Dakin Humane Society announces board of directors

SPRINGFIELD — Following its April 14 meeting, Dakin Humane Society announced its 2025 board of directors. The all-volunteer Dakin board represents communities from across the Pioneer Valley.

Tracy Sicbaldi of Berkshire Bank will serve for the first time as president. Rachel Slosek-Couture of Travelers Insurance will serve as vice president. Rob Cestola of Pope Francis Preparatory School will serve as treasurer and Kendra O’Neill of Florence Bank will be secretary.

New directors beginning three-year terms on the board include Laurie Martin of Baystate Health, Certified Public Accountant Keith Purcell and Meghan Rothschild of Chikmedia. They will join current members Joseph Lopez, Lindsay Manning, Kelley Moloney, Alison Spafford and Nancy Weld.

“I am pleased to welcome this dedicated group of professionals who have agreed to work alongside all of us at Dakin in fulfilling our mission,” Executive Director Meg Talbert said in a statement. “They each bring a wide variety of expertise in numerous professions and industries, and will enhance our efforts to expand our programs and services to assist animals and the people who love them in our community.”

Bank offering document shredding events in Sunderland, Florence

Greenfield Cooperative Bank will hold two free document shredding events on Saturday, May 10, from 9 to 11 a.m. in partnership with Valley Green Shredding.

The program will be offered at the bank’s Sunderland branch at 18 Amherst Road as well as at the Florence branch at 6 Main St.

At both events, people are invited to bring up to four grocery bags or two boxes of confidential documents for secure shredding. This service is provided free of charge as a way to help individuals protect their personal information.

In addition to document shredding, Greenfield Cooperative Bank will be accepting monetary donations to benefit the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.

“At Greenfield Co-op, we believe in being more than just a financial institution; we’re a community partner,” Tony Worden, president and CEO of Greenfield Cooperative Bank, said in a statement. “Our free shredding events are a testament to that commitment, providing a secure and convenient way for our neighbors to protect themselves from identity theft. It’s a small way we can help build a safer and more secure community.”

Applebee’s marks Teachers and Nurses Appreciation Week

GREENFIELD — In honor of Teachers and Nurses Appreciation Week, teachers and nurses can enjoy a free appetizer with the purchase of an entrée at participating Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar locations, including the one at 141 Mohawk Trail, by showing a valid badge and mentioning the offer, which is valid through May 10.

“Gratitude and respect are the driving forces behind this initiative,” Dan Krebsbach, president of Flynn Applebee’s, said in a statement. The Flynn Group is the largest franchisee in the Applebee’s system. “Teachers and nurses are pillars of our communities — educators shape the future through their unwavering dedication to students, while nurses provide compassionate care that saves lives every day. Their work is challenging and often overwhelming, so we hope this offer allows them to feel recognized and valued for their incredible contributions to society.”

Greenfield Cooperative Bank announces five promotions

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank has announced the promotions of five employees.

Brandon Lively has been promoted to executive vice president, chief technology officer. Lively’s journey with Greenfield Cooperative Bank spans more than 25 years, starting as a teller and progressively advancing through various roles. For many years, he has led the bank’s IT initiatives and will continue to drive technological advancements in his new role as chief technology officer.

Jackie Charron has been promoted to executive vice president, chief banking officer. When she joined Greenfield Cooperative Bank in 2024, Charron brought with her more than 40 years of experience in the community banking sector.

Victor Rodriguez Sr. has been promoted to vice president, community engagement mortgage officer. Since joining Greenfield Cooperative Bank in 2024, Rodriguez has demonstrated a passion for the community, backed by more than 20 years of banking experience. His commitment to fostering strong relationships make him a natural fit for this role focused on community-centric mortgage solutions.

Matthew Donovan has been promoted to commercial lending officer. Donovan joined Greenfield Cooperative Bank in 2023, bringing several years of credit experience. He has worked as a senior credit analyst and most recently as a commercial associate lender, gaining knowledge of commercial lending practices.

Ethan McCandless has been promoted to collections officer. McCandless has been a member of the Greenfield Cooperative Bank team since 2020, initially joining as a residential loan closer. Over the past five years, he has broadened his expertise by working within both the Residential and Commercial Lending departments, most recently as a credit analyst.

“These promotions recognize the hard work, dedication and significant contributions of these individuals to Greenfield Cooperative Bank,” Tony Worden, CEO and president of the bank, said in a statement. “They all embody the values of GCB, and their expertise will be crucial as we continue to serve our community and grow as an organization. We are proud to have such a talented and committed team.”

Financial help available for people of color and first-generation homebuyers

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank has been approved to participate in the Lift Up Homeownership program, a Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston program designed to provide financial assistance to people of color and first-generation homebuyers who are purchasing their first home. People of color is defined as Black, American Indian or Alaska Native, Hispanic, Asian, and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander borrowers.

Through Lift Up Homeownership, people of color or first-generation homebuyers who are earning up to 120% of the area median income are eligible to receive up to $50,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance on a first-come, first-served basis to purchase their first home in New England. Homebuyers are required to complete a homebuyer counseling program prior to receiving funds.

