bankESB to host two free shred days

EASTHAMPTON — bankESB invites customers and members of the community to two free Shred Days at local offices. Events will be held from 9-11 a.m. (or until the truck is full) on Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Easthampton office, 241 Northampton St. and on Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Belchertown office, 40 State St. No appointment is necessary.

Residents can reduce their risk of identity theft by bringing old mail, receipts, statements or bills, cancelled checks, pay stubs, medical records, or any other unwanted paper documents containing personal or confidential information and shredding them safely and securely for free. A professional document destruction company will be on site in the bank’s parking lot and can accept up to two boxes of documents per person.

New events manager at Spill the Tea Sis

NORTHAMPTON — Spill the Tea Sis has appointed Cristiano Gazzara as its new events manager.

With a vision to expand community involvement, Spill the Tea Sis created this position to oversee the strategy and production of over 100 free community events annually.

Gazzara brings extensive experience in events, community outreach and marketing. He built connections with many local restaurants and businesses as a wine sales representative. For nearly a decade, he has been a leader in the queer community as a producer of nightlife events.

Among the highlights of the fall offerings is “the eagerly anticipated a “61 Days of Halloween” celebration that started Sept. 1 and runs through Oct. 31. The lineup of special free programming promises 61 days of spooky and spectacular experiences for kids and families of all ages. These events will include wellness and self-care events, enriching workshops, captivating readings, lively parties, and much more.

Placzek named Big Y’s director of grocery

David M. Placzek of Belchertown has been appointed director of grocery at the board of directors at Big Y Foods Inc.

In this role, Placzek will be responsible for all grocery sales, marketing and merchandising, retail pricing, and space management initiatives within the grocery department and Table and Vine division. He began his career at Big Y over 25 years ago as a part-time service clerk. As he moved up through the ranks, he became a full-time grocery clerk, grocery manager, center store development manager and meat and seafood manager.

By 2014, he moved on to meat and seafood merchandiser then to a center store category sales manager. During his six years, he managed several different categories including general merchandise, pet food and supplies, baking and beverage. In 2022, he was promoted to senior category manager of grocery until his new appointment where he reports to Steven M. Nordstrom, senior director of center store.

Community Action names Thompson associate director of community engagement

GREENFIELD — Community Action Pioneer Valley has hired Jessica Thompson as associate director of community engagement.

Thompson started in her new position on July. She comes to Community Action with many years of experience at Crocker Communications and the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce. At the Chamber, she coordinated communications, events, and fundraising. And as the Chamber's volunteer manager, Thompson developed a successful volunteer program, including training and support for a broad group of community volunteers.

Community Action created this new position to bring together its work in communications, fundraising, and community collaborations, as well as a renewed focus on volunteer engagement throughout the agency.

Community Action Pioneer Valley is our local anti-poverty agency with locations throughout Franklin and Hampshire counties and parts of Hampden County.

Cooley Dickinson Hospital earns baby friendly redesignation

NORTHAMPTON — Cooley Dickinson Hospital has been redesignated as “Baby Friendly” by Baby-Friendly USA, the national authority responsible for certification of the global Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, supported by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative is a worldwide program aimed at ensuring that all mothers and infants receive the best possible start in life by fostering an environment that supports breastfeeding and encourages the essential bond between mother and child.

The award recognizes that Cooley Dickinson is adhering to the organizations’ international standards and evidence-based practices, which have been shown to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration.

Cooley Dickinson is part growing list of more than 20,000 Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers throughout the world. These facilities provide an environment that supports breastfeeding, while respecting every patient’s right to make the best decision for themselves and their family. Cooley Dickinson emphasizes that they support the choices made by all patients, including those who do not breastfeed.

]]>