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Month: January 2025

Bulkley Richardson Announces Passing of Senior Partner Ronald Weiss 

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Bulkley Richardson announced the passing of long-time colleague Ronald Weiss. 

Born and raised in Springfield, Weiss was an alumnus of Classical High School (1964), Dartmouth College (1968), and the University of Pennsylvania Law School (1972). He was a past member of the U.S. Army Reserves. 

“As a senior partner at Bulkley Richardson, Ron has been an integral part of Bulkley Richardson for decades, earning him the reputation as one of Western Massachusetts’ most respected and esteemed lawyers,” the firm said in a statement. “Known for his sharp legal mind and unwavering ethical standards, he was a trusted advisor to many and a guiding force in the legal field. Internally, he was a fierce mentor, laying the groundwork for a legacy of skilled lawyers to follow in his path.” 

An advocate of organizational growth and sustainability, Weiss was committed to many leadership roles throughout his career and volunteered his time to community organizations. He was instrumental in the founding of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, an institution that has provided millions of dollars in scholarships and grants, where he also served as general counsel. He co-founded the Pioneer Valley Family Business Center, was actively involved in the Jewish Foundation of Western Massachusetts, and was a steadfast advocate for the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, where he held leadership roles for decades. His tireless efforts earned him the prestigious Pynchon Medal, awarded for his exceptional contributions to civic life through a “remarkable ability to understand and solve complex problems” and his “long-term dedication and commitment to the success of the organizations he serves and to the region in which he and his family live.” 

Bulkley Richardson added that “Ron’s friendship, wit, and brilliant mind will be greatly missed.” 

Gagne Wealth Management Group Recognized by Forbes 

By
Daily News

GREENFIELD — Gagne Wealth Management Group has been named to the Forbes 2025 Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams list, a prestigious recognition that highlights the top financial-advisory teams across the country.  

Since founding the firm 15 years ago, Merrill Gagne has built Gagne Wealth Management Group from the ground up, developing a client-centric approach that emphasizes goal-oriented financial planning, personalized investment strategies, and risk management. The firm is dedicated to creating customized portfolios tailored to each client’s aspirations, ethical values, and risk tolerance, ensuring a financial strategy that is both empowering and educational.  

“This recognition by Forbes is an incredible honor and a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our entire team,” Gagne said. “Our goal has always been to help our clients feel confident about their financial future by providing strategic guidance that aligns with their personal values and long-term objectives.”  

Merrill, who now leads a team of financial advisors, has a history of industry accolades, including being named a Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor last year, along with being featured on Forbes’ Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors list. Earlier in his career, he was recognized as a top producer at Northwestern Mutual, achieving #1 in the Platinum category for the Eastern Region.  

Beyond his professional achievements, Gagne is deeply committed to his community. He is a driving force behind the Franklin County YMCA’s development committee and serves as a board member for the Greenfield Public Library Foundation. He is also a dedicated volunteer, donor, and weekly driver for Rachel’s Table, a major sponsor of the Children’s Advocacy Center. Additionally, he served as a project sponsor for Alternative Investments under Mila Sherman at the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst. 

“Merrill’s influence extends far beyond financial planning,” said Jessye Deane, executive director of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. “His dedication to our local community — through his work with the chamber, Franklin County’s YMCA, Greenfield Public Library Foundation, Rachel’s Table, Ja’Duke, youth sports leagues, and more — demonstrates his deep-rooted commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Franklin County. This recognition is a testament to his leadership in both business and philanthropy.” 

Vanessa Stratton Joins Polish National Credit Union as Vice President of Finance 

By
Daily News

Vanessa Stratton

CHICOPEE — Polish National Credit Union (PNCU) announced that Vanessa Stratton has joined the institution as vice president of Finance. 

Stratton, a certified public accountant, brings more than a decade of experience in the banking industry. She earned an MBA with a focus in finance and has held several key positions throughout her career, including chief financial officer and treasurer at a community bank. Her areas of expertise include financial analysis and reporting, GAAP compliance, internal control, and investment management. 

In her role as vice president of Finance, Stratton will oversee PNCU’s financial operations, including financial reporting, budgeting, and cash-flow management. She will also work closely with the executive team to implement strategic financial initiatives and support the credit union’s growth. She is known for her strong leadership skills and her ability to drive process improvements and efficiencies. 

“We are excited to welcome Vanessa to our leadership team,” said Jim Kelly, President and CEO of Polish National Credit Union. “Her extensive experience and deep understanding of financial management make her an ideal fit for this role. I am confident that Vanessa will play a key role in furthering the success of PNCU and serving our members with excellence.” 

Big Y Donates 1 Million Meals to Food Banks 

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Big Y’s annual Sack Hunger campaign provides funds for four food banks within its two-state marketing area. In turn, these food banks support local soup kitchens, food pantries, senior food programs, daycare centers, and many others of the 2,100 member agencies they help every day. Their goal is to maximize access to nutritious food and other resources that support food security for those at risk of hunger. 

Throughout this past holiday season, customers and employees generously supported Sack Hunger at Big Y supermarkets and Table & Vine Fine Wines and Liquors. Every $5 donation brought 10 meals to those in need of support. Additionally, Big Y added more ways to boost their efforts with specific proceeds from the produce, floral, and meat departments, along with a portion of every one of Big Y’s family of private-label brands. 

Big Y’s Sack Hunger campaign started in 2010, when 740 meals were donated. With this year’s 1 million meals, the program continues to expand its efforts to support those in need. Big Y’s Sack Hunger donation is part of its ongoing support throughout the year, including almost daily donations of meat, fresh produce, and bakery products, along with grocery, frozen, and dairy items. The four regional food banks are the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, the Worcester County Food Bank, the Greater Boston Food Bank, and Connecticut Foodshare. 

“Each year, our customers and employees come together to support families across Massachusetts and Connecticut impacted by food insecurity during the holiday season,” Big Y President and CEO Michael D’Amour said. “We are thankful for the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those in need, and we appreciate everyone involved in spreading hope throughout our communities.” 

Chicopee Makes Some Landmark Improvements

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From left, Lee Pouliot, Krista Benoit, Brett Brown, and Bob Alger stand in the main entrance to the former main library in Chicopee, now undergoing historic rehabilitation for use as a community hub.
Community Spotlight

Community Spotlight

From left, Lee Pouliot, Krista Benoit, Brett Brown, and Bob Alger stand in the main entrance to the former main library in Chicopee, now undergoing historic rehabilitation for use as a community hub.

From left, Lee Pouliot, Krista Benoit, Brett Brown, and Bob Alger stand in the main entrance to the former main library in Chicopee, now undergoing historic rehabilitation for use as a community hub.

 

‘Historic rehabilitation.’

That’s the phrase Lee Pouliot and others used to describe work at Chicopee’s historic City Hall and the neighboring, long-closed main library.

In doing so, they made the distinction between this type of work and historic restoration.

Indeed, the latter returns something to what it once was at a specific point, said Pouliot, director of the city’s Planning Department, adding that this will not be the case with either building.

Indeed, the library, closed since 2004, when a new facility was built, will be renovated for use as a community hub, home for a farmer’s market, and meeting space, said Pouliot, while phase 2 of a project at City Hall and its annex will involve an office-by-office renovation of spaces to suit current needs and technology and make the best use of those spaces.

“One purpose of the project is to right-size some of the office spaces; we have some offices that have too many people crammed into too small a space,” he explained. “Another priority is building security. In working with all the department heads, we identified the offices that get the most visitation on a daily basis and tried to relocate them to the lower floors of the building, so we didn’t have the public accessing areas that they don’t need to.”

The City Hall project, which has been ongoing for a decade, has been slowed by the pandemic, but also a lengthy — as in more than three years — design phase that required large amounts of data collection from city department heads and employees about space requirements and specific needs.

Historic rehabilitation of the two downtown landmarks, work that has been ongoing through four mayoral administrations, is just one of the storylines involving Chicopee, the region’s second-largest city.

“One purpose of the project is to right-size some of the office spaces; we have some offices that have too many people crammed into too small a space.”

Others include everything from ongoing efforts to repurpose several old mills and create sorely needed new housing — projects that dovetail nicely, as we’ll see — to efforts at Elms College to cope with the many issues and challenges in higher education today, especially the so-called demographic cliff, a sharp decline in the number of the number of 18-year-olds entering college. But there are others as well, including the soaring cost of higher education and the need to help students and their parents meet it, as well as free community college, which is both a challenge and an opportunity.

The college is taking steps to help bring that cost down and afford more opportunities for a college education through initiatives such as the recently announced Elms Promise, a financial-aid program designed to provide full tuition coverage for students from families earning less than $85,000 annually.

“The cost of a college education has been on the increase, and families’ income has not increased as fast as the rise in tuition,” Elms College President Harry Dumay said in explaining the genesis of the program, adding that, since its inception, the school has placed an emphasis on being affordable for all types of students.

For this, the latest installment of its Community Spotlight series, we take an in-depth look at Chicopee and how it is building momentum — in all kinds of ways.

 

History in the Remaking

As they talked with BusinessWest in the former City Council meeting chambers on the fourth floor of City Hall, Pouliot; Krista Benoit, a project manager for Northampton-based D.A. Sullivan & Sons; and Bob Alger, senior project manager for NV5, a Hadley-based engineering firm, noted that the renovation of City Hall, opened in 1871, has been a decade-long project that essentially began when two panes of stained glass fell out of the rose window at the front of the building.

Phase 2 of the ambitious City Hall project will follow recent work like this renovated auditorium.

Phase 2 of the ambitious City Hall project will follow recent work like this renovated auditorium.

Then-Mayor Richard Kos asked Pouliot to undertake an emergency stabilization and historic-structure analysis to determine if there were physical deficiencies in the building’s structure. Dietz & Company Architects of Springfield was hired to work on both, and the firm determined that there were a number of significant deficiencies that needed to be addressed in both City Hall and the annex.

Emergency stabilization work included everything from the removal of stones from the clocktower amid fear of them falling to removal of the stained glass throughout the building for protection, Alger said.

