Award recognizes Bank’s effort to create economic resilience in communities

Berkshire Bank, a leading socially responsible community bank with branch locations in New England and New York, was recently presented the “Gold” Community Champion Award from Bankers Northeast Magazine in the Economic Development category. This award recognized Berkshire’s comprehensive efforts to foster economic resilience in its communities.

Bankers Northeast established the Community Champion Awards to honor the banks and credit unions who went beyond the call to aid their community in a special time of need or who’s cumulative effort has made a substantial positive impact. Winners were presented at the Banking Northeast Magazine Gala Awards last month at Mohegan Sun to honor the very best of community banks.

Berkshire Bank’s “Gold” Community Champion Award recognized its efforts to harness its core business activities, pandemic response, community involvement, philanthropic programs, and innovative financial solutions such as MyFreedom Checking and The Futures Fund to strengthen its neighborhoods. Berkshire helped deploy nearly $1 billion in PPP funding to assist small businesses during the pandemic and helped more than 180,000 individuals with financial wellness programming.  According to an independent third party, Berkshire reinvests at a rate nearly 70% higher than the industry average. 

“Berkshire has been an engine for positive change in our communities for more than 175 years and this honor is a reflection of the collective efforts of our employees and community partners,” stated Gary R. Levante, SVP Corporate Responsibility. “We always have our customers and communities backs on their worst days and help make the best ones possible. Stronger, more economic resilient communities require a better approach to banking, and we’ve accelerated that work with the launch of our BEST Community Comeback this past September,” he added.

Through its BEST Community Comeback, the Company expects to lend and invest $5 billion over the next three years to lift-up its communities across four key areas: fueling small businesses, community financing and philanthropy, financial access and empowerment, and funding environmental sustainability. The plan is expected to result in more businesses and jobs being created, more families achieving the dream of owning a home, more quality housing in neighborhoods and investments in activities that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Aging Services of North Central Massachusetts (ASNCM) is pleased to announce that St. Anna Catholic School of 213 Lancaster Street in Leominster generously gave a donation of over 1,500 pairs of socks to the aging community of North Central Massachusetts.

Traditionally referred to as “Socks for Santa”, ASNCM annually collaborates with Mrs. Denise Lawson’s 3^rd grade class. To be exact, Mrs. Lawson’s students raised a record-breaking number of brand-new socks this year which will come in handy for our region’s aging community this winter.

“We (St Anna School) encourage and teach our students to help those in our community and show empathy by doing”, said Denise Lawson. “Our Socks for Santa drive is just one way we work together as a school community to help those around us.”

“We are so very grateful to the students and families of Mrs. Lawson’s 3^rd grade class at St. Anna’s School.  The generosity and the caring spirit of these children and their families is profound and will have a positive impact on older adults in our community”, stated Lori A. Richardson, ASNCM’s Chief Executive Officer.

Business or community members interested in learning more about ASNCM should visit www.AgingServicesMA.org or contact David Ginisi, Chief Marketing Officer, at (978) 466-1571 or via email at DGinisi@asncm.org.

Masis Staffing Solutions’ leadership accepting MRMH Safety Award.

Masis Staffing Solutions, headquartered in Worcester, MA, is pleased to announce the recognition of its safety and risk management best practices with the Minimizing Risk, Maximizing Health (MRMH) Safety Award.

This annual award is given to an organization which has demonstrated strong commitment to safety and risk management best practices, resulting in increased safety for employees.  Masis’s risk management and safety team has instituted comprehensive processes including safety evaluations, training, consistent communication, and strong partnerships with clients and employees to protect the health and well-being of all staff.

Matthew Vaccaro, president of Masis Staffing, noted, “The Masis team is thrilled that our commitment to safety has resulted in significant increases in measurements of employee well-being while on the job.  We look forward to continuing to partner with our staff and clients to deliver best practices in risk management and occupational health and safety.”

Masis Staffing Solutions is a service-driven staffing firm providing custom solutions for clients’ hiring needs.  Masis specializes in on-site staffing program management, Master Service Partnerships (MSP), human resources support and placement in a variety of industries.  With significant expertise in manufacturing, distribution and professional recruitment and placement, Masis has offices throughout the United States to support clients’ hiring needs.

On January 5, 2022, Mount Wachusett Community College held a pinning ceremony honoring the six graduating students in Paramedic Class 3. The ceremony was held for a limited in person audience, and on the college live stream for friends and family.

The Paramedic Class of 2021 are Joseph Bernardini of Fitchburg, Edward Coulter of Winchendon, Michael Flood of Barre, Sarah Lyon of Brookfield, Patricia Levasseur of Templeton, and Robert Walters of Rutland.

“We are proud of you and the incredible amount of work that you have done to complete such a difficult program during a difficult time,” noted MWCC President James Vander Hooven. “You are going to make a huge difference in our region, in our communities, and for people who are in desperate need of you, your knowledge, caring, and compassion.”

“We are here to recognize your accomplishments and reflect with gratitude upon the choices and actions that have led you to success, and the support you have received from your faculty, family and friends,” reflected Margaret Jaillet, DPT, Dean of Health Professions, Public Service Programs and Social Sciences.  “We are thankful beyond words that you have decided to continue to serve this community as a paramedic.”

Guest speaker, John Breshnahan, MPA, EMTP and Clinical Coordinator of the Paramedic Degree program, highlighted the character of the six members of Class 3, who consciously made the decision to enroll in the program during the pandemic, knowing they would encounter a COVID patient each day. He enumerated the students’ achievements; the six students of Class 3 completed 382 12-leads, conducted 270 airway managements, 946 adult patient assessments, and 326 pediatric patient assessments, issued 791 medications, started 1,116 IV’s, and completed 212 EMS Patient Care Reports. They completed 1,564.5 hours in the field, and 3,776 hours in clinical rotation.

“You have been a pleasure to work with. I am so proud of you,” stated Peter “I enjoy watching the classes come together as strangers and leave as friends and colleagues. Your class has been such a cohesive group supporting each other and I will miss you.”

Vice President of Class 3, Robert Walters, noted how the class has grown together as a group and as individuals. “Peter, John, Gary and the rest of the faculty – you have provided us with not only the tools to become paramedics, but you have enabled us to achieve what was once thought not possible. You have given us experiences and friendships that will last us the rest of our lives,” Walters said in his address.

Program Medical Director Dr. Daniel Wilson added, “One of my most prideful joys is teaching you in this program. We have come a long way, you have seen a lot, learned a ton, and now you can put the rubber to the road. You are ready to step into any situation, you have the ability, the acumen, the talent to go forth and make a difference. You have already made a difference amongst your colleagues and at this college, and you will make a difference in patient’s lives. You will be acting on our behalf, taking the first steps to make people who need you well. Congratulations from the bottom of my heart. I can’t wait to see you in the field!”

The MWCC Paramedic Technology Program, is in its fourth year and has now graduated twenty-three students in its first three classes. The MWCC Paramedic Technology Certificate program is one of only nine such programs in the state, and the only program in North Central Massachusetts. The intensive 14-month program prepares students to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic Certification Exam. Learn more at mwcc.edu.