The University of Massachusetts Amherst dedicated its College of Engineering in honor of Daniel J. Riccio Jr. ’86 ’24MS.
Riccio — a former leader at Apple for 26 years — committed $50 million to support immediate and long-term initiatives to fuel research, strengthen academic excellence, and expand access and opportunity for students. It is the largest gift in campus history.
The dedication included a speaking program headlined by Riccio, UMass Amherst Chancellor Javier Reyes and Riccio College of Engineering Dean Sanjay Raman.
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For the seventh year in a row, Big Y has been recognized as a Forbes Best-In-State Employer in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Forbes America’s Best-In-State Employers have been identified through a survey from a sample of over 160,000 U.S. employees working for companies employing at least 500 people within the U.S. Over 2 million employer evaluations were considered.
Employers neither have the knowledge of which employees are polled, nor do they have the ability to influence the results. Employees are asked to give their opinions on a series of statements surrounding work-related topics such as compensation, working conditions
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Farmers from across Western Massachusetts were celebrated Dec. 2 at the annual Farmer Appreciation Party, held at the Smith College Campus Center. The evening showcased locally sourced farm products and beverages.
In April 2025, 116 farmers received a combined $267,850 to support farm improvements, with most projects beginning this past spring. The awards are made possible through the generosity of HGCF; Big Y; the Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture; the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation; and sponsors including: Charles and Elizabeth D’Amour, Ann and Steve Davis, Audrey and Chick Taylor, Barbara Deslauriers, PeoplesBank, Andrew Associates, DeNucci Group at Merrill Lynch, Eastern States Exposition, HP Hood, Baystate Health, Three County Fair, Smith College, Country Bank, Franklin First Federal Credit Union, and bankESB. `
This year’s event both celebrates the close of the 2025 program year and marks the launch of the 12th year of the Local Farmer Awards. Applications for the 2026 cycle open in January at www.farmerawards.org.
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The Chicopee Chamber of Commerce announces recipients of its 2026 Shining Stars, recognizing individuals whose exceptional contributions strengthen and inspire the community. This year’s honorees are Al Picard as the Ernest Laflamme Jr. Citizen of the Year; HB Real Estate as Business of the Year; Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen & Pantry as Nonprofit of the Year; and Heather Leclerc at Volunteer of the Year.
Picard devoted 40 years as an educator with Chicopee Public Schools. As a volunteer leader, He has volunteered for more than 20 years at Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen & Pantry, including service as board president, and eight years with the Friends of the RiverMills Center, where he also served as president. He has served on the Chicopee Veterans’ Services Office Board, the Charter Review Board, and the Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.
Since opening with 12 agents, B Real Estate has expanded to 31 agents across offices in Chicopee and Wilbraham. HB Real Estate supports local nonprofits including Kane’s Krusade, the Chicopee Queer Consortium, Alianza DV Services, Rick’s Place, and Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen & Pantry. The firm frequently hosts and participates in local events, such as its upcoming Holiday Author Stroll benefiting the Bellamy House Association.
Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen & Pantry has served Chicopee since 1980, It provides hot meals, groceries and essential services to thousands of families each year. Renamed in 2001 to honor longtime director and 2013 Shining Stars Citizen Lorraine Houle, it now operates from its Pendexter Avenue facility — donated with support from Callaway Golf. Lorraine’s offers year-round meal service, a food pantry, holiday programs, monthly health clinics and social service referrals.
A longtime member of the Shining Stars Events Committee, Leclerc stepped up as chair in 2023 when the chamber revived its Member Relations Committee.
The 41st Annual Shining Stars Gala takes place Friday, Feb. 27, from 6 to 10:30 p.m. at the Castle of Knights on Memorial Drive. Tickets are $75 per person and are on sale. To purchase tickets or inquire about sponsorships, visit www.chicopeechamber.org or call the chamber at 413-594-2101.
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Tech Foundry announces its 2025 End of Year Fundraising Campaign: Western MA Forward.
In May, Tech Foundry learned that federal funding for its Tech Hub in Holyoke, which offers free computer skills classes, device distribution and help desk services, had been slashed by the Trump administration. Since then, the Hub has been forced to cut services from 40 hours per week to six, significantly reducing the number of individuals and community partners they can serve.
The campaign seeks to raise $50,000 by Dec. 31 so that Tech Foundry can rebuild Tech Hub Holyoke’s capacity to serve more residents and expand services to neighboring communities.
To make a gift to Tech Foundry’s Western MA Forward campaign and learn more about the organization, visit https://thetechfoundry.org/donate.