Following these initiatives, funding was secured for phase 1 of historic rehabilitation work, which entailed work on the building envelope and the HVAC systems, he went on, adding that this included roof replacement, stone and masonry repair, brick repair, replacement of all the windows in both buildings, and a stunning renovation of the auditorium, a $17 million endeavor overall.

Phase 2, a $16 million project, will involve a three-year schedule of moving through the building, renovating and rightsizing offices, said Benoit, who first became involved in the project while working as a designer for Dietz and Company, and is now on the construction side with D.A. Sullivan, which also handled phase 1.

She noted that D.A. Sullivan has a strong track of work for area municipalities and in the areas of historic restoration and rehabilitation.

“We’ve been around for so long now, 1897, we’re now renovating many of the projects we actually built,” she said, adding that the Chicopee projects involve buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.

Pouliot noted that the contractors will hopscotch through the buildings, renovating a few offices at a time.

“We’re taking two to three office spaces offline at any given time, relocating staff to vacant office space, remodeling those offices, and moving staff back in,” he explained, adding that several departments will be moved to different floors or different areas that better suit their needs and those of the public.

These will be gut remodels, he went on, adding that it will take three to eight months to ready each space for its new occupant.

As for the library, Pouliot said there have been several requests for proposals issued for the city’s old library, and, over the years, a few intriguing uses have been proposed.

There was talk of a brewery that never really got off the ground, he said, adding that the concept that gained the most traction — but not enough to become reality — was to make the landmark home to the largest private collection of Franklin D. Roosevelt memorabilia, some 10,000 pieces, once housed in Worcester. There was even talk of the possible creation of a Roosevelt Study Institute and a collaboration between the museum and Elms College.

The ‘community hub’ concept was ultimately deemed the alternative that made the most sense, said Pouliot, adding that it transforms the library into a different kind of community resource, one that will hopefully bring more people and vibrancy to the Market Square area.

 

Grade Expectations

While the city works to rehabilitate its landmarks, one of its leading institutions, Elms College, is trying to build a more secure future by taking a proactive approach to the many challenges facing higher ed today, especially smaller, private institutions.

“There’s never a moment to rest,” said Dumay of this challenging time, describing Elms as being “healthy, not wealthy.”

By that, he meant that the school has a small endowment — $12 million, although it’s much larger than it was even a few years ago — but it remains in solid fiscal heath, thanks to steady enrollment in many of its divisions. These including transfers, continuing education, and graduate programs, making up for a decline in enrollment among high-school graduates, something being seen across this region and across the country, a situation exacerbated by what Dumay (and many others) have called the “less than adequate rollout” of Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

“We had a really good year of students transferring to Elms College, a good year for students completing their degrees through our continuing-education program, and a good year of graduate students,” he explained. ‘Overall, we took in around the usual number of 500 students that we traditionally take in for all categories, despite the fact that, with our first-time freshmen, we didn’t reach the target that we were looking for.”

In this environment, schools need to be aggressive in telling their stories, stress their strengths and values — and the value they provide — and be responsive to those challenged by the high cost of a college education, he said, adding that the Elms Promise was created to help empower those students least likely to afford higher education, and it underscores the school’s affordability.

Chicopee at a Glance

Year Incorporated: 1848
Population: 55,560
Area: 23.9 square miles
County: Hampden
Residential Tax Rate: $15.16
Commercial Tax Rate: $32.62
Median Household Income: $35,672
Median Family Income: $44,136
Type of Government: Mayor; City Council
Largest Employers: Westover Air Reserve Base; J. Polep Distribution Services; Callaway Golf Ball Operations; Dielectrics; MicroTek
* Latest information available

“Having this Elms Promise out there clearly and crisply conveys to students and their families that an Elms College education can be as within their reach as some of the other alternatives available to them,” he explained, adding that this includes MassEducate, the state’s free community-college initiative, which, as noted earlier, is both another challenge and a great opportunity down the road.

“I’ll always be in favor of any initiative that makes college accessible for students,” said Dumay, a first-generation college graduate himself. “And we already know that this has increased enrollment at community colleges significantly, in this area and beyond. And because of the articulation agreements we have with all the area community colleges, and because many of the community-college students transfer to us, we’re expecting the number of students that will transfer to us to increase, and we see that as an opportunity down the road.”

 

Developing Stories

While Elms copes with its challenges, the city continues its work to put some of its former mills back to productive use while also addressing an urgent need for more housing.

Pouliot said the owners of the last remaining building in the Facemate manufacturing complex, the so-called Baskin parcel, are finalizing the securing of resources from the Commonwealth, and a groundbreaking is expected in the near future on 105 units of housing.

Meanwhile, a developer has been recommended for the four remaining buildings within the massive Uniroyal tire-manufacturing complex, the redevelopment of which has been a more-than-40-year saga, said Pouliot, adding that a mixed-use development that includes housing is being eyed.

These projects are moving slowly, he noted, because of the high cost of rehabilitating former mills of this kind into housing and other uses, as well as the time-consuming process of securing the various forms of financing, often including historic tax credits, needed to make such endeavors viable.

“Slow but steady wins the game when it comes to mill conversion,” he told BusinessWest, adding that the Uniroyal project will most likely develop in phases over several years.

In the case of another huge old mill, Cabotville Industrial Park, formerly home to dozens of various-sized businesses but now mostly vacant, progress has come very slowly, and its fate remains a large question mark.

“There have been a number of owners that have suggested a significant redevelopment project there,” Pouliot said, adding that such talks have been going on for more than 20 years now. “We’ve been stuck in this current round with the current owner, Silverbrick, for two or three years. But it’s a viable project for the right developer with the right experience.”

Housing remains a critical need in the city, he noted, adding that, in addition to the Facemate property and its 105 units, other, smaller projects are advancing, including plans to develop the site of a former Masonic lodge on East Street and the conversion of the former Belcher Elementary School into 24 apartments.

Melissa Breor, executive director of the Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, said redevelopment of Cabotville and other large mills, as well as the smaller projects in and around the downtown area, form one of the keys to continued growth and greater vibrancy in the central business district, which has seen many new businesses open in recent years amid of a spurt of entrepreneurship, which continues today.

She cited the planned redevelopment of a large Victorian home on Grove Street in Chicopee Falls into a mix of housing on the upper floors and a possible wine bar on the first, being undertaken by the owner of nearby Falls Pizza, as an example of this entrepreneurship and the importance of new housing.

“In terms of economic development and workforce development, housing is at the center of all that,” she said. “We have some great developments that are in process and at various stages, and with those housing developments, people are going to need services and places to go. To have a business owner have that vision is really exciting.

“Investments like the one at Falls Pizza show great vision,” she went on, adding that new housing, in general, spurs new business development, which is good news for a city with a rich past and a promising future.

 

Marois Construction Completes a Transition at the Top

By
Joe Marois, left, and Carl Mercieri.
Construction

Chairman of the Boards

Joe Marois, left, and Carl Mercieri.

Joe Marois, left, and Carl Mercieri.

 

When asked why he left work as an insurance adjuster to start his own construction business, Joe Marois gave an answer as direct as it was insightful.

“It was a conscious decision to do something on my own so I wouldn’t have anyone to blame if I was a failure,” he told BusinessWest. “In the corporate world … I played that game for a while, but I wasn’t going to try to rely on someone when I was older, waiting for that promotion; I couldn’t deal with that.”

A half-century of change and economic ups and downs later, ‘failure’ is certainly not a word that comes to mind when assessing not only Marois Construction, but also his other ventures, the Orion Farm equestrian centers — there are two, one in South Hadley and the other in Wellington, Fla. — and what could be called his commercial real-estate subsidiary as a self-storage business. Indeed, they are all success stories.

And now, 52 years after he got his start in his mother’s garage, Marois will be spending maybe a little more time with those latter two ventures.

Indeed, he is passing the torch of management at Marois Construction to Carl Mercieri, a 35-year employee of the company who, like Marois, got his start as a field carpenter and then worked his way up to estimating and eventually project management.

Mercieri will take the title of president, while Marois will serve as chairman of the board. Together, they plan to continue following the blueprint drafted in 1972, one of seizing opportunities as they emerge and following what has become the company’s marketing tagline: “Building What Others Envision.”

They also plan to continue a course of expansion and diversity, one that has seen the company take on more public-sector work and broaden its geographic reach up and down the I-91 corridor, into Berkshire County and beyond.

“It’s simple … we want to keep growing and building on what we’ve been able to accomplish,” said Mercieri, adding that, aside from some titles and responsibilities, little else will change at this company that can borrow a term from the horse farm and say it has a great track record.

 

Building on the Foundation

Marois, who copied Morse code while serving in the Air Force in Alaska before landing work as an insurance adjuster, said he started his construction venture with a tool belt and a used Royal typewriter to type invoices.

He also had the requisite entrepreneurial energy, that aforementioned desire to control his own fate, and confidence in his own abilities born from experience — as well as lessons and encouragement from mentors.

“I always had a proclivity for carpentry,” he explained. “I worked in high school for some contractors, framing houses and so forth. I liked it, and I had some good mentors in those days; they recognized that I had some ability, and they took the time to teach me stuff.”

“It was a conscious decision to do something on my own so I wouldn’t have anyone to blame if I was a failure. In the corporate world … I played that game for a while, but I wasn’t going to try to rely on someone when I was older, waiting for that promotion; I couldn’t deal with that.”

Marois also had a few contacts, and one of them helped him land a job rehabbing the lower floors of a block of buildings in Holyoke into apartments.

“I did the drawings at my house on the kitchen table,” he said, adding that the project eventually led to others in the Paper City, and soon he had a foundation on which to build his company.

Over the years, the firm has handled a good mix of public and private work, with clients ranging from most of the area’s colleges and universities to municipalities (public-safety facilities are one of the firm’s niches) to several area banks and other businesses.

