Ocean State Job Lot announces the return of its annual “Buy, Give, Get” coats program. Now in its 10th year, the effort has provided nearly 380,000 coats to people in need, including veterans, since 2016.
Any customer who buys a warm winter coat for $45 (retail value at $200 or more) and gives it back to the store as a donation, will get a $45 Crazy Deal Gift Card for free, to be used for a future purchase online or at any Ocean State Job Lot store.
Some restrictions apply for the redemption and use of the Crazy Deal Gift Card. Promotion does not apply to ship-to-store purchases. Participants must be registered as a Job Lot Insider.
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Greenfield Community College announces the launch of the Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship for Learning, Innovation, Voice & Empowerment, a pilot Learn-and-Earn program aimed at addressing the childcare staffing shortage in the Pioneer Valley while diversifying and strengthening the early education workforce.
Developed by GCC’s Workforce Development division in collaboration with Early Childhood Education faculty and five local childcare providers, the program offers free, paid, on-the-job training paired with college coursework that leads to teacher certification without student debt.
The program begins with four weeks of professional readiness training, including digital literacy, classroom readiness, and durable skills training, followed by 15 weeks of hybrid learning and hands-on experience in an early childcare setting. Apprentices will be placed in childcare centers for paid on-the-job training supported by both college faculty and workplace mentors. Training and education costs are fully covered. The consortium of employer partners is likely to grow in the years ahead.
Participating apprentices can also earn college credit through a Credit for Prior Learning process. The program’s curriculum aligns with both state and national teaching standards.
Funded by a three-year grant from the Commonwealth Corporation, the first cohort launches in January 2026, with two more cohorts beginning each fall through 2027. GCC aims to expand the model regionally.
For more information, contact the ECE ALIVE Coordinator at GCC Workforce Development at train@gcc.mass.edu.
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The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce announces the return of the A+ Awards Dinner, created to honor leaders in the Amherst Area who have made a positive impact through their dedication in education, business, and civic engagement. The 2025 A+ Awards Dinner is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the UMass Student Union Ballroom.
Presented by PeoplesBank, the A+ Awards Dinner recognizes contributions to the community across Amherst, Belchertown, Hadley, Leverett, Pelham, Shutesbury and Sunderland, as well as the broader valley. Attendees have the opportunity to network with business leaders in the community and enjoy a meal catered by award-winning UMass Dining. Following dinner, the A+ Award honorees are celebrated with custom videos that share their story.
The 2025 A+ Awards recipients include: Young Professional Award: Alyssa Petrides, owner of Nature & Nurture Preschool, recognized for her entrepreneurship in founding and operating an inclusive preschool; Community Service Award: Sarah Maroney, chair of the Belchertown Creative Economy Committee, recognized for her dedication to creating community engagement events and cultural projects in Belchertown; Leader in Sustainability Award: Weston Dripps, director of Sustainability at Amherst College, recognized for his leadership and development of campus and community sustainability programs; Chamber MVP Award: Robert Allingham, marketing and communications Manager at the Amherst Business Improvement District, recognized for his creativity and commitment to the Amherst Area Chamber as an ambassador; Legacy Award: Clare Higgins, retired executive director of Community Action Pioneer Valley, recognized for her impact in the region throughout her 14 years of leadership; Lifetime Achievement Award: Tullio Inglese, founder and principal architect of TIA Architects, recognized for his sustainable architectural projects and 50 years of mentorship to young architects.
Tickets to the A+ Awards Dinner are available and select sponsorship opportunities remain to recognize the 2025 A+ Awardees. For tickets and more information, visit www.amherstarea.com/awards or contact info@amherstarea.com.
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Representatives from Tech Foundry, a Springfield-based workforce development organization, and Comcast were joined by Springfield Mayor Dominic J. Sarno and City Councilor Jose Delgado to celebrate a new initiative aimed at expanding internet adoption and digital skills training for Greater Springfield residents.
Tech Foundry will sponsor six months of Comcast’s Internet Essentials service for the first 25 individuals who complete 12 digital literacy classes. Additionally, Comcast will donate laptops to the first 50 individuals who complete six digital literacy classes through Tech Foundry’s program.
This initiative is made possible through Comcast’s Internet Essentials Partnership program, which enables community organizations to fund Internet Essentials service for qualifying households.
Sponsored families receive all the benefits of Internet Essentials: a high-speed internet connection at home, the option to purchase a low-cost computer, and access to free digital skills training online, in person and in print.
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Monson Savings Bank is thrilled to celebrate a special milestone! On Thursday, Nov. 6, the East Longmeadow Branch will commemorate five years of proudly serving the local community.
To mark the occasion, the East Longmeadow Branch will host anniversary celebrations during regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Community members are warmly invited to join the festivities, which will feature Free refreshments and exciting prize drawings at each location.
Guests who attend the celebration at the East Longmeadow Branch will enjoy complimentary refreshments while supplies last. Plus, visitors will have the chance to enter a drawing to win a gift card* to one of these local businesses: TRE Olive, LLC, Tudor House Liquors, or East Village Tavern.
Monson Savings Bank’s East Longmeadow Branch is located at 61 North Main Street, East Longmeadow, MA 01028.
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