A May graduate of Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont, Ruby has returned to her childhood home of Easthampton, Massachusetts, to pursue a career in public relations, and Janice is very pleased that Ruby will be spending part of her time working with Beetle Press.

As a student, Ruby held different sales and marketing positions, including work with nonprofit organizations. She decided to focus on PR after a meeting with her undergraduate advisor; Ruby wanted a career in which she could express her compassion through her work and showcase her skills and expertise. She says, “My advisor, Nancy Kerr, possessed a pure passion and enthusiasm on the subject of PR, and the more she talked about the opportunities that would be open to me and what I could accomplish for businesses and organizations, the more I thought that it was the route for me.”

During Ruby’s time at Champlain, she got the chance to study abroad in Dublin, Ireland. One of her courses in Dublin was Writing in the City, in which the class would explore the many intricacies of the city and write about it.

Ruby says the professor would take the class to amazing places and hidden gems around Dublin, tell them stories about the history and then give them a chance to reflect and write anything that came to them. “This was such a time of growth in my life as well as in my writing,” she says.

This summer, Ruby was connected to Beetle Press via her father, Brian Dillon, a local accountant and a client. Janice wrote a press release for Brian when his business relocated to Easthampton, and it was picked up by multiple print publications. Ruby was interested enough in Beetle Press to learn more. She and Janice sat down to chat, and there was an immediate connection.

Ruby has now written several successful press releases of her own. She loves having the opportunity to work with local businesses and nonprofit organizations, helping them to raise awareness. She’s excited too, to see her work in local print publications.

Outside of work, Ruby enjoys reading, photography and spending time with friends and family. After she studied abroad in Dublin, she caught the travel bug, and, since then, she has had a burning desire to experience different cultures, cuisine and to see many areas of the world-writing about all her experiences along the way.

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Janet is also a Westfield State alumna. After earning a bachelor’s degree in art with a concentration in graphic design, and a minor in English in 1983, Janet worked as a photographer for about 10 years, followed by a stint as a paralegal and at Elms College in Chicopee in the paralegal department and continuing education.

It was at Elms that she was approached by a dean at Westfield State to work in continuing education; Janet jumped at the chance to return to her alma mater, and the challenges and rewards have not disappointed her. That was in 1998. Janet’s title was Lifelong Learning Director then. She has also served as marketing director for the Division of Graduate and Continuing Education.

“I really enjoy watching the students grow and seeing the end result of hard work,” Janet says. “There isn’t a dull day. Every day is different, and working in higher education is a great atmosphere.”

Janet and Beetle Press have collaborated for many years as Janet oversees the publication of the University’s alumni magazine, Focus, for which Janice has served as editor since 2002. Janice works with Janet, and others on campus, to brainstorm a new magazine’s content, and then Janice makes assignments to writers, edits copy and works in partnership with the on-campus designer and Janet on each issue.

Janet says that Westfield State’s relationship with Beetle Press is a positive one that is both professional and friendly.

In addition to watching students come, study, grow and graduate with a wide variety of achievements, there have been many new campus developments since Janet arrived. Recently, the new Science Center is being constructed—the first academic building to be developed in 40 years—and a new Visual Arts Center is on the horizon. New programs have also been nurtured, such as the new nursing program and a Physicians Program that is in the works.

Janet believes that Westfield State is unique because it provides vast and rewarding opportunities to students, ranging from undergraduate research challenges to activities such as clubs, athletics, arts and theater. Students can participate in activities to explore their different interests as well as get involved in occupational opportunities, such as internships.

Westfield State is a welcoming campus, in Janet’s opinion. The University currently has 5,000 undergraduates and the relationships between students and faculty are close and supportive. “The teachers are committed to students,” she says. “They spend a lot of time outside class, nurturing students’ talents and helping them explore and satisfy their curiosity.”

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Fitness Fusion, at 150 Pleasant St., offers personal training in small and large group classes as well as in one-on-one and boot camp-style sessions. The gym also offers nutrition counseling and discounts for families, corporations and those in the military.

Because he had worked at Fitness Fusion for a year with former owner John Glynn, Lepine said the transition was seamless.

