversary and a brief history of the railroad was provided by Mick Rennicke, GM.
  • Carol Martin, owner of Westfield Whip Manufacturing provided a brief description of the plans for a working museum.
  • Beth Cardillo, Executive Director of Armbrook Village gave a brief description of the facility: 122 apartments and opening April 1, 2013. Facility includes independent living, assisted living and memory support units. $20 million private investment.
  • Mayor commented on how his decisions are calculated investments in our infrastructure for future growth and faith in our community.  The City of Westfield is growing around 2500 every decade.
  • The second phase of the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail should begin around April, 2013 which will bring the trail to East Silver Street.
  • Road Projects: Arch Road will go out to bid shortly for reconstruction; bottom of Clay Hill is under design; Western Avenue will go under major reconstruction; Rt. 187 will be a 3 phase process; Court Street will see new paving and curbing up to Western Avenue; No interest by MassDOT to reconfigure Turnpike Exit 3 Exchange - city will coordinate lighting to improve traffic flow; Cowles Bridge on 10/202 will be a state project slated for 2015
  • Elm Street Project: 2.8 acres; title issues on remaining buildings-working with the Block family to resolve; funds are appropriated for removal of contamination; two studies are near completion; Flahive building - relocation and acquisition of property will take place. WRA will select the developer and sell most of the land - city will keep small portion; garage will be city owned.
  • Jeff Daley will be working with Peter Miller, newly hired Community Development Director on developing market rate housing in existing structures downtown.
  • Mayor commented on the high number of women owned businesses, 12-15, over the past 36 months.
  • Westfield had back-to-back storms; if any issues with plowing call his office; 572-6201.
  • Bill Pay will go live in January; can "Report A Concern" on new city website.
  • Mayor mentioned there was a nice article in the NY Times on Columbia Manufacturing.
  • Mayor mentioned a Time Capsule was discovered during the demolition of Ashley Street School and is on display at the Westfield Athenaeum.
  • Voke Tech: Adult Education classes have started; a Lamping Ceremony will be held on January 28th at 6:00 pm; Week of February 13th is Open House - 11 disciplines will be show-cased.
  • Please contact the Mayor or Jeff Daley regarding their respective television shows which is listed below under "Westfield Info Bites"

  

 

The next Mayor's Coffee Hour is scheduled for Monday, February 4. 2013 at Miss Sweets, 4 Russell Road, Westfield, MA from 8:00 am to 9:00 am. Please contact Pam Bussell to register for this free event at 568.1618 or [email protected].

CITY OF WESTFIELD INFO BITES

City Hall
DANIEL M. KNAPIK
MAYOR
City of Westfield
City Hall
59 Court Street
Westfield MA 01085
Tel: (413) 572-6201
Fax: (413) 572-6274

 

Ribbon Cuttings

  

Around the Corner Hair Salon
Tobacco Barn
Westfield School of Music
H&R Block

 

 


GWCC MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

 

Profile and advertise

Your company here for $75.00!

 

Save the Date! Chamber Member Events

(To have your event included in the next Chamber's eNewsletter, please send it to [email protected] by the third Thursday of the month.)

   

Armbrook Village

Event:

Job Fair

Date:

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Location:

Armbrook Village, 551 North Road, Westfield, MA

Time:

9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Cost:

N/A

 

Armbrook Village, the newest senior community in the Pioneer Valley, is excited to be hosting a Job Fair on Thursday January 31, 2013. The opening of this community will bring 75 new jobs, full and part-time, to the Hampden County area.

 

According to Executive Director, Beth Cardillo, "With our Community's opening right around the corner, we are excited to host this job fair and bring so many quality career opportunities to our community." The job fair will be held at Armbrook Village, located at 551 North Road in Westfield, near the intersection of Routes 10 and 202, exit 3 off the Mass Pike. Applicants are asked to bring with them their resume and references. Interviews will be given on the spot all day, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

 

   

Amelia Park Children's Museum

Event:

Penguin Plunge

Date:

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Location:

Hampton Ponds State Park - Westfield, MA

Time:

11:00 am registration

Cost:

Free admission / Pledges accepted

 

The Amelia Park Children's Museum is once again challenging all to bath in the cool waters of Hampton Ponds State Park in Westfield. Pre-registration will be held at the Museum on Friday, January 25th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm to submit your registration and all your pledges; receive your plunger packet and avoid the lines on the day of event.

