Daily Hampshire Gazette - Area briefs: Family gives $210K to Friends of CDH; Hilltown Holiday Help is accepting applications; Sen. Mark to hold November office hours

Cooley Dickinson Hospital’s main entrance. SUBMITTED PHOTO

NORTHAMPTON — The Friends of Cooley Dickinson, a volunteer organization that supports the hospital, has received two gifts from the Richason family totaling more than $210,000.

The gifts, which the organization will use to support the hospital’s childbirth center and new emergency department, come from the estate of Mark J. Richason ($32,500) and the Richason Living Trust ($178,000), established by George R. Richason Jr.

The Richason family’s connection to Cooley Dickinson stems from the care provided to Frances Richason, Mark’s mother and George’s wife. Frances was a dedicated volunteer at Cooley Dickinson for more than 30 years, earning recognition for “meritorious service.” She died in 2002 at age 84.

“For more than 120 years, Friends of CDH have been committed to advocating for and supporting Cooley Dickinson through volunteerism and fundraising,” said JoAnne Finck, president of Friends of Cooley Dickinson. “Frances Richason exemplified this spirit with her 30 years of service, and it is heartwarming to see her family carry on her dedication. These gifts will make a lasting impact on our hospital, improving care from birth through end-of-life.”

Frances’ husband George is the former associate head of the chemistry department at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and is one of just four non-athletes or coaches inducted into its athletic hall of fame. An avid supporter of student-athletes, he spent decades on various UMass athletic committees, including as the chairman of the athletic council, as a member of search committees for senior athletic leaders, and as the faculty representative to the NCAA. George’s more than 70 years of service to the university led to a certificate of “special congressional recognition” in 2014. He died in 2015 at age 99.

Hilltown Holiday Help is accepting applications

For more than 25 years, families have received help with gifts for their children through a community project called Hilltown Holiday Help. Children of families with low- to moderate-income in the hilltowns are eligible to receive clothing, books and toys. This effort is organized by the Hilltown Community Health Centers in conjunction with the National Honor Society with contributions from other organizations and individuals throughout the hilltowns and beyond.

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For families in need, wish lists are available through Hilltown Community Programs staff through Nov. 25 via telephone, email or by stopping by Play to Learn groups, the Gateway School Health Center or the Hilltown Community Health Centers located in Huntington and Worthington.

Families with children from newborns through the age of 12 may be eligible. Gifts will be distributed Dec. 11-13, through contactless curbside pickup or delivery. Call 413-667-2203 for more information.

For donors, arrange for a drop off time with staff or send monetary donations via mail to the attention of Kim Savery, c/o HCHC Finance Office, 58 Old North Road, Worthington, MA 01098, with checks made out to HCHC(Hilltown Community Health Centers) with Holiday Help in the memo.

To send electronic donations, visit hchcweb.org/hilltown-holiday-help/.

If you are interested in donating or have questions, contact Susan at 413-307-6012 [email protected], or Kim at 413-685-3500, [email protected].

Sen. Mark to hold November office hours

WILLISMASBURG — State Sen. Paul W. Mark’s staff will host office hours in Williamsburg for two days in November. Residents of any of the 57 municipalities in the senator’s Berkshire, Hampden, Franklin, and Hampshire District are encouraged to share ideas on current or potential state legislation, or to ask for assistance with issues involving any state agency.

Appointments are not required. The office hours will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 12, and Tuesday, Nov. 26, from 1-3 p.m. both days, in the Town Offices, 141 Main St., Haydenville.