Lepine graduated from the American College of Sports Medicine with a degree in personal training. He feels very lucky to have found his passion in training and wants to share it with anyone who is interested in attaining their health and fitness goals.

“There is a sense of support and community here that you can feel from the first time you enter the gym,” Lepine said. “Fitness Fusion is not your average fitness center. Members motivate each other—not just the personal trainers. We work hard and have fun.”

Fitness Fusion welcomes people of all ages and fitness levels.

For a calendar of events or to read Lepine’s blog, visit fitnessfusioneasthampton.com. For more information, contact Lepine at 413-977-3938 or info.fitnessfusion@gmail.com

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“It was exhausting and overwhelming for everyone who cared about her. For Mary Jane, though, it was like any other year. She attended each medical appointment with a positive attitude and a laugh,” said Barbara Pilarcik, executive director of The Association for Community Living in Springfield, a nonprofit that provides an array of services to people living with disabilities, including Cleveland. “If she was truly tired, she hardly ever showed it; instead she went on day trips to a whale watch, to Salem, and to New York City. Her energy at times seemed never ending, no matter what her day had been like.”

Pilarcik’s comments were offered on June 16 during The Association’s Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony at the Log Cabin in Holyoke, where Cleveland received an achievement award for being a role model for anyone who wants to beat the odds.

Pilarcik told Cleveland the organization was proud of her before an audience of roughly 300 individuals served, their families, staff, board members, volunteers and donors. “MJ’s physicians all stated that her positive attitude and energy had as much, if not more, to do with her subsequent successful recovery than their expertise,” Pilarcik said. “Congratulations MJ on being healthy and ‘one of the gang.’ We wouldn’t have it any other way.”

In addition to presenting 11 achievement awards to individuals served in Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin and Berkshire counties, Pilarcik also honored staff with awards and discussed milestones the organization accomplished over the past year.

Pilarcik highlighted that the agency:

• Held its first-ever Leadership Institute, providing high-quality management training to 20 emerging leaders at the agency.
• Partnered with Baystate Health to present “Crash Reel” to over 200 community members.  “Crash Reel” is a documentary that tells the story of a New England family and their son, an Olympic ski boarder who is recovering from a horrific head injury.
• Produced an original play, “Once Upon a Bog,” involving more than 30 teens and adults from the Whole Children and Milestones programs to a sold-out audience.
• Opened a new, fully accessible Residential Services home on Meadow Street in Agawam.

“These are just some of the highlights we have experienced,” Pilarcik said. “They don’t begin to capture the many acts of kindness that occur daily at The Association for Community Living.”

For more information about the services and programs of The Association for Community Living, visit www.theassociationinc.org.

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Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Durocher has found a passion in creating art. She first began painting for her family and then expanded her market. “She was able to take this passion to create an important milestone in her young life by selling her paintings at fairs, conferences and other community outings,” said Barbara Pilarcik, executive director of The Association for Community Living in Springfield, a nonprofit that provides an array of services to people living with disabilities, including Durocher.

“Through this experience, Lina is learning money management, customer service and socially appropriate behavior as she deals with those who are looking through her artwork,” Pilarcik added. “These efforts have assisted Lina with creating greater independence in her life and allows growth for personal development. She has also learned that hard work pays off.”

Pilarcik’s comments were offered on June 16 during The Association’s Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony at the Log Cabin in Holyoke, where Durocher received an achievement award for acting on her passion and producing and selling her artwork.

In addition to presenting 11 achievement awards to individuals served in Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin and Berkshire counties, Pilarcik also honored staff with awards and discussed milestones the organization accomplished over the past year.

Pilarcik highlighted that the agency:

• Held its first-ever Leadership Institute, providing high-quality management training to 20 emerging leaders at the agency.
• Partnered with Baystate Health to present “Crash Reel” to over 200 community members.  “Crash Reel” is a documentary that tells the story of a New England family and their son, an Olympic ski boarder who is recovering from a horrific head injury.
• Produced an original play, “Once Upon a Bog,” involving more than 30 teens and adults from the Whole Children and Milestones programs to a sold-out audience.
• Opened a new, fully accessible Residential Services home on Meadow Street in Agawam.

