UMassFive welcomes new associate director
HADLEY — UMassFive College Federal Credit Union welcomes Timothy (Tim) Webster to its board of directors as an associate director. Webster brings extensive experience in law, governance, higher education and international affairs, along with a longstanding commitment to service and community engagement.
Webster is a professor of law at Western New England University, where he teaches property law, international human rights law and comparative law. He has also held faculty appointments at Case Western Reserve University and Yale Law School, as well as universities in France, China and Taiwan.
Prior to his academic career, Webster practiced law in the New York and Tokyo offices of Morrison Foerster LLP and served as a law clerk for the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in organizations that promote legal scholarship, professional collaboration and community service.
Greenfield Savings Bank to offer Kids’ Day
GREENFIELD — Children can have fun with their families and get introduced to the concept of saving money at Kids’ Day at GSB to be offered by Greenfield Savings Bank at its Northampton branch on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
The event will feature face painting, crafts and complimentary coffee and donuts for families. Children can also open an Everyday Savings Account with a minimum $10 deposit and receive a matching deposit from the bank of up to $50.
Greenfield Savings Bank President and CEO Peter Albero said the program is designed to help children develop good saving habits while having fun. The Northampton branch is located at 325 King St. A. For more information, visit greenfieldsavings.com/community-events/kids-day-at-gsb.
Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin attorneys recognized in 2026 Massachusetts Super Lawyers rankings
SPRINGFIELD — Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin P.C. announced that six attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2026 Massachusetts Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists, including three attorneys recognized for reaching a 20-year Super Lawyers milestone. To be eligible for the Rising Stars list, a candidate must be age 40 or younger, or in practice for 10 years or less. Only 2.5 percent of Massachusetts lawyers are selected each year.
The recognized 2026 Massachusetts Super Lawyers are Michele Feinstein, Carol Cioe Klyman, Andrea M. O’Connor and Steven Weiss. The recognized 2026 Massachusetts Rising Stars are Stephen Sobey and Karolina Weagle.
Super Lawyers is a rating service of lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement through peer nominations, independent research and evaluations.
Canopy Management Group leader earns top association management credential
SPRINGFIELD — Canopy Management Group announced that Director of Operations Irene Costello has earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential, the highest professional designation in association management awarded by the American Society of Association Executives. Costello, who has been with the Springfield-based company for more than seven years, oversees the firm’s Association Management Company Accreditation Program and has helped lead its operational growth, rebranding and headquarters relocation. The CAE credential, awarded by the American Society of Association Executives, recognizes expertise in governance, strategy, finance, operations and other areas of association management.
“Organizations like ours don’t grow because they add clients. They grow because they build leaders, systems, and a culture that can support what’s next. Irene has been instrumental in building all three,” said Emily Leonczyk, president and CEO of Canopy Management Group. “She has an innate ability to see the bigger picture while creating the structure that helps us get there. She asks thoughtful questions, challenges us to think differently, and never loses sight of the people behind the work. She’s bold, creative, and brings an energy that makes people want to solve hard problems together.”
Greenfield Savings Bank extends down payment assistant program through Sept. 30
GREENFIELD — Greenfield Savings Bank has extended its new Down Payment Assistance Program, launched for the first time in July, through Sept. 30 to help make homeownership more accessible in western Massachusetts.
The initiative makes up to $25,000 available to eligible borrowers for a down payment on a home and provides an interest rate reduction with automatic payment from a Greenfield Savings Bank checking account and a $750 closing cost credit. There is no application fee, and there are no points. The offer applies to eligible Greenfield Savings Bank residential mortgage products, excluding MassHousing loans.
Cassandra Morrey, senior vice president of residential lending at the bank, said the Down Payment Assistance program is designed to help borrowers with affordability and upfront costs and is particularly helpful to first-time home buyers.
“For many buyers, the upfront costs of purchasing a home can be the biggest barrier,” she said. “This program is designed to help qualified borrowers bridge that gap toward home ownership.”
Applications must be submitted by Sept. 30. For additional terms, conditions and eligibility requirements, visit greenfieldsavings.com.
Kuhn Riddle’s Barry earns certification
AMHERST — Kuhn Riddle Architects & Designers announces that Thom Barry received his Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official certification in June.
The MCPPO program is administered by the Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General. It equips professionals with the specialized knowledge required to ensure fairness, accountability and legal compliance in public contracting. With this certification, Barry expands his capability to manage high-stakes public, educational and municipal design projects from inception to completion.
Barry’s journey as an architect uniquely bridges the gap between raw craftsmanship and advanced public sector navigation. His deep construction background combined with this new expertise makes him an invaluable asset to our municipal and education clients.
Beacon Bank invests more than $600K in local nonprofits
SPRINGFIELD — Beacon Bank and the bank’s foundation invested more than $600,000 in its communities through charitable giving to more than 180 nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Vermont from April to June.
“Our commitment is to support the organizations making a difference where we live and work,” said Jim Hickson, president of the bank’s Springfield and Hartford region. “Local nonprofits play an essential role in strengthening communities, and we are honored to help advance their work through these investments.”
In all, 12 of Beacon Bank’s 145 branches are in the Valley. They are in Springfield, Westfield, West Springfield, Longmeadow, East Longmeadow, Ludlow, South Hadley, Southwick and Agawam.
For more information, visit beaconbank.com/about-us/community/community-support/foundation.