League of Conservation Voters Action Fund endorses Markey
BOSTON — The League of Conservation Voters Action Fund, which works to elect candidates who will fight to build a clean energy economy and strengthen democracy, has announced its endorsement of U.S. Sen. Ed Markey for reelection.
The League of Conservation Voters Action Fund, the federal political action committee (PAC) of the League of Conservation Voters, works to elect leaders who stand up for a clean environment and to defeat anti-environment candidates who oppose climate action.
“As we confront the intersecting crises of climate change, corporate greed and rising costs for families, I am honored to receive the endorsement of the tremendous LCV Action Fund,” Markey said in a statement. “The League of Conservation Voters has been my invaluable partner in building a clean energy future. Climate solutions and a Green New Deal are our path to create millions of union jobs, ensure justice for the communities who have suffered the most from our fossil fuel energy past, and lower energy bills for households in Massachusetts and across the country. I thank LCV for its partnership in this fight for the future of our climate, our economy and our democracy.”
Webinar to cover ‘Estate Planning Essentials’
HUNTINGTON — In recognition of National Estate Planning Week, the nonprofit It Takes a Village will host an educational webinar on Wednesday, Oct. 22, from noon to 12:45 p.m.
The free webinar, “Estate Planning Essentials: Protecting What Matters Most,” will cover four key documents everyone should have in place: powers of attorney, health care proxies, wills and trusts. Whether participants are just beginning to plan or reviewing existing documents, the session will provide clear, practical information to help families make informed decisions about the future.
The featured speaker, Kathryn Wakefield, brings experience in estate planning and business succession. She has practiced law with private firms and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and holds degrees from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Western New England University School of Law. In addition to her professional expertise, Wakefield is a community volunteer, serving on the Advisory Council for It Takes a Village, the Professional Services Committee for the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, and with the Hampden County Probate Court and youth sports groups.
“It Takes a Village is committed to helping families strengthen their futures,” Executive Director Lisa Goding said in a statement. “This workshop is a valuable opportunity for individuals of all ages to learn how to protect what matters most.”
Webinar registration is required. For more information or to register, visit hilltownvillage.org/events.
Fund for hospital facilities improvements created
NORTHAMPTON — Cooley Dickinson Hospital has announced the establishment of The Paul and Susan Mannheim Endowment for Facilities Improvement with a gift of $560,000 from Susan Mannheim and her late husband, Paul.
Paul’s involvement with Cooley Dickinson Hospital began in 1988 as a member of the Golf FORE Health Committee, and he eventually became a volunteer and trustee. He was honored in 1999 with the William E. Dwyer Distinguished Service Award. Over nearly four decades, Sue and Paul supported many capital projects at the hospital, both individually and through their business, including what is now the main entrance, the Imaging and Childbirth Center, as well as the North Building and the Kittredge Surgery Center.
“Oftentimes members of our community, like Paul and Sue, reach out because they want to make a gift, but they are not sure what the possibilities are,” Chief Development Officer Diane Dukette said in a statement. “There are creative ways to structure gifts at a modest present cost that can have a significant future impact, such as this wonderful gift.”
The Paul and Susan Mannheim Endowment for Facilities Improvement will support capital projects, helping to ensure access to state-of-the-art facilities.
“Paul and I never imagined this would turn into such a significant gift,” Sue shared. “It started small, and with time and planning, it grew. That’s something anyone can do.”
Oct. 22: Confirmation hearing set for Benjamin P. Mann
AMHERST — Gov. Maura Healey has nominated Benjamin P. Mann, an assistant clerk magistrate at the Springfield Juvenile Court and a former assistant district attorney for the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, to serve as associate justice of the Juvenile Court. A Governor’s Council confirmation hearing will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at the Old Chapel at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Doors open at noon and the hearing starts at 1 p.m. The chapel is located at 144 Hicks Way.
Tara Jacobs, representing District 8 on the Governor’s Council, a district that encompasses 102 cities and towns across western and central Massachusetts, will chair the hearing for Mann. Hearings before the Governor’s Council are an opportunity to hear testimony from witnesses and a personal statement from the nominee as to why they believe they would serve the judiciary of Massachusetts well from the bench.