Home 2024 December (Page 2)

Month: December 2024

Pittsfield’s Clock Tower Complex Becomes Mixed-use Masterpiece

By
The Clock Tower complex in Pittsfield
Commercial Real Estate Special Coverage

Hour Town

The Clock Tower complex in Pittsfield

The Clock Tower complex in Pittsfield

Sally Tiska Rice says she grew up in Pittsfield. As a child, and up through her high-school years until the plant started slowing down, she recalls going with her mother to visit aunts and other relatives working at the Sheaffer-Eaton paper mill in town. Later, as she entered the world of work herself, she became a hand-boarding artist working at Crane & Co. in Dalton (noted for making currency), painting stationery.

These chapters in her life help explain why she feels right at home as she continues writing the current chapter, as one of the so-called Clock Tower Artists, a diverse group of artists now renting lofts in part of the Sheafer-Eaton complex, renamed the Clock Tower Business Center because clocks were once made on that site.

“Immediately when I walked into the building, it reminded me of the place I worked at for my career,” said Tiska Rice, who specializes in portraits of homes, people, and pets. “The buildings were very similar — the big windows; the historic, brick New England mill … the whole structure just brought back a lot of memories.”

Beyond the memories, it offered her a north-facing window, what’s known as ‘north light’ — that’s important for artists because they don’t have to cope with the effects of the sun moving through the studio at different angles during the day — and the ability to be part of a community of artists.

“Immediately when I walked into the building, it reminded me of the place I worked at for my career.”

These artists, roughly 20 of them, are just some of the many tenants, large and small — including the Berkshire Eagle, which once owned the whole complex — that now have a South Church Street mailing address. Together, they help make the transformation of the Shaffer-Eaton complex a unique success story, one authored by North Adams-based Scarafoni Associates/CT Management Group, which acquired part of the complex in 2006 and the remainder in 2016. It has reshaped the property into a thriving mixed-use facility featuring residential units, a wide range of commercial tenants, those aforementioned artists, the Eagle and its massive printing presses, and more.

Dave Carver, a principal with CT Management Group/Scarafoni Associates

Dave Carver, a principal with CT Management Group/Scarafoni Associates

This is a story of imagination and especially perseverance, said Dave Carver, a partner with Scarafoni Associates/CT Management Group. He noted that the group has had to overcome the departure of major tenant Wayfair (much more on that later), the loss of Berkshire Medical Center offices, and the downsizing of the Eagle, while also enduring the pandemic and its impact on the office market and other stern challenges to lease out almost all the space in the complex.

“We got creative, we worked hard, we knocked on a lot of doors,” said Carver as he talked to BusinessWest in one of the conference rooms once used by Wayfair, now shared by several smaller tenants on one floor in a modified co-work arrangement that is just one of the successful components of this endeavor.

For this issue and its focus on commercial real estate, BusinessWest talked at length with Carver, Tiska Rice, and others about the transformation of the former Sheaffer-Eaton property into one of the more successful mill-conversion undertakings in this region, and how the evolution of this historic complex continues.

 

Success Stories

Tracing the history of the property, Carver said it dates back to the 1880s, when the Connecticut-based Terry Clock Co. was purchased by a group of investors from Pittsfield who brought the operation to that city and built a three-story building on Church Street.

Sally Tiska Rice, one of the Clock Tower Artists.

Sally Tiska Rice, one of the Clock Tower Artists.

The company’s tenure there was short-lived — it failed in the early 1890s — and the property was eventually sold to Arthur Eaton, who moved a paper mill there, later to be known as the Sheaffer-Eaton mill after a merger with Sheaffer Pen. In the late 1980s, the property was sold to the owners of the Berkshire Eagle, which were looking for a new home for the then-thriving daily paper.

The Eagle’s owners undertook a massive renovation of the main building on the property and leased out large sections of it, said Carver, noting that the recession of the mid-’90s hit the Eagle hard, and its operation, and the mill complex it called home, were sold to Media News Group, which eventually put portions of the property on the market.

“Because they had been struggling for so long, there was a lot to do. And we still have a lot to do; it never ends.”

This included roughly 100,000 square feet in some of the smaller buildings, including the original Terry Clock building, which were acquired by Scarafoni Associates/CT Management Group in 2006, and soon transformed into Clock Tower Condominiums.

In 2016, as Media News Group’s struggles escalated and it looked to jettison the remaining 200,000 square feet in the complex, Scarafoni/CT Management stepped in and acquired it, commencing a comprehensive initiative to modernize, retenant, and reimagine the property, which was maybe 50% occupied at the time, said Carver, adding that, over the past eight years, the property has certainly evolved and developed a unique look and feel.

The Clock Tower complex, where clocks and then paper were made, brings the past, present, and future together in an historic setting.

The Clock Tower complex, where clocks and then paper were made, brings the past, present, and future together in an historic setting.

“Because they had been struggling for so long, there was a lot to do,” he told BusinessWest. “And we still have a lot to do; it never ends.”

By that, he meant both upkeep buildings more than a century old, but also the many challenges confronting all those owning, managing, and leasing out office space today.

As an example of all of the above, he referenced what could be called the ‘Wayfair chapter’ of this story.

It started when the owners of the Boston-based home-furnishings company, who are from Pittsfield, commenced a search in 2019 for space in which to create a call center in the western part of the state.

That search focused on Pittsfield, said Carver, noting that several sites were considered before the company eventually zeroed in on the South Church Street property and 35,000 square feet in one of the buildings in the complex.

“We rolled up our sleeves and went to work — we immediately started knocking on doors and networking.”

Negotiations continued for roughly a year, he noted, adding that the company eventually came to terms that included a five-year lease, shorter than is common is such deals, but a needed concession given the size of the company’s investment and “City Hall encouraging us to make the deal.” A rapid buildout followed, the company started moving in that October, and it was ramping up to 200 jobs when the pandemic hit.

“And then, everything shut down, and that was for at least a year, and it could have been two,” Carver said, adding that, when the company finally decided to start bringing employees back, it struggled mightily to do so.

“A lot of employees had drifted away to other jobs, they were experimenting with a work-at-home model, and ultimately that went out, so they decided to close the facility,” he explained, adding that Wayfair opted out of its lease roughly a year ago, leaving a 35,000-square-foot hole at a challenging time for all commercial-property owners.

 

Art of the Deal

What happened next, Carter said, was that “we rolled up our sleeves and went to work — we immediately started knocking on doors and networking.”

And this hard work has paid off. Elder Services of Berkshire County, marking its 50th anniversary, moved into 19,000 square feet over the first two floors of the building previously occupied by Wayfair, while the third floor, with roughly 15,000 square feet, features smaller tenants with a shared common area; only a few spaces remain to be leased.

Wayfair’s departure has been one of the many challenges overcome by the Clock Tower complex’s owners and managers.

Wayfair’s departure has been one of the many challenges overcome by the Clock Tower complex’s owners and managers.

Tenants include Janney Montgomery Scott, a regional financial-services firm that desired a presence in Western Mass.; Teton Management, a real-estate management company; Keiter Builders, a general contractor based in Northampton that also sought a Berkshires location; Insights in Automation; Annie Schwartz Nutrition; and MassHire Berkshire Workforce. Together, they share what amounts to co-working space.

“We decided to leave the kitchen area Wayfair created and the open area,” Carver said. “So even though everyone has their own, independent space, it’s a modified co-working area.”

Its creation is one of the success stories at this historic property. The Clock Tower Artists, located on the third floor of the business center, comprise another.

The collective, or community, now includes more than 20 artists that work in various disciplines and often participate in open-studio events and community arts initiatives.

Tenants include Shanny Porras, a visual sound artist who translates music into abstract paintings; Caroline Kennedy, an abstract artist; Deborah Carter, a multi-media artist who creates upcycled, wearable art; Stefanie Webber, an action-based artist who specializes in dance, movement, and performance; Bruce Laird, a contemporary artist who creates pieces using acrylic, mixed media, and collage; and Linda Petrocine, who specializes in the ancient art of painting using hot wax on wooden panels.

Collectively, these artists bring vibrancy, energy, and people to the Clock Tower complex, said Carver, adding that there is room for more, and he expects the group to grow in the years to come.

Tiska Rice said she was among the first artists to visit and then sign on at the mill. She and others were impressed with everything from the parking to the open common area on the artists’ floor, which doubles as an art gallery; from the large windows, views, and north light to the elevator (Tiska Rice is disabled).

Tiska Rice was also impressed with what Carver and his team were doing with the mill, blending history with imaginative ideas, such as the artists’ floor. And she’s equally impressed with the community of artists that has emerged.

“It’s great to be with all these talented artists — it’s very encouraging,” she told BusinessWest. “Some people will refer to having the notorious artist’s block where you’ve finished your last project and you don’t know where to go from there. There’s so much encouragement here; everyone works with their own style, but it seems like everyone has a way to complement each other and bring out the best in each other.

“An artist’s world has also been described as a very lonely place,” she went on. “We’re a whole group of individuals that come together as a community.”

This community of artists is just one of many reasons why the Clock Tower complex has become a timeless mixed-use masterpiece, one that brings the past, present, and even the future together in stunning fashion.

Challenges Persist for the Business Community as 2025 Begins

By
George Timmons
Features Special Coverage

Reflecting on the Year That Was

 

George Timmons

George Timmons calls education “the great equalizer,” and MassEducate a very effective way to achieve that.

In many ways, 2024 didn’t provide much clarity regarding economic questions we posed a year ago in our annual year in review. Inflation and interest rates remain high (if not historically so), while remote work, a housing shortage, and some sector-specific challenges continue to make the news.

But there was some good news, too, and some encouraging progress on fronts ranging from rail development to educational access to some intriguing high-tech developments. As 2025 dawns, BusinessWest presents its year in review, noting some of the stories and issues that shaped our lives, and will, in many cases, continue to do so.

 

The High Cost of Everything…

The Federal Reserve has been on a mission over the past two years — to tame inflation without putting the country into recession. By and large, the latter part has been accomplished, but inflation remains a thorny challenge.

Consumer prices were up 2.7% for the 12 months that ended in November, but stubborn inflation in housing (up 0.3% for the month in November) and food (up 0.4%) continue to hit people where they notice it most, while the price of cars and energy also rose in November. Economists are also unsure how President-elect Trump’s promised tariffs will impact inflation.

Meanwhile, some economists expect some relief in interest rates, and a chance that the Fed may go as low as 4% in 2025.

Still, Bob Nakosteen, semi-retired professor of Economics at the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst, recently told BusinessWest that “the economic numbers don’t look bad at all. The labor market has weakened a little bit, but it’s not weak; it’s just not as strong as it had been. And most of the other indicators are strong, including GNP. It’s about where it had been, and in some ways, it’s above trendline.

“This is not breaking news,” he added, “but the economy has held up really well in spite of a lot of pressure, especially from a rapidly rising interest-rate environment. The consumer has really rolled with the punches.”

 

…Except Community College

MassReconnect, a program the state launched in 2023 to fully fund tuition, books, and supplies at community colleges for students over age 25, has, to hear college presidents tell it, been a game changer, significantly boosting enrollment and getting more students into a pipeline that will hopefully bring more new blood to the region’s workforce.

“The economic numbers don’t look bad at all. The labor market has weakened a little bit, but it’s not weak; it’s just not as strong as it had been. And most of the other indicators are strong, including GNP.”

This past summer, state lawmakers went further by implementing MassEducate, a $117.5 million annual investment that covers tuition and fees for all students, plus books and supplies for some. The program aims to support both economic opportunity for students and workforce development across a Massachusetts economy that has struggled, sector by sector, to recruit and retain talent in recent years.

Importantly, the program is a ‘last dollar’ investment, meaning students will still access federal funds, like Pell Grants, as well as state aid and scholarships, and MassEducate will pay the costs that remain, so it’s not funding anywhere near the full cost of a student’s education.

“I’m so passionate about this work of education,” Holyoke Community College President George Timmons said. “It is the great equalizer. Once you have an education and all the rights and privileges of that degree, you can earn a livable, sustainable wage, you can take care of yourself and your family, and you can literally change the trajectory of a family.”

 

Productivity in Pajamas?

A report last year by McKinsey Global Institute suggested that remote work risks wiping $800 billion from the value of office buildings in major cities worldwide by 2030 as the post-pandemic trend pushes up office vacancy rates and drives down rents.

Large employers are fighting back. In September, Amazon President and CEO Andy Jassy informed tens of thousands of workers that they will be back in the office five days a week come January. That was good news for commercial real-estate owners and developers, who hope other employers follow suit.

But while remote-work critics claim improved collaboration and communication, as well as the learning opportunities that come when everyone is together, outweigh any benefits that might come from remote work and hybrid schedules, the fact is that the hybrid movement, at least, seems entrenched for now — and also puts employers who nix all remote work at a competitive disadvantage when recruiting in an already-tough talent market.

But Evan Plotkin, president of Springfield-based NAI Plotkin, told BusinessWest that he sees a partially offsetting force in east-west rail, which has the potential to drive development in areas near the rail stops, and even prompt some businesses to realize they don’t have to be in Boston anymore. “It could be transformative; in Springfield, for example, it could drive development in the Union Station area and make that area much more attractive.”

 

Working on the Railroad

So, is east-west rail finally becoming a reality, connecting Springfield and Boston? Well, the money being put behind what’s known as the Compass Rail project is certainly real.

At the end of October, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal announced the latest $36.8 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant by the Federal Railroad Administration, following a $108 million CRISI grant — the third-largest in the nation — late last year. Since Union Station reopened in 2017, more than $200 million has been allocated toward east-west rail, both from federal grants and MassDOT funding.

The latest funding will support the Springfield track-reconfiguration project, which is designed to increase capacity to accommodate both freight and increased passenger rail service. The project will include building new crossovers and layover tracks, upgrading platforms around Springfield Union Station, and modernizing track and signal systems.

“With the substantial progress that has been made with west-east rail, the Commonwealth is well-positioned to pursue additional funding for years to come.”

Since the station’s reopening, Neal said, “the investments that have been made in passenger rail have been extraordinary,” adding that, “with the substantial progress that has been made with west-east rail, the Commonwealth is well-positioned to pursue additional funding for years to come.”

Meanwhile, MassDOT is conducting a study focused on the restart of passenger rail along the Route 2 corridor, a project whose public advocates include dozens of municipalities, regional planning agencies, and state legislators.

 

SOC It to Springfield

Speaking of Union Station, in September, it officially became home to the Richard E. Neal Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, one component of a multi-million-dollar series of investments, announced in 2022, to bolster cybersecurity resilience — and the related workforce — across the state.

These awards included a $1,086,476 grant to support the launch of CyberTrust Massachusetts, a nonprofit that works with business and academia statewide to grow the cybersecurity talent pipeline while promoting local security operations.

U.S. Rep. Richard Neal joins a host of local dignitaries

U.S. Rep. Richard Neal joins a host of local dignitaries in September to cut the ribbon on his namesake cybersecurity center.

The state also awarded $1,462,995 award to Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) and $1,200,000 to Bridgewater State University to establish a security operations center (SOC) and cyber range in each city. The Neal Center at Union Station, managed by STCC, also benefited from $500,000 in ARPA funding from the city of Springfield.

Springfield’s 6,000-square-foot center — a collaboration between STCC, the Springfield Redevelopment Authority, and CyberTrust Massachusetts — aims to be a hub for advancing cybersecurity awareness, education, and innovation while battling global security threats. Its cyber range is a simulated, hands-on training environment, and its SOC is envisioned as a support service for Massachusetts municipalities, as well as regional businesses, to detect cybersecurity events in real time and respond quickly.

 

Tackling the Housing Crisis

One of the dominant stories of 2024 was a continuing housing shortage that touches virtually every community.

With that in mind, over the summer, Gov. Maura Healey signed into law the Affordable Homes Act, which aims to support the production, preservation, and rehabilitation of more than 65,000 homes statewide over the next five years. It is the largest housing bond bill ever filed in Massachusetts, at more than triple the spending authorizations of the last housing bill passed in 2018.

