Bank branches accepting Toys for Tots donations

Greenfield Cooperative Bank and its Northampton Cooperative Bank division are hosting a toy drive to benefit Toys for Tots at its Hampshire County branches. From Dec. 1 to Dec. 12, community members are encouraged to drop off new, unwrapped toys for children in need.

The Toys for Tots program, run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, collects and distributes toys to ensure that every child experiences the magic of the holidays. Donations of all kinds are welcome, from classic toys and games to books and stuffed animals.

“We’re proud to support an organization that brings hope and happiness to families right here in our community,” Erin Cleary, manager at the South Hadley branch, said in a statement. “Every toy donated helps make the season brighter for a local child.”

Donations can be dropped off during business hours at the following branches:

South Hadley branch: 487 Newton St., South Hadley, MA, 01075.

Amherst branch: 390 College St., Amherst, MA, 01002.

Northampton branch: 67 King St., Northampton, MA, 01060.

Florence branch: 6 Main St., Florence, MA, 01062.

BusinessWest updating Book of Lists

SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest is calling on local businesses to submit, review and update their listings in the annual Book of Lists, a resource guide for doing business in western Massachusetts. The deadline to add or update a company listing for the 2026 edition of the Book of Lists is Monday, Dec. 15.

Listings can be reviewed at businesswest.com/guides/book-of-lists-2025 and updated or submitted at businesswest.com/book-of-lists-update-listings/.

BusinessWest’s Book of Lists is a one-stop reference tool for business and industry leaders in western Massachusetts. The resource guide offers statistics and data, as well as a comprehensive business directory for professionals in the region. Copies are mailed to BusinessWest subscribers, distributed year-round at regional events, and available online at businesswest.com as a digital flipbook with active hyperlinks.

For advertising, sponsorships or more information on updating or adding a listing, contact Executive Administrator Melissa Hallock at 413-781-8600, ext. 109, or melissa@businesswest.com.

The Rendezvous to match food pantry donations

TURNERS FALLS — The Rendezvous, a restaurant and performance venue at 78 Third St., is supporting The Brick House Community Resource Center’s food pantry by matching any donation up to $5 when customers spend at least $40 at The Rendezvous during the first week of December.

“We’re excited to have a vibrant food pantry dedicated to healthy food right on Third Street in Turners,” Rendezvous co-owner Christopher Janke said in a statement.

Thomas Taaffe, executive director of The Brick House added, “When we opened our pantry in June 2024, 37% of the households in Franklin County were food-insecure, according to a 2024 Greater Boston Food Bank report. Demand in our pantry grew quickly. In our first full year, we served 2,000 people. One year later, the Greater Boston Food Bank reported that food insecurity in the county had increased to 50% of households.

“We are grateful for the support of community members and businesses like The Rendezvous, who have stepped up and helped us meet the rising need,” Taaffe continued. “Your support makes all the difference.”

Dec. 4: Outdoor Industry Job Fair

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Community College will host its annual Outdoor Industry Job Fair on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to noon in the Cohn Family Dining Commons. The event is free and open to the public.

GCC’s Department of Adventure Education & Outdoor Leadership has hosted this fair for more than four decades. Employers from various regional outdoor companies, agencies, camps, guide services and retailers will be on hand and are looking to fill open part-time, seasonal and full-time positions. Employers include Zoar Outdoor, Wilderness School, Miraval Berkshires Resort and Spa, All Out Adventures, Adventure East, Adaptive Sports at Mount Snow, Eagle Eye Institute, Camp Wa-Klo, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, and North Carolina Outward Bound, to name a few.

GCC Foundation welcomes new board members, elects new officers

GREENFIELD — At its November meeting, the Greenfield Community College Foundation celebrated new leadership and fresh perspectives on its board of directors while honoring four members who completed their six-year terms of service.

Departing members Deb Berryere (president), Ann Barker (vice president), Jacqui Zuzgo and Savitri Rambissoon were recognized for their commitment to the college and to the foundation’s mission of supporting student success. Under their leadership, the GCC Foundation strengthened its scholarships, endowment and community partnerships, advancing opportunities for students across the region.

Succeeding them in leadership, the board elected James Fitzgerald as president and Jane Wolfe as vice president. Fitzgerald and Wolfe both joined the foundation’s board in 2023 and bring experience in business and community service.

The GCC Foundation also welcomed four new members:

Tim Grader, a real estate investor, broker and property manager who owns Cohn & Company Real Estate and Stillwater Real Estate Services. A GCC alumnus, he brings a commitment to regional revitalization, historic preservation and lifelong learning.

Colleen Kucinski, executive director of The Literacy Project, who has spent more than 25 years advancing educational access through leadership in higher education and philanthropy, including 18 years at GCC and eight years at the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts.

Hannah Rechtschaffen, executive director of the Greenfield Business Association. Her background includes strategic roles with W.D. Cowls and the Lindy Institute for Urban Innovation, where she built partnerships that drive local economic growth.

Mary Siano, a social worker and civic leader. She has served on local boards and committees, including the Greenfield School Committee, the Community Health Center of Franklin County and The Literacy Project. She is also a longtime GCC volunteer and annual campaign co-chair.

“Each of our new board members brings a unique perspective and a deep commitment to education, equity and community well-being,” Alexis Page, the GCC Foundation’s executive director, said in a statement. “Together, we’re building on decades of local generosity and ensuring that GCC students have the support they need to thrive.”

For more information about the GCC Foundation, visit gcc.mass.edu/foundation.

Water Wonders Swim School executive director speaks at Stoneleigh-Burnham

GREENFIELD — Stoneleigh-Burnham School recently welcomed Becky Bennett, executive director and curriculum specialist at Water Wonders Swim School, as a featured guest in its ongoing Speaker Series.

Bennett founded Water Wonders Swim School in 2004 with a mission to teach children how their bodies function in the water and to help swimmers of all ages overcome their fear of the water. Her work includes experience supporting swimmers on the autism spectrum, as well as individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), attention-deficit disorder (ADD), sensory processing disorder and Down syndrome.

Stoneleigh-Burnham School spotlights women leaders, educators and innovators through its Speaker Series, offering students opportunities for learning and inspiration.

Stoneleigh-Burnham School recently welcomed Becky Bennett, executive director and curriculum specialist at Water Wonders Swim School, as a featured guest in its ongoing Speaker Series. Credit: CONTRIBUTED