Company Notebook

River Valley Co-op Supports Northampton Survival Center

NORTHAMPTON — On Dec. 2, River Valley Co-op announced a contribution of more than $20,000 to support the Northampton Survival Center. This contribution was made through the co-op’s November Change for Change round-up donations at the checkouts in both the Northampton and Easthampton store locations. This is the most recent and largest of the co-op’s last four monthly Change for Change contributions to local food security focused nonprofits, which totaled more than $62,000. These contributions included $13,745 for the Easthampton Community Center, $14,064 for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, $13,915 for Manna Community Kitchen, as well as the November contribution of $20,309 for the Northampton Survival Center. Each time a customer shops at River Valley Co-op, they are given the opportunity to round up their purchase to the nearest dollar, with the extra cents going into the Change for Change donation fund. That fund is allocated each month to a local nonprofit organization nominated and chosen by co-op member votes.

Window World of Western Mass. Earns National Recognition

BELCHERTOWN — Qualified Remodeler, a leading publication serving remodelers and home improvement companies in the U.S., recently ranked Window World of Western Massachusetts 92nd among the 200 largest home improvement companies in the country — a list known as the HIP 200. This places Window World of Western Massachusetts first in Western Mass. The store was chosen as a 2025 HIP 200 company by the Qualified Remodeler editorial staff for meeting a set of criteria including installed remodeling dollar volume, total years in business, industry association membership, industry certification, industry awards, and community service. For more than two decades, Window World of Western Massachusetts has been serving the community with a wide range of home improvement products, including energy-efficient windows, doors, and siding and roofing. The company is committed to customer satisfaction with a focus on clear communication and meticulous craftsmanship on every project, big or small.

Colebrook Brokers Sale of Bank Branch to UMassFive

EAST LONGMEADOW — Colebrook Realty Services announced the sale of 465 North Main St. in East Longmeadow to UMassFive College Federal Credit Union for $2 million. The property most recently housed a TD Bank branch. Located at the corner of North Main Street and Harkness Avenue, the building is approximately 2,800 square feet on more than 0.6 acres of land. B. John Dill, president and CEO of Colebrook Realty Services, represented the seller, 465 North Main Street LLC. Nancy Nesbitt of AccuBranch represented UMassFive College Credit Union. Originally developed as a branch of the former Springfield Institution for Savings (SIS) in 1970 by the Martone and Preston families, the site served as a banking facility for several successor banks to SIS, most recently TD Bank. Two generations of the Martone and Preston families served as stewards of this prominent location.

Westfield State Receives Davis Educational Foundation Grant

WESTFIELD — The Davis Education Foundation has awarded Westfield State University a two-year grant of $449,980 to support the ongoing project “From Innovation to Impact: Scaling General Education Reform to Advance Westfield’s Integrative Student Experience.” The grant will empower Westfield State to continue strengthening its general education curriculum by ensuring that learning outcomes, practice standards, and high-impact practices are fully integrated into redesigned courses. The funding will also permit Westfield State to formalize and expand its peer mentor program, an initiative that improves student leadership skills, engagement, confidence, and success. The support of the Davis Educational Foundation will advance Westfield State’s strategic plan and strengthen its mission to foster the economic, social, and cultural vitality of the region by equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and character to lead with purpose and civic responsibility.

Glenmeadow Named Among Best Continuing Care Communities

LONGMEADOW — Glenmeadow has been named one of America’s Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities 2026 by Newsweek, ranking in the top 10 in Massachusetts. This prestigious award is presented in collaboration with Statista, the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The awards list was announced on Nov. 19 and can currently be viewed on Newsweek’s website. America’s Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities 2026 have been selected through a comprehensive methodology of assessing quality resident care. The evaluation awards the leading 330 facilities in the U.S. based on four key pillars: reputation, visitor satisfaction, accreditation, and Google reviews. The analysis is based on an independent survey that included thousands of residents and acquaintances of residents living in continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). The award serves to reinforce that Glenmeadow is dedicated to offering high-quality care and services to older adults, including a range of living options such as independent living, assisted living, respite care, and at-home care services. Glenmeadow offers a wide range of amenities and community opportunities, including newly renovated spaces designed for connection and well-being and the annual Age of Excellence Awards, honoring older adults who inspire vitality. Glenmeadow leaders believe aging is not a retreat, but a rise, and the community’s holistic approach aims to ensure that residents feel valued, supported, and empowered to live their lives to the fullest.

The Good Dog Spot Partners with Leaps & Bones

CHICOPEE — The Good Dog Spot announced a new partnership with Leaps & Bones, a pet company known for providing high-quality treats, toys, and pet essentials. Through this collaboration, Leaps & Bones will now manage the retail section inside the Good Dog Spot in both the Chicopee and Northampton locations, offering a curated selection of treats, toys, and pet products to clients and their furry friends. Leaps & Bones focuses on products that are safe, nutritious, and fun. Whether it’s natural treats, new toys, or everyday essentials, the company is committed to keeping tails wagging and owners smiling. This partnership enhances The Good Dog Spot’s mission to provide exceptional pet care while adding a new shopping experience for pet owners throughout Western Mass. While dogs enjoy daycare grooming or boarding services, owners can now browse a premium selection of Leaps & Bones toys, treats, and supplies in one place.