The legislation authorizes $5.16 billion in spending over the next five years along with 49 policy initiatives to counter rising housing costs caused by high demand and limited supply. Key spending authorizations and policy changes include allowing accessory dwelling units, an unprecedented investment in modernizing the state’s public housing system, boosts to programs that support first-time homebuyers and homeownership, incentives to build more housing for low- to moderate-income residents, support for the conversion of vacant commercial space to housing, and support for sustainable and green housing initiatives.

“The Affordable Homes Act creates homes for every kind of household, at every stage of life, and unlocks the potential in our neighborhoods,” Healey said. “We are taking an unprecedented step forward in building a stronger Massachusetts where everyone can afford to live.”

 

High Risks for Cannabis Operators

According to a new report in the Boston Business Journal, cannabis businesses are surrendering licenses at an alarming rate in Massachusetts. Since September 2023, four retail licenses have been either surrendered, not renewed, or revoked, and so have 26 non-retail licenses, which include growers and manufacturers. In the five years before that, just five retail and 11 non-retail licenses were surrendered.

The green rush is clearly over; more than 700 cannabis businesses have opened or received licensing approval, and prices have fallen sharply amid stiffer competition — which makes running a business much more challenging.

Springfield Mayor Sarno recently cut the ribbon opening EMBR Springfield, a cannabis dispensary at 461 Boston Road.

Springfield Mayor Sarno recently cut the ribbon opening EMBR Springfield, a cannabis dispensary at 461 Boston Road.

So does a still-unresolved disconnect between state and federal law that has thrown a number of wrenches into cannabis businesses, which, among other hurdles, grapple with an onerous tax burden since they can’t write off many of the costs other businesses can. Federal laws also impact elements from transportation to banking. And while federal rescheduling of cannabis has bipartisan appeal, it’s uncertain whether the next Congress will have the appetite for it.

There may be some potential good news for dispensary owners: a newly established regulatory framework for operating ‘social consumption sites’ in Massachusetts, potentially allowing public use of the drug. The Cannabis Control Commission is currently receiving public comment on the draft and will take the issue up in the new year.

 

Data Center Clears Tax Hurdle

Two years ago, Westmass Area Development Corp. helped Servistar Realties secure approval from the Westfield Planning Board, as well as a major tax break from the City Council, for a large, high-tech data center near Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport that could attract some of the largest tech companies in the world. Servistar even negotiated a power-purchase agreement with Westfield Gas & Electric allowing it to access below-market electric rates.

“The challenges in healthcare over the past five years have shifted, but they have not let up. And they ultimately result in financial challenges that are stressing the ways in which we collectively provide access to care in our communities.”

One hurdle remained to move the $3 billion project — which will feature 10 buildings going up over two decades — off the ground, and that was a state sales-tax exemption commonly offered to data centers in other states. Last month, that exemption became a reality as part of a larger economic-development bill on Beacon Hill, and because of it, the Westfield project could start progressing soon.

Analysis from McKinsey & Co. shows demand for data-center capacity in the U.S. more than tripling by 2030, according to the Boston Globe. Meanwhile, the sales-tax exemption could save the future Westfield park owners up to $30 million per year. Construction could start early in 2026, with the first building completed 18 months later.

 

Diagnosing the Problem

In a recent interview with BusinessWest, Mercy Medical Center president Dr. Robert Roose used the word ‘relentless’ to describe the current headwinds in medicine, which include everything from spiraling costs and inflation to persistently inadequate reimbursements from payers; from continuing workforce challenges to access and capacity issues — not to mention the overriding issue of caring for a population that is older and sicker than what has been seen historically.

“The challenges in healthcare over the past five years have shifted, but they have not let up,” Roose said. “And they ultimately result in financial challenges that are stressing the ways in which we collectively provide access to care in our communities.”

Baystate Health, in a remarkable show of transparency, recently went public to detail its struggles — including $300 million in operating losses over the past few years — and its response, which includes the sale of its lab, the pending sale of Health New England, and, most recently, the elimination of 130 administrative positions.

Those steps are part of what Baystate’s new president and CEO, Peter Banko, called a “transformation plan, one that calls for making hard decisions, relieving cost pressures, some cuts, but also investments in the years to come and greater financial stability.”

Expect more hard decisions across the healthcare spectrum in the year to come.

 

Music Lives Again at the Iron Horse

Finally, a positive note — many notes, in fact.

When music venues began to reopen in the wake of the pandemic, the Iron Horse Music Hall in Northampton was not among them, and owner Eric Suher didn’t have immediate plans to unshutter the venerable Center Street storefront.

Chris Freeman says he wanted to “bring back the glory days” of the Iron Horse.

Chris Freeman says he wanted to “bring back the glory days” of the Iron Horse.

In stepped the Parlor Room Collective, a nonprofit that operates the nearby Parlor Room music space, which purchased the Iron Horse and set about raising $750,000 to renovate it, maintaining its intimate feel but improving facets like its famously inadequate green room and restrooms, while expanding into adjoining space for a dedicated bar and community events. The venue reopened on May 15 and has hosted a robust lineup of concerts ever since.

“We have witnessed the magic of our local music scene and its ability to fuel the engine of our economy, enhance the overall well-being of our community, and contribute to our cultural vitality,” said Chris Freeman, executive director of the Parlor Room Collective.

“I live here, and part of the reason Northampton has become a great food scene and a great downtown culture is the arts,” he also told BusinessWest. “I’ve made it my life’s mission to make sure that never goes away, and we can bring back the glory days of such a legendary venue.”

Bombyx Center Achieves Carbon Conscious Business Accreditation from CET

By
Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — Bombyx Center for Arts and Equity has been accredited Carbon Conscious, an award offered by CET, for implementing carbon-cutting measures at the performing-arts venue. This accreditation recognizes Bombyx’s dedication to combating climate change and fostering sustainability.

“With the measures we have implemented, we have reduced over 800 lifetime tons of carbon and hope to increase that number in the future,” said Cassandra Holden, executive director of Bombyx. “We need to be looking at resources and impacts. It’s inescapable. Those aspects are so interconnected that we can’t pull them apart.”

The Bombyx Center for Arts and Equity is the first organization to achieve CET’s Carbon Conscious Business Accreditation, leading the way for businesses across all sectors to integrate sustainability as a core part of their operations. Their impact of 800 lifetime tons of carbon is equivalent to the yearly carbon sequestration provided by 36,666 mature trees.

“We are thrilled to recognize Bombyx as a Carbon Conscious Business. By committing to concrete, measurable steps, Bombyx demonstrates the power of local businesses to model a future where sustainability and operational efficiency go hand-in-hand,” said Ashley Muspratt, president and CEO of CET. “Carbon Conscious businesses like Bombyx show what’s possible when organizations make climate action a priority in their operations.”

The performance venue, art exhibition space, and community gathering place is housed in a historic church. Churches are often energy-inefficient due to aging infrastructure, large open spaces, and high ceilings, which makes weatherization crucial for reducing energy costs and enhancing sustainability in these important community spaces.

CET worked closely with Bombyx to implement a range of impactful sustainability measures through both the Mass Save program and RecyclingWorks, a program CET administers for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Custom weatherization services, including pipe insulation and other energy-saving upgrades, were provided to reduce energy loss. Additional efficiency upgrades, such as duct sealing and modifications, further optimized energy use throughout the facility. To tackle waste reduction, CET helped establish a food-waste diversion program in the multi-use kitchen and supported community recycling events, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.

To qualify for the award, businesses must demonstrate a strong commitment to decarbonization through measurable actions and outcomes. The program operates on a three-star system, awarding stars for achieving 15%, 65%, and 90% of identified measures, respectively. By implementing strategies for waste reduction and energy efficiency, these improvements not only enhance organizational sustainability, but also bolster community efforts in combating climate change and promoting environmental stewardship.

CET supports businesses like Bombyx in systematically reducing their carbon output while enhancing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

In Massachusetts, the commercial and industrial sectors collectively account for approximately 35% of the state’s greenhouse-gas emissions, highlighting the significant role businesses play in decarbonizing communities.

To learn more about the Carbon Conscious Business Accreditation program and how your business can benefit from personal, no-cost assistance and support, visit cetonline.org/carbon-conscious-business-accreditation or call CET at (413) 586-7350.

Berkshire Money Management Welcomes Michael O’Brien as Financial Paraplanner

By
Daily News

DALTON — Berkshire Money Management (BMM), a financial and retirement planning firm with offices in Dalton and Great Barrington, announced that Michael O’Brien has joined the team as a financial paraplanner.

Most recently, O’Brien worked in the insurance industry. He has a strong background in client service and financial planning, with experience helping high-net-worth individuals protect their assets and their futures. He is a licensed property and casualty insurance agent and is currently studying for the Series 65 exam so he can advance into a junior advising role. At BMM, he is focused on supporting the director of Financial Planning and learning how to deliver personalized service to the firm’s clients.

“Success is a team sport,” said Natalie Wheeler, chief operating officer at Berkshire Money Management. “We’re excited to see Mike bring his talents to the table and grow with us. Stay tuned for updates as he continues to hit the ground running.”

O’Brien is a former Mr. Taconic and 2024 graduate of the Berkshire Leadership Program and holds a bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in Spanish from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

Four Local Agencies Benefit from HCC’s 23rd Annual Giving Tree Campaign

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — For the 23rd year, the Holyoke Community College (HCC) community collected hundreds of holiday gifts for consumers at four nonprofit agencies through its annual Giving Tree campaign.

On Dec. 12, representatives from the four agencies — Homework House, the Holyoke Veterans Home, WestMass ElderCare, and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children — attended a closing celebration where 302 gifts were distributed.

“Without community partners like you, we wouldn’t be able to create moments of joy for our veterans,” said Colleen Strunk-Ackerly, volunteer coordinator for the Veterans Home, formerly the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home.

Each year during the annual campaign, Giving Trees are set up in designated areas around campus. Participants choose tags from one of the nonprofit agencies based on the age of the recipient and their wish for a gift. The wrapped gifts are then piled on tables for the closing celebration, when HCC faculty, staff, and students join with representatives from the agencies to share food and stories.

“This is an amazing tradition and always brings out the best of HCC,” said Michelle Vigneault, giving committee chair.

Brittani Bey, Prevention Programs supervisor for the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, noted that a lot of the agency’s consumers can’t afford to buy gifts for their children. “Many of our families are homeless, don’t have family support, and are struggling with their day-to-day needs, so being part of the HCC Giving Tree allows them just a little peace during this time of year, so thank you.”

David Haslam, executive director of Homework House, an after-school program in Holyoke, noted that “this support of Christmas gifts definitely keeps our kids spirits high,”

Roseann Martoccia, executive director of WestMass ElderCare, read a letter from one of the agency’s care managers, who has been distributing holiday gifts from HCC for 11 years. “The Giving Tree program is a blessing,” she said. “When gifts arrive and are delivered, the appreciation the consumers have is heartwarming. Some are surprised. All are grateful. It’s a wonderful feeling, knowing they were thought of and the community cares.”

ServiceNet’s Prospect Meadow Farm Co-sponsors National Care Farming Conference

By
Daily News

HATFIELD — ServiceNet announced that Prospect Meadow Farm, one of its vocational programs, is co-sponsoring the inaugural National Care Farming Conference hosted by the Care Farming Network. The event will be held Jan. 13-15, 2025, at UMass Amherst in partnership with the Care Farming Network.

This first-of-its-kind conference will bring together farmers, care providers, and other stakeholders from across the country to explore the growing field of care farming. Attendees can look forward to a rich program that includes farmer-to-farmer learning, inspiring speakers, educational workshops, and farmer panels.

Care farming is a therapeutic approach that combines agriculture and healthcare to provide meaningful activities for individuals with various support needs. This method allows participants to engage in farming tasks that promote physical and mental well-being, social interaction, and skill development. Care farming can support people dealing with mental-health challenges or intellectual and developmental disabilities, or those seeking recovery from various life circumstances.

“The Care Farming Conference is a fantastic opportunity for those involved in this transformative field to connect, learn, and grow together,” said Shawn Robinson, vice president of Vocational Services at ServiceNet. “We are proud to be co-sponsoring this event and to be part of a movement that is making such a positive impact on people’s lives through farming and animal care.”

Prospect Meadow Farm’s involvement in the conference highlights ServiceNet’s commitment to community-based programs that offer therapeutic, educational, and vocational benefits. By co-sponsoring and participating in this conference, Prospect Meadow Farm continues to contribute to the growth and awareness of the care-farming movement.

Picture This

By
Stephanie Parent, Pete Coppez, Elizabeth Coppez, Jean Pierre Crevier, and Bousquet of M.L. Schmitt with Kerri-Lynn Tichy (fourth from left) of Shriners Children’s New England
Picture This

Email ‘Picture This’ photos with a caption and contact information to [email protected]

 

Drive to Give Back

 

M.L. Schmitt Inc. hosted a charity golf tournament at Springfield Country Club on Sept. 30 to raise funds and give back to the community. The proceeds of $39,300 were split evenly between Project New Hope, Shriners Children’s New England, and Shriners Children’s Boston, which each received a $13,100 donation.

 

Kyle Bousquet, Pete Coppez, and Elizabeth Coppez of M.L. Schmitt Inc. with Bill Moore (third from left) of Project New Hope

Kyle Bousquet, Pete Coppez, and Elizabeth Coppez of M.L. Schmitt Inc. with Bill Moore (third from left) of Project New Hope

 

Stephanie Parent, Pete Coppez, Elizabeth Coppez, Jean Pierre Crevier, and Bousquet of M.L. Schmitt with Kerri-Lynn Tichy (fourth from left) of Shriners Children’s New England

Stephanie Parent, Pete Coppez, Elizabeth Coppez, Jean Pierre Crevier, and Bousquet of M.L. Schmitt with Kerri-Lynn Tichy (fourth from left) of Shriners Children’s New England

 

Jammie Jingle

Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. recently partnered with an organization called Jammie Jingle run by Administrative Assistant Allison Gaynor (pictured). MBK collected 135 pairs of pajamas to donate to Jammie Jingle, to be delivered to local charities in time for the holiday season.

Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. recently partnered with an organization called Jammie Jingle run by Administrative Assistant Allison Gaynor (pictured)

Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. recently partnered with an organization called Jammie Jingle run by Administrative Assistant Allison Gaynor (pictured)

 

Rolling Up Their Sleeves

Volunteers from MountainOne helped pack 2,200 bags of Thanksgiving essentials — milk, eggs, cheese, butter, and pie — for the annual Thanksgiving Angels distribution, while contributing $2,500 to the program as well. MountainOne also sponsors the annual MountainOne Thankful 5K, which extends its commitment to addressing food insecurity in the Berkshires beyond Thanksgiving. Last year, the event raised more than $16,000 for local food pantries.

Pictured from left: Mountaineers Matthew Lauro, Denise Lemieux, Diane Mackey, Donna Bishop, and Cherri Cahalan.

Pictured from left: Mountaineers Matthew Lauro, Denise Lemieux, Diane Mackey, Donna Bishop, and Cherri Cahalan.

Agenda

By
Agenda

Round Up for Kids

Through Dec. 31: Rocky’s Ace Hardware kicked off the season of giving with its “Round Up for Kids” fundraiser. Throughout the campaign, which extends through Dec. 31, customers are asked to round up their purchase total to the next dollar. The difference is donated to Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) hospitals. Last year, the initiative raised more than $41,000 across all Rocky’s locations. All money raised goes to benefit local CMN hospitals, including Baystate Children’s Hospital in Springfield. Local participating Rocky’s locations include the Island Pond Road and Liberty Street stores in Springfield, as well as the stores in Agawam, East Longmeadow, Westfield, Ludlow, Palmer, and South Hadley. Donations help fund critical treatments, innovative research, pediatric equipment, financial assistance for families, and services aimed at putting the minds of children at ease during difficult hospital stays.

