TommyCar Auto Group employee honored

NORTHAMPTON — Kayla Sheridan, an employee at TommyCar Auto Group, was honored as a finalist and presented at the Reynolds and Reynolds Automotive Amplifier Contest on Aug. 20 in Leesburg, Virginia. This event, known for highlighting the most innovative minds and ideas in the automotive industry, provided a platform for leaders to share insights and advancements that are shaping the future of the field.

Sheridan’s presentation showcased her dedication to driving innovation and excellence in automotive retail, particularly at TommyCar Auto Group. Although not selected as one of the overall winners, her work was highly regarded by industry experts alike.

Mont Marie Rehab receives quality award

HOLYOKE — Mont Marie Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center has been recognized as a 2024 recipient of a Commitment to Quality bronze award by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) for its commitment to improving the lives of residents through quality care.

The distinction is the first of three progressive award levels through the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program, which honors providers across the nation that have demonstrated their dedication to enhancing the quality of care for the nation’s seniors and individuals with disabilities.

The National Quality Award Program is a rigorous process reviewed and evaluated by trained experts against a set of nationally recognized standards for organizational excellence. Providers begin the quality improvement journey at the bronze level, with the goal of ultimately achieving gold.

Mont Marie, with 84 beds, provides Holyoke and surrounding communities with subacute short-term and comprehensive long-term care.

New members join Girl Scouts board

HOLYOKE — Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts (GSCWM) elected nine new members, including Jessi Kirley of Easthampton and Christopher Schwantner of South Hadley.

Kirley founded JKirley Collective from her passion to create workplaces of dignity and high performance. She is a leadership coach, culture strategist, and an emotional intelligence and mental fitness coach. She earned her bachelor of arts from Smith College and her Master in Business Administration from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst.

Schwantner is chief engineer of television for New England Public Media (WGBY-TV) in Springfield. He received a bachelor’s degree in communications from SUNY Plattsburgh. He previously served on the board of directors for the Girl Scouts of Western Massachusetts and on the realignment committee that merged the three central and western Massachusetts Girl Scout councils to form the current organization.

Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts serves over 5,000 girls in partnership with more than 3,000 adult volunteers in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden and Worcester counties.

Attorneys recognized as ‘Best Lawyers’

SPRINGFIELD — Local law firm Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, with offices in Springfield and Northampton, was recognized by Best Lawyers as a Best Law Firm in Springfield for 2025.

In addition, eight attorneys, including two from Hampshire County, were selected for inclusion in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America for outstanding contributions to their fields. They include:

Carol Cioe Klyman, a resident of Westhampton, was included for her expertise the fields of elder law and trusts and estates.

Mark J. Esposito of Northampton was selected by his peers as Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America in the fields of commercial litigation and litigation-labor and employment.

Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected peer-review publication company in the legal profession.

Jazzercise Amherst expands class offerings

AMHERST — Jazzercise Amherst, a group fitness program that has been in the area for over 30 years, is expanding its class offerings in response to the increasing demand.

Located at 460 West St in South Amherst, Jazzercise provides high-quality fitness programs and a supportive community. In addition to the nine classes per week already offered at the center, the expanded class schedule will include Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 6:30. All classes are led by experienced and certified instructors.

To learn more about Jazzercise Amherst Fitness Center and its class schedule, please visit jazzercise.com or call 413-341-2361.