 

On-site registration will begin at 11:00 am on the date of the event with a Safety Briefing at 12:45 pm. The Plunging will begin at 1:00 pm!

 

Awards/Prizes: Penguin Excelsior - 2013 Plunger Raising the Most Money Individual Best Costume Award

 

 

Whip City Brew

Event:

Benefit for Jose Torres Memorial Fund

Date:

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Location:

Whip City Brew, 287 North Elm Street

Time:

Open

Cost:

$15.00/raffle ticket

 

The Whip City Brew is selling raffle tickets to benefit the Jose Torres Memorial Fund. Tickets are $15.00 and can be purchased at Whip City Brew up to and including on the day of the Super Bowl. The drawing will take place at half time. Free food buffet featuring an 8 foot pizza will be available. Grand Prize for the raffle is a 50" Flat Screen TV and other prizes include: Tailgate grill from Williams Distributing; Ski Passes to Blandford Ski Area and many more. For more information please contact Samantha Osowski at 564.0149.

 

 

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield

Event:

Dueling Pianos - An Evening of Music & Fun

Date:

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Location:

Tekoa Country Club, 459 Russell Road, Westfield, MA

Time:

6:00 pm to ?

Cost:

$75.00 per person (includes raffle ticket) or $25.00 Raffle Ticket Only

 

The This Dueling Pianos show is currently the #1 Dueling Pianos experience performing in America. These high-energy performers are like a live band, DJ and two comedians all in one and revolve around audience interaction! Don't miss out on the unforgettable night! Each ticket includes an entry into a drawing for a two bedroom condo on the water in Marco Island, FL. Dress is casual and cash bar will be available.

 

 

Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM)

Event:

Writing Successful Workforce Training Grant Application

Date:

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Location:

The Delaney House, 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke, MA

Time:

Continental breakfast/networking 8:00 to 8:30 a.m. Workshop - 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Cost:

AIM Member: $50 | Non-Member: $75

 

Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) and the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP) present hands-on workshops designed to familiarize employers with the General Grant program of the Workforce Training Fund. Roll up your sleeves and we'll help you develop a competitive application for grant funds.

 

These workshops cover:

  • Creating a training plan
  • Developing a competitive grant application
  • Assembling a team that will participate in the construction of the application
  • Choosing appropriate attachments and include required supplementary documents
  • Defining a key business goal
  • Crafting a training objective
  • Developing a business measure for success
  • Examples of successful ROI (return on investment) documents, how they are constructed and how to link them back to the application. You will draft an initial description of one training component of your training plan, including how it is aligned with business needs and how it demonstrates a return on investment for both you and your employees.
  • Presenting a satisfactory balance of grant funds requested and matching expenses. You will create a typical training budget with the aid of a budget template.

Who Should Attend
Individuals with responsibility for workforce training and development-owners and CEOs, Operations managers, HR managers, training directors, etc. from employers of all sizes-as well as anyone who might be involved in preparing a grant application. This program is highly recommended for individuals who are in the process of or are about to start the grant application process.

 

Register at www.aimnet.org. Please contact Erin Kennedy at [email protected] or 617.262.1180 with questions.

 

 

Springfield Armor

Event:

Harlem Globetrotters

Date:

Wednesday, February 20th and Thursday, February 21st, 2013

Location:

MassMutual Center

Time:

7:00 pm

Cost:

Savings of $8.00 per ticket

 

The The MassMutual Center has created an exclusive discount ticket offer that is available to Springfield Armor season ticket holders.

 

Simply enter the code 'GSJO' when purchasing tickets online, call Allyson Boal at 413-271-3223, or mention the code word 'GSJO' at the MassMutual Center box office to save up to $8 on your tickets to see the Globetrotters in Springfield this year.

 

 

Westfield State University

Event:

Horace Mann Award for Public Service

Date:

Thursday, February 21, 2013 (snow date, Friday, March 1st)

Location:

Scanlon Banquet Hall

Time:

5:00 pm -7:00 pm

Cost:

N/A

 

The 2013 Award Recipients: Dawn Carignan Thomas, John Davies, Lisa McMahon, and Daniel Smith.

 

The featured speaker is Ira Harkavy, Associate Vice President University of Pennsylvania. The Horace Mann Award for Public Service recognizes area residents who embody the spirit of Horace Mann (1796-1839), public servant, social reformer and founder of Westfield State University. Considered by many to be the "Father of American Education," Mann believed in the power of education to improve society and the value of community service to change lives. Please RSVP by February 18th to Joanne Bigelow at  [email protected] or 572.5580.

