NORTHAMPTON — The United Way of Hampshire County is planning a series of meet-and-greets around the county over the next month so community members can begin to get to know its new executive director, John Bidwell.
Bidwell, hired to lead the organization in January, will be at five meet-and-greets in April. The United Way of Hampshire County is a nonprofit organization focused on creating change on community issues like education, income and health.
“We thought it was extremely important to have meetings in all areas of the county to meet residents and people who are located in the county,” said Debra Foley, director of development and marketing at United Way of Hampshire County.
Since Bidwell is new, Foley said that it’s important for the executive director to not only meet with companies in the area but also to talk to community members themselves. She also said that the organization will also look to tell participants about the work the United Way does in their specific neighborhood.
“We want people to get to know him since he’s so new, it’s good for folks to meet him and learn about the work he plans on doing on behalf of the United Way,” Foley said.
The five meetings will begin in Northampton on Tuesday, April 10, at 325 King St., from 5 to 6:30 p.m. On Thursday, April 12, Bidwell will be at 16 Main St. in Williamsburg from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by meetings on Wednesday, April 18, at 65 Glendale St. in Easthampton from 5 to 6:30 p.m., on April 24 at 6 University Drive in Amherst from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and on April 30 at 85 South St. in Ware from 6 to 7 p.m.