Recent projects have included everything from extensive renovation of a former computer-assembly facility into the new home of Veritas Preparatory Charter School to an emergency-systems upgrade at the John Adams high-rise dorm at UMass Amherst; from a LEED-rated PeoplesBank branch in Northampton to conversion of the former HUB Insurance building in Agawam into a new public-safety facility.

Such diversity, crucial to success in this sector, is what has developed over the years, said Mercieri, who, as noted, also started out as a carpenter.

“I was a millwright, and I worked at a mill; a friend of mine’s father was a VP at this company, and he got me a job,” he recalled. “I was young, so I was the guy carrying everyone’s tools, and I worked for plumbers, electricians, masons … I learned all the different trades. I spent 10 years there earning my ribbons, and then I went out on my own and did residential work for four or five years before landing here.

“Going back to my millwright days, that was quite the experience, learning all those different trades,” he went on. “I go to a job site, and I see electricians and plumbers … I’m no expert at it, but we can speak the same language.”

“I was young, so I was the guy carrying everyone’s tools, and I worked for plumbers, electricians, masons … I learned all the different trades.”

Building on the company’s portfolio of diverse projects and keeping a steady flow of projects in the pipeline are the primary goals as Mercieri and Marois complete this transition of leadership, something that has been in the works for several years now.

“Succession planning is important, and it’s unique to each company that does it,” Marois said. “It’s been a smooth, amicable process on our side … it was just about the bells and whistles.”

What emerged is a plan whereby Mercieri will manage the construction company and Marois will maintain ownership of — and remain active in — the various businesses under what could be called the Marois umbrella.

That includes a portfolio of commercial real-estate properties, as well as Orion Farms North and South, with the former sitting on 40 rolling acres in South Hadley, an old dairy farm that Marois acquired decades ago, and the latter an equestrian facility in Wellington, Fla., where Evans trains during the cold months and competes at the Winter Equestrian Festival.

“I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with it, but the more I got into it, the more I fell in love with the prospect of having some type of farm there,” he said, noting that the acreage is now home to a multi-faceted business. He and partner Linda Evans, an accomplished rider and trainer who has competed in shows resulting in many national champions, have a riding school catering to beginners and experts alike, with a stable of 40 horses (Warmblood show jumpers for the most part), as well as boarding and other services.

Like the construction company, the horse farms are a labor of love for Marois, who grew up near the South Hadley farm and developed a passion for riding himself, although he’s mostly retired from that activity.

 

Bottom Line

He has no plans to retire from his various businesses, though.

He joked that the announced transition plans are designed to “let people know that they don’t have to call me; they can call Carl — although they can call me if they want.

“And I can focus on getting old,” he continued with a laugh, adding quickly that his focus will actually be on his businesses, people, horses, and the continuation of what he started 52 years ago.

That would be a success story on every level imaginable.

Diet Quality Suffers for Women During, After Pregnancy

By
Health Care Healthcare News

Food for Thought

New research from Anna Maria Siega-Riz, professor of Nutrition and Epidemiology and dean of the School of Public Health and Health Sciences at UMass Amherst, finds a pervasive low-quality diet among pregnant and postpartum individuals, reflecting “an urgent need for widespread improvement.”

The study, recently published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and co-led by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, assessed diet quality in the same individuals from the beginning of pregnancy through one year postpartum. Few studies have analyzed diet quality in pregnancy and postpartum in the same participants.

Siega-Riz and her colleagues used the USDA’s Healthy Eating Index (HEI), which is based on federal dietary guidelines, to develop a diet quality score for participants in the Pregnancy Eating Attributes Study (PEAS). Because diet quality during pregnancy and postpartum impacts short- and long-term health outcomes for parent and child, the team of perinatal nutritionists and epidemiologists aimed to identify risk factors for low diet quality to develop effective interventions.

The overall average HEI score for the study participants’ diets was ranked on a 0-100 scale at 61.6. On a traditional A-F scale, the grade would be barely passing, a D, although that score is 10% higher than the average HEI score of the overall U.S. adult population. The HEI score is based on the adequate consumption of nine foods — total fruit, whole fruit, total vegetables, greens and beans, whole grains, dairy, total protein, seafood, and plant proteins, as well as fatty acids — and the consumption of four foods in moderation: refined grains, sodium, added sugars, and saturated fats.

Anna Maria Siega-Riz

Anna Maria Siega-Riz

“You’re only capable of changing your diet if your income and your environment support it. And that, I think, is something that a lot of people forget.”

Among all the study participants, HEI scores were stable from early pregnancy through one year postpartum. But researchers noted differences in scores according to sociodemographic characteristics, weight status, lactation duration, and tobacco smoking.

“You would think that pregnant women are highly motivated to eat better during pregnancy, precisely because they are pregnant. And that’s true in certain populations,” said Siega-Riz, the study’s senior author. “You saw higher-income women having a higher-quality diet, and lower-income women having a lower-quality diet.”

She noted that lower-income women may be working multiple jobs and either don’t have access to higher-quality foods, can’t afford them, or need more overall support from family, friends, and healthcare providers. “You’re only capable of changing your diet if your income and your environment support it. And that, I think, is something that a lot of people forget.”

Unmarried study participants and those participating in more than one federal assistance program recorded the lowest mean HEI scores. In addition, a higher body-mass index (BMI) was associated with a lower-quality diet. The highest mean HEI scores were seen in participants with higher education and among those who reported never smoking.

“What women eat during pregnancy is mostly the same things they eat in the postpartum period, with the exception of a few foods,” Siega-Riz said. “They sometimes return to caffeine and alcohol and resume eating more refined carbohydrates after giving birth.”

The study participants’ diets were assessed at six points — in each trimester of pregnancy and two months, six months, and one year postpartum. Overall, they scored high (A+) on eating enough whole fruits, total protein, and greens and beans. They scored lowest — a failing grade — on eating adequate whole grains and fatty acids, and lower on dairy products. On the moderation side, they scored a lower grade on sodium intake and saturated fats than on added sugars and refined grains, though there were no high scores.

The message of the study? “Healthcare needs to change, to be more comprehensive. And right now, that’s not our model,” Siega-Riz said. “Policymakers and prenatal care providers need to understand that even pregnant women need support and guidance to be able to change their dietary habits for the better.”

In a related PEAS study published in the Journal of Nutrition, Siega-Riz and her team performed a genomic analysis of the gastrointestinal microbiome of participants during the second trimester of pregnancy after collecting fecal swabs.

“We wanted to look at the relationship between diet and what’s in the microbiome, and then also how the microbiome might be at interplay with what’s happening in utero that the fetus ends up being imprinted by,” she said.

The researchers found an association between a diet with higher saturated fat and added sugar and the composition and function of the microbiome during pregnancy. But they don’t know yet what that means. They will continue to examine both the parent’s and the child’s microbiome in ongoing and future research.

“Although the results provide an initial landscape of microbial factors that are associated with specific dietary components, such as dietary sugar, fat, and dairy, the story is complicated and evolving, and we hope that these findings will be a foundation for future hypothesis-driven research and investigation,” the paper concludes.

 

Local Bariatric Surgeon Offers Advice to Consider First

By
Health Care Healthcare News

Thinking About Losing Weight?

The numbers tell the story.

Nearly one in three adults are overweight, more than two in five adults have obesity, and about one in 11 adults have severe obesity.

When most people think of obesity, their thoughts usually don’t go much further than the notion of being overweight. But, in truth, there is a lot more to obesity than the numbers on the scale.

“Obesity is itself a disease that often triggers a number of severe health conditions. Over time, those conditions can become chronic, progressive, debilitating, and potentially life-threatening,” said Dr. John Romanelli, medical director of Bariatric Surgery and chief of the Division of General Surgery at Baystate Health. “For many, the struggle to lose weight is complicated by the challenge of managing those health conditions. Individuals who are unable to sustain a healthy weight and are experiencing chronic conditions are often strong candidates for weight-loss surgery.”

Dr. John Romanelli

Dr. John Romanelli

“Obesity is itself a disease that often triggers a number of severe health conditions. Over time, those conditions can become chronic, progressive, debilitating, and potentially life-threatening.”

Factors that may contribute to excess weight gain among adults include genetics; types and amounts of food and drinks consumed; level of physical activity; degree of time spent on sedentary behaviors, such as watching TV, engaging with a computer, or talking and texting on the phone; sleep habits; medical conditions or medicines; and where and how people live, including their access to and ability to afford healthy foods and safe places to be active.

Here, Romanelli answers several key questions for those considering losing weight to benefit their health.

Q: Why should you always check with your primary-care physician before starting any diet?

A: Changing your diet could alter how your medications work, and you need to be certain that you are in good cardiovascular health before starting a fitness plan.

Q: How can you determine if you truly need to lose weight?

A: The bottom line is, if you think you need to lose weight, you likely do and should discuss it with your primary-care physician. Normal body-mass index (BMI) is 25 or below. Sadly, most Americans are above this number. BMI is your weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. There are many BMI calculators available online to help.

Q: Why is it important to lose weight?

A: Our body physiology works more effectively when we are the correct weight. Virtually every body system is adversely affected by being overweight. The most obvious systems are cardiovascular — high blood pressure, heart disease — and endocrine (diabetes). But all body systems work less well when you are overweight.

Q: Losing weight safely and at a realistic pace is the best way to reach your healthy weight and to maintain that loss in the long term. How much should you lose in a week or month?

A: It is different for all patients, so this is hard to generalize. But the best weight-loss intervention is to do something that is sustainable in the long term. Otherwise, you risk reverting to ‘normal’ eating behaviors and habits, which got you into the need to diet in the first place.

Q: How do you make heads or tails among all the advertising promoting various diets?

A:  Any significant diet should be discussed with a healthcare professional prior to starting it. Two tenets: if it sounds too good to be true, you are likely correct, and if it sounds like it isn’t good for you, you are also probably correct.

Q: How can a dietitian help?

A: Most of us know very little about how to eat correctly, and what we are taught in schools is inaccurate, unhelpful, and, for those of us in our 40s or older, has been debunked. Dietitians can teach many things about hunger, appetite, and making good food choices. For example, do you read the labels on the food products that you buy? You should, but very few people do so.