 

Chicopee Chamber Shining Stars Gala

Feb. 28: The Chicopee Chamber of Commerce announced the recipients of its 2025 Shining Stars, recognizing individuals whose exceptional contributions strengthen and inspire the community. This year’s honorees are AJ Crane, owner of A. Crane Construction, as Citizen of the Year; Ashley Batlle, owner of Beauty Batlles Lounge, as Volunteer of the Year; the Springfield Thunderbirds as Business of the Year; and Health New England as Nonprofit of the Year. The Chicopee Chamber introduced Shining Stars in 1985 when Ernest Laflamme Jr. was recognized as the first Citizen of the Year. Recipients are selected by a nominating committee chaired by Laflamme and including Carol Campbell of Chicopee Industrial Contractors, Ted Hebert of Teddy Bear Pools, City Treasurer Marie Laflamme, Michael Siddall of Siddall & Siddall, P.C., and Jeffrey Sattler of Liberty Bank. The 40th annual Shining Stars Gala will take place from 6 to 10:30 p.m. at the Castle of Knights at 1599 Memorial Dr. Tickets cost $75 per person. To purchase tickets or inquire about sponsorships, visit www.chicopeechamber.org or call (413) 594-2101.

 

Hooplandia 2025

June 20-22: Registration is now open for Hooplandia, the third annual 3-on-3 basketball tourney and festival, at hooplandia.com. The event will take place at Eastern States Exposition (ESE) and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Hooplandia will host levels for all ages and divisions, which means every kind of player is welcome. As the premier 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the nine northeastern states, Hooplandia is still in its early years, but growing rapidly. In 2023 and 2024, the event was a resounding success. Games will be played at the ESE complex, with special games held at the Basketball Hall of Fame. In 2024, 75 basketball courts allowed accommodation for more than 650 games played by approximately 2,100 participants of all ages. The expansive ESE grounds allow for growth as attendance numbers continue to climb each year. ESE and the Hall of Fame agree that Hooplandia must be an all-inclusive environment for players of all ages and playing abilities. Diverse divisions include young girls and boys, women, men, high-school ages, college level, OGs, veterans, and more. Players in the Special Olympics and Unified division can look forward to free registration, and those in the Hoops & Heroes division, such as active and retired first responders and military personnel, have access to discounted registration. Players are inviated to build teams of four, create their own unique team name, design their uniforms, and register at hooplandia.com. Fees range according to age. Those that register before the end of the day on March 10 are treated to the 3 Point Perks package, which grants early teams access to limited-edition goodies. 3 Point Perks are not available after March 10, and registration prices increase after May 26 for late teams. Since its first year, Hooplandia has partnered with Boys and Girls Clubs throughout Western Mass., with $10 from every paid team registration supporting the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs and their programming. Hooplandia invites local businesses to explore sponsorship opportunities. Email [email protected] with inquiries.

 

People on the Move

By
People on the Move
Andrew Bresciano

Andrew Bresciano

Charles Jacques

Charles Jacques

The Greenfield Community College Foundation announced the addition of two new members to its board of directors, Andrew (AJ) Bresciano and Charles Jacques. Bresciano is first vice president, commercial loan officer at Greenfield Savings Bank. He was born and raised in Greenfield, attended Greenfield Public Schools, and is an alumnus of Greenfield Community College (GCC), which he says was pivotal to his path forward in life. After GCC, he attended the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst and obtained a bachelor’s degree in finance in 2004. He has served several local nonprofit organizations in the capacity of a board or committee member, including Franklin County’s YMCA, Franklin County Community Development Corp., and Greenfield Housing Associates. Jacques is a tax accountant at CBIZ with more than three years of experience in public accounting. He completed his graduate degree in accounting at UMass Amherst and is currently in the process of pursuing his CPA. His interest and industry focus is supporting the nonprofit field, stemming from his passion for supporting organizations, big and small, that are changing lives and improving their communities each day.

•••••

Holyoke Community College Foundation Inc., the nonprofit fundraising arm of Holyoke Community College (HCC), has added four new members to its board of directors, including two alumni. They include Rob Cestola, a certified public accountant and tax and finance consultant who serves as board treasurer for Dakin Humane Society; Dan Desrochers, director of Communications at Amherst College and former Marketing director at Greenfield Community College; Deborah Rodriguez, an HCC graduate from the class of 2004, licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and founder of FAROS Counseling Services; and Matt Manganelli, an HCC graduate from the class of 2009 and Retail Lending Sales manager at Westfield Bank who serves on the Western Mass. Mortgage Review Board for the Massachusetts Division of Banks. New board members attended their first meeting on Dec. 3. The HCC Foundation has total assets of $25.5 million and an endowment of $18 million, the largest of all 15 community colleges in Massachusetts, due in large part to nearly 200 endowed scholarships and other funds established by alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the college. In 2024, the HCC Foundation provided more than $6 million to the college to support scholarships, academic programs, student support services, and facility improvements.

•••••

Emily Gest

Emily Gest

Former journalist and seasoned public-relations professional Emily Gest has been hired as associate vice chancellor for News and Media Relations at UMass Amherst. This is a newly created position that replaces that formerly held by Executive Director of Strategic Communications Ed Blaguszewski, who retired in June. Reporting to John Kennedy, vice chancellor for University Relations, Gest will oversee the university’s News and Media Relations office, which includes seven writers and editors, video production, and social media. Early in her career, Gest was a reporter for the New York Daily News, where she was a finalist, with other staff, for a Pulitzer Prize. She covered breaking news, including families of 9/11 victims, as well as health, entertainment, and general features. She has also worked for the Los Angeles Times and Mother Jones magazines. As a PR professional, Gest has extensive experience working in government, higher education, healthcare, and the law. Most recently, she served as senior director of Media Relations at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. For more than a decade, she worked at Rubenstein, a strategic-communications firm based in New York City, and she was also director of Communications for the Georgia State Department of Juvenile Justice and the DeKalb County solicitor-general.

•••••

The Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce announced the election of its officers and directors following the chamber’s annual meeting conducted earlier this month. The chamber elected Renee Niedziela, co-owner of J. Stolar Insurance Agency, as president of the chamber. Niedziela first joined the chamber’s board of directors in 2016, and since 2018, she has served on several committees and as both treasurer and assistant treasurer. David Loos was elected as the chamber’s 1st vice president, while Edward Fisher Jr. has been tapped as 2nd vice president. Loos joined the chamber’s board in 2023 following a successful law-enforcement career and has since been named an associate partner with Keller Williams Realty Pioneer Valley. Fisher is the owner of Fisher Tech Solutions, a digital marketing agency that specializes in custom web development and search-engine and pay-per-click optimization. New appointments to the chamber’s board of directors include Kaitlin Young of Hardwick Vineyard & Winery; Michael Moore, owner of Silver Bell Farm in Monson; Rebecca Maurer, owner of Quabbin Valley Eye Care in Palmer; and Michael Harris, owner of multiple businesses and development properties in both Ware and Palmer.

•••••

Daniel O’Sullivan

Daniel O’Sullivan

bankESB recently hired Daniel O’Sullivan as assistant branch manager of its 170 Sargeant St., Holyoke office. O’Sullivan has four years of banking experience and seven years of financial-services experience. Prior to joining bankESB, he was the banking center assistant manager at Peoples Bank and, before that, a field insurance agent at Knights of Columbus Insurance. In his new role, he will assist in managing the Holyoke team to provide a customer-first experience while fostering relationships within the community. O’Sullivan currently serves on the board of directors of Holyoke VNA Hospice Life Care and as treasurer of the board of directors of Holyoke Media.

•••••

MassMutual announced it has elected Amy Stepnowski, chief investment officer of the Hartford and president of Hartford Investment Management Co. (HIMCO), to the company’s board of directors. An accomplished investment executive and industry veteran, Stepnowski has held various leadership roles at the Hartford over the past 16 years and has worked at HIMCO throughout her tenure. In her current role, which she assumed in 2020, she leads the development and execution of the Hartford’s investment strategy and management of its portfolio and has ensured the company’s investment assets are positioned to support its financial and strategic objectives amidst ever-changing economic conditions. She also oversees HIMCO’s efforts to provide tailored investment solutions to its third-party clients. A passionate advocate for sustainability and talent development, she is a member of the Hartford’s sustainability committee and leads HIMCO’s sustainability committee. Prior to joining the Hartford, Stepnowski spent 12 years at J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., where she specialized in Latin American corporate and project finance. She holds bachelor’s degrees in political science and Spanish from Yale College and has completed executive education programming at Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business. She is active in the local Hartford, Conn. community through membership on the investment committees of Hartford HealthCare and Trinity College.

•••••

Glenmeadow Inc. recently elected new leadership and new members to its board of directors. Michael Tremble, CEO of Valley Communications, will continue as chair. Kelly Koch, probate and family law attorney with Raipher, will continue as vice chair. Erin Koebler, executive director of the East Longmeadow Council on Aging, will continue as clerk. Rory O’Brien, vice president and chief operating officer at Schwerin Boyle Capital Management, was elected treasurer. The board of directors also welcomed five new members: Justin Ayala, manager of the divisions of Geriatric Medicine and Palliative Care at Baystate Health; Donna Durocher, clinic director at ATI Physical Therapy; George Kelly, Glenmeadow resident; Siobhan Matty, assistant vice president and financial advisor at St. Germain Investment Management; and Amanda Sbriscia, vice president of Institutional Advancement at Holyoke Community College and executive director of the HCC Foundation. Glenmeadow has also welcomed two new corporate ambassadors: Lynn Brown, senior vice president, chief of staff and Lending Operations at People’s Bank; and Suzanne Gile, director of Clinical Training and assistant professor of Graduate Psychology at Bay Path University. In addition, several Glenmeadow staff have taken on new responsibilities. Zhane Stone was promoted to director of Sales and Marketing, Karlene Smith-Shaw was promoted to assistant director of Hospitality, and Rania Kfuri joined Glenmeadow as vice president of Philanthropy, Sales, and Marketing.

•••••

Stacey Grushkin

Stacey Grushkin

bankESB recently promoted Stacey Grushkin to Accounting officer. She was previously senior staff accountant at Abington Bank, part of Hometown Financial Group’s family of banks that includes bankESB, bankHometown, North Shore Bank, and Abington Bank, a division of North Shore Bank, as well as Hometown Mortgage. Grushkin has nearly 10 years of banking experience. She started at Abington Bank as a staff accountant in 2015 and was promoted to senior staff accountant in 2023. In her new role, she will lead the bankESB finance team and will also be responsible for regulatory reporting for Hometown Financial Group’s family of banks. Grushkin earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s certificate in accounting and finance from Bridgewater State University.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Elms College Awarded $1.27 by W.K. Kellogg Foundation

CHICOPEE — Elms College has been awarded a $1.27 million grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to continue its program that started in 2019 to enhance healthcare education and outcomes in Haiti. This grant will support the ongoing partnership between Elms College School of Nursing and the Episcopal University of Haiti (Faculté des Sciences Infirmières de Léogâne). This partnership invests in the professional development of nursing faculty in Haiti and directly addresses that country’s pressing healthcare challenges, including low life expectancy and high infant mortality rates. For more than four years, Elms College has collaborated with the university to provide advanced training to Haitian nursing faculty, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation has been there since the beginning. Elms College received an initial grant of $750,000 in 2019 and a $1.2 million grant in 2022 from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to work toward its goal of improving healthcare in Haiti. Nurses are pivotal in Haiti’s healthcare system, where they, rather than doctors, deliver most medical care, and this partnership equips them with the latest healthcare knowledge. It aims to strengthen the skills of nursing educators, empowering them to better prepare their students to meet the critical healthcare needs of Haiti. This past June, the program graduated its fourth cohort of nursing faculty, who will now be able to better educate their students and improve the quality of the care for patients. The nurse educators have consistently expressed their pride in being part of this program, a growing sense of professionalism, and their strong commitment to improving healthcare in Haiti. The program is also supported by the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Haiti Nursing Continuing Program Endowment, established by the D’Amour Family.

 

Florence Bank Announces Financial Group Name Change

FLORENCE — Florence Bank has changed the name of its financial-services division from Florence Savings Bank Financial Group to Florence Financial Group. In addition to being shorter and less cumbersome, the new name and branding better reflect the bank’s position as a local wealth-management team that combines Florence Bank’s quality customer service with an innovative and comprehensive approach to managing and protecting assets. As part of the rebranding effort, a new website and logo have been created for the division, and team members’ email addresses have changed. No changes will be made to customers’ portfolios, account logins, or passwords.

 

PeoplesBank Again Named Among Top Places to Work

HOLYOKE — PeoplesBank is now a seven-time winner of the Boston Globe’s Top Places to Work award. Amy Roberts, executive vice president of Human Resources at PeoplesBank, suggests that the bank’s emphasis on ensuring all associates have the support they need to succeed is the key. To that end, PeoplesBank is constantly in touch with its associates through surveys and regular town meetings that encompass the whole organization. The bank also introduced the CARE (Collaboration, Accessibility, Reliability, Empathy) initiative, which enabled it to establish the structures and standards necessary to be much more deliberate about the service it provides to its customers and associates. Top Places to Work recognizes the most admired workplaces in the state as voted on by the people who know them best — their employees. The survey measures employee opinions about their company’s direction, execution, connection, management, work, pay, benefits, and engagement. Top Places to Work rankings are based on confidential survey information collected by Energage, an independent company specializing in employee engagement and retention, from nearly 68,000 employees at 323 Massachusetts organizations.

 

Globe Names M.L. Schmitt Among Top Places to Work

SPRINGFIELD — M.L. Schmitt Inc. has been named one of the 2024 Top Places to Work in Massachusetts in the 17th annual employee-based survey from the Boston Globe. Top Places to Work recognizes the most admired workplaces in the state voted on by the people who know them best — their employees. The survey measures employee opinions about their company’s direction, execution, connection, management, work, pay, benefits, and engagement. The employers are placed into one of four groups: small, with 50 to 99 employees; medium, with 100 to 249 workers; large, with 250 to 999 staff members; and largest, with a workforce of 1,000 or more employees. M.L. Schmitt Inc. was ranked 23rd in the small-companies category. M.L. Schmitt Inc. is an electrical contractor located at 371 Taylor St. in Springfield and 198 Pleasant St. in Ashland. Since 1923, it has provided industrial, commercial, and residential construction, working in areas including renewable energy, hospitals, transportation, education, assisted-living facilities, data centers, fuel dispensaries, dormitories, residential complexes, and more.

 

D.A. Sullivan & Sons Named to Best Contractors to Work For

NORTHAMPTON — D.A. Sullivan & Sons Inc. (DAS) was recently named one of the 2024 Best Contractors to Work for in Construction. The annual list, created by Concrete Contractor, Equipment Today, Asphalt Contractor, Pavement Maintenance & Reconstruction, and Best Companies Group, includes only 29 companies nationwide this year. Companies from across the country entered the two-step survey process to determine the Best Contractors to Work for in Construction. The first part (25%) consisted of evaluating each company’s workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems, and demographics. The second part (75%) consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience and overall satisfaction. The combined scores were used to determine and rank the top companies. D.A. Sullivan & Sons Inc. is honored to be recognized as one of the 2024 Best Contractors to Work for in Construction, a testament to its 127-year legacy of prioritizing employees and fostering a culture of engagement and satisfaction. Based in Northampton, DAS has built its reputation as an exceptional employer by investing in professional development, promoting open communication, and ensuring employee well-being through comprehensive benefits and work-life balance initiatives. The company celebrates its team’s achievements and strives to create an environment where individuals feel valued, heard, and empowered to grow.

 

Mass Cultural Council Supports Susan B. Anthony Museum

ADAMS — The Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum has received a grant of $9,000 from the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency, through its Operating Grants for Organizations program. This grant signifies that the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum provides significant public value through its programs and services. Last year alone, the museum brought Susan B. Anthony’s inspiring story to more than 300 students. With a 59% increase in programming and museum attendance, the museum intends to continue to grow and expand its immersive and experiential learning capacity. In the coming year, the museum will welcome six college interns, hold numerous free public programs, and continue to draw tourists to the Berkshires with its events and guided house tours. The Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum, located on 67 East Road in Adams, is open Thursdays through Mondays during the summer from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call the museum at (413) 743-7121 or visit www.susanbanthonybirthplace.com.