Foundation for TJO Animals Raises More Than $57,000

SPRINGFIELD — The Foundation for TJO Animals and the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center (TJO) are celebrating a record-breaking Giving Tuesday, marked by exceptional community support, a highly successful adoption event, and an outpouring of generosity that far exceeded expectations. To kick off the campaign, the foundation hosted a two-day adoption event in which all adoption fees were waived thanks to a $2,000 sponsorship from longtime supporters Ted and Barbara Hebert. Over the course of just 48 hours, 18 animals were adopted into new, loving homes. The foundation initially set a Giving Tuesday fundraising goal of $20,000, with every dollar matched by supporters Jan and Bernadette Piepul. As donations surged, the goal was increased to $25,000 — and the Piepuls matched that as well. By the morning after Giving Tuesday, total donations had climbed to more than $57,000, making this one of the foundation’s most successful campaigns to date. A significant portion of the funds came from Monarch Fore Charities, whose contribution exceeded $10,000 and helped propel the campaign to new heights.

Weed Man Makes Donation to Food Bank of Western Mass.

SPRINGFIELD — The team at Weed Man in Springfield announced that its Grassroots Giving campaign was a success, and they have collected 286 pounds of food for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. That works out to nearly 238 meals for local families across Springfield. In last year’s inaugural campaign, the Weed Man fleet combined to collect more than 78,000 pounds of food from its customers in the U.S. and Canada. This year, the fleet far exceeded its goal of collecting more than 100,000 pounds of food from across North America, with a grand total of 108,000 pounds.

CET Receives $375,000 Grant to Expand Clean Energy Workforce

NORTHAMPTON — CET announced receipt of a $375,000 investment to grow Massachusetts’ clean energy workforce. The funding, a grant from E4TheFuture, will support a workforce development program that provides comprehensive training, mentorship, and career pathways for individuals entering the building energy efficiency and decarbonization sector. The program will pursue the U.S. Department of Labor’s Registered Apprenticeship Program for Energy Auditors, positioning participants for nationally recognized credentials and broader career mobility. The year-long, full-time paid positions will combine classroom learning with hands-on field experience, equipping participants with the technical expertise, industry certifications, and real-world skills needed to launch long-term careers. Graduates will be offered full-time positions at CET, advancing its mission to deliver just and resilient climate solutions. Over the next three years, CET will recruit approximately 10 participants, with a focus on candidates from underrepresented and environmental justice communities. Program graduates will help homes and businesses reduce energy use, lower costs, and improve health, safety, and resilience while contributing to the Commonwealth’s decarbonization goals.

6 Brick’s, Green Meadows Partner with Patton Alliance for Veterans

SPRINGFIELD — Cannabis dispensaries 6 Brick’s and Green Meadows, along with the Shubrick and Patton families, continued their collaborative partnership throughout the month of November in support of the Patton Alliance for Veterans, an organization dedicated to advancing veteran-focused initiatives nationwide. The partnership brought together two independent, family-owned Massachusetts cannabis companies to raise awareness and financial support for veterans facing physical and mental health challenges. Throughout the month of November, 6 Brick’s partnered with Green Meadows to donate $1 for every Green Meadows, At Ease, or 6 Brick’s product sold, with the campaign culminating in a total contribution of $6,550 to the Patton Alliance for Veterans. 100% of these funds will go to charitable efforts. In addition, 6 Brick’s honored veterans with a 10% discount throughout the entire month, reinforcing the campaign’s commitment to accessibility, recognition, and gratitude. Green Meadows’ affiliated nonprofit initiatives support organizations including Stop Soldier Suicide and the Black Veterans Project, further amplifying the impact of this partnership.

Berkshire United Way Awards $51,630 for Food Assistance

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire United Way (BUW) has awarded $51,630 to 15 local organizations to strengthen food distribution efforts in response to rising food insecurity and recent disruptions in federal assistance programs such as SNAP. Following a thorough application and review process, BUW provided funding to Berkshire Bounty, Berkshire Community College Foundation, Berkshire Dream Center, Berkshire Grown, the Christian Center, Community Health Programs (CHP), First United Methodist Church, Friends of the Pittsfield Senior Center, Great Barrington Farmers Market, the People’s Pantry, Pittsfield Community Food Pantry, seeing rainbows, Sonrisas, Village Food Box, and Westside Legends. The funding combines local donations with support from the United Response Fund, which enabled all 13 United Ways in Massachusetts to expand and stabilize food access through increased pantry capacity, direct financial relief, and culturally appropriate food options.

Thunderbirds Break Record by Collecting 8,048 Stuffed Animals

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Thunderbirds established a new franchise record on Dec. 6 by collecting 8,048 stuffed animals during the 10th annual Teddy Bear Toss presented by Teddy Bear Pools & Spas inside the MassMutual Center. All donated bears will be distributed to underprivileged youth throughout Springfield and Western Mass. ahead of the holiday season. The avalanche of teddy bears was set in motion by Jakub Stancl’s first goal of the night, part of a three-goal performance that ignited the sellout crowd of 6,793 fans inside the Thunderdome and sent thousands of stuffed animals flying onto the ice in one of the most anticipated traditions of the season. The celebration continued off the ice this week as Thunderbirds players, mascot Boomer, and team staff delivered bears directly to more than 15 local youth-focused nonprofits, including CHD, the Boys & Girls Club of Springfield, Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services, the Boys & Girls Club Family Center, the Springfield YMCA, Square One, the Chicopee Boys & Girls Club, and the Ronald McDonald House of Springfield, ensuring smiles reach children and families across the region ahead of the holidays. First introduced during the Thunderbirds’ inaugural season in 2016, the Teddy Bear Toss has now provided more than 40,000 stuffed animals to local charities, remaining one of the organization’s signature community initiatives and one of the most beloved holiday traditions in the Greater Springfield area.