“At a time when home prices and mortgage interest rates have risen sharply in New England, the dream of owning a home is beyond the reach of many,” Jane H. Wolfe, Greenfield Cooperative Bank’s executive vice president of residential lending, said in a statement. “Greenfield Cooperative Bank is pleased to participate in the Lift Up Homeownership program and offer a critical stepping stone to realizing homeownership goals.”

To learn more about applying for homebuying assistance through the Lift Up Homeownership program and other programs Greenfield Cooperative Bank offers in partnership with Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, contact Missy Tetreault at 413-773-6180 or mtetreault@greenfieldcoopbank.com, Victor H. Rodriguez Sr. at 413-322-7114 or vrodriguez@greenfieldcoopbank.com, Shelly H. Malo at 413-695-4344 or smalo@greenfieldcoopbank.com, or Kimberlee Gates at 413-322-7116 or kgates@greenfieldcoopbank.com.

Eversource proposes heat pump rate

BOSTON — In support of Massachusetts’ goal to electrify the heating sector, Eversource is engaging with the state to make heat pumps more accessible and practical for customers. The energy company recently filed a proposal that will require approval from the Department of Public Utilities to implement a residential electric heat pump rate, a new rate structure that is designed to encourage heat pump use.

“An electric heat pump rate allows for an equitable sharing of costs, and with electrification expected to increase in the coming years, it just makes sense for customers by removing a key financial barrier to adopting this technology,” Vice President of Distribution Rates and Regulatory Requirements Doug Horton said in a statement. “With increased electric usage for many customers who switch to a heat pump, providing a seasonal rate better balances their energy and system usage. Solutions like this will be essential to meeting the commonwealth’s energy transition goals while keeping affordability top of mind.”

The seasonal heat pump rate would be available to all residential heat pump customers and would help mitigate the bill impact of increased electric usage necessary to operate the technology, promoting bill stability and predictability for customers. The proposed rate would offer its largest benefits through a lower rate during the winter when electric usage is typically the greatest for heat pump customers.

Eversource named Climate Leader by USA TODAY

BOSTON — For the third year in a row, Eversource has been recognized by USA TODAY and Statista Inc. as one of America’s Climate Leaders for 2025. Ranked No. 1 among energy companies and utilities nationwide for the highest core emissions reduction year-over-year and ranked No. 146 overall, this recognition highlights Eversource’s effort to prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship.

“We’re honored to receive this prestigious recognition from USA TODAY, which is a crowning testament to our leadership in sustainability and being responsible stewards of the environment across the communities we serve,” Eversource Chair, President and CEO Joe Nolan said in a statement. “These core values are integrated into all that we do for our customers, and this recognition demonstrates the strong progress we’re making in reducing our own companywide carbon footprint as we also work to support New England’s clean energy transition with a focus on affordability. We’re proud to do our part to address climate change, and to be recognized as a national industry leader is a gratifying confirmation of how we’re setting the standard for sustainable business practices.”

The USA TODAY list of America’s Climate Leaders recognizes the top companies from across the U.S. that have achieved the greatest reduction in their operational emissions between 2021 and 2023 — a measure of the amount of Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gases a company produces relative to its revenue.

Free career resource available

GREENFIELD — Professional job seekers and aspiring entrepreneurs in Greenfield now have a new resource to help them reach their career goals. The Career Loop is a free online platform offering information to support career development, business planning and personal growth.

Whether changing careers, transitioning from military to civilian life, starting a business or simply looking to advance in a role, The Career Loop provides advice every step of the way. Topics range from writing resumes and preparing for interviews to creating strategic business plans and managing stress in the workplace.

The platform also emphasizes building new skills, maintaining a healthy work-life balance and finding long-term career satisfaction.

In addition to serving individuals, The Career Loop is connecting with Greenfield businesses and professionals to offer mentorship and career opportunities to strengthen the local workforce.

To explore everything The Career Loop offers, visit thecareerloop.com or contact info@thecareerloop.com.

Care Central VNA & Hospice announces new board chair

GARDNER — Care Central VNA & Hospice Inc., a nonprofit provider of skilled home care, palliative care and end-of-life care in 98 municipalities across five counties in Massachusetts, has announced the appointment of Vera T. Tice as chair of the board of directors, from vice chair, effective April 9.

Tice brings experience in corporate governance, digital and cybersecurity risk, corporate strategy and growth, technology and innovation, and more to her board and advisory work. Prior to this appointment, she served in board chair and committee leadership roles on several corporate and nonprofit boards.

Currently, Tice is an advisor to businesses and global and national organizations investing in and commercializing health care innovation. Previously holding senior executive positions in businesses and nonprofits creating the future of health care, Tice developed and delivered digital health, health care informatics, patient monitoring, and network security products and services from concept to market.

“I am honored to welcome Vera Tice as the new chair of the board. Her vision, integrity and dedication to our mission inspires confidence and optimism as we look to the future,” Holly Chaffee, president and CEO of Care Central VNA & Hospice, said in a statement.

Tice succeeds Norman Sczepanski, who served on the board of directors for more than 40 years and as chair of the board since 2020. Sczepanski played a key role in advancing Care Central VNA & Hospice’s strategic planning and community partnerships.

Care Central VNA & Hospice has a location at 489 Bernardston Road, Suite 207, in Greenfield. For more information about Care Central VNA & Hospice and its services, visit carecentralvnahospice.org, or contact Kristin Mattson at 508-943-0612 or kmattson@carecentralvna.org.