TURNERS FALLS — These Franklin County superheroes aren’t equipped with capes or suits of armor. Instead, they carry love of community and a dedication to helping others.
The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, United Way of the Franklin & Hampshire Region and CBIZ held the second annual “Super Chamber Breakfast” on Friday morning at Franklin County Technical School. Continuing the success of last year’s breakfast, six more unsung heroes were named and celebrated by those in attendance.
“These individuals are our neighbors. They are nonprofit leaders. They are our business owners. They are volunteers, whose quiet contributions make Franklin County the most special place to live and make us stronger every single day,” Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jessye Deane said before the awards were given out.
Deane said the honorees are not told ahead of time that they are being recognized, leaving people guessing as to whose story of community service and impact is being shared, until a name is dropped.
“Each of today’s superheroes remind us that you don’t need a cape to be your hero. You just need consistency, kindness and a commitment to lifting each other up. But the cape doesn’t hurt.”
Jessye Deane, executive director of the franklin county chamber of commerce
The first honoree was described by 2023 Citizen of the Year Ben Clark as improving her community through her “committed service” and “visionary spark.” When Clark announced the name Sandy Thomas, gasps and a round of applause filled the room while Clark went on to share her many contributions to Greenfield, including her work in founding Bee Fest.
“There’s a saying, ‘Bloom where you are planted,'” Clark said, “and how lucky we are that Sandy planted here.”
Shelby Snow Hasanbasic, manager of the Northfield Golf Club, then recognized Stacy Bond, director of the Northfield Recreation Commission. She recounted the work Bond has done to revitalize recreation opportunities in Northfield since the pandemic, lead the Northfield 350th Anniversary Committee and share opportunities on her social media to bolster community engagement.
“Stacy’s superpower is her ability to engage and connect. She’s the kind of person who checks in and shows up,” Snow Hasanbasic said.
Before Franklin Tech Adult Education Coordinator Justin Lawrence was recognized by colleague Elizabeth Bouchard for bolstering adult educational opportunities that are changing lives, Deane said this unsung hero might be the most surprised to be recognized — a feeling turned fact as Lawrence looked stunned when Bouchard said his name and began to share how he is changing students’ lives.
“We talk a lot about the rich history of Franklin County and the incredible natural beauty. But it’s events like this that remind us that it’s really the people that make it such a special place,” state Rep. Aaron Saunders, D-Belchertown, said of the unsung heroes. He and state Rep. Natalie Blais, D-Deerfield, provided each honoree with a state citation.
Although the many accolades of these unsung heroes were celebrated, and each hero had a bright green cape bestowed to them amid a standing ovation, Thomas said she doesn’t do what she does alone, and she believes it is important to find what you can do to help.
“You don’t just do it for the acknowledgement,” she said. “You just do it.”
Other honorees included:
- Director of Child Care at the Franklin County’s YMCA Kara Younger, who was nominated by Jodi Falk of Rachel’s Table and her colleague Sara Hannon in recognition of her support of children and families;
- And Shelburne Falls Bridge of Flowers Gardener and Assistant Gardener Carol DeLorenzo and Elliston Bingham, respectively, who were commended for their daily work in maintaining the bridge, as well as their personal and combined dedication to the landmark and the community.