Q: When should bariatric surgery be considered?

A: It should be seriously considered when sustained efforts at dieting and exercise have failed, and a doctor thinks it is the next step for a patient. Ours is a comprehensive program that will take patients anywhere from six months to one year to complete. Patients need to know that this is not something that can be done overnight. Weight-loss surgery is a tool that can be very helpful when employed the right way and only works well in coordination with calorie-burning exercise, substantial behavioral changes, and a firm commitment to eating a better diet.

Weight-loss surgery is an option for people who are severely obese (about 100 pounds over your ideal body weight and a BMI of 35 and above) and cannot lose weight with diet and exercise alone. Improving your lifestyle, eating right, and staying active is still important.

 

Lessons from the CrowdStrike Fiasco

By Contributor
Cybersecurity

In Times of Turmoil, Patience and Communication Are Key

By Sean Hogan

 

The day began long before the sun rose. At 3 a.m. that summer morning, I found myself groggily pulling myself out of bed to prepare for a 5:30 flight to a business conference in Montana. The early-morning hours are never the easiest, but the promise of a productive trip and the excitement of the conference kept me going.

Arriving at Bradley International Airport at 4:30 a.m., I was met with the usual hustle and bustle of travelers, all with their own destinations and stories. After clearing security, I found a quiet spot to sit and wait for boarding. As I sipped on a hastily bought coffee, I read a brief article on my phone about flights being canceled in Australia. Little did I know that this was a harbinger of the chaos that lay ahead.

Shortly thereafter, the first signs of trouble began to emerge. Flights and monitors at Bradley International started shutting down one by one. It was an eerie sight, and a sense of unease settled over the terminal. The day, which had started so early, was about to get much longer.

As the minutes turned into hours, it became clear that this was no ordinary delay. Delta, the airline I was flying with, was one of the hardest-hit by what was later revealed to be a widespread issue with their cybersecurity software, provided by CrowdStrike. The software update had inadvertently disabled Delta’s primary communication method — its app.

Sean Hogan

Sean Hogan

“In Delta’s defense, it did have a solid commitment to CrowdStrike and leveraged its cybersecurity software to protect its systems. However, the unintended consequences of the software update highlighted a crucial lesson: the importance of effective communication, especially in times of crisis.”

Throughout the day, as the delays dragged on, one of the most frustrating aspects was the lack of communication from Delta. In our interconnected world, where information is always at our fingertips, the silence was deafening. The uncertainty and lack of updates left us all in a state of limbo, not knowing when or if we would be able to reach our destination.

In Delta’s defense, it did have a solid commitment to CrowdStrike and leveraged its cybersecurity software to protect its systems. However, the unintended consequences of the software update highlighted a crucial lesson: the importance of effective communication, especially in times of crisis.

The entire experience was a true test of patience. As the hours passed, I tried to remain calm and focused, but the stress and frustration of the situation were palpable. It was a stark contrast to the level of communication we have at my company, Hogan Technology, where transparency and timely updates are prioritized.

Eventually, after a grueling 12 hours of delay, we did manage to get to Montana. The relief of finally boarding the plane and taking off was immense, but the day had left a lasting impression on me.

This ordeal taught me several valuable lessons about the customer experience. In moments of uncertainty and disruption, clear and consistent communication is paramount. Customers need to feel informed and reassured, even if the news isn’t always positive. The silence from Delta only amplified the stress and frustration of the situation.

Furthermore, the experience underscored the importance of patience. In our fast-paced world, delays and disruptions can be incredibly frustrating, but maintaining a calm and composed demeanor can make a challenging situation more bearable.

Again, in the end, we made it to Montana, and the business conference proved to be productive and insightful. But the journey there was a stark reminder of the importance of effective communication and the value of staying patient in the face of adversity.

 

Sean Hogan is president of Hogan Technology Inc.

 

Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce Announces Leadership Transition

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Harry Montalvo, president of the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce board of directors, informed chamber members this week that Jordan Hart, who had been serving as the chamber’s executive director, is no longer with the chamber.

“We are incredibly proud of the progress the chamber has made over the past several years and remain committed to building on that momentum,” Montalvo wrote. “The board is focused on maintaining operations and ensuring the continued success of programs and services that benefit chamber members and the community.”

Montalvo noted that the board has launched a search for a new executive director, and Lisa Totz of LT Consulting will oversee operations during this period of transition. He added that Totz has served the chamber and community through many programs and initiatives, including small-business consulting and as president of the Women Business Owners Alliance.

“We look forward to welcoming a new leader to guide the chamber into its next chapter, focusing on advancing the organization’s strategic initiatives, supporting local businesses, driving the economic vitality of the Greater Holyoke area, and working together to strengthen Holyoke’s reputation as a vibrant hub for businesses, innovation, and community engagement,” he wrote.

“I urge you to stay connected and engaged during this exciting period of transition and hope to see you at the annual St. Patrick’s Breakfast and at our upcoming Power Hours, After Hours, and other events. Together, we will continue to build a stronger and more vibrant Greater Holyoke. Please feel free to reach out to me directly with any questions or to get involved.”

Cooley Dickinson Hospital Names New President, Chief Operating Officer

By
Daily News

Kevin Whitney

NORTHAMPTON — After an extensive national search, Kevin Whitney has been selected as president and chief operating officer for Cooley Dickinson Hospital (CDH), effective March 15.

Whitney currently serves as vice president of Community Operations for the Mass General Brigham (MGB) Community Division. In addition, since last May, he has been serving as interim vice president, Patient Care Services (PCS) and chief nursing officer (CNO) for CDH, where he has helped advance quality and safety initiatives, enhanced nurse staffing, and accelerated recruitment and retention efforts.

“I am confident in Kevin’s ability to lead CDH in delivering the safest, highest-quality care and an exceptional experience for patients,” said CarolAnn Williams, president of the Mass General Brigham Community Division and senior vice president of Operations for MGB.

In his new role, Whitney will oversee hospital operations and inpatient and outpatient clinical care, including the VNA and Hospice, budgeting, and operating performance.

With more than 34 years of experience in healthcare, Whitney is a seasoned clinician and an enthusiastic, strategic, and innovative leader in both community and academic medical-center settings, with proven quality, operational outcomes, and financial performance. Prior to his current roles, he served for two years as chief operating officer for MGB Healthcare at Home.

From 2017 to 2022, Whitney served as senior vice president, PCS and CNO for Newton-Wellesley Hospital, providing strategic and operational leadership for nursing and PCS. From 2011 to 2017, he served as associate chief nurse for Surgical, Orthopedics, and Neurosciences at Massachusetts General Hospital. Prior to joining MGB, he worked at Emerson Hospital for 20 years, serving in clinical and leadership roles, including vice president, PCS and CNO.

Whitney earned his doctor of nursing practice, executive leadership degree from the MGH Institute of Health Professions; a master’s degree in health care administration from Framingham State University; a bachelor’s degree in nursing from UMass Lowell; and an associate degree in paramedic technology from Northeastern University. He is board-certified as a nurse executive – advanced and certified emergency nurse, and is a member of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership and the American College of Healthcare Executives.

In 2024, Whitney received the UMass Lowell Solomont School of Nursing Alumni Award, recognizing his significant contributions to the nursing profession and epitomizing the university’s values of hard work, integrity, compassion, and stewardship.

Monson Savings Bank to Donate $25,000 from 2025 Community Giving Initiative

By
Daily News

MONSON — Late last year, Monson Savings Bank asked local community members to cast votes for their local nonprofit of choice. Now, the bank is announcing its 2025 Community Giving Initiative recipients.

This was the 15th year Monson Savings Bank ran its Community Giving Initiative poll. The public’s excitement to cast their vote has grown throughout the years. This year, more than 4,100 people submitted a vote, a record-breaking response.

Monson Savings Bank’s Community Giving Initiative exemplifies the power of collaboration, uniting community members to collectively decide which local organizations receive support. By inviting public votes, the bank ensures that its charitable contributions reflect the community’s values and priorities, fostering a shared commitment to enhancing the well-being of the neighborhoods it serves.

“The community’s enthusiasm for our annual Community Giving Initiative is always so moving,” said Michael Rouette, executive vice president and chief operating officer. “As a bank operated right here in Western Massachusetts, Monson Savings Bank wants to support the area’s local residents, businesses, and nonprofits. Our Community Giving Initiative offers a unique opportunity for our community members to have their voice heard and decide the nonprofits they would like us to support.”

Now that the votes have been counted, Monson Savings Bank is planning to donate a total of $25,000 among the top 10 vote recipients. They are: I Found Light Against All Odds (Springfield), Scantic Valley YMCA (Wilbraham), Friends of Hampden Seniors (Hampden), South End Community Center (Springfield), Women’s Empowerment Scholarship (Greater Springfield), Monson Free Library (Monson), Whip City Animal Sanctuary (Westfield), Miracle League of Western Massachusetts (Springfield), the Graceful Swan (Ware), and Springfield Ballers (Springfield).

“These nonprofits bring important resources to our communities. It is obvious why they were chosen by our community members to receive our support,” said Dan Moriarty, president and CEO of Monson Savings Bank. “On behalf of Monson Savings Bank, I congratulate the top 10 recipients of the 2025 Community Giving Initiative, and I thank you for doing your part to help our community thrive.”

LUSO Federal Credit Union Welcomes Devan Summers

By
Daily News

Devan Summers

LUDLOW — LUSO Federal Credit Union announced that Devan Summers has joined the credit union as vice president of Member Services and Community Development. With more than 12 years of experience in the financial-services industry, he brings a wealth of expertise and a strong commitment to member-focused solutions. In his new role, he will oversee member services, foster community partnerships, and lead initiatives aimed at driving growth and enhancing the member experience.

“I am honored to join the LUSO Federal Credit Union family and continue to evolve its member-first mission,” Summers said. “My goal is to deepen our relationships within the communities we serve, develop innovative financial solutions for what our members and businesses are facing, and ensure that LUSO continues to be a trusted partner throughout the area for achieving financial health and well-being.”