 

 

Armbrook Village

Event:

Pizza & Beer Block Party for Local Businesses

Date:

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Location:

Armbrook Village, 551 North Road, Westfield

Time:

5:00 to 7:00 pm

Cost:

Free

 

Armbrook Village is hosting a Pizza & Beer Block Party for Local Businesses - All Chamber Members are invited! Come tour the model apartments, meet our management team and learn about our services and amenities.

 

 

Westfield State University

Event:

Peter Serkin, Pianist

Date:

Friday, March 15, 2013

Location:

Dever Stage, Parenzo Hall

Time:

7:30 pm

Cost:

$25.00 Adults

 

Recognized as an artist of passion and integrity, American pianist Peter Serkin, is one of the most thoughtful and individualistic musicians appearing before the public today. Throughout his career he has conveyed the essence of five centuries of musical repertoire. His performances with symphony orchestras, recital appearances, chamber music collaborations and recordings are respected worldwide. "He is one of the supreme musicians of our time" (New York Magazine).

 

100% of the proceeds will benefit the following organizations: Westfield New Music Festival; Westfield Cultural Council; and Dever Stage: Keys to our Piano Campaign. For more information and to purchase tickets please go to www.deverstage.com.

 

 

American Red Cross - Greater Westfield Chapter

Event:

Twenty First Testimonial Honoring Bill Parks

Date:

Friday, April 26, 2013

Location:

Tekoa Country Club

Time:

6:00 pm to 9:30 pm

Cost:

$75.00 per person

 

American Red Cross Greater Westfield Chapter will honor Bill Parks, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield for his "Outstanding Community Spirit." Casual attire strongly encouraged. Sponsorships and Program Booklet Advertisement is available. To send advertisement or for additional program information, please contact Jocelyn Provo at (508) 595.3942 or [email protected].

 

 

Noble Hospital

Event:

Noble Hospital's 5k Run & Walk for a Noble Cause

Date:

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Location:

Stanley Park, Westfield, MA

Time:

9:00 am

Cost:

See below

 

The race begins at 9:00 a.m., with registration from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. in the Children's Pavilion at Stanley Park in Westfield, Massachusetts.

 

The 5k run is a competitive road race for all levels of runners-from the novice to the serious athlete. The 3.1-mile course is flat out and back through Stanley Park and the surrounding residential area. A non-competitive walk-great for families!-follows the same route as the road race. Individuals, teams, wheelchair racers, and school groups are all encouraged to participate. After the race, refreshments, activities, and vendor tables will be located near the finish line, and awards will be given out.

 

Early registration is encouraged. The registration fee for ages 13-59 is $30 before April 12 (Seniors 60+ are $20). The registration fee for ages 13-59 is $35 from April 13-27 (Seniors 60 + are $25). Children under the age of 12 participate free when accompanied by a paying adult. T-shirts and sizes are available to registrants on a first-come, first-served basis while inventory is available. To register online, visit http://give.noblehospital.org/5k. Registration materials and general information may also be downloaded on the Noble website at www.noblehospital.org.

 

 

Run Westfield

Event:

Flat Fast 5k

Date:

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Location:

Westfield, MA

Time:

Check website

Cost:

Refer to website

 

Run or walk - strut your stuff! Register and be part of a great event. No better place than at the annual Flat Fast 5k and Run Westfield's 5k Walk in the Whip City. Serious to novice, individual or teams, all are welcome. Come watch or sample what Westfield has to offer. $25,000 in cash prizes! Visit our website for info and registration www.runwestfield.com.

 

This year's Run Westfield's 5k Walk will benefit the Jose Torres Memorial Fund.

 

 

General Member Listings

 

Genesis Spiritual Life & Conference Center

To see a full listing of events please click the link http://www.genesiscenter.us/ 

 

 

Stanley Park

To see a full list of event please click the link http://www.stanleypark.org/content/events-calendar 

 

CHAMBER MEMBER NEWS 

 

On 12/12/12/Erika Johnson of Anytime Fitness was on a treadmill for 12 hours straight to raise money for American Red Cross Hurricane Sandy Relief.

 

 

She presented a check for $1,050.00 to Rich Rubin!

