Jazz FestivalPresident Griggs named jazz hero

NORTHAMPTON — Northampton Jazz Festival Board President Ruth Griggs, of Northampton, has been named a Jazz Hero by the Jazz Journalists Association in its 25th annual recognition of “activists, advocates, altruists, aiders and abettors of jazz” across the United States.

Griggs has led the Northampton Jazz Festival since 2017, when she reformed the festival board, reinstated its nonprofit status and planned the first festival since 2015, which took place in 2018 at various venues throughout downtown Northampton.

Since 2001, the Jazz Journalists Association has identified and hailed individuals from local jazz communities across America who go beyond their basic responsibilities to sustain and expand on musical activities. The association believes Jazz Heroes are essential to the health of the overall jazz ecosystem and supports local efforts to celebrate them.

A virtual gala celebrating the 29 Jazz Heroes of 2025 was held on April 17, and an in-person presentation of Griggs’ Jazz Hero certificate will be held locally at a later date.

The Northampton Jazz Festival is Sept. 26-27, with several other jazz events planned in May, June and September.

Child Protection Unit Chief honored at awards ceremony

NORTHAMPTON — Northwestern Assistant District Attorney and Child Protection Unit Chief Lori Odierna was honored April 3 with the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association Spotlight Award at the organization’s annual conference in Boston.

Odierna began working at the Northwestern DA’s office in 2016, joined its Child Protection Unit in 2018 and was promoted to lead the unit in 2022. Previously she worked for 20 years as an ADA in Hampden County.

In bestowing the award at the MDAA’s yearly prosecutors’ conference, Northwestern First Assistant District Attorney Steven Gagne described Odierna as resilient, compassionate, relentless and steady.

Odierna was one of 11 prosecutors from across the state honored by the MDAA, an independent state agency supporting the 11 elected district attorneys, 785 prosecutors and 260 victim witness advocates. The Spotlight Award is given for outstanding service, spirit and professionalism.

Also this month in honor of Victim Rights Month, the Massachusetts Office of Victim Assistance announced length-of-service milestones at DA’s offices. Northwestern District Victim Witness advocates Kate Clogston, Kathleen Bengtson and Kimberly Devine each have logged 15 years as advocates.

Federation names new director ofJewish Endowment Foundation

SPRINGFIELD — The Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts has hired Adam Solender of Savannah, Georgia as chief philanthropy officer and director of the Jewish Endowment Foundation.

Solender brings nearly 25 years of experience working in the Jewish community to this position in western Massachusetts, having previously been the CEO of the Savannah Jewish Federation and the Jewish Educational Alliance.

In that role, Solender worked with the board of directors of both organizations, overseeing operations that varied from camps and fitness centers to fundraising for the Savannah Jewish Community programs. Prior to moving to Georgia, Solender was the executive director of the Jewish Federation of New Hampshire.

Urban Co-Works opens in Holyoke

HOLYOKE — Urban Co-Works, the city’s newest coworking space, has opened in Holyoke at 98 Lower Westfield Road.

Urban’s new location aims to support professionals, entrepreneurs, and small businesses by providing a collaborative environment tailored to their needs. The space offers private offices, meeting rooms, and community workspaces.

Urban Co-Works’ CEO Jeff Goronkin said the facility hopes to be a hub for business development, networking, and professional events.

Community Action employee named Head Start member of the year

GREENFIELD — Kara Peters, enrollment manager for Community Action Pioneer Valley’s Head Start and Early Learning Programs, received the Massachusetts Head Start Association’s Staff Member of the Year Award.

Peters was celebrated for her 23 years of service to the community, for exceptional leadership of her staff, and for her key role in the programs reaching and maintaining full enrollment.