Jennifer Calheno, president and CEO of LUSO Federal Credit Union, added that “we are excited to welcome Devan to LUSO. His extensive experience in the financial industry and passion for community development align perfectly with our commitment to helping our members achieve their financial goals. I am confident that his leadership will play a pivotal role in our continued growth and success.”

Jessika Rozki Puts Her Transportation Venture on the Road to Success

By
Jessika Rozki
Cover Story

Entrepreneurial Drive

Jessika Rozki

Jessika Rozki

 

If Jessika Rozki has any regrets — and she doesn’t have many — the big one would be that she doesn’t get to drive much anymore.

She still fills on occasion if one of her regular drivers is out, but most all of her time is spent at her desk at the Agawam home of Rozki Rides.

There where she needs to be as she plans and executes a growth strategy for this venture she launched in 2019. But she says she would much rather be behind the wheel, with children in the seats behind her.

“It’s way more fun to drive than being in here — I love children’s transportation,” said Rozki, who spent 13 years as a school-bus driver in Chicopee and thus speaks from experience.

She eventually left that job because she could no longer bring her daughter along on her route, and spent some time as a stay-at-home mom thinking about what could, and should, come next.

The eventual answer to that question has become one of this region’s more intriguing stories of … well, let’s call it entrepreneurial drive. It’s become a model, if you will, for how someone can take an idea — and then take full advantage of the vast resources within the area’s entrepreneurial ecosystem — and transform it into a thriving business and employer.

It’s called Rozki Rides.

It started as what she called an “Uber-like” service by which Rozki would take children to school, afterschool activities, and other functions and gatherings. And it has evolved into a multi-faceted transportation company, one with seven school buses and six vans, used to take young people (200 a day, on average) to a wide array of destinations, from area schools to summer camps to birthday-party gathering sites.

“Every free resource that’s out here for entrepreneurship … I made sure I signed up and took classes. I didn’t take any shortcuts; I just wanted to learn and take advantage of every resource that was out here. I didn’t take no for an answer.”

It’s a been a labor of love and, yes, quite a ride for Rozki, who, as noted, has utilized an array of resources within the entrepreneurial ecosystem for everything from counseling to financing (more on that later).

“Every free resource that’s out here for entrepreneurship … I made sure I signed up and took classes,” she said. “I didn’t take any shortcuts; I just wanted to learn and take advantage of every resource that was out here. I didn’t take no for an answer.”

And she’s now encouraging others to do the same, as a mentor and a frequent speaker at events staged by agencies within the ecosystem — from EforAll to Valley Venture Mentors to Interise to the Latino Economic Development Council — and beyond, including the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA).

When asked what she tells those in her audiences, Rozki said she stresses perseverance — and not giving up when the going gets tough, which it inevitably will.

Here, again, she speaks from experience.

Jessika Rozki with her son, Romelo, and dog, Selene, at what has become a true family business.

Jessika Rozki with her son, Romelo, and dog, Selene

“In the beginning, there were a lot of tears and a lot of quitting,” she said of the roller-coaster dips that came with getting started. “I used to quit every week; it was very challenging in the beginning, but I loved it so much that I didn’t want to give up.”

She never did, and now she has a family business — two of her sons work with and for her, and her young daughter, now 7, comes to the office when she’s not in school — that continues to grow and add employees as well as new chapters to an already-inspiring story.

 

To a Higher Gear

‘Sunshine.’

That’s the name Rozki gave to the first school bus she bought. She paid $3,500 for the vehicle, which had a lot of years and miles on it — she doesn’t know exactly how many of each.

Sunshine, acquired to take children to and from an area summer camp, is still in service, though rarely used. The fleet, if you will, now includes several buses bought new, at $125,000 each. They all have names, as do the vans — names like Faith, Abundancia (‘abundance’ in Spanish), and Snow White (an older bus painted white).

The variety of names and the price tags on the newer buses speak to how this business has grown and evolved from quite humble beginnings.

As noted earlier, Rozki was driving a school bus in Chicopee and, well … enjoying the ride, as she put it.

“It was great pay, mommy hours … I loved every minute of it,” she said, adding that her sister drove a school bus before her and encouraged her to join the ranks. When her daughter was born, Rozki took some time off, and when the bus company informed her she couldn’t take her daughter on her route, she decided it was time to do something else.

“In the beginning, there were a lot of tears and a lot of quitting. I used to quit every week; it was very challenging in the beginning, but I loved it so much that I didn’t want to give up.”

Just what, she wasn’t sure.

“I asked God for direction and started praying about it,” she said, adding that, with that direction, she decided to take her passion for driving and transporting children and make it into a business.

The Uber-style venture filled a need, she said, adding that many working parents needed help getting children to and from school, afterschool activities, to their grandmother’s house, or to other places and functions.

“There was a lot of demand for this kind of service, but it’s a very hard market to get into because transporting children … there’s a higher risk, there’s higher liability,” she said, adding that there was an involved ramp-up to getting started, including attainment of several certifications.

She started with a 2006 Honda Odyssey minivan (that is still in service) and the requisite ambition. But she knew she needed more, so she quickly sought out many of the resources within the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, starting with EforAll Holyoke, now EforAll Pioneer Valley.

Jessika Rozki with some of her model school buses.

Jessika Rozki with some of her model school buses.

She would also take part in programs put on by Valley Venture Mentors, the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network, Interise, and others, while being mentored by several successful Black business owners, including Mychal Connolly, a serial entrepreneur and owner of Stand Out Truck. And with that support, she has grown the business, pivoted to providing services to agencies and school systems in addition to parents, and broadened her reach to communities in the Berkshires.

Samalid Hogan, CEO and principal consultant for Greylock Management Consulting and former director of the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center’s Western Mass. office, is another of her mentors.

She described Rozki as having a real thirst for learning and someone determined to do what was needed to get her business off on the ground and on the right track.

“She was very motivated and tenacious in pursuit of this business,” Hogan said. “She’s very dedicated to improving her knowledge on how to run her business, and it’s great to see, several years later, that she’s at the point where she’s looking to grow even more.”

 

Route Causes

There have been many ups and downs along the way, most notably the pandemic, which closed schools for a large portion of 2020. But Rozki is now on what she considers solid footing, or pavement, with plans to serve more communities, perhaps expand into other states, and move into a larger facility with room for a bigger fleet of vehicles; at present, her buses are housed on a lot in Springfield.

“I love Western Mass., and I want to be in every city in our area,” she told BusinessWest. “I’d love to be in every state, God willing; there’s a lot of potential for growth, but I have to make sure I build a solid team and am able to grow effectively. I don’t want to grow for the sake of growth; I want to have quality transportation. That’s the most important thing to me — quality and safety.”

While growing her company, Rozki is also a frequent speaker at events hosted by agencies promoting entrepreneurship and supporting entrepreneurs, and her message resonates on many levels.

Indeed, she is the first in her family to start a business, and she started from the ground up, with an idea, an apparent need, and a little capital.

And, like all entrepreneurs, she’s found that the road to success has many curves — and a number of potholes.

“It’s amazing to work for yourself, but it’s hard,” she said. “Whoever says it’s easy isn’t telling the truth. But I knew there was a need, so I keep following my heart and my passion.”

“I tell them that they don’t need to come from a wealthy family — you can start with little or nothing and get to something big. And I talk about persevering through the ups and downs.”

This is the advice she passes on to others who are pursuing their own dreams in keynote addresses for several agencies, from Common Capital to EforAll; from BECMA to the Pioneer Valley Conference for Women.

Her overriding message is one of empowerment.

“I tell them that they don’t need to come from a wealthy family — you can start with little or nothing and get to something big,” she said. “And I talk about persevering through the ups and downs.”

Rozki’s office features a small collection of model school buses. She found one in Puerto Rico while visiting there with friends and has added more of the years.

That collection mirrors the business itself in many ways, especially in the way it has grown and reflects her passion for what she does.

With the real school buses in the parking lot, she intends to keep growing the fleet and thus extending this company’s reach. Like all that has come before it, this growth won’t come easily, but Rozki has the requisite drive, determination, and willingness to reach out to those who help and mentor her.

She’s not exactly in the driver’s seat — literally or figuratively — but she is on the road to success.

 

Excel Dryer Continues to Push the Envelope in an Emerging Sector

By
Bill Gagnon stands near one of the living walls
Construction Manufacturing Special Coverage

An Industry Leader — Hands Down

Bill Gagnon stands near one of the living walls

Bill Gagnon stands near one of the living walls in the environmentally friendly, and worker-friendly, addition to the company’s plant in East Longmeadow.

 

“David vs. Goliath.”

That was how Bill Gagnon chose to describe the ongoing fight between the still-emerging high-speed hand-dryer industry and the huge paper industry for the right to put their products in restrooms across the county and the around the globe.

It’s always been an uphill battle, said Gagnon, executive vice president and chief operating officer at East Longmeadow-based Excel Dryer, noting that the paper industry has spared no expense, and no energy, in its quest to portray hand dryers as unhygienic — essentially blowing germs around the bathroom and on one’s hands.

But through a series of commissioned studies and diligent work to educate consumers, the high-speed hand-dryer sector was making some real progress on the battlefront. That was, until … the pandemic.

Indeed, COVID hit many industries hard, and in different ways, from restaurants that saw business come to a virtual standstill to event venues that could no longer book gatherings. But COVID threw a huge wrench into the hand-dryer sector, Gagnon explained, resulting in several years of turmoil from which it is still emerging.

“I lost 10 years of my life those three years,” he said of the period from early 2020 to early 2023, when the dust started to settle somewhat.

And now, COVID may wind up being … not a blessing, but a benefit for this sector thanks to all the work done to promote the health of these products, to bring industry players together as they had never been before, and to weather a huge storm.

“We basically wanted to create a model for other people who are designing commercial spaces on how to achieve a sustainable and healthy workplace that could be both LEED- and WELL-certified.”