 

Florence Bank Donates $10,000 to Mass Humanities

FLORENCE — Florence Bank has provided a gift of $10,000 to Mass Humanities to help the organization make history and culture more accessible to residents across the state. The private foundation is in its 50th year, serves all of Massachusetts, and is an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Launched on the campus of UMass Amherst in 1994, Mass Humanities has been in Northampton for 20 years and recently announced a move to Holyoke. The bank’s gift will be used to help fund two of four key initiatives, the Clemente Course in the Humanities and Reading Frederick Douglass Together. The Clemente Course is an adult-education program offered in partnership with Bard College in six cities across the state, including at the Holyoke Care Center and Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services in Springfield. The program provides access to those in economically disadvantaged households so they can study history, philosophy, literature, critical thinking, writing, and public speaking. Reading Frederick Douglass Together is offered annually in 60 towns across the Commonwealth, where Douglass’ Fourth of July address is read aloud publicly. Mass Humanities also offers Expand Massachusetts Stories, which helps local people reckoning with history by encouraging them to visit museums and libraries and launch storytelling projects in their communities. A fourth initiative, in partnership with the Smithsonian Institute, is called Museum on Main Street. This traveling exhibition is brought to six small towns each year, each time offering a different focus on rural life. Florence Bank is the financial partner for Mass Humanities.

 

Mayflower Marathon Raises Record Amount for Open Pantry

SPRINGFIELD — On Nov. 25-27, Rock 102 hosted its 31st annual Mayflower Marathon food drive to benefit Open Pantry of Springfield. This year, the tradition returned to MGM Springfield for the three days leading up to Thanksgiving. Bax & Nagle broadcast for 52 hours while collecting non-perishable food donations for Open Pantry. As the Open Pantry continues to see growing demand for its services, the need for donations of non-perishable food items is constant.

The outpouring of support from local residents and businesses (Springfield Thunderbirds, Capitol Relocation and Logistics, Xfinity, Camping World of West Hatfield, Arment Trucking, and many more) was unprecedented this year and helped to fill multiple trailers to raise more than $236,000 in food and cash donations, a new record for the event.

 

Springfield Pics to Join NCDC in 2025-26

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) announced that the Springfield Pics will join the tuition-free National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) beginning in the 2025-26 season under General Manager and Head Coach Rob Bonneau. The Pics will be the 10th team joining the New England Division of the NCDC. A founding member of the USPHL, the Pics play at Olympia Ice Center in West Springfield. In addition to the NCDC team, the Pics will field an Elite team in 2025-26.

 

Carr Hardware Customers Support Thanksgiving Angels

PITTSFIELD — Carr Hardware announced that its customers in Lenox and Pittsfield raised a total of $1,856.35 through the company’s round-up initiative, directly benefiting the local Thanksgiving Angels program. This generosity helped provide Thanksgiving meals for more than 2,000 families in Berkshire County who signed up to receive a traditional holiday dinner through the program. Throughout the month of October, Carr Hardware hosted a round-up campaign at its Lenox and Pittsfield locations, encouraging customers to round up their in-store purchases to the nearest dollar. The funds collected through this initiative were donated to the South Congregational Church’s Thanksgiving Angels program, which has been serving local families for years. The program works to ensure that families in need across Berkshire County can enjoy a full Thanksgiving meal, complete with all the traditional trimmings.

 

Westfield State University Launches Paramedic Program

WESTFIELD — Westfield State University announced the launch of its new Paramedic Program, beginning in January 2025. Developed in collaboration with key healthcare providers and emergency-management organizations — including Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Holyoke Medical Center, and Mercy Medical Center; fire departments from East Longmeadow, Longmeadow, Southwick, and Westfield; and EMS providers from Chapin Ambulance, Northern Berkshire EMS, and Cataldo Ambulance — this program addresses the critical regional demand for highly skilled emergency medical professionals. The program is designed to support workforce development by establishing a direct career pathway for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to advance to paramedics. Through strong partnerships with employers in the field, Westfield State will ensure the curriculum reflects industry standards, equipping students with the skills and expertise needed for immediate employment in emergency medical services. Students will benefit from a comprehensive curriculum, expert faculty, and state-of-the-art training facilities. The program includes one year of classroom instruction followed by clinical, field, and capstone internships, and can be completed in two years or through an accelerated 12- to 18-month track. To meet the diverse needs of working students, the program offers hybrid, live lectures enabling remote participation with the in-person classes. Hands-on skills labs are held in person. Applications are now open for the inaugural class starting Jan. 7, 2025. Prospective students can visit www.westfield.ma.edu/paramedic for detailed admission requirements and program specifics.

 

WestMass ElderCare to Become Access Care Partners

HOLYOKE — As WestMass ElderCare (WMEC) celebrates its 50th anniversary, the organization is announcing a new chapter in its history. Beginning in early 2025, WestMass ElderCare will be known as Access Care Partners, reflecting a broader mission that extends beyond serving just the elderly population. The decision to rebrand came after extensive research and community engagement. Partnering with Davis Advertising of Worcester, WMEC conducted one-on-one interviews, online surveys, and focus groups involving around 200 community members, as well as internal staff, to gather input on how the organization is perceived and how it can continue to meet the needs of the community. The findings indicated that, while the organization is respected for its work, the name WestMass ElderCare does not fully capture the scope of services offered, which includes support for individuals with disabilities and younger populations. The name Access Care Partners better reflects the organization’s mission of providing care and support to people of all ages and abilities, ensuring they have access to the services they need to live independently.

 

Rachel’s Table Food Drive at Big E Generates Donations

SPRINGFIELD — The Big E facilitated a food drive among its concessionaires this year, which generated more than 3,000 pounds in donations to Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts (RTWM), a Springfield-based food rescue service that distributes donated and specially purchased foods, without charge, to agencies that feed hungry families and individuals in the Western Mass. region. Rachel’s Table also provides training programs on food safety and information on efficient distribution, and has established a network of community support systems that work collaboratively to counter hunger and advocate, when appropriate, for food-insecure people. Now in its second year, this partnership is an extension of the Eastern States Exposition’s (ESE) commitment to improving lives in this region. ESE donates to RTWM outside of fair time, too, providing food from year-round events. Through its connection with ESE, Rachel’s Table was able to secure a relationship with Performance Food Group (PFG) within the last year. PFG is also a Springfield-based business, catering to many food-service and food-delivery needs, including stocking restaurants, national chains, vending, convenience, concessions, and more.

 

Incorporations

By
Incorporations

The following business incorporations were recorded in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties and are the latest available. They are listed by community.

CHICOPEE

June Ventures Inc., 36 Sesame Dr., Chicopee, MA 01020. Timothy Czerwiecki, same. Property-management services.

EASTHAMPTON

Steady Roofing & Home Improvement Inc. 49 Grant St., Easthampton, MA 01027. Tyler Perreault, same. Roofing and home-improvement services.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Helping Touch Home Care Inc., 54 Pease Road, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Nancy Paulides, same. Home healthcare agency.

 

GRANBY

PBC Canine Behavior Support Inc., 63 Ferry Hill Road, Granby, MA 01033. Elise Gouge, same. Nonprofit organization providing assistance in rehoming challenging dogs.

GREENFIELD

Twice as Smart Inc., 132 Federal St., Greenfield, MA 01301. Deborah Shriver, 8 Pocumtuck Dr., South Deerfield, MA 01373. Nonprofit organization providing afterschool enrichment programs to children at risk.

HOLYOKE

Empire One Investments Inc., 2016 Northampton St., Holyoke, MA 01040. John Friberg Jr., same. Business of buying and selling residential property, renovating residences, and leasing residential units; as well as buying and selling commercial property and leasing and renovating commercial units.

INDIAN ORCHARD

Curtis Dean Legacy Scholarship Inc., 1042 Berkshire Ave., Indian Orchard, MA 01151. Zaida Govan, same. Nonprofit formed to grant scholarships and other educational grants to individuals, organizations, or agencies that are working in mental-health and substance-use services for the Greater Springfield area, and activities related thereto.

LONGMEADOW

Familix Management Group Inc., 580 Laurel St., Longmeadow, MA 01106. Marvin Morris, same. Managing businesses, investment, and real estate.

LUDLOW

Three Rivers Contracting Co., 37 John St., Ludlow, MA 01056. Jason Banas, same. General construction contracting and construction management.

PITTSFIELD

Bady’s Caribbean Cuisine Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Amise Anilus, same. Restaurant and bar.

Cerulion Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Lakshay Sharma, 361 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02115. Robot middleware.

EJ-C Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Elizabeth Halliday, same. Travel company.

Integrihome Inc., 75 North St., Suite 210, Pittsfield, MA 01201. William Jones Jr., 16 Charisma Dr., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Nonprofit organization providing home health services for elderly, disabled, and others in need of such services, as well as hospice services and other palliative care for the psychological, physiological, spiritual, and social needs of chronically, severely, or terminally ill patients and their families.

OP & Son Concrete Forms Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Gualberto Perez, same. Masonry, pouring new foundations, and repairing damaged ones.

The Welcome Home Foundation Inc., 1224 North St., Pittsfield, MA 01257. Brendan Remillard, same. Nonprofit organization whose purpose is to construct and renovate housing for retired veterans.

SOUTH HADLEY

ASC Projects Inc., 4 White Brook Lane, South Hadley, MA 01075. Asmaa Chaudhry, same. Business consulting services.

SPRINGFIELD

BMC Masonry and Construction Corp., 1500 Main St., Springfield, MA 01115. Brian McDonagh, same. Masonry services.

Empact Enrichment Corp., 1666 Main St., Springfield, MA 01103. Isaac Byrd Jr., 11 Wedgewood Circle, Springfield, MA 01129. Provides safe and supportive environments and services that assist individuals in the development and cultivation of life-skill success and increases access to community services, education, and resources for those who have been traditionally shut out or limited in their access to opportunities.

Springhill Learning Center Inc., 133 Longhill St., Springfield, MA 01108. Natalie Shumskiy, 142 Melha Ave., Springfield, MA 01104. Tutoring services.

WMCS Education & Community Services Corp., 35 Park Road, Springfield, MA 01104. Lourdes Balestier, 3065 Main St., Springfield, MA 01107. Provides education, resources, and community services to the public.

WESTFIELD

Global Homecare Inc., 11 Howard St., Westfield, MA 01085. Atash Novruzov, same. At-home care services.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

AZ Home Solutions Pro Inc., 55 Hanover St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Teodoro Nunes Oliveira, same. Construction.

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates

The following business certificates and/or trade names were issued or renewed during the month of November 2024.

BELCHERTOWN

Austin Brothers Valley Farm
270 West St.
Katherine Austin

Metastellar
89 Michael Sears Road
Maria Korolov

Starbucks Coffee #77726
155 North Main St.
Starbucks Corp.

Swift River Mental Wellness OT
24 Sycamore Circle
Scott Demaria

HADLEY

Bibliotechnica
119 Middle St.
Robie Grant

Escapes for Everyone
1 Rocky Hill Road
Diane Kieras-Ciolkas

Gardener’s Supply Co.
285 Russell St.
Innovative Gardening Solutions

River Valley House Call Vet
286 River Dr.
Amy Allen

Semedo’s Home Care & Clean
8 Frost Lane
Heydymara Semedo

Shinjuku
173 Russell St.
Mitchell Gohn, Tan Tan

The Skinny Pancake
379 Russell St.
The Skinny Pancake LLC

T-Mobile Financial
344 Russell St.
T-Mobile Financial LLC

T-Mobile Leasing
344 Russell St.
T-Mobile Leasing LLC

T-Mobile Northeast
344 Russell St.
T-Mobile Northeast LLC

Topographic Jewelry LLC
133 Hockanum Road
Maureen Lynch

Tran’s World Food Market
50 Russell St.
David Tran

The Valley Dentists
200 Russell St.
CT River Valley Dentists

SOUTHWICK

D&S Manufacturing
10 Hundson Dr.
Rick Sosnowich

Nails Studio & Spa
208 College Highway
Steven Truong

Retro Beauty Salon
627 College Highway
Gwyneth Stevens

Ron’s Repair
32 Matthews Road
Ronald Rakaska

WESTFIELD

Atlantic Travel
120 Steiger Road
Avis Lemire

Blended Vintage Market Place
48 Elm St.
Blended Vintage Market Place

Blissful Brooke Family Daycare
731 West Road
Krystal Young-Lafountain

Comfort Bagel LLC
64 Main St.
Janet Blake

KSH Services
1029 North Road, #12-13
Kyle Hawthorne

Lively Cleaners
28 Crown St.
Cristina Delarosa

Mark’s Home Improvement
7 Gold St.
Mark Savchyn

New England Overland Outfitters
1750 East Mountain Road
Ryan Mahan

Southwood Acres
342 Southwick Road
Mass Westfield LLC

Subway
141 Springfield Road
Shreeji Sahjanand Corp.

Talee Artz
128A Springdale Road
Taliani Cotton

This Is Me Mental Health
5 Noble Ave.
Andrea Messier

Tru Bidet
38 Elm St., #1
David Yukhimets, Roman Yukhimets, Ruvim Yukhimets

The Willows
19 Lockhouse Road
Mass Westfield LLC

Xtra Credit
150154 Elm St.
One Fifty Entertainment LLC

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Kevin Lancto Inc.
98 Front St.
Kevin Lancto Inc.

Normandeau Memorials
1645 Riverdale St.
Lembranca Inc.

Nouria
518 Memorial Ave.
Nouria Energy Retail Inc.

Nouria
1130 Riverdale St.
Nouria Energy Retail Inc.

Nouria
735 Westfield St.
Nouria Energy Retail Inc.

Nouria
2667 Westfield St.
Nouria Energy Retail Inc.

ShadyTree Automotive Services LLC
130 Allston Ave.
ShadyTree Automotive Services LLC

Sunny’s Convenience
2260 Westfield St.
Jai Veer Corp.

Real Estate Transactions

By
Real Estate

The following real estate transactions (latest available) were compiled by Banker & Tradesman and are published as they were received. Only transactions exceeding $115,000 are listed. Buyer and seller fields contain only the first name listed on the deed.

