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Freyman, Hays Perry named Pynchon Award winners

Date: 10/9/2012

By G. Michael Dobbs

news@thereminder.com

SPRINGFIELD — An attorney, a theatrical producer and a businessman all have one thing in common — a dedication to improving the lives of others.

Last week, Ellen Freyman, Stephen Hays and Robert Perry were named as the latest inductees of the Order of William Pynchon and the recipients of the William Pynchon Medal.

Since 1915 the Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts has been recognizing those "in the community who give of themselves for the betterment of others," Jillian Gould, a member of the club, explained.

Pynchon Board of Trustee member Christopher Buendo, an associate partner with Keller Williams Reality, described Hays as a playwright, composer and pianist who has lived in Springfield since 1967 and who has played a significant role in the arts in the greater Springfield area.

He founded StageWest in 1967 and was its producing director until 1984. He also created the Boar's Head Festival at Trinity Methodist Church.

Hays was the chief organizer of the former Springfield Arts Festival and has chaired both the Springfield Cultural Council and the Springfield Historic Commission. In 2011, he was the recipient of the WFCR Arts & Humanities Award, given each year to an outstanding individual in the arts and humanities community of western New England.

In 1987, he also founded The Drama Studio, an after-school acting conservatory for teens. Hays has been lauded for his work with teens that not only teaches them theatrical skills, but also builds self-confidence and creativity.

Hays said he was "blessed with two gifts: the ability to play the piano and to organize people."

He added, "Uplifting the spirits here as been a theme in my work on Springfield."

Reminder Publications Vice President of Sales and Marketing Barbara Perry introduced Robert Perry and said, "He's a man who does for others and not for recognition."

Perry is a partner with the accounting firm Meyers Brothers Kalicka, and is a volunteer for several nonprofit organizations, including the Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity, Greater Springfield YMCA, Putnam Technical Fund, Children's Chorus of Springfield and Millbrook Scholar's Program.

Robert Perry noted being named as a recipient was "a humbling event."

During his eight years as the president of the board of Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity, Robert Perry noted that 40 homes had been built in Springfield.

His latest endeavor has been the Millbrook Scholars' Program, under the auspices of The Children's Study Home, in which four young men are living in a supervised home and finishing their high school and community college educations.

The story of the program is featured in this month's edition of PRIME, from Reminder Publications.

Freyman was not able to be at the event and her presenter Marsha Montori of Six Point Creative Works, explained Freyman's busy schedule wouldn't allow an appearance.

Montori said that although Freyman sits on many boards, she is not a "board sitter," but, rather, "someone who makes a difference."

Freyman was responsible for saving the Dunbar Community Center by working for a merger of Dunbar with the YMCA of Greater Springfield. She has also been active in assisting Somali refugees who have settled in Springfield by helping them find them housing and jobs.

She has also helped launch a Somali youth soccer team.

A partner with the law firm Shatz, Schwartz & Fentin P.C., Freyman serves as vice president of the Springfield Technical Community College Foundation and was named the 2012 Woman of the Year by the Professional Women's Chamber, a division of the Affiliate Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield.

In a written statement, Freyman said, "Thank you to the Trustees of the Pynchon Award and the Ad Club of Western Massachusetts for this coveted award. I am sorry I can't be there in person to express my appreciation on being named a Pynchon Award recipient. It is quite an honor and a thrill to be selected for this prestigious award and to be joining the outstanding group of previous Pynchon Award recipients. I would also like to extend my congratulations to Bob Perry and Steve Hays. I am delighted to be sharing this wonderful experience with two outstanding and worthy individuals.

"I believe that the Springfield community is a wonderful place to live but also one with many challenges. It is a pleasure and privilege to work with so many outstanding individuals on some of those challenges so that everyone in our community can experience the highest quality of life possible. I feel fortunate to be able to do this work; and to be recognized for it is very special. Thank you again for this most amazing honor," Freyman continued.

The awards dinner and ceremony for the 98th Annual William Pynchon Awards will take place on Nov. 15 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Chez Joseph in Agawam. Rich Tettemer, news anchor and reporter, 22News will serve as emcee.

For ticket information call the club administrator at 736-2582.