“I believe the pandemic, while it took the legs out from under us, will be a giant springboard for our entire industry globally and drive our success in the future,” he said, “because people realized there was so much conspiracy and snake oil and BS during the pandemic — knee-jerk reactions with nothing backed by science.”

Recovery from the havoc wreaked by COVID and its aftereffects — including the skyrocketing cost of new construction, which stalled or scrapped the building of many new facilities into which Excel products could be placed — is one of many storylines involving this company, which burst onto the scene nearly a quarter-century ago with the XLERATOR, a hand dryer that would do what its predecessors couldn’t: thoroughly dry one’s hands.

Others include everything from donating mobile hand dryers to relief sites in Turkey, where survivors are rebuilding from an earthquake 18 months ago, to an addition to the plant in East Longmeadow that is environmentally friendly and worker-friendly as well, featuring everything from ‘living walls’ to carpets made from used fishing nets to lights that follow the natural circadian rhythm of humans.

A mobile XLERATOR hand-dryer station in a Turkish container shelter community following the deadly earthquake in 2023.Photo courtesy of Excel Dryer

A mobile XLERATOR hand-dryer station in a Turkish container shelter community following the deadly earthquake in 2023.
Photo courtesy of Excel Dryer

“We basically wanted to create a model for other people who are designing commercial spaces on how to achieve a sustainable and healthy workplace that could be both LEED- and WELL-certified,” said Gagnon, referring to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design designation and a standard for delivering more thoughtful and intentional spaces that enhance human health and well-being, respectively.

“We’ve won a dozen awards on the design of this space in architecture magazines,” he went on, adding that more important than these accolades is the manner in which the space creates an attractive, healthy space in which to work.

Meanwhile, efforts to bring high-speed hand dryers into more restrooms continues, he said, adding that, in this country, hand dryers are included in only 10% to 15% of new construction. That’s an improvement over the 5% rate years ago, but there is still considerable room for improvement, which is another area of focus moving forward.

And one potential strong avenue for growth, said Gagnon, is hybrid systems make use of Excel’s sink systems — integrated products whereby users can wash their hands and dry them at the same sink — along with paper towels.

“That’s the best of both worlds; it doesn’t have to be one or the other — it can be both,” he told BusinessWest. “You put the dryer next to the faucet for hand drying, and if people need paper for anything else or just to dry their hands, it’s there.”

Such hybrid systems could be a viable alternative for the architects and business owners still favoring paper, he said, citing the case of the USDA headquarters in Washington, a 1 million-square-foot building where bathrooms with two sinks and two towel dispensers were switched to two sinks, one towel dispenser, and one high-speed hand dryer.

“Every single thing in this office I picked myself with the architect, and it has a story behind it. Whether it helps with health and wellness or it uses recycled materials, everything here helps in some way.”

“They ran the stats, and it led to one fewer full dumpster load of waste per week,” he noted. “That equated to a $30,000-a-year savings in waste alone, just from the dumpster fees, not even looking at the cost of buying, shipping, and installing paper towels, and this is something we’re educating architects on.”

For this issue and its focus on manufacturing and construction, we talked with Gagnon about the XLERATOR and its continued evolution, as well as the Excel company, how far it’s come over the past 25 years or so, and where the growth potential lies as David continues to battle Goliath.

 

Air Apparent

Turning block the clock to January 2020, Gagnon recalled watching the news on television, having his eyes diverted to a crawler at the bottom of the screen, and seeing some reference to a coronavirus in China.

He couldn’t have imagined what was to come, but he already knew that this was real trouble for his company and his sector.

And he was right.

Excel Dryer’s leaders aimed to make the recent office renovation both energy-efficient and human-centric.Photo courtesy of Excel Dryer

Excel Dryer’s leaders aimed to make the recent office renovation both energy-efficient and human-centric.
Photo courtesy of Excel Dryer

With the world soon laser-focused on controlling the spread of germs, the high-speed hand dryer was soon to come under more scrutiny than ever, with orders for the products slowing and long-time clients asking questions about just how safe they were to use.

“The pandemic was a gift that fell right into the paper industry’s lap,” Gagnon explained. “They’d been saying that hand dryers blow bacteria and germs all over the air, and here comes an airborne virus. There couldn’t be anything worse to happen to the high-speed hand-dryer industry; it bubbled that stuff back up, and we were in crisis mode during the pandemic.”

One low point, and there were many, came early on during the pandemic, when Denver International Airport, one of the largest and most modern in the country, placed stickers on its XLERATORs stating, “for your safety, these hand dryers have been turned off.”

“Think about all the traffic going in and seeing our product tied to coronavirus and that it wasn’t safe to use,” he said. “That was a killer.”

Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control, in its many messages urging people to wash their hands — and showing them how best to do so — featured paper towels as the drying method.

“Only in one place on one page did it say that you use either towels or a hand dryer — and I thought to myself, ‘we need to update this,’” said Gagnon, noting that he didn’t really know where to begin or whom to call to achieve change at Denver’s airport, the CDC’s public-service messages, and other fronts in this battle, but he went to work rallying the players in the industry and devising a strategy for digging out.

He commissioned a study on the company’s recently introduced HEPA filters and their ability to filter viruses — not knowing what the results would be. That study, which involved 3 million viruses going through the dryer to see what would come out the other end, revealed a striking 99.99% filtration of viruses.

“I said, ‘that’s great news — we have to market the heck out of this,’” he recalled. “That gave me something to work with, and I ended up reaching out to everyone that I knew in my network asking for help to get to the CDC and get this information to the right people.”

“Every single thing in this office I picked myself with the architect, and it has a story behind it. Whether it helps with health and wellness or it uses recycled materials, everything here helps in some way.”

In fact, he called this his new mission.

“I talked to a business coach of mine, and he connected me to someone who used to work for the government in the state of Massachusetts who knew a lobbyist who could help get you to D.C. and places — we had never used a lobbyist before,” he said. “And this is the short version of that story; I’m calling everybody and looking at everything to find some path. And I found a path.”

Indeed, eventually the stickers came off the dryers in Denver, he said, and, through the lobbyist, Gagnon was able connect with then-Vice President Mike Pence’s COVID team, which helped set up a call with the coronavirus team at the CDC it was working with.

“We found a way in, and by the end of the year, the CDC had updated all its hand-washing pages and its main images to show a paper towel and a hand dryer, and that was a huge win for us,” he said, adding that these developments helped save the business, although it was still a very challenging time.

“Every sale became harder, and every single person we talked to … we had to address the health issue,” he went on, adding that these ultra-trying times have ultimately helped put the product, and the company, in what could be called a better place — and give the hand-dryer industry a louder voice.

 

Net Results

While helping to create this better place and louder voice, the team at Excel has been making advances on other fronts as well, including the expansion of the plant on Chestnut Street in East Longmeadow.

This expansion became a labor of love for Gagnon, who, as noted earlier, wanted to create a model for other businesses to follow. And he spared little expense in doing so.

He said the various design elements were spurred by statistics showing that people spend 80% to 90% of their time indoors, putting an exclamation point on the need to improve what’s known as indoor environmental quality, or IEQ.

Excel produced custom XLERATOR hand dryers featuring designs by art students.Photo courtesy of Excel Dryer

Excel produced custom XLERATOR hand dryers featuring designs by art students.
Photo courtesy of Excel Dryer

“Every single thing in this office I picked myself with the architect, and it has a story behind it. Whether it helps with health and wellness or it uses recycled materials, everything here helps in some way,” he said, pointing to the carpet in the conference room as just one example.

“It’s made, 100%, from used fishing nets in third-world countries,” he explained. “They would either get thrown away, or they would just leave them in the water, which is really bad for the ecosystem; it’s bad for those nets to stay in the water.”

The carpeting, walls, lights, windows, and more all contribute to improved IEQ and provide a space people want to work in, he added. “I tasked the interior designer … I said from the beginning, ‘we are going to tell a story with this space, and we’re going to show people how to create the most beautiful, sustainable, and healthiest office space possible.’”

The space, which is outfitted with Excel products, also serves as a marketing vehicle, he said, adding that this helped justify the price tag.

Asked to look ahead to 2025, Gagnon started by saying that 2024 was a somewhat slow year as large corporations and small businesses alike waited to see what would happen with interest rates, inflation, the overall economy, and the presidential election. But he is already seeing signs that 2025 will be a much better year.

“It’s going to bounce back, and it’s going to bounce back fast — we’re starting to see it already,” he said, noting that Walmart has committed $5.5 billion to upgrades in Mexico and $8 billion to upgrades in the U.S. and Canada, with bathrooms bring a primary focus. And he expects other chains to follow suit as construction costs stabilize and even come down slightly, a new administration takes over in Washington, and there is ever-more focus put on the cleanliness of facilities, and especially restrooms.

If this bounceback comes as he expects, that will be yet another positive development for a company that has consistently broken new ground in this emerging sector and emerged as one of its clear leaders — hands down.

 

What Is the Outlook on Artificial Intelligence in 2025?

By Contributor
Cybersecurity Special Coverage

Bracing for Change

By Delcie Bean

In 2024, artificial intelligence (AI) achieved significant milestones that have set the stage for transformative developments in 2025.

 

Key AI Milestones of 2024

Regulatory Frameworks: The European Union finalized its comprehensive AI Act, establishing a framework that balances innovation with ethical considerations. This legislative milestone is expected to influence global AI policies and governance.

Technological Advancements: Breakthroughs in AI-powered scientific discoveries, particularly in biomedicine, were highlighted by DeepMind’s AlphaFold, which demonstrated remarkable progress in protein folding. This advancement opened new avenues for drug development and biological research, showcasing AI’s potential to revolutionize science and healthcare industries.

Consumer Technology: The launch of the first AI-native smartphone, equipped with a dedicated AI chip, marked a shift toward more intelligent and personalized mobile devices. This innovation pushes the boundaries of user experience and sets the stage for future advancements in consumer electronics.

