Law firm welcomes attorney Brett Smith

SPRINGFIELD — Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin P.C., a law firm serving western and central Massachusetts and northern Connecticut, has welcomed East Longmeadow resident Brett Smith to its team of lawyers.

Smith concentrates his practice on commercial finance and real estate, business organizations and planning, and land use regulation. He earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Bentley University in 2019, and his juris doctor degree from Western New England University’s School of Law this year. He previously served as a legal intern at New Mexico Local Government Law LLC.

“Brett joined us as a law clerk in 2022, and now that he has passed the bar, we are proud to have him contribute as an associate in our firm,” founding attorney Steven J. Schwartz said in a statement. “As we prepare to mark 55 years since the founding of the firm, we’re excited by the bright, young talent, including Brett, coming on board to grow with us.”

Dec. 13: MassHire presents Holiday Job Fair

GREENFIELD — The MassHire Franklin Hampshire Career Center will host a Holiday Job Fair on Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 2 to 4 p.m. at its offices, located at 101 Munson St., Suite 210.

For more information, call 413-774-4361 or visit masshirefhcareers.org.

Freedom Credit Union raises $1K for Unify Against Bullying

SPRINGFIELD — Throughout October, Freedom Credit Union and its members raised more than $1,000 for Unify Against Bullying.

“Unify Against Bullying is an organization we are very proud to support,” Debra Mainolfi, Freedom Credit Union’s West Springfield branch officer and a member of the Unify Against Bullying executive board, said in a statement. “Every year in the U.S., over 3.2 million students are victims of bullying, and western Massachusetts is no exception. Most children who experience bullying don’t report it. Unify Against Bullying makes a positive impact in our schools and communities to bring people together to speak out against bullying in a unified voice.”

Unify Against Bullying pledges to bring an end to bullying through the celebration of true diversity. The organization works to make sure that victims of bullying know that they are not alone — that they are, in fact, supported by a loving, caring community of fellow students, teachers, parents, siblings, business leaders and many others.

Freedom Credit Union has branches in Greenfield and Turners Falls.

GCC Foundation welcomes new board members

GREENFIELD — The Greenfield Community College Foundation has welcomed four members to its board of directors: Jane Wolfe, James Fitzgerald, Nicole Gorman and Brian Kapitulik.

The four new members bring with them a wealth of experience and commitment to the GCC community, enhancing the foundation’s mission to support GCC and its students. Gorman joined the board late last year, while the other three members joined in November.

“The Greenfield Community College Foundation is excited to welcome our new members, whose diverse backgrounds and dedication to community service will undoubtedly contribute to the foundation’s continued success in supporting the college’s mission to provide quality, accessible education to all students,” said Alexis Page, the GCC Foundation’s executive director.

■Jane Wolfe, a resident of the Pioneer Valley for more than 25 years, serves as executive vice president of residential lending at Greenfield Cooperative Bank. Wolfe’s community involvement includes her service on the United Way of the Franklin & Hampshire Region’s board of directors and with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Franklin County.

■James Fitzgerald, a GCC alumnus, is a patrol officer with the Deerfield Police Department. Fitzgerald’s understanding of community needs is complemented by his service on the board of directors of All Out Adventures and the Worcester-based Major Taylor Association.

■Joining as a GCC faculty liaison, sociology professor Brian Kapitulik brings academic insight and a personal connection to community college values. A first-generation college graduate with a doctorate in sociology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, his long history with GCC is helpful in guiding the foundation’s efforts to support GCC’s student body.

■Nicole Gorman, a financial advisor at Edward Jones in Greenfield, has contributed to the GCC Foundation as both a board member and a member of its Finance and Investment Committee. A Franklin Pierce University alumna, Gorman brings expertise in investment strategies and tailored financial guidance.

ServiceNet announces two promotions

NORTHAMPTON — ServiceNet, a nonprofit mental health and human services agency with locations across western Massachusetts, has promoted two leaders in its Developmental and Brain Injury Services (DBIS) division.

Shawn Robinson, formerly director of vocational services and of Prospect Meadow Farm in Hatfield, has been appointed vice president of vocational services and day programs. Robinson, who has worked with ServiceNet since 2011, was recognized in 2023 as the Daily Hampshire Gazette’s Person of the Year. He also received a Black Excellence on the Hill Award from the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus.

Mike Lalak, a former senior director of operations in the DBIS division, has been appointed vice president of DBIS residential services. Lalak first came to ServiceNet in 2012 as a program director and quickly rose through the ranks. He currently oversees 58 of ServiceNet’s residential programs across western Massachusetts.

“These promotions mark an important turning point for ServiceNet,” Abbas Hamdan, senior vice president of DBIS, said in a statement. “I have every confidence that Mike and Shawn will continue to drive our mission and continuing growth to still new heights.”