CDH technician lands $10K UMass scholarship

NORTHAMPTON – Emergency Department Technician Kelsey Conti has been chosen as the 2024 recipient of the Cooley Dickinson Hospital/UMass Amherst Nursing School educational scholarship.

Conti will receive $10,000 toward her studies in the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, which she will begin in September at the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing at UMass.

“I guess you could say I’ve had a circuitous route to getting where I am today,” said Conti, a Northampton resident.

After graduating from Smith College in 2017 with a double major in education and child studies and psychology, Conti began working per diem in the CDH patient registration department. She eventually transitioned to a behavioral health technician role, where she has taken on multiple responsibilities over the last five years, including training new staff members.

The hospital has an established educational scholarship program with the UMass nursing college, which supports the educational advancement of eligible Cooley Dickinson staff who are pursing either a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or a doctorate in nursing at UMass.

Conti will continue to work in the Emergency Department as she pursues her degree.

bankESB promotes pair to senior assistant branch manager

EASTHAMPTON – bankESB recently promoted two of their employees to senior assistant branch manager.

Denise Clark, of Westfield, has nearly 13 years of banking experience. She joined bankESB in 2011 as a teller, and was most recently assistant branch manager of its 85 Broad St., Westfield office. She earned a bachelor’s degree in art from Westfield State University, and currently volunteers for Westfield on Weekends and the Kiwanis Club of Westfield.

Robyn Michaud, of Indian Orchard, has six years of banking experience, and joined bankESB in 2018 as a teller. She was previously assistant branch manager of its 605 Granby Rd., South Hadley office. She earned a certificate in branch management from the Massachusetts Bankers Association. Michaud currently volunteers for Westfield on Weekends, and Veterans in the Park, and enjoys attending local chamber events.

HCC offering online bookstore

HOLYOKE – Holyoke Community College has selected eCampus.com as its official online bookstore. Based in Lexington, Ky., eCampus.com began providing online bookstore services to HCC students in June.

Through this partnership, eCampus.com provides HCC with a customized online storefront that enables students to sign in with their credentials and have immediate access to their course-required materials. With offerings such as new, used, digital, and rental, and multiple flexible shipping options, students can select course materials according to their unique budgets and needs.

HCC will still maintain a physical store (on the second floor of the HCC Campus Center).

Through eCampus.com’s advanced research tools, professors can view course materials based on availability and real-time pricing and are also able to view student purchasing habits. With this technology available, professors can make informed decisions regarding required course materials that take into consideration student affordability and accessibility.

New businesses at Holyoke Mall

HOLYOKE –Two new businesses – Terra Nossa Brazilian Grill and Miniso – have recently opened at Holyoke Mall.

Terra Nossa opened in July in the mall’s Café Square. This is the eatery’s fifth location and first in western Massachusetts.

Founded on the rich traditions of Brazilian barbecue, Terra Nossa brings a selection of freshly prepared grilled meats every day, expertly seasoned and served the way Brazilians do barbecue.

Additional offerings include pastries such as brigadeiro and churros, sugar cane juice, açaí, coxinha, sandwiches, and more. Delicious sides such as salads, selected veggies, fried yucca, chicken stroganoff, and other dishes are also available. Rice and beans are complimentary when you choose your side and meat. Vegans are also welcome with a great selection of salads and vegetables in their buffet.

For more information about Terra Nossa Brazilian Grill and to explore their menu offerings, visit terranossabraziliangrill.com.

Miniso, which opened Aug. 3, offers an array of products ranging from household essentials to trendy fashion accessories. The store is located on the upper level near Pandora. For more information about MINISO, visit miniso.com/EN/Home.

Southampton resident named VP at Polish National Credit Union

CHICOPEE – Polish National Credit Union (PNCU) has promoted Rachel Dionne to vice president, credit risk officer. Dionne, a resident of Southampton, has been with the credit union since 2017, most recently serving as, assistant vice president, credit risk officer.

Dionne brings over two decades of experience in financial analysis and credit risk management. In her new role, she is responsible for overseeing the credit risk management strategies and ensuring the credit union’s continued financial stability and growth.

Dionne holds a Master of Science in nonprofit management and a bachelor of science in accounting, both from American International College in Springfield.

CDH honored by American Heart Association

NORTHAMPTON – Cooley Dickinson Hospital has received a 2024 ‘Get With The Guidelines’ quality achievement award from the American Heart Association, for excellence in treating stroke. The honor was given with “Gold Plus” distinction – the highest level of the award given by the organization.

The award recognizes Cooley Dickinson’s commitment to the association’s in-hospital program that ensures patient care is aligned with the latest research and evidence-based guidelines.

Each year, program participants qualify for the awards recognitions by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also provide education to patients to help them manage their conditions at home.

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death, and a leading cause of disability, in the United States. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability, and accelerating recovery times.