“These are just some of the highlights we have experienced,” Pilarcik said. “They don’t begin to capture the many acts of kindness that occur daily at The Association for Community Living.”

For more information about the services and programs of The Association for Community Living, visit www.theassociationinc.org.

The post Carmelina “Lina” Durocher of Springfield Received an Achievement Award From The Association for Community Living appeared first on Beetle Press.

He helps clean up local parks. He plants flowers around Town Hall, and he volunteers at the Salvation Army, vacuuming and tidy up.

“He has even started keeping a photo album of these many activities,” said Barbara Pilarcik, executive director of The Association for Community Living in Springfield, a nonprofit that provides an array of services to people living with disabilities, including Quigley.

Pilarcik’s comments were offered on June 16 during The Association’s Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony at the Log Cabin in Holyoke, where Quigley received an achievement award for his good work in the community.

“Bill has taken a great interest in community involvement over the past year, and he has also shown great personal growth, asking to participate in social outings at home such as going to the movies with his housemates,” Pilarcik said.

She told Quigley the organization was proud of him before an audience of roughly 300 individuals served, their families, staff, board members, volunteers and donors.

In addition to presenting 11 achievement awards to individuals served in Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin and Berkshire counties, Pilarcik also honored staff with awards and discussed milestones the organization accomplished over the past year.

Pilarcik highlighted that the agency:

Held its first-ever Leadership Institute, providing high-quality management training to 20 emerging leaders at the agency.

Partnered with Baystate Health to present “Crash Reel” to over 200 community members.  “Crash Reel” is a documentary that tells the story of a New England family and their son, an Olympic ski boarder who is recovering from a horrific head injury.

Produced an original play, “Once Upon a Bog,” involving more than 30 teens and adults from the Whole Children and Milestones programs to a sold-out audience.

Opened a new, fully accessible Residential Services home on Meadow Street in Agawam.

“These are just some of the highlights we have experienced,” Pilarcik said. “They don’t begin to capture the many acts of kindness that occur daily at The Association for Community Living.”

For more information about the services and programs of The Association for Community Living, visit www.theassociationinc.org.

The post William “Bill” Quigley of Buckland Received an Achievement Award From The Association for Community Living appeared first on Beetle Press.

Terra Missildine is offering the event because she has a mission to protect the earth as well as an agenda to support parents and children. Missildine owns Beloved Earth, a green cleaning company based in Northampton, and she recently created Cultivate Community to assist what she calls parentpreneurs—or parents who are also entrepreneurs.

Participants in the clean-up event will meet at picnic site number one, between the parking lot and the new playground in the park. The walk will begin at 9:30 a.m., but people are welcome to join in at any point throughout the event.

Coffee, water, and juice boxes will be available, and gloves and hand sanitizer will be provided. Parents and children are encouraged to stroll through the park as they clean up their local community. There will be time for networking, and a raffle will be held after the clean-up walk.

To register for this event, contact Missildine at 413-949-3509 or cultivateandnest@gmail.com.

For more information, visit the Cultivate Community website at http://www.cultivateandnest.com/

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It was a relay like no other, Tom says. The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Hampshire County was held June 19 and 20 at Look Park in Florence, raising over $216,000 and meeting this year’s fundraising goal. Numerous family-friendly activities were offered, including live musical performances, cardboard car contests, aerobics and Zumba.

The energy was fueled by many additional highlights, such as presentations by Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz and Joanne Marqusee, president and CEO of Cooley Dickinson Health Care.

Janice manages the publicity for relay, and just today she sent out the last press release for the season, announcing that a total of$216,606 was raised and that donations will be accepted through August. Now volunteers such as Tom who have been meeting for months to organize relay, can take a short breather before regrouping to plan Relay 2016.

Relay For Life is a 24-hour fundraising event for the American Cancer Society. During relay, teams of participants take turns walking on a temporary track to raise money for cancer research and programs that benefit cancer patients and their families.

Learn more about the event or donate before Aug. 31.

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SOMERS, CONN—Ten years after forming a team in memory of Brielle Laplante, Brielle’s Brigade will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of its first Pan-Mass Challenge ride in her honor in grand style on June 12 at the Thomas Jefferson mansion replica, Monticello.

