BusinessWest seeks nominations for Difference Makers

SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest, the business journal of western Massachusetts, is now accepting nominations for its Difference Makers Class of 2024.

This program, initiated in 2009, is a celebration of individuals, groups, organizations and families that are positively impacting the Pioneer Valley and are, as the name suggests, making a difference in this region. There are many ways to do this: through work within the community on one or many initiatives to improve quality of life; through success in business, public service or education; through contributions that inspire others to get involved; through imaginative efforts to help solve one or more societal issues; or through a combination of these methods.

Nominations for the Class of 2024 are due Dec. 8, at 5 p.m. Submit nominations at businesswest.com/difference-makers-nomination-form.

For more information, call Melissa Hallock, marketing and events director, at 413-781-8600, ext. 100, or email hallock@businesswest.com.

Hay needs survey responses due Oct. 15

BOSTON — In the wake of this summer’s flooding that has impacted the availability of quality hay locally, the state Department of Agricultural Resources is seeking information from farmers and buyers concerning livestock owners’ hay needs.

The department is asking anyone in the state with a need for hay to fill out a survey, available at bit.ly/3t2cxKr, by Oct. 15. The information provided will be used to help the department develop resources to meet the expressed needs.

With questions, email Deputy Commissioner Winton Pitcoff at winton.pitcoff2@mass.gov.

DCF seeks Foster Care Review Unit volunteers

HOLYOKE — The state Department of Children and Families is seeking volunteers to join its Foster Care Review Unit.

The Foster Care Review Unit makes decisions regarding children who are placed in foster care for six months or longer, assessing how well their needs are being met and what progress has been made toward establishing them in a permanent living situation. A community volunteer is one member of the three-person panels that make these decisions.

Foster care reviews and required trainings are conducted remotely. Additional information about the program can be found at mass.gov/dcf-foster-care-review-volunteer and DCF’s online application is available at mass.gov/how-to/apply-to-be-a-volunteer-case-reviewer.

NAMI seeks board members

HOLYOKE — The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Western Massachusetts is seeking members to join its board of directors.

NAMI and its volunteers, members and leaders work to raise awareness and provide education, advocacy and support programs for people living with mental health conditions and their loved ones.

To inquire about joining the board, email information@namiwm.org or call 413-786-9139.

Healing Voices Project achieves nonprofit status

AGAWAM — The Healing Voices Project, an initiative dedicated to raising awareness and supporting programs to combat addiction in western Massachusetts, has achieved designation as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Led by Mike Tourville, author of “Voices from the Fallen” and “A Promise to Astrid,” this project fosters open conversations surrounding addiction and recovery. The Healing Voices Project broadcasts weekly episodes across various media platforms, including podcast apps and its website, healingvoicesproject.org. In addition to podcast formats, each program is available on YouTube.

“Our conversations delve deep into the personal struggles related to addiction, from broken families, incarceration and homelessness to inspiring stories of recovery, renewed lives and healed families,” Tourville said in a statement. “While we may never fully grasp our impact, shared experiences can motivate and encourage people while reducing the stigma that often prevents individuals from seeking help.”

The Healing Voices Project frequently features experts, care providers and community leaders who provide updates on prevention, intervention and treatment options.

Jewish Federation hosting Ride to Provide

AMHERST — The Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts will welcome more than 25 bike teams on Sunday, Oct. 15, to participate in Ride to Provide, a bike ride/5K that will begin and end at UMass Hillel in Amherst.

Money raised through Ride to Provide will help meet the needs of the federation’s constituent agencies and its network of nonprofit partners in their efforts to support western Massachusetts’ most vulnerable and people in need around the world. At the same time, the family-friendly Ride to Provide will help the federation promote interfaith relations and create opportunities for individuals, students and families to learn about and connect with Jewish life.

“We are proud and excited to bring back Ride to Provide to help local organizations raise funds to support the needs of our region. There is so much need and so much opportunity to help our neighbors here in western Massachusetts, which is why we are asking everyone to join us and help make a difference,” Nora Gorenstein, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts, said in a statement. “We believe that by educating, welcoming and doing good to others, celebrating our Jewish identity, and building familiarity and understanding toward Jews, we can make a difference in the fight against antisemitism, hatred and bigotry.”

Ride to Provide was created by Rabbi Saul Perlmutter of UMass Hillel and ran from 2007 to 2016 through UMass Hillel, which invited the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts to take ownership and expand the event. In addition to multiple bike route options, a 5K walk/run and a new option to participate as a virtual rider, there will be a post-ride celebration that will include food and music.

Individuals who are interested in sponsoring, volunteering or participating in Ride to Provide can visit jewishwesternmass.org/ridetoprovide23/. People interested in registering can create their own team or join one of the existing 25 teams.

Baystate Health hosting Breast Health Virtual Lecture Series

SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Health will hold a free Breast Health Virtual Lecture Series during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October beginning with “The Mammogram Callback” on Tuesday, Oct. 10, at 6 p.m.

After getting a mammogram, it is common to receive a callback. Dr. Folashade Ajegba, a radiologist at Baystate Health, will discuss mammography, what a radiologist is looking for, why you might get a callback, what happens next, and why the additional information you receive from a callback can be a good thing.

The series continues on Monday, Oct. 16, at 6 p.m. with “Lumpectomy vs. Mastectomy.”

Treatment options for breast cancer can include surgery as part of the full treatment plan. Dr. Jesse Casaubon of Baystate Surgical Oncology & Breast Specialists will discuss the options for a lumpectomy and a mastectomy, the potential differences, factors determining the surgery, surgical techniques, cosmetic results and recovery.

The series will end on Monday, Oct. 30, at 6 p.m., with “Precision Medicine in Breast Cancer.”

Doctors can tailor breast cancer treatment based on the genetic personality of an individual’s cancer. Dr. Prarthna Bhardwaj, of the Baystate Regional Cancer Program, will discuss how molecular testing impacts targeted treatments and the advances that have been made.

All lectures will be followed by a question-and-answer session. Registration is required for each session by visiting baystatehealth.org/breastcancerevents.