FRANKLIN COUNTY

ASHFIELD

912 Creamery Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Heather Davis
Seller: Troy Santerre
Date: 11/15/24

BERNARDSTON

271 Martindale Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Joseph Smith
Seller: Misch, John S. (Estate)
Date: 11/14/24

CHARLEMONT

327 West Hawley Road
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Jeffrey T. Carantit
Seller: Joseph H. Gougeon
Date: 11/14/24

COLRAIN

98 Nelson Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: John Peters
Seller: Peters INT
Date: 11/13/24

ERVING

119 North St.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Thomas J. Scopa
Seller: Deanna Desreuisseau
Date: 11/14/24

GREENFIELD

309 Chapman St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Steve Ozcelik
Seller: Thoedore J. Burrell
Date: 11/12/24

37 Gold St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Hurricane Properties LLC
Seller: Marion E. Davenport RET
Date: 11/14/24

24 Linden Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Catherine R. Smith
Seller: Joshua S. Breitner
Date: 11/13/24

462 South Shelburne Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Aaron Lakota
Seller: Johanna Zeman
Date: 11/15/24

280 Wells St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Elyssa L. Carner
Seller: Michael R. Gullage
Date: 11/15/24

MONTAGUE

52 Dell St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Caleb Chapin
Seller: Brian K. Johnson
Date: 11/15/24

49 Hillside Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: James Fanning
Seller: William R. Cowan
Date: 11/18/24

132 Meadow Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $200,001
Buyer: Eds Enterprises LLC
Date: 11/12/24

39 Oakman St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Jaimie Remillard
Seller: Debra Beck
Date: 11/18/24

12 Unity St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $257,000
Buyer: Samuel J. Mulligan
Seller: Vernon W. McClish
Date: 11/15/24

ORANGE

22 Horton Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Annette M. Cormier
Seller: James Gleason
Date: 11/18/24

SHELBURNE

190 Old Albany Road
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $680,000
Buyer: Kenton M. Shirk
Seller: Refined Design Homes Inc.
Date: 11/12/24

178 Patten Road
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Kyle Mitchell
Seller: Judith C. Truesdell RET
Date: 11/14/24

SHUTESBURY

389 Leverett Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $426,000
Buyer: Sarah Pennington
Seller: Stephen J. Puffer
Date: 11/13/24

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

127 Coyote Circle
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $760,000
Buyer: Yasin Y. Akgul
Seller: F. P. Mikuszewski
Date: 11/15/24

65 Homer St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Jacob W. Adams
Seller: George J. Beauchane
Date: 11/14/24

94 Mill St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Yash RT
Seller: Charles E. Girard
Date: 11/14/24

57 Riverview Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Antonio J. Tchingui
Seller: Rui Silva
Date: 11/14/24

639 Silver St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: John A. Baranov
Seller: Midfirst Bank
Date: 11/14/24

27 Vadnais St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Ricky L. Tessier
Seller: Caac LLC
Date: 11/15/24

BLANDFORD

14 Sunset Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $359,900
Buyer: Stephen Weeks
Seller: Dale Sparr
Date: 11/14/24

CHESTER

25 Taft Road
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $203,400
Buyer: Gene R. Boisseau
Seller: Noble, Ellen M., (Estate)
Date: 11/13/24

CHICOPEE

110 Blanchard St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Colin Quirk
Seller: Lynette A. Broders
Date: 11/18/24

224 Lafayette St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Dilenes Ortiz
Seller: Joao C. Santos
Date: 11/13/24

60 Lagadia St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Cheikh Biaye
Seller: Jerome Talbot
Date: 11/12/24

33 Lemay St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Meika C. Riley
Seller: Charette, Margaret (Estate)
Date: 11/14/24

167 Pondview Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $319,900
Buyer: Mahwish Chishty
Seller: Ronald H. Boulanger
Date: 11/18/24

25 Roberts Pond Lane
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: William Raleigh
Seller: Frances L. Casa
Date: 11/18/24

67 Ross Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $333,000
Buyer: Joseph Canata
Seller: Brien A. Couture
Date: 11/14/24

50 Sherman Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $168,000
Buyer: Naples Home Buyers TR
Seller: Jose Domena
Date: 11/13/24

578 Springfield St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Kerrian A. James
Seller: James J. Sullivan
Date: 11/13/24

 

EAST LONGMEADOW

72 Cara Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Yanlecc R. Gonzalez
Seller: Matthew J. Fontaine
Date: 11/15/24

378 Elm St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: On The Mark LLC
Seller: Manley, Mary (Estate)
Date: 11/15/24

Farmer Circle, Lot 23
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Nayana A. Patel
Seller: Happy Acres LLC
Date: 11/12/24

120 Franconia Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $530,000
Buyer: Ryan Nguyen
Seller: Tuyet Nguyen
Date: 11/15/24

2 Jeffrey Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01095
Amount: $845,500
Buyer: Thao T. Truong
Seller: Andrei Mashkou
Date: 11/18/24

155 Orchard Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $670,000
Buyer: Ryan Medeiros
Seller: Paul C. Long
Date: 11/15/24

23 Powder Hill Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Geoffrey Mikita
Seller: Brian Gonzalez
Date: 11/15/24

Somers Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Were A Farm LLC
Seller: Morton FT
Date: 11/15/24

800 Somers Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Adam Dubois
Seller: Luisa Romolo
Date: 11/13/24

339 Westwood Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Justin Charles
Seller: Debra A. Richard
Date: 11/18/24

GRANVILLE

96 Silver St.
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Aga Brothers LLC
Seller: Theresa Koloski
Date: 11/12/24

HAMPDEN

86 Thresher Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $585,000
Buyer: Ryan Wilder
Seller: Michele L. Strum
Date: 11/15/24

HOLYOKE

19 Anderson Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Caitlyn Wasserman
Seller: Robert M. Cabral
Date: 11/13/24

27 Longwood Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Mary A. Dupont
Seller: Whitehead FT
Date: 11/14/24

911 Main St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $252,500
Buyer: Marelenia Ortiz
Seller: Scott Family Properties LLC
Date: 11/12/24

45-47 North Bridge St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Yamilex Vega
Seller: Olmedo Gomez
Date: 11/15/24

58 Pleasant St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $472,000
Buyer: Paul A. Dombrowski
Seller: Villani RET
Date: 11/15/24

71 Sun Valley Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Kevin J. Trempe
Seller: Karla Sheehan
Date: 11/15/24

LONGMEADOW

63 Ardsley Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $917,000
Buyer: Madona J. Zerbe
Seller: Kimberly S. Staggs
Date: 11/15/24

505 Converse St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Daniel J. Albert
Seller: Anthony R. Hannon
Date: 11/18/24

167 Hopkins Place
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $401,000
Buyer: Carina Del Valle
Seller: Amy L. Cohen
Date: 11/15/24

77 Magnolia Circle
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $685,000
Buyer: Somin Chowdhury
Seller: Wayne E. Bergeron TR
Date: 11/12/24

168 Nevins Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Leah Farr
Seller: Gregory M. Kozlowski
Date: 11/15/24

423 Williams St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Brigid O’Brien
Seller: Johanna K. Fregeau
Date: 11/15/24

LUDLOW

437 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Paul Varandas
Seller: Maria A. Santos
Date: 11/13/24

191-193 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Kyle Condino
Seller: Adelina Goncalves
Date: 11/15/24

75 James St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $409,900
Buyer: Eliza Pesuit
Seller: Patrick Spagnoletti
Date: 11/12/24

185 Kendall St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Kwadwo Boakye
Seller: Kyle M. Oliveira
Date: 11/14/24

110 Moore St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: June A. Lombardi
Seller: William J. Topham
Date: 11/12/24

88 Roy St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Luisa Romolo
Seller: Tracy Lanou
Date: 11/14/24

West St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: S. & C. Investors LLC
Seller: Lewison FT
Date: 11/13/24

MONSON

48 Main St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Nicholas P. Manolakis
Seller: Nicholas E. Smart
Date: 11/12/24

MONTGOMERY

3 North Road
Montgomery, MA 01085
Amount: $276,000
Buyer: Western Mass LLC
Seller: Anthony C. Fastiggi
Date: 11/15/24

PALMER

8 Christine St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Targaryen Rt
Seller: Stacia A. Cantin
Date: 11/18/24

25 North St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Christina Creel
Seller: Sarah Gould
Date: 11/12/24

SPRINGFIELD

109 Abbe Ave.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $229,000
Buyer: Priscilla A. Perez
Seller: Davila, Ana Lydia (Estate)
Date: 11/14/24

112 Bay St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Round 2 LLC
Seller: 112 Bay Street Realty NT
Date: 11/14/24

665 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Luis D. Santos-Vazquez
Seller: Thomas Wilson
Date: 11/14/24

490 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $247,000
Buyer: Timothy Figueroa
Seller: Rodelita English
Date: 11/18/24

114 Davis St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Amanda Rodriguez
Seller: Halle A. Watt
Date: 11/13/24

182 Dayton St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Neal McNamara
Seller: Karen L. Bennett
Date: 11/12/24

33 Derryfield Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: B Dream Inc.
Seller: Douglas Guyette
Date: 11/14/24

93 Elaine Circle
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Adeilson R. De Souza
Seller: Bac T Son
Date: 11/18/24

19 Eton St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Sunna Liu
Seller: Anne M. Bouchie
Date: 11/18/24

38-40 Forest Park Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Livingwater Capital LLC
Seller: Ojey Ikewibe
Date: 11/15/24

64 Fox Hill Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Aida Colon
Seller: Anthony C. Soto
Date: 11/14/24

15 Garcia St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $316,000
Buyer: Mahendra Jagdharry
Seller: Melissa Horsler
Date: 11/15/24

116 Garland St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Jillian Wilson
Seller: Robert A. Buoniconti
Date: 11/12/24

26 Groton St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $292,000
Buyer: Angelo Sanchez
Seller: Yanlecc R. Gonzalez
Date: 11/14/24

150 Jamaica St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $451,000
Buyer: Halle Watt
Seller: James E. Menard
Date: 11/13/24

56 Kenyon St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Round 2 LLC
Seller: Manifesting Income LLC
Date: 11/12/24

252 King St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $235,900
Buyer: Jhn Investments LLC
Seller: Richard Griffin
Date: 11/14/24

14 Lafayette St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $1,000,000
Buyer: Emtay Inc.
Seller: Dionne Real Estate LLC
Date: 11/14/24

33 Madison Ave.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Kevin J. McCarthy
Seller: John M. Collier
Date: 11/15/24

86 Malden St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Alondra P. Rivera
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 11/12/24

182 Massasoit St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $1,000,000
Buyer: Emtay Inc.
Seller: Dionne Real Estate LLC
Date: 11/14/24

93 Melville St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $243,500
Buyer: Nathaniel Martinez
Seller: Samuel Pantojas
Date: 11/13/24

69 Merrimac Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Amie Matos
Seller: Abdullah M. Jashaami
Date: 11/13/24

51-53 Miller St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Nicelia Irizarry
Seller: Karen Chiaro
Date: 11/15/24

26-28 Parallel St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: 26-28 Parallel LLC
Seller: Thomas M. Collins
Date: 11/15/24

31 Parallel St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $314,000
Buyer: Chantelle A. Francis
Seller: Topher Properties LLC
Date: 11/15/24

48 Peekskill Ave.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Jessica S. Santana
Seller: Taft, Patricia M., (Estate)
Date: 11/13/24

124 Pennsylvania Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $321,750
Buyer: Kyle Kreyeski
Seller: Downie, Cheryl Lee (Estte)
Date: 11/15/24

45 Pocantico Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Dnepro Properties LLC
Seller: Patrick M. McGinity
Date: 11/18/24

143 Redlands St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $344,000
Buyer: Howard M. Bennett
Seller: Dilenes Ortiz
Date: 11/12/24

101 Regal St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Melvin Rivera
Seller: Candace L. Sherokow
Date: 11/15/24

50 Revere St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $1,000,000
Buyer: Emtay Inc.
Seller: Dionne Real Estate LLC
Date: 11/14/24

408 Roosevelt Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $357,000
Buyer: Arjun Thapa
Seller: Muna Tiwari
Date: 11/14/24

1017 Roosevelt Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Alexis J. Montalvo
Seller: Sadie L. Murray
Date: 11/13/24

66-68 Shawmut St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Joshua Tiago
Seller: Harriet Samol LT
Date: 11/15/24

33 Sherwood Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Michael T. Donovan
Seller: Joan M. Przybycien
Date: 11/15/24

971-973 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Saad Abduljabbar
Seller: Ryan V. Nguyen
Date: 11/15/24

278 Talmadge Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Christian L. Rodriguez
Seller: Naples Home Buyers TR
Date: 11/15/24

39 Thyme Lane
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Nicholas Turnberg
Seller: Mazza, Joseph A. (Estate)
Date: 11/14/24

15 Vassar St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $1,000,000
Buyer: Emtay Inc.
Seller: Dionne Real Estate LLC
Date: 11/14/24

67 Venture Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Anne M. Bouchie
Seller: Steven G. Lamothe
Date: 11/18/24

96 West Alvord St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $226,000
Buyer: Rosa Aquino
Seller: Susan A. Cooter
Date: 11/18/24

72 West Bay Path Ter.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $243,000
Buyer: Jonan M. Liriano-Jimenez
Seller: Jessica O’Brien
Date: 11/15/24

480 White St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: JJS Capital Investments LLC
Seller: JJS Capital Investments LLC
Date: 11/15/24

143 Wilbraham Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $187,500
Buyer: Pierre-Bony Louis
Seller: Winston Francis
Date: 11/15/24

27-29 Wilcox St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: CNP Investments LLC
Seller: Holman, Ruth E. (Estate)
Date: 11/14/24

137 Wollaston St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Kimeisha Winkle
Seller: Christine Cornejo-Harvey
Date: 11/12/24

148 Yale St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $1,000,000
Buyer: Emtay Inc.
Seller: Dionne Real Estate LLC
Date: 11/14/24

SOUTHWICK

194 Granville Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $574,000
Buyer: Stephanie Lavallee
Seller: Christopher Balboni
Date: 11/15/24

37 Grove St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $459,900
Buyer: Kolby Palmer
Seller: Bryan J. Richton
Date: 11/13/24

28 Lakemont St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Keren Ruiz
Seller: Julio Ayala
Date: 11/14/24

109 North Lake Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: 109 North Lake Avenue LLC
Seller: Schmid, Steven Randall (Estate)
Date: 11/15/24

3 South Loomis St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Ian R. Deluca
Seller: R. M. Blerman LLC
Date: 11/15/24

114 South Loomis St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Natalia Rosulschi
Seller: Nicholas Anthony
Date: 11/12/24

TOLLAND

42 Woodchuck Hollow
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Kevin A. Hull
Seller: Dianne A. Pothier
Date: 11/15/24

WALES

73 Main St.
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Jurisdised Agencies LLC
Seller: Amy L. Desorcy
Date: 11/13/24

14 Shaw Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Julia Brown
Seller: Taylor D. Kibbe
Date: 11/15/24

WEST SPRINGFIELD

42 Herrman St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $292,900
Buyer: Olcay Kocaman
Seller: Maria E. Ashley
Date: 11/18/24

192 Kings Hwy.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Property Advantage Inc.
Seller: Wilhelmina IRT
Date: 11/12/24

93 Nonotuck Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Brendan Culver
Seller: Palmer, Franklin C. (Estate)
Date: 11/15/24

101 Westwood Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: West Co. Investments LLC
Seller: Terrence P. Roberts
Date: 11/15/24

WESTFIELD

36 Cranston St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Elkin A. Lorenzo-Pineda
Seller: Donald W. Fanska
Date: 11/12/24

18 Day Lily Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Steven Garib
Seller: Bent Tree Development LLC
Date: 11/18/24

141 Falcon Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Skyspec LLC
Seller: Hedge Hog Industries Corp.
Date: 11/12/24

11 Hamlin Place
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Drew T. Heath
Seller: Kolleen M. Jandaczek LT
Date: 11/12/24

266 Hillside Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Zachary Hall
Seller: Katherine A. St. Mary
Date: 11/15/24

86 Montgomery St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $309,900
Buyer: Emily Galvin
Seller: Robin R. Sheldon
Date: 11/14/24

283 Russellville Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Jeffrey P. Mackey
Seller: Joanne V. Farrell
Date: 11/14/24

15 Schumann Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Nathan J. Schreffler
Seller: Plante, George A. (Estate)
Date: 11/15/24

29 Wood Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Jamie A. Toomey
Seller: Michael E. Premny
Date: 11/18/24

33 Wood Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Ivan Haikevych
Seller: Michael E. Premny
Date: 11/18/24

WILBRAHAM

395 3 Rivers Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: John Machado
Seller: Bruce Laviolette
Date: 11/14/24

575 Monson Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $724,900
Buyer: E. S. G. Development LLC
Seller: Robert J. Lefebvre
Date: 11/18/24

9 Old Farm Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $645,000
Buyer: Benjamin Fennell
Seller: David A. Parke
Date: 11/13/24

576 Ridge Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Earl D. Wilson
Seller: Laura Haapanen
Date: 11/15/24

2 Webster Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $825,000
Buyer: Frank P. Mikuszewski
Seller: Christopher J. Reed
Date: 11/15/24

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

88 Eames Ave.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Bho Realty LLC
Seller: Phyllis J. Pike RET
Date: 11/14/24

51 Hop Brook Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $860,000
Buyer: Donald R. Korobkin
Seller: Guangyu Xu
Date: 11/15/24

509 Pine St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Lynn C. Hayes
Seller: Gary M. Cynningham
Date: 11/15/24

500 Sunderland Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $632,000
Buyer: Madeline Johnson
Seller: Alexander Reyes
Date: 11/15/24

BELCHERTOWN

Jensen St., Lot 100
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Kevin P. Vickers
Seller: Kenneth I. Hislop
Date: 11/15/24

44 Munsell St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $545,000
Buyer: Bac T. Son
Seller: M. & G. Land Development LLC
Date: 11/18/24

151 Oakridge Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Myles H. Paulo
Seller: Michale J. Sullivan
Date: 11/18/24

81 Old Amherst Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Tall Palms Capital LLC
Seller: RB Ventures LLC
Date: 11/18/24

34 Shea Ave.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Ashley Bonin
Seller: Paul E. Grudgen
Date: 11/15/24

CHESTERFIELD

145 South St.
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Joshua S. Ragoza
Seller: Thomas J. Janik
Date: 11/14/24

GOSHEN

92 Aberdeen Road
Goshen, MA 01032
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Kelly Magee
Seller: Thadeus & D. L. Wojcik RET
Date: 11/12/24

