TURNERS FALLS — There are superheroes among us in Franklin County, but don’t expect to see them in a comic book.

The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and the United Way of the Franklin & Hampshire Region held the first “Super Chamber Breakfast” on Friday morning at Franklin County Technical School, as community leaders, town officials and business representatives alike gathered to recognize six local superheroes, who were surprised with the honors.

Chamber Executive Director Jessye Deane said she wanted to create an unexpected opportunity to shine a light on the contributions of unsung heroes who have made a massive impact on the Franklin County community through their work.

“I hope that this morning serves as a refreshing, inspiring reminder that, despite what may be happening with the rest of the world,” Deane said, “kindness still exists here in Franklin County.”

The six superheroes were honored for their work in community businesses and organizations, like Twice As Smart, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Regional Dog Shelter and LifePath. In line with the theme of superheroes, folks were called to the podium to received a superhero cape created by Silver Screen Design, while a fog machine added some extra effect.

“That’s what makes our community great — it’s those ones that day in and day out, without credit, go forward and make our communities more vibrant and whole,” said Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan, who introduced Jeff Trant, executive director of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Franklin County and North Quabbin, as one of the region’s heroes. The Children’s Advocacy Center provides specialized support for child victims of sexual abuse and their families.

Sullivan said Trant’s “life work has been to lift children and their families whenever possible,” and that mission has been clear since he joined the organization’s board of directors in 2016. Trant became executive director in 2023.

“Jeff is a person who has enormous compassion and kindness for child victims, but also has the integrity and grit to take on powerful institutions. Those that hurt children aren’t safe from Jeff,” Sullivan said. “The healing these children receive will forever change their future. … You just can’t put a price tag on the holistic treatment Jeff has fostered at the CAC.”

Another honoree was LifePath Resource Consultant Terri Letourneau, who was honored by LifePath’s Executive Director Gary Yuhas for her 33 years of work with the agency. During that time, she has taken more than 100,000 phone calls, according to an “incredibly conservative” estimate from Yuhas.

The recognition also served as a bit of an early retirement gift for Letourneau, who is retiring on Monday after a career that has lasted for two-thirds of LifePath’s existence. LifePath, celebrating its 50th anniversary, serves elderly residents, individuals with disabilities and caregivers.

“Terri’s work is to connect people with other people, and I think that’s the kind of role that often goes unnoticed and it shouldn’t. … Terri treats all of our callers with dignity and respect, and is a consummate professional,” Yuhas said. “Her superpower is helping folks to know there are people out there that want to help them. Talking to Terri and others on the team gives people hope. … Terri offers both hope and help, and isn’t that the job of a superhero?”

Other honorees include:

■Franklin County Agricultural Society President Michael Nelson, who was honored by state Rep. Natalie Blais, D-Deerfield, for his dedication to the Franklin County Fairgrounds, which draws in local and national events.

■Twice As Smart Director Gloria Matlock, who was honored by Twice As Smart board of directors member Deborah Shriver for her continued work with children in the region. Twice As Smart is a nonprofit after-school program.

■Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Regional Dog Shelter Director Leslee Colucci was honored by Assistant District Attorney Erin Aiello for her work in supporting law enforcement, as well as her commitment to both the two- and four-legged members of our community.

■Gagne Wealth Management founder Merrill Gagne was honored by Trant for his work in supporting numerous community organizations, including providing donations that helped create the behavioral health program at the Children’s Advocacy Center.

Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com.