New manager at Whole Children and Whole Selves

NORTHAMPTON — Whole Children and Milestones, a Northampton-based afterschool and weekend enrichment center for people with disabilities, has named Liana Marks as its new manager. With eight years of service as a valuable team member, Marks brings a wealth of experience and a passion for fostering inclusion and creativity within the community.

Throughout her tenure at Whole Children and Milestones, the Easthampton resident has contributed her artistic and creative talents to numerous classes, as well as in the Milestones day program, serving adults. Marks also has been a key member of the Whole Selves curriculum development team which teaches social skills and sex education to students with disabilities.

Having earned her undergraduate degree in special education from Hampshire College, with a focus on art education and inclusion, Marks’ educational background aligns seamlessly with the organization’s mission.

Whole Children and Milestones are programs of Pathlight, a leading local provider of services for people with disabilities.

Florence Bankwelcomes Sullivan as vice president

FLORENCE — Florence Bank has hired Andrew Sullivan of Wilbraham as vice president/commercial lender.

He began his banking career as a credit analyst at a mutual bank in the region, but soon discovered an affinity for relationship building and helping commercial customers achieve their goals. Prior to joining Florence Bank, he served as a portfolio manager, small business loan officer, and commercial loan officer.

Sullivan began his new role at Florence Bank in mid-October.

The founder of the Andrew Sullivan Swing For a Cure Golf Tournament, which benefits the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Sullivan holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business management and a master of business administration from Elms College.

Sullivan is the chairman of the West of the River Chamber of Commerce. He is married to Amanda Sullivan and likes to fish and golf in his spare time.

Payless Auto Sales now a U-Haul dealer

SOUTH HADLEY — Payless Auto Sale at 510 New Ludlow Road has signed on with U-Haul Co. of Massachusetts and Ohio, Inc. to become a U-Haul neighborhood dealer.

Payless will offer services like U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment, support rental items and in-store pickup for boxes.

U-Haul has teamed with independent dealers to offer rental equipment to do-it-yourself movers since 1945. When customers rent from a U-Haul dealer, they are directly supporting an independent small business in their community.

Board members,officers join HCC Foundation

HOLYOKE — HCC Foundation Inc., the nonprofit fundraising arm of Holyoke Community College, has added nine new members to its board of directors, including six alumni, and also voted in a new slate of officers.

The new board members are: Jasarah Burgos of Springfield, program director of New North Citizens Council; Steven Clement ‘11, of West Springfield, a certified public accountant and former controller for ServiceNet; Kate Douglas, of South Hadley, president emerita of SUNY Corning Community College; Luindy Espinal ‘19, of Granby, senior accountant at Colony Hills Capital; Dean Gallagher, of Florence, retired; Johnnie McKnight ‘10, founder and president of Massachusetts Scholars With A Goal; Matt McMahon ‘06, of Franklin, senior technical advisor with Booz Allen; Ryan Rege ‘08, of Belchertown, director of vocational programs for Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School in Fitchburg; and Jim Shevlin ‘80, of Alpharetta, Georgia, division president of ESIS, a Chubb Company.

The new officers include Susan Goldsmith, of Longmeadow, president of Marcus Printing in Holyoke, will serve as chair; Lynn Starr ‘95, of Southampton, executive vice president and chief information officer at bankESB as vice chair; and Tiffany Madru, of West Hartford, Conn., founder of Analytics Labs in Holyoke, as secretary.

The HCC Foundation has total net assets of $28.3 million and an endowment of $18 million, the largest of all 15 community colleges in Massachusetts, due in large part to nearly 200 endowed scholarships and other funds established by alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the college.

Notch8 Grille opens at Union Station in Northampton

NORTHAMPTON — The Notch8 Grille at Union Station has officially opened, offering a new restaurant venue featuring unique interpretations of American and New England cuisine, along with premium steak, seafood and cocktails.

The new restaurant venue features state-of-the-art cooking and grilling facilities specifically acquired for hi-heat steak grilling.

The Notch8 Grille occupies the space formerly known as the Platform Sports Bar, after many months of construction, interior design, and equipment installation.

This year (2023) marks the 10th anniversary of the new Union Station. Since assuming the position of general manager in 2013, co-owner Jeremiah Micka and his team have transformed the banquet and dining complex into a hospitality destination.

The Notch8 Grille is located at 125A Pleasant St.