 

 

 

Brenda Lopes

Armbrook Village Announces Program Director of New Memory Support Neighborhood

 

The management team at Armbrook Village, Westfield's newest senior living community is pleased to name Brenda Lopes as Program Director of their Compass Memory Support Neighborhood™, a state-of-the-art community affiliated with the Boston University School of Medicine's Alzheimer's Disease Center. Lopes will be managing the memory care community, creating and implementing innovative programming and overseeing the caregiving staff. The Compass Memory Support Neighborhood™ is set to open along with Armbrook Village's independent and assisted living neighborhoods in early spring.

 

Developed in affiliation with the Boston University School of Medicine's Alzheimer's Disease Center, Compass Memory Support treats the symptoms of Alzheimer's by putting cutting-edge research into action through social engagement, lifelong learning, exercise, the arts, and our award-winning Brain Healthy Cooking Program.

 

The Compass approach is gaining increasing support among leading international Alzheimer's researchers who report that psychosocial interventions may be as effective in treating the symptoms of dementia as current medications, and that diet and exercise can play a major role in the prevention and management of Alzheimer's.

 

Lopes comes from previous memory support program management positions at both Benchmark Senior Living and Emeritus Senior Living communities in nearby Connecticut and brings with her more than a decade of experience working in senior care.  "We are truly pleased to have such talent to spearhead Compass's innovative program," noted Beth Cardillo, executive director of Armbrook Village. "We are very excited to bring this award-winning programming to Westfield and our surrounding communities. We believe local families have been waiting for a unique residential program like Compass that will improve the quality of life for their loved ones. We are finally here. Compass residents will be in good hands with Brenda at the helm."

 

Armbrook Village's Compass Memory Support Neighborhood is designed to treat individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (early memory loss) as well as those diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Compass Memory Support at Armbrook Village will offer:

  • 25 apartments with private and shared suites
  • Compass Memory Support programming
  • 24-hour trained personal care staff with high staff-to-resident ratios
  • Personalized Wellness Care Plan
  • Assistance with personal care, including leisurely bathing and dressing
  • Medication management
  • Family-style dining with meal choices incorporating healthy foods and delicious recipes based on our award-winning Brain Healthy Cooking Program
  • Reconnections Program, a curriculum-based adult learning program, specifically designed for
  • those with memory loss
  • The Lifetime Achievement Award program which honors the unique life story of every individual and helps to combat the stigma and isolation of Alzheimer's disease
  • On-site Wellness Programs, including exercise classes
  • Supervised outings with transportation provided
  • Caregiver support groups and regular meetings with family members

Brenda and her family currently reside in Middletown, CT. Those interested in learning more about Armbrook Village's Compass Memory Support Neighborhood, or its Independent and Assisted Living options should visit www.armbrookvillage.com or call executive director, Beth Cardillo, at 413-568-0000.

 

 

  Berkshire Bank

 

BERKSHIRE BANK TO HELP STUDENTS PAY FOR COLLEGE

$45,000 in Scholarships to be Awarded to Students Focused On Community Service

 

Berkshire Bank Foundation has launched its scholarship program for high school seniors in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut and southern Vermont. The program, which has been expanded from last year, will award $45,000 in total scholarship dollars to students who have exemplified community service through their volunteer efforts, have been successful academically and have a demonstrated financial need. Additionally, students must attend a school that is located in a community with a Berkshire Bank office or a school in a community served by a Berkshire Bank office. 

 

Berkshire Bank Foundation Executive Director Peter J. Lafayette said "At Berkshire Bank we believe that one of life's most exciting moments is going off to college and we want to do our part to make college more affordable for students in need. This year we've expanded our scholarship program and will award more money and scholarships than ever before to help local students."

 

Through the program, 30 $1,500 scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors who will be attending a two- or four-year college in the fall.  Applications will be evaluated based on demonstrated volunteerism in the community and through participation in extracurricular school activities.  In addition, applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0 and a financial need (total family income under $75,000).  Students must apply through their school by Wednesday March 27, 2013 and have the endorsement of their school guidance office. An independent panel of bank employee volunteers will review all applications and select this year's winners. 

 

Scholarships will be awarded in the regions where Berkshire Bank branches are located, with eight to be awarded in Berkshire County, MA, nine in the Pioneer Valley, MA, Greater Hartford Connecticut, and Central/Eastern, MA areas, nine in New York State, and four in southern Vermont.  Applications can be downloaded on the Bank's website at  www.berkshirebank.com/scholarships.  To be considered, all applications must be received in the Foundation's Pittsfield office by March 27th at 4:00 p.m.  Additional information may be obtained by contacting Berkshire Bank Foundation, Inc. at  [email protected].

