Monson Savings Bank Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Michael Rouette recently presented a $2,000 donation to Robin and Kerry Plourde, co-founders of Whip City Animal Sanctuary. The sanctuary was selected as a recipient of a donation after securing a spot in the top 10 of the bank’s 2025 Community Giving Initiative. Community members cast their votes for their favorite local nonprofits, and Whip City Animal Sanctuary was chosen to receive support.
The sanctuary is a Westfield-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It was established in 2020 by the Plourdes to provide long-term care for surrendered, neglected and abused farm animals.
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For the third year in a row, Big Y has been included in Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies.
The annual survey, developed in partnership with market research firm, Statista, has ranked 700 companies across 23 industries based on a comprehensive survey of 25,000 U.S. residents and an analysis of over 300,000 online mentions. Big Y was recognized in the Grocery & Convenience Stores category for its dedication to ethical business practices, employee satisfaction and customer loyalty.
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Summerlin Floors, a woman and family-owned flooring business based in Amherst, has launched Summerlin Supports, a branch of their business focusing on giving back through charitable initiatives, volunteer efforts, and monetary donations.
Here are a few organizations and events Summerlin Floors — and now, Summerlin Supports — supports or sponsors: Amherst Community Theater; Amherst Global Village Festival; Amherst Survival Center; Amherst Winterfest; Baystate Children’s Hospital; Empty Arms Bereavement; New England Public Media; Safe Passage; Granby Junior Senior High School and Greenfield Community College.
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The Healey-Driscoll administration has awarded more than $1 million in grants to 16 farms across Massachusetts to help improve and expand operations. The funding, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources through the Matching Enterprise Grants (MEGA) for Agriculture Program and the Agricultural Preservation Restriction Improvement Program (AIP), provides training and capital funding for farms.
The following are the MEGA recipients: Colrain-Line Family Farm in Colrain, Gwydr Farm in Southampton, Tip Top Orchard in Charlemont and Wauban Farm in Ashfield.
The following are the farms awarded AIP grants: Burgunday Brook in Belchertown, Meadowsweet Farm in Hawley and Porter Family Farm in Ashfield.
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Nourish Wellness Café announces the opening of its second location at Eastworks in Easthampton.
Located in Suite 137 on the first floor of Eastworks, at the Marketplace entrance, the café offers a seasonal menu of organic juices, smoothies, grain bowls, soups, and lattes — made with organic, locally-sourced produce. The location also features grab-and-go offerings and an espresso bar.
Nourish’s location in Eastworks will be open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To learn more, visit https://www.nourishnoho.com/.
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Holyoke Medical Center achieved The Joint Commission’s Health Care Equity Certification for excellence in its efforts to provide equitable care, treatment and services. Holyoke Medical Center demonstrated that it has established structures and processes to decrease health care disparities within its patient populations.
Holyoke Medical Center underwent an onsite review on May 13.
Another way Holyoke Medical Center is aiming to improve health equity is by expanding data collection from patients and offering additional screening tools. The information collected gives Holyoke Medical Center a better understanding of the patient population, as well as insights to improve patient care, enhance treatment protocols, and provide education to specific populations.
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The Better Business Bureau of Central New England will present the 2025 Western MA Awards for Marketplace Excellence on Thursday, Sept. 25, 5 p.m. at the Boylston Rooms, 122 Pleasant St., Easthampton.
Honorees are evaluated across BBB’s four pillars of trust: Character, Culture, Customers, and Community, highlighting leaders who embody ethical practices, foster strong organizational cultures, build lasting customer relationships, and give back to their communities. The evening will feature networking, recognition, and an opportunity to honor outstanding local businesses across multiple categories.
The Boylston Rooms, a BBB Accredited Business for seven years, will serve as the host venue for this year’s celebration. BBB is also proud to recognize
J Smegal Roofing & Gutters as the event sponsor and Business West as the event media sponsor.
Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. For more information about tickets, how to support the event, or event questions, visit BBB.org or contact Megan MacBride at mmacbride@cne.bbb.org.
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