The gala event is a fundraiser that includes appetizers and entertainment at the 10,000 square-foot home and will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. A donation of $100 per person is requested and can be made by contacting Brielle Laplante’s uncle, Ed Moses, at Eamoses65@gmail.com. One hundred percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Brielle’s Brigade was formed in 2006 to ride the Pan-Mass Challenge, inspired by Brielle Laplante, the team’s namesake. In 2012, the tightly-knit Brielle’s Brigade family mourned Brielle’s passing after she lost her battle with Osteosarcoma a few months before her 14th birthday. Brielle was the daughter of Tammy and Bill Laplante; Bill Laplante is president of Laplante Construction of East Longmeadow, which built the Monticello mansion at 732 Hall Hill Road in 2014. Monticello is owned by S. Prestley Blake, co-founder of Friendly’s Ice Cream, and his wife, Helen, and they are the main presenting sponsors for the evening’s event.

Over the past nine years, riders on the Brielle’s Brigade team have logged over 19,000 event miles and raised $990,898 through the Pan-Mass Challenge. This year, the team expects its total fundraising will surpass $1million. Over 5,500 cyclists rode in the 2014 Pan-Mass. Cyclists choose from 12 routes of varying mileage designed to cater to all levels of cycling strength and fundraising ability. All donations to team riders also benefit the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

The 2015 Brielle’s Brigade Pan-Mass Challenge team will be made up of 10 riders, including both of Brielle Laplante’s parents; her uncle and cousin, Ed and Rebecca Moses; and family friends Peter Grocott, Paul Cicco, Andy Ede, Robert Lupacchino, Michael Moses and Peter Pessalano.

“The Blakes have generously donated the beautiful Monticello to host the reception,” said Bill Laplante. “We are grateful to be able to raise funds for these important organizations that gave comfort to our daughter. We are deeply appreciative of our presenting sponsors and the many others who will make the gala possible.”

Additional Presenting Sponsors for the gala include: Max Catering and Events; Vartanian Custom Cabinets; Monson Savings Bank; Clarke Sub-Zero Wolf; Peter Novak-Charter Oak Insurance and Financial Services Company; Keady, Foard and Montemagni Wealth Management at UBS Financial Services; and East Longmeadow Taylor Rental.

To make a donation to the team online, visit www.pmc.org, select make a donation, enter team egift number

TBO 117, and select “Brielle’s Brigade.”

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I am a 20-year-old senior at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Originally from Pomfret Conn., I fell in love with Amherst and wanted to stay in the area over the summer, so I searched the Pioneer Valley for an internship and found one!

As an undergraduate, I am pursuing a degree in communications with a minor in information technology. I first learned about Beetle Press when I began my summer internship search and spotted it on the UMass Career Services listings. It seemed a great fit for expanding on my social media and PR experience. I am enthusiastic about working with local businesses, especially in Western Mass, and am eager to have joined the Beetle Press team.

When I got started the spring semester interns—Shelby Ashline, Maddie Cicitto and Vanessa Pesa—were still on board, so I got to learn some tricks from them. It was nice to have that overlap and meet interns who were a lot like me and had a lot of similar interests.

This is my first internship, so I am a little nervous about getting started. I’m not sure what to expect or whether I’ll enjoy my work. Nevertheless, Janice and the previous interns have so far exceeded my expectations in training me and getting me started. Even in the first few weeks, I have already learned so much about public relations and social media practices. Now I’m gearing up to reach out to interview clients about their own work and their work with Beetle Press. Even this short experience so far has taught me that I am on the right career path in public relations.

When I am not working on my internship or studying for classes, I spend my time with the Alpha Chi Omega sorority on campus as the vice president of recruitment in the Delta Mu Chapter. Serving there as a part of the executive board had really taught me the ins-and-outs of running an organization. It also had taught me a lot about social media and networking, which has been beneficial to both this internship and other opportunities.

In my free time, I enjoy exploring the local area. I love to hike and spend time outdoors, especially with the warm weather! I also enjoy music, collecting record albums—or vinyls—and some arts and crafts when I have the time!

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