Freedom Credit Union collecting donations for Rays of Hope
SPRINGFIELD — Through Oct. 31, Freedom Credit Union is accepting cash donations at all its branches to benefit Rays of Hope Walk & Run Toward the Cure of Breast Cancer, a Baystate Health Foundation charity that provides support to breast cancer patients, survivors and their families throughout western Massachusetts.
“For more than 30 years, Rays of Hope has been a lifeline for people in our community impacted by breast cancer,” Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch said in a statement. “We are deeply committed to helping our neighbors and we are proud to once again support an organization that makes such a meaningful difference close to home.”
Since its inception in 1994, Rays of Hope has raised more than $17.2 million. Funds support research at the Rays of Hope Center for Breast Cancer Research; provide funding for state-of-the-art equipment, breast health programs and outreach, and patient and survivor support; and fund grants for complementary therapies and cancer programs offered by community partners. All funds raised remain local in western Massachusetts.
Freedom Credit Union has branches across western Massachusetts, including in Greenfield and Turners Falls.
Greenfield Cooperative Bank collecting children’s coats
GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank and its Northampton Cooperative Bank division are once again partnering with The Salvation Army for its annual Coats for Kids drive. Through Oct. 15, all 10 branches will serve as collection sites, inviting community members to donate new or gently used winter coats and other cold-weather items.
The Salvation Army’s Coats for Kids program has been meeting a vital need for decades, distributing hundreds of thousands of coats to children in need. In addition to coats, donations of hats, gloves, scarves, snow pants and boots are encouraged. The Salvation Army reminds donors that coats and winter gear should be in good condition, with working zippers and fasteners, and free from major damage.
“Every coat donated is a message of hope,” Jackie Charron, executive vice president – chief banking officer, said in a statement. “It means a child won’t have to shiver through the winter months and can go to school feeling warm with dignity and confidence. We invite everyone in our community to be part of that message by taking part in this coat drive and showing local families we care.”
All collected items will be distributed locally by The Salvation Army to ensure that local children benefit directly from the generosity of donors.
PV Squared founding member participates in State House’s Solar Summit
GREENFIELD — PV Squared’s founding member, worker-owner and Design & Sales Specialist Jon Child was invited to participate in the State House’s Solar Summit on Monday. Hosted by Gov. Maura Healey and top energy leaders, the summit brought together a select group of solar industry experts, utilities, labor leaders and policymakers to discuss the future of solar in the state.
The summit addressed topics such as permitting reform, net metering, incentive programs, interconnection challenges and pathways to ensure equitable access to solar power.
Child represented PV Squared, a worker-owned cooperative solar design-build firm founded in Greenfield in 2002.
“With over 20 years of expertise in residential and commercial solar, as well as research partnerships, we help align permitting, interconnection and incentives with on-the-ground realities so all Massachusetts residents can access clean, affordable power, and are thrilled to lend our voice and experience to the commonwealth,” Child said.
Valley Press Club to honor Wayne E. Phaneuf with Lifetime Achievement Award
WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Valley Press Club will honor former Republican Executive Editor Wayne E. Phaneuf with its Lifetime Achievement Award at a reception on Thursday, Oct. 9, at 6 p.m. at Storrowton Tavern’s Carriage House.
Phaneuf began his career at The Republican in 1969 and held several positions, including reporter, columnist and managing editor, before being asked to serve as the newspaper’s executive editor in 1998. He retired in 2019.
Throughout his career, Phaneuf oversaw the coverage of many national, regional and local events, including 13 presidential elections, Watergate, the Vietnam War, 9/11, the devastating Springfield tornado of 2011 and many more major stories.
While serving as executive editor, Phaneuf undertook a project with Joseph Carvalho that involved writing books about the history and culture of western Massachusetts, something he continued to do in his retirement.
In 2018, Phaneuf was the recipient of the Academy of New England Journalists’ Yankee Quill Award, the highest individual honor bestowed on journalists in New England.
“The Valley Press Club is excited to honor Wayne for his decades of journalistic excellence and leadership, as well as the impact he and the newspaper have had on keeping people and institutions accountable over the years,” Peter Goonan, club president, said in a statement. “We welcome his friends, colleagues, community leaders and the general public to attend the tribute on Oct. 9.”
Tickets for the event are $60 and can be purchased online at valleypressclub.com. The event will include various food stations with hors d’oeuvres, pasta, salads and more. There will be a cash bar. Tickets will be held for attendees at the door.
The Valley Press Club raises funds for scholarships for students planning a career in media. The club was founded in 1962.
Oct. 24: ‘The Impact of Interest Rates on Affordable Housing’
SPRINGFIELD — Liberty Bank and the Realtor Association of Pioneer Valley will co-host a conversation on the future of affordable housing in Massachusetts. The event, “The Impact of Interest Rates on Affordable Housing,” will be held Friday, Oct. 24, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at 221 Industry Ave. in Springfield.
The program will provide insight into the 2026 economic outlook, with a specific focus on interest rates and how they influence the development and accessibility of affordable housing in Massachusetts. Speakers include Lawrence Yun, chief economist and senior vice president of research at the National Association of Realtors, and Pierre Joseph, senior manager of regional and community outreach at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.
This event is free and open to the public. A continental breakfast will be provided, courtesy of Liberty Bank.
