Franklin County CDC offering classes on Canva
GREENFIELD — Starting Jan. 12, the Franklin County Community Development Corporation is offering a series of classes on using Canva.
The classes, presented by Stephanie Stoudenmire of Codeforce.US, will be held at the Franklin County CDC’s Venture Center at 324 Wells St. Participants are asked to sign up for a free Canva account in advance and bring a laptop.
The classes are as follows:
- Canva I: Websites — Jan. 12, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Participants will learn to build a professional one-page website entirely in Canva, featuring a bio, services, a contact form, and linked payment or social buttons.
- Canva II: Flyers and Business Cards — Jan. 19, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Participants will learn to design promotional materials such as flyers and business cards using Canva’s templates and layout tools.
- Canva III: Canva + AI for Social Media — Jan. 29, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Attendees will learn how to combine Canva’s Magic Studio with AI tools to brainstorm, write and design a week of branded social media posts.
Visit app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/FranklinCountyCommunityDevelo/Winter-Canva-Classes.html to sign up. Franklin County CDC can be reached at 413-774-7204.
Franklin County CDC announces staffing changes
GREENFIELD — The Franklin County Community Development Corporation, a community economic development organization that provides support for small businesses throughout western Massachusetts, has added three new staff members and shifted the duties of a fourth. The organization also announced a new open position.
Lending Director Kwaku Ofori began at the Franklin County CDC in November. A finance and development professional with more than 15 years of experience in business lending, small business technical assistance and community-focused finance, Ofori leads the Franklin County CDC’s lending programs that expand access to capital for small businesses and entrepreneurs across western Massachusetts.
Brian Dejnak began at the Franklin County CDC in June as a community lending associate. A lending professional formerly with the United States Department of Agriculture and Greenfield Savings Bank, Dejnak works with businesses that are seeking flexible financing to start or grow their enterprises.
Anna Halpin-Healy joined the Franklin County CDC in July as finance specialist. She has held business operations roles in agriculture, education and retail environments. She supports the day-to-day financial operations of the organization, including bookkeeping, accounts payable/receivable, payroll and grant reporting assistance.
Angela Varilly, who joined the Franklin County CDC in 2024 as lending manager, has moved into the business assistance manager position. Varilly is a finance leader with nearly two decades of experience in retail banking with Greenfield Savings Bank. She guides small business owners at all stages and leads the Entrepreneurship Accelerator, part of the UPstart Program for early-stage entrepreneurs.
Myra Marcellin left the Franklin County CDC after two and a half years of service to take on the role of investment director with Black Farmers Fund. She will continue to support small businesses that the Franklin County CDC works with as a consultant.
The Franklin County CDC is looking to round out its staff by adding a farm and food business advisor. Those who are interested can visit fccdc.org/careers to learn more about the position and find directions on how to apply.
Nine attorneys earn distinction as Super Lawyers
SPRINGFIELD — Nine attorneys at Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin P.C. have been recognized in the 2025 Super Lawyers lists, including six named to the Massachusetts Super Lawyers list and three selected for the Massachusetts Rising Stars list.
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. A Thomson Reuters business, Super Lawyers uses a patented, multiphase process that includes peer nominations and evaluations as well as independent research.
Super Lawyers
Shareholder Michele J. Feinstein was named to the 2025 Super Lawyers list for the 19th time in the field of estate and probate. Her practice includes estate planning and administration, elder law, special needs planning and related litigation.
Shareholder Gary S. Fentin was selected for the 20th year in the field of government finance. His practice focuses on commercial and real estate finance and development, industrial revenue bonds, affordable housing, business law and business foreclosures and workouts. He also oversees the firm’s tax-exempt bond practice and has served as bond and/or purchaser’s counsel for more than 40 years.
Shareholder Carol Cioe Klyman was listed for the 21st time by Super Lawyers in the field of elder law. She concentrates her practice in elder law, estate planning, special needs planning, estate administration, guardianships, trust and estate litigation, and MassHealth appeals. She also plays a role in mentoring and educating attorneys statewide in long-term care and special needs planning.
Managing Partner Timothy P. Mulhern was named to the Super Lawyers list for the 18th year in the field of tax law. With more than 45 years of experience, his practice includes family business planning, real estate, taxation, corporate law, commercial real estate and estate planning. He is licensed to practice in both Massachusetts and New York.
Shareholder James B. Sheils was selected for the 11th consecutive year in the field of banking law. His practice includes commercial finance, creditors’ rights, banking law and telecommunications siting matters.
Shareholder Steven Weiss was recognized for the 19th time in the field of business bankruptcy law. He concentrates his practice in commercial and consumer bankruptcy, reorganization and litigation, and supervises the firm’s bankruptcy, reorganization and workout practice. A longtime member of the private panel of Chapter 7 Trustees, he represents creditors, debtors and related parties in bankruptcy matters.
Rising Stars
To be eligible for the Rising Stars list, a candidate must be 40 years old or younger, or in practice for 10 years or less. Only 2.5% of Massachusetts lawyers earn this distinction each year, including the following attorneys from Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin:
Shareholder Michael A. Fenton was named to the 2025 Massachusetts Rising Stars list for the 12th consecutive year. He was selected in the field of business and corporate law. His practice includes commercial real estate, business planning, commercial finance, estate planning, zoning, land use and business succession matters.
Associate Stephen L. Sobey was named to the Rising Stars list for the fifth time in the field of estate and probate. He concentrates his practice on estate planning and administration, as well as elder law, and is admitted to practice in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Associate Karolina Weagle was selected for the third year in the field of estate planning and estate administration. She focuses her practice on estate planning, estate administration and commercial real estate.
Super Lawyers Magazine publishes the lists and selected editorial profiles of its chosen attorneys. For more information, visit SuperLawyers.com.