 

The Outlook on AI in 2025

Artificial intelligence continues to be one of the most transformative forces of our time, and 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year. As the pace of innovation accelerates, industries, businesses, and individuals are grappling with the opportunities and challenges AI presents. Among the current trends are:

Advancements in Generative AI: Generative AI is expanding beyond text, venturing into video production and other media forms. Tools like HeyGen, Sora, and Runway ML enable the creation of realistic and personalized video content, democratizing video production for businesses and individual creators.

AI Integration Across Sectors: Industries are adopting AI at scale in fields like:

• Healthcare: AI-powered diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, and drug discovery are becoming mainstream, enhancing patient care and operational efficiency.

• Finance: Predictive analytics and fraud-detection systems are improving efficiency and security in financial operations.

• Manufacturing: AI-driven automation and predictive maintenance are optimizing production lines, reducing downtime, and increasing productivity.

 

Predictions for AI in 2025

2025 promises exciting developments and disruptions:

Technology Breakthroughs: AI models will become more powerful, efficient, and accessible. Recent advances in energy-efficient AI, such as Google’s Pathways model, suggest that future systems will require less computational power while delivering superior performance. Moreover, multimodal AI — capable of processing text, images, and videos simultaneously — will enhance virtual assistants, enabling them to understand and respond in richer contexts.

For example, consider a smart-home system that can analyze both audio commands and video input to adjust lighting, recommend entertainment, or detect potential hazards.

Consumer-centric AI: Apple’s rumored ventures into AI are likely to materialize in 2025, potentially redefining personal technology. Imagine an AI-driven iOS system that not only anticipates user needs but also offers proactive suggestions, such as ordering groceries or suggesting health routines based on daily activity patterns.

Industry Disruptions: AI will reshape several sectors, with standout changes in:

• Education: Adaptive learning platforms like Squirrel AI are expected to evolve, offering highly personalized curriculums that cater to individual student needs. AI tutors could become commonplace, providing real-time feedback and assistance across subjects.

• Logistics: Companies like Amazon and FedEx are already testing AI-driven autonomous delivery systems. By 2025, we might see widespread use of drone deliveries and autonomous vehicles in urban centers.

• Urban Planning: Smart cities will leverage AI for everything from traffic management to waste reduction. Projects like Sidewalk Labs in Toronto are early examples of how AI can transform urban living.

Challenges and Considerations: Despite its promise, AI’s growth is not without hurdles:

• Data Privacy and Security: As AI systems handle sensitive information, ensuring robust data protection will be crucial to maintaining trust.

• Bias and Inclusivity: Addressing biases in AI algorithms remains a pressing issue. Inclusive development practices are essential to prevent perpetuating inequalities.

• Economic and Social Impact: The balance between innovation and job displacement will be a critical conversation. Preparing for AI’s impact on the workforce is imperative for a smooth transition.

Opportunities for Businesses and Individuals: AI in 2025 isn’t just about challenges; it’s also about immense opportunities:

• Leveraging AI for Growth: Businesses of all sizes can use AI to gain a competitive edge. From automating routine tasks to enabling new product innovations, the potential is vast.

• Upskilling the Workforce: Training and reskilling will be key. Organizations investing in their employees’ AI literacy will thrive in the evolving landscape.

• AI as a Partner, Not a Threat: Collaborative human-AI workflows can enhance productivity and creativity, showing that AI complements human capabilities rather than replacing them.

 

Conclusion

As we look to 2025, AI’s trajectory is clear: it will become more integrated, powerful, and impactful across all facets of life. However, with great power comes great responsibility. It’s up to businesses, governments, and individuals to steer AI’s development toward ethical, inclusive, and beneficial outcomes.

The future of AI is not set in stone — it’s a story we’re all writing together. By staying informed, adapting to change, and embracing innovation, we can ensure that 2025 marks another milestone in AI’s journey toward improving lives and transforming industries.

 

Delcie Bean is CEO of Paragus Strategic I.T.

 

Golden Age of Cannabis

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Senior living facilities like the Arbors have seen residents get together become educated about cannabis products.
Cannabis Features Special Coverage

Use Rising Among Older Adults Locally, Nationally

Senior living facilities like the Arbors have seen residents get together become educated about cannabis products.

Senior living facilities like the Arbors have seen residents get together become educated about cannabis products.

In the six-plus years since cannabis became legal for all adults in Massachusetts, all demographics have increasingly used the substance in its various forms. A 2024 study published by Statista reported that almost 30% of Massachusetts residents used cannabis in 2022, the fifth-highest rate of any of the 24 states where it is legal for recreational use.

But one group, while not among the highest-rate cannabis users, has been rapidly catching up, and that’s seniors.

“We talk about it with our residents,” said Karen Walters-Zucco, executive director of the Arbors Assisted Living in Amherst and Greenfield. “A lot of people are thinking about it for relaxation, for sleep, or just to feel good, mood adjustments. Some are using it to lower anxiety, and a lot of folks have been using it for pain relief, for arthritis in their hands and joints.”

That doesn’t surprise cannabis-industry veteran Meg Sanders, CEO of Canna Provisions, which has dispensaries in Holyoke and Lee.

“I can tell you that traditional medicine has failed them in lots and lots of ways,” she told BusinessWest. “They’ve done the surgeries, they’ve done the anti-inflammatories, they’ve done all of the cortisol shots. They’re trying everything that the medical profession throws at them. And in a lot of ways, it’s just not succeeding.

“The number-one thing we hear from seniors is the inability to get a full night’s sleep,” she added. “I would say that is probably the number-one reason why we see [older] people come through our doors. ‘Is there something that will help me calm down or something that will relax me or help me sleep through the night?’”

Another interesting factor in the trend toward older adults using cannabis is postmenopausal women, she added. “That is a fascinating demographic; they are going through aches and pains that they’ve never had before because of estrogen loss. So joints hurt, and muscles aren’t recovering as fast because their hormones are diminishing. So they’re turning to cannabis for relief of aching joints and different pains that they might have, as well as the sleep aspect.”

“A lot of people are thinking about it for relaxation, for sleep, or just to feel good, mood adjustments. Some are using it to lower anxiety, and a lot of folks have been using it for pain relief, for arthritis in their hands and joints.”

But they’re also turning on because, well, it’s enjoyable.

“We are finding in assisted-living communities that this has become a social aspect of their everyday life,” Sanders said. “So they’re having gummy parties and watching movies, they’re having tinctures in their drinks, or they’re buying seltzers or various things off the shelf, and they’re having fun little parties in their group.

“And I love that it’s becoming so social for them because, ultimately, isn’t that how cannabis got started? It’s all of us standing in a circle passing a joint, right? It makes us happy,” she went on. “They’re not passing joints, maybe, but they are passing gummies. I hope they’re having a lot of fun.”

 

Higher Numbers

National statistics bear out what Sanders and Walters-Zucco are seeing locally. According to the 2024 University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging, about one in five people (21%) in the 50-plus age group said they used some form of cannabis — food, drink, flower, or another type — at least once in the last year, up from 12% in the 2021 poll. Meanwhile, 12% of respondents reported using cannabis at least once a month.

In 2015 and 2016, a time when cannabis was legal in very few places, about 3% of adults 65 and older were using it, according to research published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

According to AARP, older adults are increasingly turning to cannabis to alleviate pain, help them sleep, improve mental health, or cope with other medical conditions.

Specifically, according to the poll data, adults 50 and older are turning to cannabis to relax (81%), get help with sleep (68%), enjoy the effects or feel good (64%), get help with pain relief (63%), get help for mental health or mood (53%), treat a medical condition (40%), make a social gathering more fun or connect with others (31%), celebrate (26%), or experiment (18%).

Still, the AARP notes that, while many older adults are turning to cannabis to help with health issues, 44% of people who use it regularly have not discussed that use with a healthcare provider, which health experts say they definitely should.

Meg Sanders

Meg Sanders

“We are finding in assisted-living communities that this has become a social aspect of their everyday life. So they’re having gummy parties and watching movies, they’re having tinctures in their drinks, or they’re buying seltzers or various things off the shelf, and they’re having fun little parties in their group.”

“Even if your doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist doesn’t ask if you’re using cannabis products, it’s important to offer this information, no matter whether you’re using it to address a physical or mental-health concern or simply for pleasure,” Dr. Jeffrey Kullgren, a primary-care physician at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System and director of the National Poll on Healthy Aging, said in a news release.

Walters-Zucco agrees.

“It has to be a coordinated effort with their primary-care physician,” she said. “They want to make sure that their PCP is aware and can effectively treat other conditions; they don’t want anything to be counteractive or interfering with other medications they’re taking.”

That said, she has spoken with doctors and communicated with residents on the topic, and she believes cannabis can be a way for older individuals to avoid the pitfalls of opioid use, which remains a massive problem in Massachusetts, among other health benefits.

“But, again, what we’re talking about with residents is, you have to have a conversation with your primary-care physician to make sure that, if you’re going to take certain dosages, it’s not going to counteract with other medications that you’re taking for, say, your liver or kidneys, and that your gut can process cannabis.”

The University of Michigan poll highlighted the types of cannabis products favored by older adults. Seventy-four percent reported consuming edibles and beverages, which, Sanders noted, offers a smoke-free alternative to those concerned about respiratory health. Meanwhile, 58% smoke the flower, 26% opt for vaping, and 19% use dabs, butane hash oil, or other concentrates.

She added that the rising trend of cannabis use among older adults presents an opportunity for dispensaries in a highly competitive market, and shops should educate their staff on the specific benefits and considerations of cannabis use for seniors, as well as curating senior-friendly products, creating gift bundles with seniors in mind, hosting educational events, and generally fostering a welcoming environment, which may include accessible facilities, comfortable seating areas, and staff training to engage respectfully with older adults.

“I have people that hug me on a regular basis, saying, ‘thank you, you’ve helped me finally sleep.’ That right there is a huge healing aspect. So I think that’s part of it.”

