ERC5 Legislative Breakfast to Celebrate Community, Cultural Heritage
EAST LONGMEADOW — On Tuesday, Feb. 10 from 8 to 10 a.m. at Ludlow Country Club, the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce (ERC5) will host a legislative breakfast that promises to highlight the work being done in local communities.
Premier sponsor Monson Savings Bank has enabled the chamber to honor two local nonprofits making a significant impact on youth: Rick’s Place in Wilbraham and Willie Ross School for the Deaf in Longmeadow. ERC5 also thanks local service sponsors, Country Bank and Polish National Credit Union, for recognizing the contributions of public servants. This event will honor dedicated individuals — from town administrators to police and fire personnel — who ensure that communities remain safe and well-run.
This year’s breakfast also marks the inaugural presentation of the 2026 Cultural Heritage Impact Awards, recognizing three individuals who have achieved personal success and also served as mentors and role models in the community: Wen Zhen Gao (“Annie”) of Mandarin Wilbraham, Curio Nataloni of Kitchens & Baths by Curio, and Fernando Blanco of Blanco Electric. State legislators will present a citation to these recipients.
“These award recipients embody the spirit of the American dream while celebrating their unique cultural heritage,” the chamber stated. “Their stories remind us that, by embracing our diverse backgrounds, we strengthen our community and discover the many similarities that unite us.”
For more information, contact Grace Barone, ERC5 executive director, at (413) 530-5778 or gbarone@erc5.com.