 

GRANBY

148 Amherst St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $241,000
Buyer: Erick Funk
Seller: Russell A. Ducharme
Date: 11/15/24

25 Cold Hill Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Jennifer A. Deforge
Seller: Marlene E. Bedell
Date: 11/18/24

HADLEY

29 Stockwell Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $530,000
Buyer: Xiaoqiu Wang
Seller: Frank J. Szelwicki
Date: 11/15/24

HATFIELD

Bashin Road
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Nourse Farms Real Estate Acquisition LLC
Seller: Thomas E. Yagodzinski
Date: 11/18/24

27 Elm St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: 119 Real Estate LLC
Seller: Joann Lampron
Date: 11/18/24

60 North Hatfield Road
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $511,000
Buyer: Kurt Reznikiewicz
Seller: James M. Motyka
Date: 11/18/24

MIDDLEFIELD

147 Chipman Road
Middlefield, MA 01011
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Peter J. Stone
Seller: Susan M. Scott
Date: 11/15/24

NORTHAMPTON

308 Brookside Circle
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $362,000
Buyer: Marianne Gregersen
Seller: Erica Graham
Date: 11/15/24

23 Columbus Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Sean McCarthy
Seller: Gatepoint Enterprises LLC
Date: 11/15/24

40 Crestview Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Alexander M. Ziter
Seller: Robnert W. Holley
Date: 11/15/24

155 Riverside Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Stephen Gallant
Seller: Ahearn, Linda J. (Estate)
Date: 11/18/24

263 Sylvester Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $1,000,000
Buyer: John Doll
Seller: Lisa H. McCutcheon
Date: 11/18/24

Water St.
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Colin Reuter
Seller: Christin Reuter
Date: 11/13/24

SOUTH HADLEY

9 Benger Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Jeffrey M. Fugiela
Seller: Marilyn A. Griffin
Date: 11/15/24

4 Meadowood Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Alecca Rivera
Seller: Lukasik FT
Date: 11/15/24

2085 Memorial Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $250,173
Buyer: Rocket Mortgage LLC
Seller: Gail Poirier
Date: 11/13/24

SOUTHAMPTON

230 College Hwy.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Zachary C. Swanson
Seller: Donald & Ingrid Warren LT
Date: 11/15/24

26 Hillside Meadows Dr.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Rachel Pantermehl
Seller: Dylan Mailloux
Date: 11/15/24

17 Miller Ave.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Matthew J. Fontaine
Seller: John D. Fitzpatrick
Date: 11/15/24

WARE

196 Sczygiel Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Benjamin Ramsey
Seller: Genevieve M. Swiszcz RET
Date: 11/13/24

Building Permits

By
Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the month of November 2024.

CHICOPEE

MSJ USA LLC
460 New Ludlow Road
$1,000 — Add insulation and paint to storage area

NPSSA Chicopee LLC
425 Meadow St.
$15,000 — Construct wall to create new electrical room

EASTHAMPTON

Easthampton Savings Bank
52 Main St.
$463,000 — First-floor demolition; two new bathrooms; new HVAC, electrical, and finishes

Eastworks LLP
116 Pleasant St.
$25,000 — Convert unused lobby to mailroom

Feedeast Realty LLC
18 Mechanic St.
$25,000 — Rebuild loading dock, frame roof over new loading dock, repair water damage to dry storage adjacent to new deck, reroof loading dock and dry storage

JMDSR LLC
250 Northampton St.
$739,900 — Update existing eye-care office to new eye-care office with changed layout, new finishes and lighting, and some MEP changes

Wemelco Development LLC
19 Wemelco Way
$164,000 — Interior improvements, including extension of vault, grinding, and flower-bagging rooms; extend sprinkler, alarm, and security systems; finishes to match existing

HADLEY

63 East Realty LLC
63 East St.
N/A — Install new sign onto existing posts

Bar Hadley LLC
315 Russell St.
N/A — Demolish and remove building and foundation

CBR Realty Corp.
11 Railroad St.
N/A — Roofing

Valley Werks Realty LLC
N/A — 173 Russell St.
Install commercial hood system

N/A — W/S Hadley Properties LLC
5 South Maple St.
Demolish roof

LEE

Beans in Their Ears LLC
9 Railroad St.
$5,000 — Pour cement over dirt basement

LENOX

Berkshire Medical Center
489 Pittsfield Road
$43,750 — Tenant fit-out for new urgent care center, add sprinklers below new suspended ceiling fed from existing wet roof system

NORTHAMPTON

Alloy LLC
5 Fulton Ave.
$1,866,683 — Retail building with car-charging stations

The Building Trust LLC
83 Spring St.
$108,180 — Install solar system

Hytech Park Properties LLC
106 Industrial Dr.
$4,163 — Wall sign for Zulu Pods

Penny More Capital LLC
16 Armory St.
$48,000 — Roofing

ServiceNet Inc.
58 Cherry St.
$28,700 — Siding

Smith College
186 Elm St.
$100,000 — Insulation for Wilson House

Sunwood Builders
811 Burts Pit Road
$14,000 — Foundation

PITTSFIELD

Alfred Barbalunga
425 East St.
$115,000 — Remodel Dunkin’ building

ServiceNet Inc.
320 Onota St.
$11,000 — Change layout of rooms on first floor

SPRINGFIELD

7 Star Dickinson Realty LLC
707 Dickinson St.
$35,000 — Move front counter back and renovate bathroom at Citgo gas station

45 Lyman Investor LLC
45 Lyman St.
$86,875 — Roofing

145 Main Street Property LLC
36 Oak St.
$5,500 — Remove and replace exterior stairs

276 Bridge LLC
276 Bridge St.
$240,000 — Alter interior office space for new business tenant on second floor

1277 Liberty St LLC
1355 Liberty St.
$120,000 — Alter interior space for indoor pickleball sports club

Five Town Station LLC
270 Cooley St.
$199,000 — Demolish interior and mezzanine for tenant fit-out, install front canopy and new storefront

MGM Springfield Redevelopment LLC
12 MGM Way
$100,000 — Exploratory interior demolition for future repair following fire in ductwork system at MGM Springfield casino

Mittas Hospitality LLC, DD Development, Rudra Realty LLC, Sai Ra
1500 Main St.
$180,000 — Alter interior of Dunkin’ for cosmetic updates

Springfield Library and Museums Assoc.
236 State St.
$559,000 — Install metal panels and skylight coating

St. Peter & St. Paul Russian Orthodox Church Inc.
118 Carew St.
$19,194 — Insulation and weatherization

Tree House Properties LLC
4 Maple St.
$10,000 — Interior demolition for future build-out

Walgreen Eastern Co. Inc.
110 Island Pond Road
$24,000 — Install prefabricated pergola to patio area

Bringing You Another Eventful Year

By
Opinion

Editorial

 

BusinessWest celebrated its 40th anniversary this year, and that’s worth celebrating — so we did, with a special issue in May that looked back on how things have changed — and, in some ways, how they’ve stayed the same — in fields like banking, construction, education, technology, and more.

But as the calendar turns to 2025 — well into our 41st year of delivering key business news, trends, profiles, and much more to our readers — business leaders are far more focused on what’s ahead, not what’s behind, as they should be.

While they’re undoubtedly split on the results of the Nov. 5 election — some cheering the shift in power in Washington, some apprehensive of the policy changes ahead — any federal leadership change poses questions that won’t be answered immediately. Meanwhile, the economy continues to pose a mixed bag of good (still-healthy unemployment rates) and bad (still-pesky inflation, interest rates, and a housing shortage), all of which lend an unsettled element to the immediate future.

What is more certain is that BusinessWest will continue to reflect the current times, trends, and stories from a local perspective — that is, through the eyes, minds, and experiences of business owners and economic experts throughout the 413.

In the Jan. 6 issue, we’ll present our annual Economic Outlook, this year featuring the voices of dozens of regional business leaders from many different sectors. And on Jan. 20, we’ll reveal our 29th annual Top Entrepreneur, the owner of a local chain that’s pressing forward — and beyond this region — in some intriguing ways.

Two issues after that, we’ll unveil our 17th annual class of Difference Makers, the first of four very popular recognition programs throughout 2025, along with 40 Under Forty in April, Healthcare Heroes in September, and Women of Impact in October. BusinessWest accepts nominations for all four programs all year long.

This year will also bring a broader mix of feature stories, as well as returning favorites like each issue’s Community Spotlight, shedding light on economic development, municipal projects, tourism, and quality of life in individual cities and towns; and the quarterly Where Are They Now? — each installment visiting with a past winner of one of the four awards mentioned earlier, detailing how their life and career have evolved since. All that is, of course, on top of our regular coverage of dozens of industries.

And look for our annual Book of Lists early in the year as well, a comprehensive resource guide to the businesses and sectors that drive this region’s economic engine.

As 2025 takes shape, we’re excited to bring all that, and more, to you — on the page, at our recognition events, and at businesswest.com. Happy New Year.

 

Know the Signs of Imposter Scams

By Contributor
Opinion

Opinion

By JARED LAWRENCE

 

From phony calls threatening to shut off power to bogus emails and even imposters pretending to be employees, scammers posing as Eversource representatives are becoming increasingly more sophisticated. While their deceitful tactics may vary, the goal is always the same — to steal money and personal information.

Eversource is joining utilities across the country in reminding customers to be vigilant and recognize the signs of suspicious behavior.

These bad actors have it down to a science, and they can be incredibly convincing — instilling a sense of urgency so customers feel like they don’t have time to check if the person is legitimate before following their demands. We remind our customers that, if you notice any red flags, don’t be afraid to hang up or shut the door on someone who may be trying to scam you, and then call us immediately at (877) 659-6326 to verify the status of your account.

As customers shop for third-party suppliers to lower their energy costs, another con to be aware of is people coming to the door and using deceptive marketing tactics to convince customers to switch energy suppliers.

With the holiday season in full swing — a time when scam activity typically intensifies — customers are reminded of the following tips to stay safe:

• Eversource representatives do not require the use of prepaid debit cards, such as Green Dot MoneyPak, Vanilla, or Reloadit. They will also never ask customers to pay using a Bitcoin ATM.

Eversource representatives never require customers to go to a department or grocery store to make a payment.

• Customers should never provide personal, financial, or account information to any unsolicited person on the phone, at the door, or online, even if they seem legitimate.

• Eversource does not solicit door-to-door or on the phone on behalf of third-party energy suppliers.

All Eversource employees carry photo identification; field workers wear clothing with the company logo and drive company vehicles.

• Customers who are scheduled for disconnection due to non-payment receive several written notices, including an alert on their bill, that includes information on how to maintain their service.

• Customers who doubt whether a call, in-person interaction, text, or email is legitimate should call Eversource directly at the number on their bill to confirm the authenticity of the contact.

• Customers should not search for Eversource’s phone number or website through a search engine. You can find contact information, including the website, on your Eversource bill.

Visit Utilities United Against Scams at www.utilitiesunited.org for more tips and helpful information to stop scams.

 

Jared Lawrence is the founder of Utilities United Against Scams and senior vice president for Customer Operations and Digital Strategy at Eversource.

 

MountainOne Insurance Acquires McClure Insurance Agency

By
Daily News

NORTH ADAMS — MountainOne Insurance Agency announced its recent acquisition of McClure Insurance Agency in West Springfield and Wilbraham. This is MountainOne Insurance’s second acquisition in the Pioneer Valley this year.

For more than 100 years, the family-owned McClure Insurance Agency has offered insurance products to fit the needs of families and businesses. McClure Insurance Agency, as part of MountainOne, will now offer customers many enhanced services, including the addition of group employee benefits, life insurance, long-term-care insurance, Medicare products, and in-house claims services. Customers also have access to many new insurance carriers, widening their options for coverage at competitive rates.

“We’re delighted to welcome the team at McClure Insurance Agency and look forward to getting to know and serve their many loyal customers,” said Jonathan Denmark, president and chief operating officer of MountainOne Insurance. “Customers who have conducted business with the McClure team can rest assured that they will see the same familiar faces, receive the same level of outstanding customer service, and have access to a wide range of insurance products and valuable solutions under the MountainOne brand.”

Agency Principal Mark McClure and the McClure Insurance Agency staff will remain with the agency, ensuring stability for clients. They will also maintain both office locations at 103 Van Deene Ave. in West Springfield and 2361 Boston Road in Wilbraham.

“When evaluating partners, it became clear to us that MountainOne embodied the same values that McClure Insurance has exhibited for so many years,” Mark McClure said. “With enhanced products for our customers and many employee benefits, we couldn’t be more excited to continue our legacy under the MountainOne brand.”

Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Brookline Bancorp Inc. Announce Merger

By
Daily News

BOSTON — Berkshire Hills Bancorp Inc., the parent company of Berkshire Bank, and Brookline Bancorp Inc., the parent company of Brookline Bank, Bank Rhode Island, and PCSB Bank, announced they have entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which Brookline will merge with and into Berkshire in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $1.1 billion, or $12.68 per share of Brookline common stock.

“Today marks a transformational milestone in the history of two storied institutions with a strong commitment to serving their clients and communities,” said Nitin Mhatre, president and CEO of Berkshire Bank. “The combined organization will be in an even stronger position to deliver exceptional client experience and create greater value for shareholders.”

In conjunction with the planned merger, Berkshire also announced it has entered into subscription agreements with investors to raise capital to support the merger. In aggregate, $100 million of Berkshire common stock will be issued at $29 per share. The capital raise is expected to close on Dec. 19. The proceeds of the capital raise are expected to support the pro forma bank’s balance sheet and regulatory capital ratios.

“This transaction presents an opportunity to bring together two historic franchises in the Northeast market,” said Paul Perrault, chairman and CEO of Brookline. “By bringing together two complementary cultures and geographic footprints with shared values and client focus, we will be better-positioned to serve our customers, employees, communities, and shareholders.”

Berkshire Chairperson David Brunelle added that “this highly compelling combination is a true merger of equals that will create a pre-eminent northeast financial institution. Scale and efficiency, combined with our shared culture of true community banking, is a powerful driver of value for all of our stakeholders.”

Chamber of Greater Easthampton to Hold Annual Meeting on Jan. 29

By
Daily News

EASTHAMPTON — The Chamber of Greater Easthampton will hold its annual meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Jupiter Club, 116 Pleasant St., Suite 211, Easthampton.

The annual meeting, the last one under retiring Executive Director Moe Belliveau, will not only highlight the chamber’s successes in the past year, but will offer chamber members the opportunity to provide feedback to shape the strategies for the coming year.

“With my retirement, this annual meeting will provide a tremendous opportunity for our members to look back on what we have achieved and envision the next iteration of the chamber to help shape its future,” Belliveau said.

“It is bittersweet for me to hold my last annual meeting,” she added. “We’ve achieved so much together, not just over the last year, but over the 10 years that I have led the chamber, contributing to and furthering our city’s reputation as a vibrant, thriving economic hub; fostering collaborations that will last long past my leadership; and really transforming the chamber in a way I could only have imagined. Yet, I have a sense of curiosity and excitement about the future of our chamber, and I am confident that, this time next year, the foundation we’ve built will continue to thrive.”

The event will also welcome new members and showcase those members who celebrated a business milestone in 2024, including Hampton Flooring Center Inc., Besko’s Appliance, and Unbroken Wings Inc. for 25 years in business; USA Waste & Recycling and Wright Builders Inc. for 50 years in business; Greenfield/Northampton Cooperative Bank for 135 years in business; and bankESB and Greenfield Savings Bank for 155 years in business.

Registration is $50 for members of the chamber ($65 for future members) and includes lunch. Reserved tables of eight are also available. For more information or to register, visit www.easthamptonchamber.org or email [email protected].

Greenfield Community College Welcomes Two New Board Members

By
Daily News

Jenni Lanoue

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Community College (GCC) announced the appointment of two distinguished leaders, Jenni Lanoue and Shonda Pettiford, to its board of trustees. Their extensive backgrounds in healthcare, education and organizational leadership are expected to bolster the college’s commitment to serving its diverse student population and enhancing community engagement.

