The Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau promoting the region as Explore Western Mass, honored 10 individuals from the hospitality industry April 28, during the 28th annual Howdy Awards for Hospitality Excellence. The dinner, held at the MassMutual Center attracted more than 500 hospitality industry professionals.
The winners were chosen from among 77 finalists. The finalists were selected by the Howdy Awards Committee from more than 1300 nominations among nine categories. The committee also selected Mayor Will Reichelt of West Springfield to receive the Spotlight Award, which recognizes individuals or organizations for their dedication and outstanding contribution to the region’s hospitality industry.
2025 Howdy Award for Hospitality Excellence Winners:
Accommodations: Mike Antwi, Hilton Garden Inn, Springfield.
Attractions: Jose’ Bonano, MGM Springfield.
Banquet and meetings: Sabrina Brizzolari, MassMutual Center, Springfield.
Beverage: Nancy D’Agostino, The Meeting House, Longmeadow.
Food — casual: Nicole Sternova, Koffee Tyme, East Longmeadow
Food — tableside: Arthur Hill, Johnny’s Bar & Grille, South Hadley.
Public service: Mike Chalero, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield.
Retail: Bryan Donze, Delaney’s Market, South. Hadley.
Transportation: Stephen Morrissey, The Big E, W. Springfield.
Spotlight Winner: Mayor Will Reichelt, West Springfield.
2025 People’s Choice Winner: Marie Herveiux, Scoops of Agawam.
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Flora — the Shop!, a gift and home goods boutique, held its grand reopening at its new larger location at 1735 Northampton St. in Holyoke.
The celebration took place May 2 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Holyoke Mayor Joshua A. Garcia.
The shop is owned and curated by Holyoke resident Bridget Bresnahan
Flora-the Shop! sources merchandise from over 200 small, diverse, independent makers, both nearby and around the globe. Included are Holyoke-themed treasures, Irish gifts, home decor and original artwork — including paintings and prints by Bresnahan and other local artists.
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State Rep. Natalie M. Blais, D-Deerfield, announced that the Franklin County Fairgrounds and the Heath Fair will each receive $100,000 in grant funding from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Agricultural Fairs Infrastructure Grant Program. The program, spearheaded by Blais, is intended to fund capital improvement projects to rehabilitate existing buildings and build new construction at agricultural fairs.
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Comcast and the Southwick Council on Aging held a cybersecurity awareness event and donated laptops.
Representatives from Comcast and its cybersecurity team, along with members of the Council on Aging, gathered to share advice to stay safe online, refresh digital literacy skills, and provide tips to avoid phishing and other online scams to 15 local seniors. The attending seniors were also provided with new laptops from Comcast.
The laptop donations are part of Project UP, Comcast’s commitment to provide digital opportunities.
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Mayor John L. Vieau, local officials, and the Style and Grace Hair Studio team will hold a re-grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate Style and Grace Hair Studio new location on Wednesday, May 28, 10 a.m. at 104 Lauzier Terrace in Chicopee.
