Monson Savings Bank is inviting the public to submit their votes for the bank’s 2026 Community Giving Initiative.
Each year, the bank encourages the public to vote for the nonprofit charitable organizations they would like the bank to support during the coming year. Everyone is welcome to cast their vote online on the bank’s website at: www.monsonsavings.bank/CGI
Voters may provide the name of one nonprofit organization they would like the Bank to donate to in 2026. The only requirements are that the organizations be designated a nonprofit and that the organizations provide services within the bank’s geography. The bank allows each person to vote once. Monson Savings Bank pledges to support the top 10 organizations that receive the highest number of votes. The top 10 vote recipients will be announced by mid-January 2026. Voting ends at 3 p.m. on Dec. 31.
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Elms College and Beacon ABA and the Evergreen Center, a Worcester County organization providing behavioral services to people with developmental disabilities, are entering a partnership that will allow employees with Beacon and other affiliated organizations to pursue degrees at Elms for a reduced cost.
Employees of Beacon ABA Services and the Evergreen Center Inc., of Milford are eligible for discounted tuition in master’s programs. Beacon ABA Services is based in Milford but operates field offices across the state, including in Chicopee.
Elms offers a number of in-person, onlineor hybrid undergraduate and graduate programs, including a master of science degree in applied behavior analysis. It is also exploring the creation of a doctoral program in applied behavior analysis.
Beacon ABA Services and its affiliates have provided opportunities for their employees to further their education, in particular in the area of applied behavior.
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Cycling teams representing Jewish schools, synagogues, student groups, community organizations and local businesses recently came together for the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts’ Ride to Provide 2025. This year’s event raised nearly $80,000 to fund services for vulnerable populations across Western Massachusetts, in Israel and around the world.
The Ride, hosted at Lander-Grinspoon Academy in Northampton, honored Holocaust survivor and activist Henny Lewin, recognizing her decades of dedication to Holocaust education and Jewish communal life. organizations serving the region.
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The Applied Mortgage Team, a branch of HMA Mortgage, hass upported a wide range of community programs, fundraisers, and events through sponsorships, donations, volunteerism, and participation.
Applied Mortgage’s third-quarter sponsorships included the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce’s 22nd annual Charity Golf Tournament, the “Welcome New Teachers Bags” Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce program, Community In Action’s “Celebrating the Career of Clare Higgins” event and the Northampton Jazz Festival.
In addition, the Applied Mortgage Team was involved in these community initiatives:
— Supporting The William E. Norris School after the PTO shared news of school budget cuts. When Anytime Nutrition in Southampton pledged to donate a portion of profits for one week in August and called for other local businesses to match, Applied Mortgage joined with Hackworth School, Kent Brothers, Pisanos, Bank ESB, Parker & O’Grady and Anytime Nutrition to collectively raise $5,000.
— Serving as the presenting sponsor of the Northampton Neighbors’ third annual Doozy Do Parade. With accompanying “Downtown Doozy” festivities, it raises awareness and financial support for Northampton Neighbors, which offers free services and programs enabling older adults in Northampton, Florence, and Leeds to remain independent, engaged, and connected in place.
— Organizing and participating in HMA Volunteer Day and giving back through Habitat for Humanity’s Build Day in Greenfield.
The Applied Mortgage Team has also launched its very own community growth initiative, Local Love Days, created to support small businesses and strengthen community ties.
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The Greater Holyoke Chamber is launching a food drive to provide immediate support and ensure local families have access to shelf-stable food and essential supplies during this critical time and going forward. They are seeking donations of non-perishable food items, baby supplies, and toiletries. High-need items include beans, rice, grains, oatmeal, nut butters, canned fruits and vegetables, soups, pasta, sauce, shelf-stable milk, baby food, diapers, and toiletries. Monetary contributions (cash, check, or digital payments) are also welcomed, and every donation will be converted directly into non-perishable food or grocery store gift cards for local families in need.
Donations can be dropped off at the Greater Holyoke Chamber office by appointment or during their regular business hours: Mondays from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please feel free to call to confirm presence at office, 413-534-3376. They are working rapidly to add additional drop-off locations for community convenience, with updates to follow via social media and their homepage.
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The Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield next upcoming networking event is the fourth annual Friendsgiving on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 52 Sumner, located at 52 Sumner Ave., Springfield.
For more information, go to www.springfieldyps.com.
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