Cronin was tapped for the St. Patrick’s Ambassador Award; I-391 in Holyoke will probably be closed for six months; Hospitals provide free weight reduction and cardiac lecture collection

Published: 01/16/2023 15:30:18

Cronin selected for Ambassador Award by St. Patrick’s Committee

HOLYOKE — The St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke has selected Claire D. Cronin for its 32nd Ambassador Award. The award goes to an individual or group that has worked to further the relationship between the people of Ireland and the people of the United States.

Cronin is a United States Ambassador to Ireland, who was nominated by President Joe Biden in June 2021. Prior to that position, she was a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives and was the first woman to serve as House Majority Leader.

During her tenure as a legislature, Cronin also served as chair of the Judiciary Committee, where she drafted significant legislative texts, including major criminal justice and police reforms.

Karen Casey, President of the 2023 Parade, said: “We are honored to have Ms. Cronin as an Ambassador Award recipient. Ms. Cronin has done amazing things for mental health, domestic violence and veterans services. She will be a remarkable addition to our parade and I look forward to meeting her and her family and marching with her on parade day! This is a wonderful choice and I couldn’t be happier.”

Cronin will be honored at the Ambassadors Award Breakfast on the morning of the parade on Sunday, March 19th at Wyckoff Country Club. To purchase tickets please contact Cathy McEvady at 413-313-5559.

The I-391 bridge in Holyoke is scheduled to close in both directions for 6 months

HOLYOKE — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is announcing a complete closure of the bridge that carries Interstate 391 north and south across the city streets in Holyoke, beginning Tuesday.

The closure will last approximately six months and allow crews to complete repairs. A detour will apply for the duration of the closure.

Northbound traffic will use Exit 6 (Commercial Street) while truck traffic will use Exit 5 (Main Street) and follow the posted detours.

Southbound traffic will be diverted via South Street and then merges southbound onto I-391 from the Main Street ramp.

Notice boards, signs, traffic control devices and police details are used to guide drivers safely through the work zone.

Virtual weight loss surgery information sessions offered

NORTHAMPTON — Community members interested in learning more about their weight loss options are invited to a free virtual educational session with obesity surgeon Dr. Ursula McMillian to attend. Upcoming information events will be offered on the following dates: Thursday, January 19; Wednesday 15 February and Wednesday 15 March; Sessions are from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m

Weight loss surgery is considered by the medical community to be the most effective and permanent option for reducing body weight in people considered morbidly obese.

Session topics will include the obesity epidemic and the history of weight loss surgery; goals and benefits of the operation; the types of weight loss surgeries performed at Cooley Dickinson Hospital and the patient’s journey before, during and after the surgery.

McMillian is Medical Director of Cooley Dickinson’s Bariatric and Weight Management program, part of Cooley Dickinson Medical Group’s General Surgical Care, located at 15 Atwood Drive in Northampton. The hospital announced its new surgical weight loss program earlier this year. Designed for people who have tried other weight loss methods, the program combines surgery with lifestyle changes that need to be made before any procedure.

To register for an information session, contact Heather at [email protected]; call 413-584-4637; or fill out the online form. After registering, attendees will receive a Zoom link to join the virtual event.

Baystate Health Hosts Heart Free Lecture Series.

SPRINGFIELD – Baystate Health will host a free virtual cardiovascular health lecture series in February beginning with a look at “From Arteries to Afib: With New Advancements, Is Cardiac Surgery The Answer?” on Sunday February 5th.

Presented by the Baystate Heart & Vascular Program as part of American Heart Month, the lecture series focuses on the latest advances in cardiovascular care. Baystate cardiac surgeon Dr. Siavash Saadat, will lead the first presentation on the latest advances in cardiac surgery, beginning at 12:00 noon.

The free lectures continue with “Advanced Cardiac Imaging: Beyond Echo and Nuclear Tests” on February 12, presented by Baystate cardiologist Dr. Brian Wasserman. He will discuss the latest tests available to evaluate chest pain, heart disease, and other heart-related problems.

On February 19, the virtual series continues with “Pain in my legs: Do I need to speak to a vascular doctor?” Presented by Baystate Vascular Surgeon Dr. Hazel Marecki. She will be speaking about what’s new in vascular care and the latest advances in vascular surgery.

The series ends on February 26 with “Track your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and weight — what’s the big deal?” Don’t wait for symptoms,” presented by Elizabeth Jarry, CNP at Baystate Cardiology. She will discuss cardiac risk factors and their association with metabolic syndrome.

Question and answer session. Registration is required for each session by visiting baystatehealth.org/heart.