 

 

 

 

 

TOMORROW'S WORKFORCE -- Fifth-grade students, Kathleen Moltenbrey, World Is Our Classroom, Inc., and JoAnn Roselli, Teacher from Franklin Avenue School participate in a "design challenge" during a visit to the Reed Institute at Mestek, Inc. The challenge introduces students to the engineering design process included in the state's science frameworks.

 

Sponsored by World Is Our Classroom, the day-long Westfield Manufacturing Education Initiative teams the Westfield Public Schools with Mestek's plant and personnel, and links the fifth-grade science curriculum to technology and local industry. In its seventh year at Mestek, the initiative is offered to all fifth-graders in the city and has involved more than 2,800 Westfield Public Schools students to date.

 

 

 

Dr. Steven Schonholz

 

NOBLE HOSPITAL COMPREHENSIVE BREAST PROGRAM PIONEERS BREAST CANCER RISK ASSESSMENT 

Local Physician One of the First in Nation to Use New Breast Cancer Predictive Risk Test

 

Noble Hospital's own Dr. Steven Schonholz, Director of the  Comprehensive Breast Program at Noble Hospital, is one of the first physicians in the nation to make the BREVAGen™ predictive risk test available to his patients.  Clinically validated, BREVAGen is the latest advance in assessing a woman's unique risk of developing non-familial or sporadic breast cancer.

 

"One of my interests is developing ways to improve the practice of medicine and ultimately provide personalized care for my patients," said Dr. Steven Schonholz of Noble Hospital.  "BREVAGen allows me to assess each of my patients' personal risk of developing breast cancer.  Having this knowledge provides me with the ability to discuss breast cancer risk-reduction strategies, including more frequent or varied screening and treatment options, to help women be more proactive and as in control of their risk for breast cancer as they can be."

 

BREVAGen is a clinically validated predictive risk test that more accurately identifies a woman's unique risk of developing sporadic, estrogen-positive breast cancer.  BREVAGen examines a woman's clinical risk factors, such as their lifetime exposure to estrogen, combined with scientifically validated markers to determine each patient's personalized five-year and lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.1   BREVAGen is supplied by Phenogen Sciences, a subsidiary of Genetic Technologies Limited (NASDAQ: GENE).  For more information about Noble Hospital's use of BREVAGen, contact Allison Gearing-Kalill at (413) 568-2811 x5573.

 

Noble Hospital Chosen as Pilot Site for 

Care Transitions Education Project

 

Noble Hospital, in conjunction with Noble Visiting Nurse & Hospice and Westfield Care & Rehab, has been chosen as a pilot site for the Care Transitions Education Project. Noble Hospital will be coordinating the effort of this partnership in the development of a pilot training plan and implementation of combination didactic and experiential learning opportunities for participating nurses from each facility.  Insight gathered from the implementation will be shared with the oversight group in the development of what will become a state-wide curriculum for all practicing nurses and students.

 

"This is an exciting opportunity for nurses to lead change...change that will ultimately have a positive impact on our community's health and safety," said Jessica Delano, MSN, RN-BC, Director of Education at Noble Hospital.

 

The Care Transitions Education Project goal is to prepare and empower more nurses to lead effective care transitions. The three year project (2011-2014) is designed to contribute to regional and state efforts focused on reducing avoidable hospital readmissions, improving quality patient-centered care, and reducing overall costs. The Project's central strategy is to prepare the existing and future nursing workforce by creating a standard care transitions curriculum and educating nurses together across the continuum of care.

 

 

Park Square Realty Top Producers for Fourth Quarter 2012 

Feeding Hills and Westfield

 

Barry Boccasile, Director of Growth & Development and manager of the Westfield Park Square office is pleased to announce the Park Square Westfield top producers for the same time period.  The 2012 fourth quarter standouts in Westfield are Julianne Krutka, Suzanne Bergeron and Paula Waldroup.

 

The special agents above can be reached at 789-9830 in Feeding Hills or 568-9226 in Westfield.  They can also be contacted via the Park Square web page at parksquarerealty.com.

 

Park Square Realty is a locally owned company with 48 agents and 2 locations in Feeding Hills and Westfield.

