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Tools for Training

Holyoke Health Care Center recently presented a $1,818.30 grant to the American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter. The funds will be put toward the purchase of two manikins to be used in the training of students in the organization’s certified nurse-assistant training program, allowing students the opportunity to practice skills that they cannot practice on each other. “We are very grateful for this donation, providing us the opportunity to purchase quality equipment to ensure we have the proper tools to ensure excellence in our teaching programs,” said Don May, director of Health and Safety Services for the American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter. Pictured are, standing, Tom Accomando, administrator of Holyoke Health Care Center, and May; seated, Holyoke Health Care Center residents Rosemary Fleming, Helen Wozniak, and Lucy Dziendzielwicz.

Pitching In

Even before tornadoes recently struck Western Mass., area residents and businesses were busy contributing to relief efforts in other parts of the world. At left, Tom Wheeler, president of AW Brown’s in East Longmeadow, contributes $500 to Red Cross relief efforts for the recent Japan earthquake and tsunami. Accepting the donation is Paige Thayer, deputy director of chapter support for the Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter. Above, Thayer accepts a $185 donation from Simon Dostal of Florence, who wanted to give his birthday money away to help victims of the recent floods and tornadoes in the South. “This is such a special donation,” said Thayer. “Simon celebrated his sixth birthday with a special focus on those in need. He told me he saw pictures of some of the damage and thought that he could try to help.” Pictured with them is Dostal’s sister, Lucia.

YMCA Campaign Breakfast

The YMCA of Greater Springfield staged its 2011 Annual Campaign Breakfast on May 20 at Springfield. The keynote speaker was Carlton Fisk, who regaled attendees with stories of his playing days with the Red Sox. The event itself raised more than $120,000, and the campaign has netted more than $325,000. Clockwise, from top right, YMCA Board Chairman Sam Hanmer (left), CEO of FieldEddy Inc., bids on one of the many auction items signed by Fisk (Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno is at his right); participants in the Y-TIP (YMCA-Teen Incentive Program) take a bow after performing for the audience; ‘Pudge’ Fisk accentuates one of his comments with a finger point; Karen Mercier, accounting manager for the Y, holds up a Fisk bat while Robin Olejarz, CFO, watches for new bidders.