HCC culinary arts instructor honored
HOLYOKE — Chef Tracy Carter, a culinary arts instructor at Holyoke Community College, was recognized recently for community outreach by two national culinary arts organizations.
In June, Carter, a Chicopee resident and chair of the HCC culinary arts program, received the 2025 Community Outreach Award from the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts and the Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education (CAFÉ). The national award recognizes a culinary/hospitality program or individual making a positive impact in their community via outreach programs such as food banks, recycling efforts, skill development for the disadvantaged and other services.
This year, the HCC culinary program partnered with the Western New England University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences to develop an adaptive cooking series designed for people with disabilities and their caregivers.
Carter is a graduate of the International Culinary Schools at the Art Institute in Los Angeles. She grew up in Springfield and joined the HCC teaching staff in 2018 after living for several years in New York City, where she worked as a freelance food stylist and culinary producer at the Food Network on shows such as “Chopped.”
The award provides a $1,000 prize and commemorative plaque. Additionally, Carter received a complimentary registration to attend CAFÉ’s 2025 Leadership Conference in Pittsburgh, where the award was presented.
Creation of new insurance chapter
Seven local insurance industry professionals have established a new chapter of the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Women (MAIW) in the Pioneer Valley.
The region was the only area of the state without representation from association, which has been in existence since 1938. While initially established for women, the group is inclusive of all genders. The group functions to serve the community through charitable work, provides free continuing education classes for members, fosters leadership opportunities and hosts monthly networking events specific to the insurance and related industries.
The chapter’s board members include Director Tanya Costigan, Finck & Perras Insurance; Assistant Director Wendy Leahy, Dale A. Frank Financial Group; Founder/Secretary Heather Burbeck-Rodriguez, CRDN/General Cleaners of Holyoke; Treasurer Adina Volosenco, Quality Restoration; and board members Danielle Paulson, CRDN/General Cleaners of Holyoke; Lynn Boivin, Priority 1 Restoration; and Patrick Locklear, Quality Restoration.
After the seven professionals spent the weekend at the Cape for the state conference in May, the state vote to approve the new chapter made them official, and the group is excited to hold a launch party on Sept. 10, at 5:30 p.m., at The Delaney House in Holyoke. Membership is not required to attend. For more information, email maiwpv@gmail.com.
Holyoke Mall Job Fair on Sept. 18
Holyoke Mall invites job seekers and employers to participate in its upcoming Get Hired Job Fair on Thursday, Sept. 18, from 1 to 4 p.m., located on the Lower Level in Macy’s Court.
Sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services, the job fair connects local businesses with qualified candidates ready to join the workforce. Participating employers represent a wide range of industries and will be conducting on-the-spot interviews for positions at all experience levels. This event is open to the public and free for job seekers, offering an opportunity to connect with potential employers and explore a variety of career opportunities throughout the region.
Employers interested in participating in the fair or learning more about sponsorship opportunities are encouraged to contact Jim Geraghty, advertising representative for Holyoke Mall, at JamesGeraghty@pyramidmg.com or 617-840-2998.
Janes retires from WMass law firm
Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury and Murphy, P.C. announces the retirement of longtime shareholder and managing partner W. Garth Janes. The firm has also announced that Jesse W. Belcher-Timme and Rebecca M. Thibault will jointly assume the roles of managing partners.
After starting his career in Washington, D.C. at a top global law firm, Janes joined DWPM in 1988, became a shareholder at the firm in 1994, and a managing partner in 2018. At DWPM, Janes represented many small family businesses that are household names in the western Massachusetts area.
Belcher-Timme and Thibault jointly became managing partners as of July 1.
Belcher-Timme has been with DWPM since 2008 and has been a shareholder since 2017. His litigation practice includes business litigation, corporate disputes, and zoning appeals in state and federal courts throughout Massachusetts. He also represents various western Massachusetts municipalities.
Thibault has been with the firm since 2014 and has been a shareholder since 2021. She concentrates her practice on representing and advising businesses and institutions in corporate and transactional matters.
Polish National CEO retires
Polish National Credit Union announces that President and CEO James P. Kelly will retire effective May 31, 2026, concluding a 20-year tenure of leadership. This carefully planned transition follows five years of succession planning to ensure PNCU’s continued growth and commitment to its mission.
Under Kelly’s leadership, PNCU has achieved significant milestones, including substantial growth in membership and assets, the introduction of innovative financial services, and a steadfast dedication to community engagement. His vision has strengthened PNCU’s capital position and fostered a culture rooted in professionalism, family and service, positioning the credit union for a bright future.
The PNCU board of directors is exclusively considering internal candidates for the next president and CEO.
Kelly will remain actively engaged through May 2026, supporting teams, mentoring future leaders, and ensuring a seamless transition.
Headquartered in Chicopee, PNCU has seven branches, including in Granby and Southampton.