Lanoue is a long-time resident of Franklin County and a GCC alumna, having graduated with an associate degree in Nursing in 2003. With nearly two decades of experience at Baystate Franklin Medical Center, she currently serves as chief Nursing officer and director of Patient Care Services, overseeing multiple nursing units and leading initiatives that enhance patient care and safety.

Shonda Pettiford

“I am honored and excited for this new opportunity to sit on the board of trustees for the college that kicked off my career in nursing,” Lanoue said. “I am eager to help shape the future of GCC and support our students in achieving their goals.”

Pettiford brings a wealth of experience in operations and communications. Currently serving as director of Operations at Five Colleges Inc., she has a strong background in strategic planning, human-resource management, and collaborative initiatives across multiple higher-education institutions. Her previous roles include CEO of Gravity Switch and director of Communications at UMass Amherst. She has served the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts as board president.

Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum Awarded Three Grants

By
Daily News

ADAMS — The Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum received three grants from the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation for a total of $3,589.28, through its Berkshire Hills Fund for Excellence, Lee Educational Enrichment Fund, and Williamstown Elementary School Endowment Fund programs.

“This is a great opportunity to make fifth- and sixth-graders aware that they share the same roots as one of our nation’s finest advocates for women’s rights, Susan B. Anthony,” museum Director James Capuzzi said. “We are grateful to the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation for the opportunity to bring our museum directly to students in their classrooms.”

This program brings the inspiring story of Berkshire County’s own Susan B. Anthony to students at W.E.B. Du Bois Regional Middle School in Great Barrington, Berkshire Hills Regional School District, Lee Middle and High School and Williamstown Elementary School.

Muriel Dyas of Herstorically Speaking reenacts Susan B. Anthony while students complete a timeline of her life, learn about pay inequity, and make a special ballot vote. The event concludes with a ‘votes for women’ march around school grounds complete with suffrage sashes, buttons, and student-made protest signs.

“My favorite audiences are those of elementary students. I find them inquisitive and appreciative of history coming to life,” Dyas said. “I believe Susan B. Anthony’s story is perfect for this age group because she teaches young people that you can come from a small Berkshire hamlet and make a difference in the world. Perseverance, determination, and intelligence are qualities all children should learn, and Susan is a role model of these qualities.”

Massachusetts Named Best State for College Students by SmileHub

By
Daily News

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration is celebrating Massachusetts being named the best state in the country for college students by the national nonprofit tech research company SmileHub.

SmileHub looked at 28 key metrics in all 50 states to determine the top spot, including graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, retention rates, state funding, and cost, ranking Massachusetts number one overall, edging out New York, Illinois, Rhode Island, and California. The state was also number one for education quality and support.

“Anyone looking to pursue a higher education degree should look no further than Massachusetts,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “Massachusetts has long been a leader in education, and this recognition underscores the extraordinary opportunities our state provides to college students. Whether it’s a four-year private university or two-year public institution, we are committed to ensuring every student can access an affordable, high-quality education that sets them up for lifelong success.”

This past summer, Massachusetts launched MassEducate, a free community-college program for full-time and part-time students, regardless of income, which preliminary data from this fall shows has increased enrollment at Massachusetts’ 15 community colleges by 14%.

This significant increase follows an 8.7% enrollment increase last year, driven by last year’s launch of the MassReconnect program, which made community college free for students 25 and older.

Massachusetts has increased enrollment at its public four-year colleges for the first time in more than a decade, due to significant state financial-aid expansion. The administration made public four-year degrees tuition- and fee-free for low-income students and reduced out-of-pocket expenses by up to half for middle-income students.

Ahead of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on the legality of race-based higher education admissions criteria in June 2023, the administration established an advisory council to advance representation in education that released comprehensive recommendations this fall. The report provides Massachusetts colleges and universities with resources to enhance access into the state’s higher-education system and provide a high-quality experience to all students regardless of background.

“This honor shows why Massachusetts is the best place to live and go to school, and reflects the collaborative efforts of students, educators, policymakers, and community leaders who prioritize the success of our students,” Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler said. “We will continue to invest in programs and systems that support academic achievement, workforce development, and personal growth for all students.”

Maaco West Springfield Owner Wins Tony Martino Hall of Fame Award

By
Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — At the 2024 Maaco convention, Maaco franchise partners, corporate team members, and vendors attended a mainstage session emceed by John Di Domenico, award-winning actor and comedian, to learn more about Maaco’s strategic vision for 2025 and how Maaco and its franchisees will ride the wave to get there.

As part of the mainstage session, Maaco announced the 2024 recipient of the Tony Martino Legendary Hall of Fame award, presented by this year’s title sponsor, Sherwin Williams. Joe Houghton, veteran and owner of Maaco West Springfield in Massachusetts, was selected for this honor.

The award was created to recognize individuals who exemplify Maaco’s values as a retail brand. It celebrates someone who is not only an exceptional brand ambassador, but who also consistently operates with excellence and serves as a positive influence for both the brand and their local community.

As a veteran, Houghton’s commitment to service extends beyond his business. He selflessly devotes his time to supporting fellow veterans in his community. When a local veteran’s car was vandalized, he stepped in to refurbish it, ensuring that this veteran had a reliable vehicle. And last winter, he organized a coat distribution drive for military members and their families.

“I feel privileged to honor a franchisee who has been with the brand for over 30 years — 34 years, to be exact, of dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to their team, their customers, and their community,” said Dave Gross, interim president of Maaco. “Joe and his wife, Kris, are a remarkable example of what it means to represent Maaco — individuals who embody positivity, resilience, and a constant drive for excellence.”

The center was also recently recognized in the Springfield Regional Chamber’s Super 60 awards.

“We take great pride in serving our community, and none of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our amazing customers,” Houghton said. “I owe so much to my incredible managers, Ashley and Chris, whose dedication and leadership make our business what it is today.”

HCS Head Start Gives Parents Seat at Table

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — When Head Start began in 1965, its founders understood that parents are critical partners in its work to educate young children. They also understood that this partnership meant parents should help decide which services would most benefit their families and those in the community. As a result, Head Start created a formal leadership and policy-making role for parents and community members called the Policy Council.

Holyoke Chicopee Springfield (HCS) Head Start recently shared the election of the 2024-25 Policy Council composed of parents of currently enrolled children and members-at-large from the communities served by HCS Head Start, which may include parents of children who were formally enrolled.

This newly elected group of leaders includes Amber Cichowski, Massachusetts Head Start Assoc. (community representative); Chalen Vasquez, Parkside Early Learning Center, Ludlow; Cinnamon Smith, Westover Job Corps (community representative); Dakota Bailes, Westover Head Start Center, Chicopee; Fanny Perez, Mason Square Head Start and Early Head Start Center, Springfield; Gladys Rivera, Carew Street Head Start Center, Springfield; Jeimy Diaz, Churchill Head Start Center, Holyoke; Katherine Gasque, Madison Head Start and Early Head Start Center, Springfield; Milagros Arocho Pumarejo, Robinson Gardens Head Start Center, Springfield; and Sulema Chaj, Mason Square Head Start and Early Head Start Center, Springfield.

“I love working with Policy Council representatives,” said Nicole Blais, CEO of HCS Head Start. “Parents are key to the success of Head Start and Early Head Start programs. The Policy Council gives parents a seat at the table to make that difference. They help to keep our program responsive to the needs of our children and families. Also, parents get to see another side of program operations. We have witnessed the benefits of how this inclusive leadership allows us to work together to support the work done at Head Start everyday, particularly around program planning.”

HCC Celebrates Grand Opening of New Program for Adult Learners

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) celebrated the grand opening of its Marieb Adult Learner Success Center, a new support program for adult learners and student parents, on Dec. 11.

“We are a space dedicated to our adult-learner and student-parent community, where students who are 24 or older, or any student parent, can receive admissions counseling, holistic advising, and career counseling, or attend workshops,” said Anne Medina, HCC’s associate director of Enrollment and Recruitment. “It’s also a space where student parents can bring their children and study without feeling like they are being a distraction.”

The Marieb Adult Learner Success Center and the Parent Learning Center are funded through a $1 million gift from the Elaine Nicpon Marieb Foundation, which was established by the late professor emerita and HCC alum Elaine Marieb, a long-time member of the biology faculty who went on to become a bestselling author of anatomy and physiology textbooks.

“In her generosity and love of lifelong learning, she earmarked this money for the adult-learner and student-parent community,” Medina said. “She herself was an adult learner and understood the unique challenges adult learners face as older students. She firmly believed that they needed dedicated programs and spaces on campus to be successful in their studies.”

The Marieb Adult Learner Success Center is a small lounge and study area with adjoining staff offices. The nearby Parent Learning Center is a much larger space that contains a desk with an attached and secure play or napping area for small children, as well as a pack and play, changing station, large-screen TV, conference table, art easel, and learning corner with children’s books and toys.

“The Parent Learning Center is a workspace where students can bring their laptops, sit and work on group projects, or just kick back and relax for a while, where they can have their kids with them and feel safe and welcome,” Medina said.

Also, sometime in 2025, the college’s Itsy Bitsy Child Watch Center will relocate to a new and larger space on the second floor of the Frost Building, close to the Marieb Adult Learner Success Center and Parent Learning Center.

“We’re going to hear a lot more little ones roaming our hallways,” Medina said. “It’s certainly going to bring life to this hallway.”

Annual Farmer Appreciation Event Highlights Local Farmers

By
Daily News

AGAWAM — At its annual Farmer Appreciation Party held at Smith College on the evening of Dec. 5, the Local Farmer Awards program honored the farmers of the four counties of Western Mass. while featuring food grown or produced by local farmers.

“The purpose of the party is to reinforce the vital role farmers play in our region,” said Mark Gold, director of the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation (HGCF). In addition to partners HGCF, Big Y, and the Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture, sponsors of these awards for capital improvements include Charles and Elizabeth D’Amour, Ann and Steve Davis, Audrey and Chick Taylor, Barbara Deslauriers, PeoplesBank, Andrews, DeNucci Group at Merrill Lynch, Eastern States Exposition, Farm Credit East, HP Hood, Baystate Health, Country Bank, Three County Fair, Franklin First Federal Credit Union, and bankESB.

In front of a crowd of 130 guests including farmers, funders, and friends of the Local Farmer Awards, eight farmers shared “90-second Farm Project Success Stories” during the program portion of the event. These stories briefly explained the impact of the capital projects implemented with the help of a Local Farmer Award.

The farmers who shared the benefit of the grants they received were Julia Coffey, Mycoterra Farm, aquifer irrigation system; Laurie Cuevas, Thomas Farm, goat-scratching brush; David Drugan, Buzz Off Bee Co., honey-extraction equipment; William Ellison, Ellison Farms Beef LLC, fencing to convert hayland to pasture; Luke Longstreth Mountainside Maple, energy-efficient vacuum pump; Carl Salsedo, Salsedo Family Farm, irrigation for high tunnels; Robert Schrader, Chestnut Mountain Tree Farm, pesticide applicator; and Suna Turgay, Flowerwork Farm, climate-smart low tunnels.

Another highlight of the evening was Commissioner of Agriculture Ashley Randle saying a few words. In addition to complimenting farmers on their hard work, she read a few words on behalf of Harold Grinspoon, founder and philanthropist for the program.

“This program is very important to us,” Grinspoon related. “It is about honoring and celebrating farmers. We are indebted to you because you till the land, you work long hours, you grow the crops, and you harvest the food even in fickle weather. We think of you as unique entrepreneurs. Your skills benefit us because you keep us healthy.”

In April 2024, 100 farmers received awards totaling $231,000 to help with farm improvements. Most farmers began their projects in the spring. In January 2025, the application for the 11th year of the Local Farmer Awards will open.

Jay Queenin Appointed to Westfield State University Board of Trustees

By
Daily News

Jay Queenin

WESTFIELD — Jay Queenin has been appointed to the Westfield State University board of trustees. Queenin replaces trustee Madeline Landrau whose 10-year term ended March 1.

Queenin has worked in the Office of the Massachusetts Attorney General as director of Intergovernmental Affairs, assistant attorney general, and chief of Administration and Finance. He also has served as assistant district attorney in the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.

For nearly 20 years, Queenin has been president and owner of Specialty Bolt & Screw (SBS) in Agawam, a privately held company founded in 1977. SBS provides inventory-management solutions to global original-equipment manufacturers and has approximately 300 employees in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Finland, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Queenin earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Providence College and a juris doctorate from Suffolk University Law School.

“Trustee Queenin’s global partnerships and legal and business experiences will be beneficial in advancing the mission of Westfield State University,” university President Linda Thompson said. “I look forward to the positive influence he will have as a member of the board of trustees.”

In accepting the appointment, Queenin said, “growing up on Western Avenue, Westfield State University has been part of my life for over 45 years. I appreciate the opportunity to be involved with this incredible university and its mission to prepare students to be the next generation of leaders. I look forward to working with President Thompson, the board of trustees, faculty, staff, and students to contribute in any way I am able.”

UMassFive Donates Hundreds of Winter Coats, Clothing Items

By
Daily News

HADLEY — UMassFive College Federal Credit Union announced that its members, staff, and community partners have donated hundreds of winter coats and clothing items to Amherst Survival Center, the Gray House in Springfield, and Net of Compassion in Worcester. Donations were gathered through a collection drive held at UMassFive’s Hadley, Northampton, Springfield, and Worcester branches this fall.

“We were eager to try and get coats into the community earlier this year,” said Cait Murray, Community Outreach manager at UMassFive, noting on the change in timing of this annual drive. “Our members and employees answered the call by making this our most successful donation collection since we began running it over a decade ago.”

For the third year in a row, UMassFive employee volunteers also sorted and organized donations received at their Hadley and Northampton branches into a winter clothing pop-up boutique at the Amherst Survival Center. Neighbors in need were welcomed to the boutique, where they could ‘shop’ for free new and used winter clothing items. This pop-up alone helped provide 364 items to 182 shoppers.

Donations from the credit union’s Springfield branch were brought to the Gray House in the North End of Springfield, which will help support some of its most vulnerable community members. Donations received at UMassFive’s Worcester branch were delivered to Net of Compassion, an organization that directly provides food, clothing, shelter, showers, and recovery support to individuals on the streets of Worcester.

UMassFive invites anyone looking to directly support the Amherst Survival Center, the Gray House, or Net of Compassion to visit amherstsurvival.org, grayhouse.org, or netofcompassion.org.

O’Dell Women’s Center Foundation Announces 2024 Grant Awards of $250,000

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The O’Dell Women’s Center (OWC), Springfield’s first nonprofit women’s center, announced it has granted a total of $250,000 to eight other nonprofit organizations in Springfield to support programs that empower and create opportunities for low-income Springfield women. This funding will enhance access to educational resources, career development, and community support services, creating pathways for financial stability and self-sufficiency.

The O’Dell Women’s center received 37 grant applications from Springfield area nonprofits. Of those applications, the OWC grant committee selected the following organizations for its 2024 grant awards: Dress for Success Western Massachusetts, Girls Inc. of the Valley, the Gray House, Holyoke Chicopee Springfield (HCS) Head Start, Hope for Youth and Families, Parent Villages, South End Community Center, and United Way of Pioneer Valley.

“This annual grant initiative reflects the O’Dell Women’s Center’s commitment to fostering economic stability for low-income Springfield women through support of educational advancement and workforce readiness,” said Margaret Tantillo, executive director of OWC. “We were inspired by the volume and ambitiousness of all our grant applicants and are excited to announce we plan to significantly increase the dollar amount distributed through our grant program in 2025.”

Through the 2024 grants, OWC will support several educational programs for Springfield women. The grant to Girls Inc. of the Valley’s Eureka! program will expand access to a five-year STEM initiative for girls from grade 8 through high school, offering first-hand experiences in science, technology, engineering, and math. This program aims to inspire confidence and prepare participants for higher education.

Hope for Youth and Families received a grant to fund a college success manager, providing high-school students with college-readiness resources and financial-aid guidance. Grant funding to Parent Villages will establish a program encouraging teens and young adults to explore educational and vocational opportunities, with a goal of 100% enrollment in livable-wage career pathways.