 

    

            Sue Bergeron                   Julianne Krutka                 Paula Waldroup
                      

  

Kris Gonet-Hall Joins Park Square Realty

 

Kris Gonet-Hall

 

Ted Cassell, President of Park Square Realty, is pleased to announce that Kris Gonet-Hall has joined Park Square Realty's Westfield office as a Sales Associate. Barry Boccasile, Director of Growth and Development, is excited to have Kris as part of the growing Westfield Office team.  Kris will be specializing in residential listings and sales and she can be reached at 568-9226 or 204-6099. 

 

Kris has been a consistent top producer in real estate since 2007.  Kris was recognized by her previous company as being in the top 6% in the country of all agents for three consecutive years.

Kris has thorough knowledge of the area and the ability to handle every step of the buying and selling process.  Kris is a designated New Home Specialist.   Previous experience includes having been in sales, marketing and in the hospitality industry.

 

Kris's interests include New Horizons for Children and Sunshine Kids, as well as a part owner in the Ranch Golf Club.

 

 

 

 

PeoplesBank Promotes Dina Mead to Branch Manager

 

Dina L. Mead 

 

PeoplesBank has announced the promotion of Dina L. Mead to Branch Manager of the South Hadley office. Ms. Mead had previously served as the Assistant Branch Manager.

 

A resident of Westfield, Ms. Mead has more than 20 years of financial and banking experience. She holds an Advanced Financial Services Diploma from the Center for Financial Training and is currently enrolled in the New England College of Business and Finance. Ms. Mead is a member of the South Hadley and Granby Chamber of Commerce.

 

 

Tighe & Bond Awarded GSA Schedule Contract

 

The United States General Services Administration (GSA) recently preapproved and awarded Tighe & Bond a five-year contract to provide federal clients with a range of environmental consulting and engineering support services.  Known as a GSA Schedule Contract, this certification makes it substantially easier for federal clients to procure services from Tighe & Bond since it streamlines what is often a lengthy procurement process.  GSA approval required a rigorous screening process to demonstrate that the firm provides both superior quality and competitive pricing.

 

The expansive scope of services that GSA authorized Tighe & Bond to supply includes environmental consulting services such as site assessments and investigations, environmental impact statements, endangered species studies, wetlands and watershed studies, natural resource management plans, compliance support, and pollution prevention surveys.  GSA also authorized Tighe & Bond to provide environmental training services for a range of HAZWOPER, OSHA, DOT HAZMAT and hazardous waste management topics.  Other preapproved services include a range of construction management and ancillary tasks.

 

"We look forward to the opportunity to provide federal government clients with more streamlined access to our services," comments Mary Beth Morris, the firm's vice president of marketing. "Although we provide services to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Westover Air Reserve Base, and the New Hampshire Army National Guard, this is a unique opportunity to improve our responsiveness and efficiency for these and other agencies," she adds.

  

 

"Links of Love" Campaign for Newtown, CT Kicks Off 

at the Westfield Athenaeum

 

Beginning January 2, 2013, the Westfield Athenaeum will begin a "Links of Love" campaign for the community of Newtown, CT. 

 

The simple paper chain with the names, signatures, and sentiments from the Westfield Community will be presented to the Cyrenius H. Booth Library in Newtown, CT as part of February, which the Athenaeum has designated as "Love Your Library Month."

 

Links can be created individually or as a group (classrooms, clubs, troops, parishes, ets.) and then added to the master chain at the Athenaeum.  Links can also be created at the Westfield Athenaeum at 6 Elm Street.

 

We are challenging our community to "Wrap the Library in Love" and are hoping to present a paper chain with at least 1,000 links to the Booth Library.  There is no fee.  There is no obligation.  This is simply a community event to support another community in a desperate time of mourning. Groups can be more powerful than any one individual.  Please join our efforts to send our "Links of Love" to support the community of Newtown.

 

Please contact Cher Collins at the Westfield Athenaeum at 413.562.0716 for more information.

 

The Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce eNewsletter

Promote your company for only $75.00! Each month a Chamber member has the opportunity to submit a write-up on their company and the profile will be under the "Member Spotlight" section for a fee of $75. Please submit images no wider than 440px.

 

All members are encouraged to submit their upcoming events to be published at no cost! The deadline for submission is the third Thursday, 5:00 pm of every month - no exceptions!

 

Sponsorships and/or advertising are available to you in our newsletter. Please contact the Chamber office at 568.1618 for more information.

 

The Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce serves the communities of Blandford, Chester, Granville, Huntington, Montgomery, Russell, Tolland, Southwick, and Westfield.