Comerford receives two awards
BOSTON — State Sen. Jo Comerford, D-Northampton, received the Thomas Menino Award for Public Service from the statewide Disability Policy Consortium in October, as well as the inaugural Policy Trailblazer Champion Award in early November.
Comerford was recognized with the Thomas Menino Award for her leadership in passing legislation to overhaul the state’s MassHealth Estate Recovery Program.
In her acceptance speech, Comerford praised her partnership with the Disability Policy Consortium and characterized the urgency of reforming the state’s MassHealth Estate Recovery program.
“DPC is a watchdog when government fails, and a steadfast partner when it’s willing to do better,” Comerford said. “When we set out together to scale back Massachusetts’ MassHealth Estate Recovery Program, the goal was simple: to bring fairness, compassion and humanity back into a policy that for too long caused unnecessary pain for people living with disabilities, for the elderly, for people who are low income. The reforms we passed reduce the scope of estate recovery to just what’s federally required. They create transparency, clearer exemptions and, most importantly, real protections for individuals and families who are low-income and who already bear more than their share of hardship.”
Since 1996, the Disability Policy Consortium, a leading disability rights organization, has worked to ensure that people with disabilities have a seat at the table when laws are written and public policy changes are considered.
Awarded annually, the Thomas Menino Public Service award is named for former mayor of Boston and honors public officials who have been champions of disability rights.
Then, on Nov. 3, Comerford received the inaugural Policy Trailblazer Champion Award, along with Rep. Brandy Fluker-Reid, D-Boston, from the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and the Massachusetts Caregiver Coalition.
Awarded for the first time, the Policy Trailblazer Champion Award recognizes policymakers who demonstrate exceptional leadership and dedication to advancing caregiver support across the state. Comerford was honored for her leadership on family caregiver legislation.
“I am so grateful to be in partnership with you in looking for the kind of policy solutions and budget priorities that are equal to the necessity and the value of family caregivers,” Comerford said in her acceptance speech.
The Massachusetts Caregiver Coalition focuses on elevating the needs of family caregivers, ensuring that every employer in Massachusetts has a role to play in recognizing, honoring and empowering the caregivers in their workforce.
Community Foundation awards $155K in grants
SPRINGFIELD — The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts has awarded $155,000 in grants dedicated to addressing inequities in Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden Counties. Funded by its Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund (RESJ), these grants will be awarded to seven community-based organizations that are leading, organizing, educating, advocating and building transformative models for change.
The grant recipients are Our Fire Collective, the International Language Institute, the Boys & Girls Club Family Center, the Pioneer Valley Workers Center, Neighbor to Neighbor, Pa’lante Transformative Justice and Springfield No One Leaves.
“The Community Foundation has an important role to play,” Megan Burke, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, said in a statement. “A role in bringing people together and supporting ideas that strengthen communities. This investment affirms our trust in community leaders and our belief that lasting progress comes when we support all residents of the valley to be a voice for change.”
To learn more about the Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund, visit communityfoundation.org/RESJ.
Applications for Henry David Thoreau Scholarships due Feb. 1
Students have until Feb. 1, 2026, to apply for Henry David Thoreau Scholarships to support their studies of environmentally related fields.
Each year, the Henry David Thoreau Foundation awards four-year collegiate scholarships to eight to 10 students who are graduating from public or private high schools in Massachusetts and who demonstrate the potential for environmental leadership. Scholarship recipients can enroll in any college and university in the world while they major or minor in an environmentally related field.
Henry David Thoreau Scholars have studied a wide variety of environmentally related areas, including biology, epidemiology, oceanography, international affairs and environmental law, and upon completing their undergraduate degrees, they became members of the Henry David Thoreau Society. The Henry David Thoreau Foundation further assists its scholarship winners by identifying environmentally related internships, offering internship stipends and providing networking opportunities.
To learn more about the Henry David Thoreau Foundation and the scholarships, visit thoreauscholar.org.
Attorney general endorses Markey for reelection
BOSTON — Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell has endorsed U.S. Sen. Ed Markey for reelection, citing his leadership on climate action, reproductive rights and economic justice.
“Ed has never stopped fighting for Massachusetts — for our families, our communities and our future,” Campbell said in a statement. “Whether it’s protecting reproductive freedom, standing up for working people or leading the charge on climate action, Ed has always been ahead of the curve and on the side of what’s right. At a time when so much is on the line — our democracy, our planet, our rights — we need leaders with the courage and the vision to keep moving us forward. That’s Ed Markey.”
Markey welcomed the endorsement, saying, “Attorney General Andrea Campbell is a trailblazer and a champion for justice. She’s leading the fight to protect consumers, defend reproductive freedom and ensure every community has a voice in our democracy. I’m deeply honored to have her support as we continue the work of building a more just, equitable and sustainable Massachusetts.”
Cooley Dickinson Hospital launching valet parking service
NORTHAMPTON — Beginning Monday, Dec. 1, Cooley Dickinson Hospital will offer complimentary valet parking services for patients and visitors.
The valet team will be stationed at the hospital’s Main and North entrances Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the exception of Mass General Brigham-observed holidays, to assist patients and visitors, particularly those with medical conditions or mobility challenges that make walking any distance a challenge.
“Hospital valet services provide meaningful benefits by making arrivals easier and safer for everyone,” Catherine Reed, executive director of operations, said in a statement. “This service helps reduce stress, especially for patients with limited mobility, and improves traffic flow across the campus.”
Reed noted that the addition of valet parking also contributes to more efficient use of existing parking spaces.