The Penn National Gaming Foundation and the Peter and Melissa Picknelly Charitable Fund teamed up to give a $25,000 donation to the Square One Early Education and Care Center.

Santa Clause traveled by Peter Pan red double decker bus on his visit to see the children of Square One to drop off the $25,000 check.

Square One is based in Springfield and experienced damage to one of their day care centers in the June tornado and most recently the November 24th gas explosion that occurred at Worthington and Chestnut streets.

The Picknelly Charitable Fund and Penn National Gaming Foundation wanted to do something in order to help the local daycare and the members of our community as well as put a smile on the faces of the children excited to receive a visit from Santa.

As you know we are an Adult Education Program located on the third floor in the Picknelly Education Center in Holyoke. Susan Jaye-Kaplan and Link to Libraries have provided us with enough books to stock a small library at our program. This is an invaluable resource for the students. We encourage our adult students to read and to further strengthen their skills and family bonding by reading with their children.

For the most part our students do not have the means to purchase reading materials on their own. Without donations such as yours we would be unable to provide books for our students and their families.

Thank you again for your support in encouraging literacy to families in Holyoke.

Sincerely,
Martha Owen
Director Family/Adult Education Programs
JUNTOS Adult Basic Education Collaborative

Video courtesy of Dan Ronan of the American Bus Association (ABA) – Motorcoach Travel News segment

The move to Union Station provides customers with greater connectivity to other modes of transportation and improved access to Express, the companies’ premium non-stop service introduced to Washington, D.C., nearly two years ago.

Peter Pan and Greyhound Express service offers passengers modern amenities – including free Wi-Fi, power outlets, comfortable seats, reserved seating and legroom. “We are pleased with the move to Union Station due to its convenient location that is easily accessible to our passengers who travel throughout the Northeast. Bus travel has never been more comfortable and customer friendly,” said Peter Picknelly, CEO and chairman of Peter Pan Bus Lines.

From Union Station, Express will connect Washington, D.C. customers to 17 markets: Atlanta, Charlotte, Cleveland, Fayetteville, Ft. Lauderdale, Hampton, Jacksonville, Miami, New York, Norfolk, Orlando, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Raleigh, Richmond, Savannah and Tampa.

Express, which has rapidly expanded to more than 70 markets in just two years, provides non-stop service between major cities, originating from hubs including Washington D.C., New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas and Calgary, Alberta. From these hubs and other Express markets, customers can easily connect to an established network of more than 3,800 destinations throughout North America.

For additional info on how to access bus deck from Union Station, click here.

President Caret’s mission is to assess and promote the University of Massachusetts system’s impact and influence on the state. And Peter Pan Bus Lines is proud to lend a hand in that important undertaking.

The event went great, people had a wonderful time and there is already a buzz with people looking forward to next year’s event.

We are truly appreciative of the part you played and we look forward to working with you again on next year’s Double Decker Dine!

Sincerely,
Mary Kay Wydra
President
Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau

Here’s a look at the new coach as it was introduced to the community:

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The Picknelly Adult and Family Education Center offers adult basic education services, tutoring, GED instruction, computer classes, childcare and more for Western Massachusetts residents in need. It is located at the new Holyoke Intermodal Transportation Center on Maple Street.

The late Chairman of Peter Pan Bus Lines, Peter L. Picknelly, conceived the idea for combining an adult education center with a bus station. According to Peter Pan Vice President/Communications, Robert Schwarz, Picknelly was an avid reader who was troubled by illiteracy in the community. So he decided to do something about it. “If Peter Sr. were alive today,” said Schwarz, “he would be very, very proud. His vision is complete.”

Peter Pan is proud of Peter L. Picknelly’s vision for the center, and grateful to HCC’s Embrace Education Campaign and the city of Holyoke for their support of this important community resource.