Mass Humanities announces funding opportunities

NORTHAMPTON — Application materials for Expand Massachusetts Stories grants in the 2024 funding season through Mass Humanities are available, with the application window opening on Feb. 5.

Expand Massachusetts Stories grants support projects that collect, interpret and share stories about Massachusetts. Special consideration is given to humanities programming, events and creative works that emphasize the voices and experiences of residents that often go unrecognized, or have been excluded from public conversation and public history.

This year, Mass Humanities is offering a new grant track for projects that explore different aspects of climate change. Applicants are eligible to receive up to $20,000. Organizations interested in applying for a grant can now choose between the Climate Change Track, Advancing Equity Track and Open Track.

“We believe that the humanities are crucial to confronting the complex challenges facing every human and every community,” Brian Boyles, executive director of Mass Humanities, said in a statement. “At this pivotal time in our nation, Mass Humanities supports storytellers and changemakers who bring people together to listen, share and imagine a better future. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2024, we look forward to hearing their ideas and celebrating their work.”

Mass Humanities launched the Expand Massachusetts Stories initiative in 2021 with support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Barr Foundation. Since then, Mass Humanities has distributed more than $1.8 million to projects including audio tours, documentary films, oral histories, public events and archival research.

Eligibility requirements and grant guidelines can be viewed at masshumanities.org/grants. Resources are available in English and Spanish.

For more information regarding Expanding Massachusetts Stories grants, contact Director of Grants and Programs Katherine Stevens at grants@masshumanities.org.

Realtor Association of Pioneer Valley installs leadership

SPRINGFIELD — Peter Ruffini was installed as the 2024 president of the Realtor Association of Pioneer Valley (RAPV), a non-profit trade association with more than 1,800 members. The 108th annual installation of officers and directors was held on Thursday, Jan. 11, at the Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow.

A real estate agent since 1996, Ruffini is the broker/owner of RE/MAX Connections. He served on the RAPV board of directors in 2021, as secretary in 2022 and as treasurer in 2023. RAPV also named him Realtor of the Year in 2015 and 2021.

The following individuals were installed as 2024 officers: Sue Drumm of Coldwell Banker Realty as president-elect; Brenda Cuoco of Brenda Cuoco & Associates Real Estate Brokerage as treasurer; and Lori Beth Betterton of LAER Realty Partners as immediate past president. Directors include Carrie Blair of Keller Williams Realty, Shawn Bowman of Trademark Real Estate, Janise Fitzpatrick of Jones Group Realtors, Judy Nevarez of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Realty Professionals, Kelly Page of Trademark Real Estate, Erica Swallow of Coldwell Banker Realty, Jennifer Tetreault of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Realty Professionals, Don Thompson of NextHome Elite Realty and Vinny Walsh of Coldwell Banker Realty.