To advance workforce development and career growth, OWC provided three grants to career-readiness programs. HCS Head Start Workforce Development will deliver job-skills training to help women overcome professional and social-emotional challenges. Dress for Success Western Massachusetts received funding to strengthen its comprehensive workforce-development program, which includes résumé building, professional attire, digital-literacy training, mentoring, and monthly skill workshops through the Professional Women’s Group. Additionally, OWC made a grant to United Way of Pioneer Valley’s Wellness in the Workplace initiative to offer financial-literacy coaching to support women in achieving lasting economic mobility and navigating benefit eligibility changes that accompany salary increases to mitigate the cliff effect.

OWC grant funding also addresses essential needs like food security, childcare, and language skills. The South End Community Center will use its grant to expand its after-school programs, transportation services, and vacation camps, providing safe environments for children of working mothers. A grant to the Gray House will support its Adult Education Program, which offers English-language and life-skills training, empowering women to work toward self-sufficiency. Previous grant funding to the United Way Pioneer Valley extended the hours of the Springfield Food Cupboard, ensuring an additional 375 individuals each month have access to essential nutrition.

The O’Dell Women’s Center’s mission is to provide opportunities for women of Springfield to improve their lives through a community of support systems that will create access to higher education, career opportunities, and advancement, while helping women achieve financial stability.

Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Flips Switch to Solar Power

By
Daily News

CHICOPEE — The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts announced the activation of its new solar-panel system at its food warehouse, resource, education, and advocacy center in Chicopee. The celebratory ‘flip the switch’ event will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 9 a.m. at the Food Bank’s new facility, located at 25 Carew St.

Designed with sustainability and efficiency in mind, the Food Bank’s new center features state-of-the-art solar panels installed by PV Squared, a local leader in renewable-energy solutions. The installation includes panels on the rooftop and a solar canopy covering part of the parking lot. This innovative green-energy system will significantly reduce the Food Bank’s carbon footprint while meeting its substantial energy needs.

The project was made possible through a congressionally directed Community Funding Project grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, thanks to the support of U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey.

“Their commitment to advancing clean-energy initiatives and supporting community organizations has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition,” said Andrew Morehouse, executive director of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. “The adoption of solar power aligns with our mission to support the community in sustainable and impactful ways.”

The event will include brief remarks from Morehouse, along with Jesse Lederman, regional director for Markey’s office; Chicopee Mayor John Vieau; and Nancy Robinson, senior director of Operations at the Food Bank.

Hometown Wealth Management Promotes Alexandra Chapman to Financial Advisor

By
Daily News

Alexandra Chapman

EASTHAMPTON — Hometown Wealth Management congratulates Alexandra Chapman on her new role as a financial advisor, offering wealth-management and investment services through LPL Financial, located at bankESB’s 36 Main St., Easthampton office.

Chapman started at bankESB in 2019 as a part-time teller and transitioned to work in the Commercial Credit department shortly thereafter. In May 2022, she joined Hometown Wealth Management as Operations associate. From financial planning and investment services to insurance, she assists both individuals and businesses in developing, implementing, and monitoring strategies that help them pursue their financial goals.

Chapman holds an MBA with a concentration in financial management from Husson University. In addition, she earned a certificate in small business management from Husson University.

Time Is Running Out to Nominate a Difference Maker

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Do you know someone who is truly making a difference in the Western Mass. region? BusinessWest invites you to nominate an individual or group for its 17th annual Difference Makers program. Nominations for the class of 2025 must be received by Monday, Dec. 16.

Difference Makers was launched in 2009 as a way to recognize the contributions of agencies and individuals who are contributing to quality of life in this region. Past honorees have come from dozens of business and nonprofit sectors, proving there’s no limit to the ways people can impact their communities.

So, let us know who you think deserves to be recognized as a Difference Maker in our upcoming class by visiting businesswest.com/difference-makers-nomination-form to complete the nomination form. Honorees will be profiled in the Feb. 17 issue of BusinessWest and celebrated at a gala in the spring.

Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce to Hold Annual Holiday Party Today

By
Daily News

AMHERST — The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Holiday Party, a festive event that celebrates the holiday season and brings members of the community together, today, Dec. 11, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Cow Barn at 113 Cowls Road, Amherst. The event is presented by PeoplesBank and hosted by the Mill District.

The annual Holiday Party will spotlight the Amherst Survival Center as the featured nonprofit. To inspire generosity, PeoplesBank has pledged to match all donations made to the Amherst Survival Center during the event up to $2,500.

Attendees can indulge in the holiday spirit with food courtesy of 3 Amigos, Carefree Cakery, and Herrell’s Ice Cream; a selection of beverages provided by Provisions; entertainment by DJ Matt Peterson to set the holiday mood; a festive photo backdrop for capturing memories; door prizes; and opportunities to network, connect, and celebrate with fellow community members and business leaders.

Tickets are available for $20 and are open to both chamber members and non-members. Guests are encouraged to invite friends and family to share in the festivities. To secure tickets or learn more about the event, visit amherstarea.com/events.

United Way of Pioneer Valley Announces Community Leadership Connect Launch

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — United Way of Pioneer Valley announced the launch of Community Leadership Connect (CLC), an innovative leadership initiative aimed at fostering the next generation of leaders through mentorship, peer support, and access to vital resources. This new program is made possible with the support of the the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation and the MassMutual Foundation.

Community Leadership Connect is designed to nurture emerging leaders across various sectors, offering tools and networks that will strengthen the leadership fabric in our region. The program focuses on four primary pillars: a mentoring hub, peer support circles, resource inventory, and relevant learning and skill development, as detailed below:

• CLC will facilitate one-on-one or small-group mentoring relationships by establishing a centralized mentorship hub. This network will connect experienced leaders with emerging leaders, matched based on shared interests, industries, or leadership competencies. Using a digital platform similar to the United Way’s VolunteerConnect program, mentors and mentees will be paired and guided through goal setting and regular feedback sessions.

• The peer-support program will create demographic or professional affinity groups where participants can find mutual support and learning opportunities among peers. Facilitated by regional partners, these circles will include young professionals, women leaders, entrepreneurs, and other demographic groups. CLC will foster regular virtual or in-person meetings to promote shared learning, problem solving, and emotional support, often with rotating leadership roles or mentor oversight.

• To further enhance leadership development, CLC will maintain a continuously updated regional inventory of leadership services. The publicly accessible digital platform (database) will offer emerging leaders, mentors, and stakeholders access to a range of leadership-development resources, such as training programs, workshops, and networking events. The platform will allow users to filter resources by sector, location, or skill area.

• Working in close collaboration with Human Service Forum, CLC will feature a monthly series of workshops or trainings led by experts and community partners, providing participants with opportunities for continuous learning and skill development. Topics will include regional issues, leadership theory, decision making, and more. These sessions will be available in both virtual and in-person formats and may be subscription-based or free, depending on the program’s access model.

“Community Leadership Connect represents our commitment to building a stronger, more connected leadership ecosystem,” United Way of Pioneer Valley President and CEO Megan Moynihan said. “By bringing together mentors, peer groups, and a wealth of resources, CLC will empower emerging leaders to develop the skills and networks they need to succeed, while fostering collaboration across the region. We are incredibly grateful to the leadership of the MassMutual Foundation and the the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation for sharing our vision and commitment toward empowering the leadership capacity of this robust community.”

Dennis Duquette, head of Community Responsibility for MassMutual and president of the MassMutual Foundation, added that “the MassMutual Foundation has always been committed to supporting the communities where we live and work. Our support of the United Way of Pioneer Valley’s Community Leadership Initiative reflects this commitment, and we look forward to seeing the impact this will have on the future generations of leaders across the region and beyond.”

The program will officially launch the first quarter of 2025 and will be featured at the OnBoard Matching Event being held Thursday, Dec. 12 at Tower Square. Attendees will be able to learn more about the CLC offerings and register as a program provider, mentor, or participant.

bankESB Promotes Stacey Grushkin to Accounting Officer

By
Daily News

Stacey Grushkin

EASTHAMPTON — bankESB recently promoted Stacey Grushkin to Accounting officer. She was previously senior staff accountant at Abington Bank, part of Hometown Financial Group’s family of banks that includes bankESB, bankHometown, North Shore Bank, and Abington Bank, a division of North Shore Bank, as well as Hometown Mortgage.

Grushkin has nearly 10 years of banking experience. She started at Abington Bank as a staff accountant in 2015 and was promoted to senior staff accountant in 2023. In her new role, she will lead the bankESB finance team and will also be responsible for regulatory reporting for Hometown Financial Group’s family of banks.

Grushkin earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s certificate in accounting and finance from Bridgewater State University.

ViViYarn Fashion to Hold Ribbon Cutting, Grand Opening on Dec. 17

By
Daily News

HADLEY — The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce announced a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of ViViYarn Fashion in the Hampshire Mall on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to enjoy complimentary refreshments and a grand-opening sale. The ribbon-cutting ceremony is open to all community members.

ViViYarn Fashion is a new boutique in the Hampshire Mall focused on unique, seasonal clothing for men and women. Current items include cashmere scarves and sweaters in a wide variety of designs and colors.

General Manager Shawna Wang has more than 10 years of experience producing high-quality garments for the U.S. and Europe, and is dedicated to providing customers with comfort, elegance, and style at an affordable price.

Throughout the week of Dec. 14-21, ViViYarn Fashion will celebrate its grand opening by offering customers an extra $5 or 10% (whichever is greater) off their purchase, on top of a storewide sale the entire week.

Springfield Museums President, CEO Kay Simpson Honored with Prestigious Award

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Museums announced that President and CEO Kay Simpson received the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award from the New England Museum Assoc. (NEMA).

Each year, NEMA honors an individual who has made exceptional contributions to the museum field over the course of a distinguished career. The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a professional’s commitment to excellence, leadership in the field, service to others, and support of NEMA.

“Kay Simpson has made a significant impact on her community and the museum field,” NEMA Executive Director Kayla Coleman said. “We are proud to honor her service with this award.”

Simpson is an experienced and entrepreneurial president and CEO with a history of working in museums and a background in leading high-profile curatorial and education projects that garner national attention. She provides strategic direction for one of New England’s premier cultural institutions, comprised of five museum buildings, the outdoor Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, and the childhood home of Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss). Under her leadership, the Museums opened the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum in 2017, which resulted in a dramatic increase in attendance and coverage from regional, national, and international media outlets.

A strong proponent of museums as engines of economic development and urban revitalization, Simpson helped establish a cultural district in downtown Springfield and was instrumental in an inclusive public arts initiative that activated a public park that had been closed for decades. She passionately believes that museums are not only vibrant community centers for all, but also attract tourists and entrepreneurs, which in turn help communities foster new business growth for everyone’s benefit. Her service to NEMA includes her work as chair of the Education Professional Affinity Gathering and membership on the association’s board of directors.

“Kay’s recognition by the New England Museum Association as the recipient of the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award is a testament to her extraordinary vision, dedication, and her transformative leadership in the museum field,” said Cynthia Campbell, chair of the board of trustees of the Springfield Museums. “Throughout her remarkable career, Kay has elevated the Museums as a cultural cornerstone in our region through her unwavering commitment to community enrichment and education. This honor is a well-earned reflection of the lasting impact she has had on our community and the museum field. Springfield is so lucky to have Kay at the helm of our incredible Museums, and the board of trustees extends our most sincere congratulations for this well-deserved award.”

T-Birds Break Record, Collect 7,162 Stuffed Animals in Teddy Bear Toss

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — For the first time in team history, the Springfield Thunderbirds eclipsed the 7,000-bear plateau as the team collected 7,162 stuffed animals during the ninth annual Teddy Bear Toss presented by Teddy Bear Pools & Spas inside the MassMutual Center on Dec. 7. All will be gifted to underprivileged youth in the Springfield and Western Mass. communities.

Tyler Tucker’s third-period goal brought down the cavalcade of stuffed animals and ignited a Thunderbirds come-from-behind, overtime win over the Rockford IceHogs before a sellout crowd of 6,793 inside the Thunderdome on Saturday night.

On Dec. 9, Thunderbirds players, mascot Boomer, and staff participated in part two of this celebrated tradition, delivering stuffed animals to a host of different youth-oriented benefactors, including the Center for Human Development, the Boys & Girls Club of Springfield, Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services, and the Boys & Girls Club Family Center. Other participating organizations include the Springfield YMCA, Square One, and the Ronald McDonald House of Springfield.

“The growth of the Teddy Bear Toss in our community over the past decade has been incredibly inspiring,” Thunderbirds President Nathan Costa said. “This time of year always highlights the generosity of our fans. Few things are greater than seeing a child’s smile, and this incredible collection of bears will lead to thousands of happy memories. This truly embodies the spirit of the holidays.”

Established during the Thunderbirds’ inaugural season in 2016, the Teddy Bear Toss has contributed more than 40,000 stuffed animals to local Springfield charities, all in the spirit of providing gifts and smiles to underprivileged and underserved youth in the Greater Springfield community.

“As a fan, sponsor, and owner of a hockey team over the years, I’ve witnessed many events, but honestly, this one was truly over the top from start to finish,” said Ted Hebert, T-Birds minority owner and founder of Teddy Bear Pools & Spas. “The enthusiasm of the fans and players was indescribable — the excitement of people lining up at 4:30, the smiles on the faces of those who received free replica jerseys, the team waiting until the last moment to tie the game, and then the bears flying as Santa Claus and Teddy Bear Boomer were in the house. To win in overtime? You couldn’t script a better ending. On behalf of Teddy Bear Pools, thank you for the opportunity to be part of this incredible annual festival that benefits everyone in our community.”

Charitable organizations not listed above interested in receiving teddy bears can contact the Thunderbirds by emailing [email protected].

Springfield Rocks Media Group Welcomes Adam Moreau as Senior Media Advisor

By
Daily News

Adam Moreau

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Rocks Media Group announced the addition of Adam Moreau as a senior media advisor for Rock 102, Lazer 99.3/98.5, and the digital team. He will officially join the team in January.

Moreau began his career in radio more than 20 years ago and is excited to return to his roots while also bringing more than two decades of experience in multimedia sales. His passion and expertise, beginning in radio and encompassing television and advertising agency experience, will further enhance the media group’s ability to deliver multimedia solutions to clients across the region.

“Adam is a seasoned salesperson with a history of success in this market and will be an integral part of our growth in 2025,” said Mike Ekblom, vice president and general manager of the Springfield Rocks Media Group and the Northampton Rocks Media Group.

Moreau will serve clients throughout the group’s regional footprint. He will be based in the East Longmeadow office and report to Scott Monson, director of Sales, who echoed the sentiments of Ekblom, emphasizing the positive impact this addition will have on the team’s innovative approach to sales and exceeding clients’ needs.

“I began my media sales career in radio more than 20 years ago. I am overjoyed to return to the radio business and to join the leader, the Springfield Rocks Media Group,” Moreau said. “Their commitment to live, quality programming and community projects, like the Mayflower Marathon, are just a few things that make them a pillar of our media community.”

Moreau is a graduate of Western New England University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus in marketing communications/advertising, as well as an MBA.

Comfort Bagel Opens in New Location in Westfield

By
Daily News

WESTFIELD — Comfort Bagel opened its doors in a new location at 64 Main St. in Westfield. The store is relocating from Holyoke to better serve its expanding customer base. Comfort Bagel is known for its scratch-made, artisan, slow-fermented sourdough bagels available in traditional and innovative flavors that rotate weekly, including fan favorites like asiago parmesan, jalapeño cheddar, and salted rosemary.

“We can’t wait to serve even more people and continue to grow with the amazing support we’ve received from all our loyal customers,” Comfort Bagel founder Janet Blake said. It’s really a dream come true.”

Last month, Westfield Mayor Mike McCabe joined Blake, representatives from the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, and property owner Rocco Falcone for a ribbon cutting.

Comfort Bagel’s journey began during the pandemic, when Blake started a small cottage bakery in her West Springfield home, hoping to bring warmth and comfort to her community during uncertain times. She offered contact-free home delivery to surrounding towns, and the demand for her bagels grew so quickly that she opened a full-service shop at Open Square in Holyoke in July 2021.

Comfort Bagel’s new location in downtown Westfield is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. seven days a week.