LSP Association announces Morris as executive director

BELMONT — Mariellen Morris of Easthampton has been appointed executive director of The LSP Association (LSPA), a nonprofit volunteer-based organization representing licensed site professionals and related practitioners including attorneys, laboratory personnel and contractors, involved with hazardous waste site cleanup in Massachusetts.

Morris comes to the LSPA with over 20 years of experience in professional association management with expertise in strategic planning, operational efficiency and stakeholder engagement.

She holds a bachelor of arts from Westfield State University, and an master’s of arts from Suffolk University.

During her time at the Boston-based Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research, she successfully led initiatives in program development for both in-person and virtual platforms, alongside efforts in partnership building, membership growth, resource utilization and volunteer engagement.

Founded in 1993, the LSPA helps its nearly 800 members achieve and maintain high standards of practice in overseeing the assessment and remediation of sites contaminated with oil and hazardous materials. Since 1993, LSPs have cleaned up over 42,000 sites by restoring them to a condition where they meet regulatory standards for residential, business, commercial/retail, industrial, institutional, or open space uses.

Laundromat opens in Holyoke

HOLYOKE – Whiting Farms Laundromat as opened in the former Kmart Plaza in Holyoke, 2259 Northampton St. This family-owned, woman-owned business offers high-capacity machines, welcoming atmosphere, and commitment to community support.

Co-owned by Kerry and Jorge Martins, Whiting Farms offers high-capacity washers and dryers that can handle anywhere from three to 12 loads per machine, making it perfect for families and businesses alike.

Built with efficiency in mind, the space is open, clean, and designed to minimize the time customers spend on their laundry. Every decision, from equipment selection to layout, was driven by the goal of transforming laundry day into a less stressful part of life.

Jorge’s hands-on experience in the laundromat industry began years ago when he took over an older laundromat after its previous owner died.

With no prior knowledge, he learned everything from repairing washing machines to unclogging drains, building the expertise that laid the foundation for Whiting Farms Laundromat. Kerry brings a deep understanding of community needs to the venture. With a career in education supporting families new to the area and the country, she understands how access to something as essential as laundry services can affect daily life.  

Florence Bank promotes Constantilos

FLORENCE — Florence Bank has promoted Amanda Constantilos to manager of the bank’s King Street branch in Northampton. 

Constantilos joined the bank’s team in 2016 as a senior teller, and since, she has served as a teller operations manager in the Granby branch and as a customer service representative and assistant branch manager in Hadley. She has 19 years of experience in the banking industry and is skilled in customer service, team work, communication, problem-solving and employee development.

In her new role, which she assumed this month, Constantilos is responsible for leadership and team development, decision-making and community engagement.  

MassHire Holyoke hosts Fresh Start career fair

HOLYOKE — MassHire Holyoke will present the Fresh Start Career Fair, a major hiring event designed to connect job seekers with local employers, training programs, and legal resources, on Wednesday, May 21, from 1 to 5 p.m., at the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield.

This event is open to all job seekers and features over 50 employers, job training programs, and a legal clinic offering CORI sealing and support for other employment-related legal concerns. Employers will represent industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, trades, and more. Many will hire on the spot.

A special welcome and job fair kickoff will be held from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m., with remarks from Peter Fargas, president of the MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board and Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi.

For more information or to preregister, visit https://masshireholyoke.org/jobseekers/fresh-start-career-day/, or contact Ramona Rivera-Reno, executive director of Reentry & Recovery Services, at 413-427-3498 or rreno@masshireholyoke.org.

Dakin Humane Society announces board of directors 

SPRINGFIELD — Following its April 14 meeting, Dakin Humane Society announced its 2025 board of directors. The all-volunteer Dakin board represents communities from across the Pioneer Valley.

Tracy Sicbaldi of Berkshire Bank will serve for the first time as president. Rachel Slosek-Couture of Travelers Insurance will serve as vice president. Rob Cestola of Pope Francis Preparatory School will serve as treasurer and Kendra O’Neill of Florence Bank will be secretary.

New directors beginning three-year terms on the board include Laurie Martin of Baystate Health, Certified Public Accountant Keith Purcell and Meghan Rothschild of Chikmedia.

They will join current members Joseph Lopez, Lindsay Manning, Kelley Moloney, Alison Spafford and Nancy Weld.

“I am pleased to welcome this dedicated group of professionals who have agreed to work alongside all of us at Dakin in fulfilling our mission,” Executive Director Meg Talbert said in a statement.

“They each bring a wide variety of expertise in numerous professions and industries, and will enhance our efforts to expand our programs and services to assist animals and the people who love them in our community.”