EASTHAMPTON – A first-time home buyers workshop is sponsored by Valley Community Development Corp. and Easthampton Savings Bank.
It will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. May 2, 9, 16 and 23 at the Easthampton Savings Bank, 241 Northampton St.
For more information, contact Fern Selesnick at fs@valleycdc.com or 586-5855, ext.160.
HOLYOKE – Attorney Karen G. Jackson of Holyoke will teach a series of classes on elder law and estate planning at Holyoke Community College from 6 to 8 p.m. May 2, 9 and 16.
Jackson, an elder law attorney, will address topics in Medicare law, supplemental needs trusts and new developments in community and nursing home care payment programs.
Through real examples, Jackson will highlight the core estate plan and the importance of each document. She will discuss the problems that can occur when proper documents are not prepared before a loss of mental capacity, and explain the different types of trusts, including supplemental needs, revocable, and irrevocable trusts.
Jackson will also address the probate court process and explain how to determine which assets must go through probate after a death.
In addition, she will discuss various Medicaid programs that provide financial assistance for community and long-term skilled nursing care.
Couples are encouraged to attend. To register, contact HCC at 552-2500 or online at www.hcc.edu/bce.
NORTHAMPTON – Financial adviser Helen L. Blatz has opened a new Edward Jones office at 6 Market St.
Nancy Bandman-Boyle has joined the company as a branch office administrator. Blatz may be reached at 584-1430.
SPRINGFIELD – Attorney Carla W. Newton co-chaired a continuing education seminar for family law professionals as part of the Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education regional conference held in Springfield on March 23.
Newton, a resident of South Hadley, practices family law at Springfield-based Robinson Donovan P.C. She also practices corporate and business counseling, commercial real estate law and litigation.
She is a member of the American Bar Association, Massachusetts Bar Association, Hampden County Bar Association, International Association of Collaborative Professionals and the Massachusetts Collaborative Law Council.
She earned her master of law degree from Boston University in 1990, a juris doctor from Suffolk University in 1980, and a bachelor’s degree from Lesley College in 1972.
Silverscape Design celebrates 40 years
NORTHAMPTON – Silverscape Designs, a family-owned jewelry store, is celebrating it’s 40th year in the jewelry and giftware industry with events during April and continuing through the year.
Silverscape Designs offers a blend of jewelry and gift items for occasions ranging from engagements, weddings, anniversaries, graduations and birthdays.
Established in 1976 by Denis Perlman, the store has grown from a one-man endeavor in a van, into an art deco building that was fully restored back to its original condition of the 1920s.
NORTHAMPTON — A total of 56 nonprofit organizations throughout the Pioneer Valley received grants from $500 to $5,000 from Florence Bank’s Customers’ Choice Community Grants program.
The 14th annual awards reception was held at the Northampton Senior Center and attended by more than 150 people. Qualifying nonprofit organizations receiving 50 votes or more shared $100,000. Ten recipients are first-time winners.
Gove Law Office
relocates, expands
NORTHAMPTON – Gove Law Office has moved its Northampton office into larger space at the historic Old School Commons Building, at the corner of New South Street and Main Street.
Founder and owner Michael Gove believes this location accommodates its recent and future growth plans.
The Gove Law Office is a bilingual firm providing guidance in the areas of business representation, commercial lending, residential and commercial real estate, estate planning, probate and family law, criminal and civil litigation, personal injury law, and bankruptcy.
For more information, visit www.govelawoffice.com.