“Every single day, we see multi-generational shoppers come in together, and daughters are walking their mothers through, granddaughters are walking their grandparents through — ‘this is a really great thing, try this, I love this, you might love it,’” Sanders added, noting that family members are often influenced by the success and enjoyment experienced by trusted loved ones.

“I have people that hug me on a regular basis, saying, ‘thank you, you’ve helped me finally sleep.’ That right there is a huge healing aspect. So I think that’s part of it.”

 

Joint Efforts

Cannabis has taken hold across America, with those 24 states with legal recreational use joined by 14 more that have legalized for medical use. And that means more concern around using the substance safely.

In addition to possible contraindications from prescription drugs, medical professionals also caution about cannabis possibly affecting parts of the brain that are responsible for coordination and reaction time, according to the AARP, which cites a 2021 study in the journal Brain Sciences finding that older adults who used cannabis had a higher fall risk, worse balance, and slower gait speed than people who didn’t use cannabis.

The University of Michigan poll also found that 21% of older adults surveyed weren’t aware that many cannabis products available today are much stronger than they were decades ago, contributing to concerns about dose levels.

That’s why the Arbors has begun to take an educational role in residents’ cannabis use, even while acknowledging the potential benefits.

“They’re very interested in alternative medication and ways to treat diseases besides typical pharmaceuticals,” Walters-Zucco told BusinessWest. “So we ask them if they’re open to having a person come in and do a presentation about cannabis and answer any questions they may have.”

Many residents trying out cannabis have already used CBD products, she noted, but cannabis, which contains the psychoactive compound THC, is a much different animal. “We’re asking them to ask to talk to their primary-care physician before starting to take gummies, and dosages are definitely something they want to learn about.”

Walters-Zucco noted that, for some, it’s never too late to try something new.

“I talk to to residents, and one resident who’s 90 went to the pot shop for the first time — yes, she called it a pot shop. She said, ‘I can’t believe this.’ If it can help people with increased relaxation, better sleep, better pain relief, maybe elevate people’s moods, yes, absolutely — but it needs to be done safely and effectively with conversations with their primary-care physician.”

 

Hot Plate Brewing Co. Named Finalist in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards

By
Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Hot Plate Brewing Co., the only Latina-owned brewery in Massachusetts, was recently named a finalist for USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best New Brewery.

Since opening its doors in downtown Pittsfield in February 2023, this mission-driven organization has been garnering attention on a local, regional, and national level, for both its beers and the impact it is making in the community.

Sarah Real, owner and head brewer, was also recently elected to the Massachusetts Brewers Guild board of directors as well as the Pink Boots Society board of directors, largely because of the work she has been doing to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in an overwhelmingly male industry.

“For years, I didn’t see myself reflected in the brewhouse or in most leadership positions at other breweries,” said Real, who discovered that fewer than 1% of all breweries in the U.S. are owned and operated by women of color. “And while I know how much representation matters, I also wanted to make sure that I’m empowering and supporting other marginalized people in this industry, which is why we have a mostly female and mostly queer staff, and why so many of the vendors I work with are also small, local, and women-owned.”

While Hot Plate is garnering attention in the world of craft beer, it has also been awarded for its work by organizations as varied as Mass Econ, National Alliance on Mental Illness Berkshire County, and Berkshire Pride. In 2024, it raised more than $10,000 for a variety of mission-aligned nonprofit organizations, including the Pittsfield Area Council of Congregations, which collectively raised more than $27,000 for this year’s Fuel Fund, which the brewery supported in several ways.

“Even though we’re new to the Berkshires, we’re incredibly proud of the partnerships we’ve formed here with mission-aligned organizations and individuals founder,” co-founder Mike Dell’Aquila. Said. “We’ve been able to make a measurable difference in this city.”

Construct Launches 18th Annual Warm Up the Winter Campaign

By
Daily News

GREAT BARRINGTON — Construct announced its 18th annual campaign to Warm Up the Winter for South Berkshire County residents facing hardships due to winter weather. The campaign raises funds for wintertime emergency assistance for fuel and utilities and short-term accommodations for unhoused residents in extreme cold conditions. This year, the Southern Berkshire nonprofit aims to raise $150,000.

“The winter months pose serious challenges for many Berkshire households,” said Jane Ralph, Construct’s executive director. “We’ve already experienced a colder and snowier winter than in recent years. Folks must now buy at least 150 gallons of fuel for most companies to come out. We know people will have to choose between heat and prescription medicines or food — choices no one should make.”

Funds raised from Warm Up the Winter will help households in South Berkshire County. Contributions can be made at constructberkshires.org, by phone to (413) 528-1985, or by check payable to Construct, 316A State Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230. Construct is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and contributions to the campaign are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. People in need of emergency winter assistance can contact Construct at (413) 528-1985.

Sponsors for the Warm Up the Winter include legacy presenting sponsor the Schnesel Family Fund, the Gilson Family Foundation, Judy and Alan Marash, the Jewish Women’s Foundation; Elizabeth and Thomas Marino, Roger and Barbara Manring, Greylock Federal Credit Union, NBT Bank, Webster Landscape, Tristan Osgood Warm Up the Winter for People Fund, and Richard Glaser.

The Warm Up the Winter campaign will culminate with a benefit concert on Thursday, March 6 at the Guthrie Center in Great Barrington. This year’s event, which is a tribute to working families, includes musical guests Wanda Houston and Jeff Gonzales in Big and Bigger; Made in Memphis, a youth Elvis tribute band with Jackson Ducharme; Wild and Orson Handel, a brother-and-sister guitar and voice duo; Luke and George Franco, a father-and-son guitar and banjo duo; Abe and Annie Guthrie; Jackson Whalan’s improvisational rap; and special guest Doug Mishkin.

For more information about the campaign and the benefit concert, visit constructberkshires.org.

Berkshire Bank Foundation Invests $1.7 Million in Local Communities in 2024

By
Daily News

BOSTON — The Berkshire Bank Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Berkshire Bank, invested more than $1.7 million in local communities across its five-state footprint in 2024, including more than $450,000 from October to December.

For the year, nearly 400 nonprofits benefited from foundation grants and other giving, which included more than 110 nonprofits in the last three months of 2024. Some of the organizations supported in the fourth quarter included Bennington County Habitat for Humanity International, Covenant Soup Kitchen, Cradles to Crayons, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Habitat for Humanity Metrowest – Greater Worcester, Homeless and Travelers Aid Society, Housing Trust of Rutland County, Initiative for a Competitive Inner City, InterCommunity Inc., Jonnycake Center of Westerly, Madonna Place, Main South Community Development Corp., Regional Food Bank of Northeast New York, the Reading League, Rhode Island Community Food Bank Assoc., Second Street Second Chances, Square One, Urban League of Greater Hartford, Utica Neighborhood Housing Service, and Westside Legends.

“We aim to drive positive, enduring change and vibrant growth in our communities by partnering with local organizations that are committed to making meaningful progress,” said Lori Kiely, managing director of the Berkshire Bank Foundation.

The foundation supports the success of the communities the bank serves by investing in programs that aim to provide everyone with equal opportunity at economic prosperity.

Picture This

By
Warming Trend
Picture This

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

 

Warming Trend

Monson Savings Bank recently hosted an internal, employee-led winter clothing drive among the bank’s seven offices. The clothing drive benefited local students at Educare Springfield, filling several large boxes with essential winter items, including children’s-sized jackets, hats, gloves, boots, and other warm clothing.

Warming Trend

Pictured: Monson Savings Bank Community Relations Manager Carla Carnevale (right) delivers the clothing collection to Educare Springfield Executive Director Nikki Burnett, a Monson Savings Bank corporator.

 

 

 

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

bankESB’s fourth annual Neighbors Helping Neighbors fundraising drive raised $28,000 for local food pantries, bringing the program’s four-year total to $137,000. As part of bankESB’s charitable giving program, the Giving Tree, the bank invited customers, employees, and members of the community to donate at bankESB branches throughout November. All donations were matched by bankESB, and the total was divided among 14 food pantries in Western Mass. communities the bank serves.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Pictured: bankESB Southampton Branch Officer Betsy Schabacker (left) presents a $2,000 check to Candice Iwanicki, executive director of Southampton Community Cupboard.

 

Toy and Gift Drive

Baystate Noble Hospital team members showed their holiday spirit again this past holiday season by donating an abundance of toys and gifts during a three-week hospital toy and gift drive. President and COO Lissette Grimaldi and other hospital leaders delivered the toys to Behavioral Health Network (BHN) in Westfield before Christmas.

Pictured, from left: Jean Frater, program director at BHN; Grimaldi; Jan Mayforth, CFO of Baystate Regional Community Hospitals; and AJ Mazzolini of the Facilities department at Baystate Noble Hospital.

Pictured, from left: Jean Frater, program director at BHN; Grimaldi; Jan Mayforth, CFO of Baystate Regional Community Hospitals; and AJ Mazzolini of the Facilities department at Baystate Noble Hospital.

 

Appreciating First Responders

The seventh annual First Responders Appreciation Dinner welcomed 300 first responders and their families for a night filled with food, games, and fun. The evening’s highlights included a visit from Boomer, the Springfield Thunderbirds mascot, and the Massachusetts State Police taking home the win in the annual Chief Games. This event was hosted by Pioneer Valley Financial Group in partnership with the VFW and featured catering by Mills Tavern and Chill, with desserts provided by Chmura’s Bakery.

Pictured at left, from left: PV Financial Group’s Fatima Tavares, Meghan Monaghan, Catarina Sanches, Kelly Haber, Tiffany Lyman, Edward Sokolowski, Linda Martins, Austin Smith, and Karen Nogueira with Boomer. Below: Members of the Ludlow Fire Department.

Pictured at left, from left: PV Financial Group’s Fatima Tavares, Meghan Monaghan, Catarina Sanches, Kelly Haber, Tiffany Lyman, Edward Sokolowski, Linda Martins, Austin Smith, and Karen Nogueira with Boomer. Below: Members of the Ludlow Fire Department.

 

Members of the Ludlow Fire Department.

Members of the Ludlow Fire Department.

 

Safety First

Johnson Memorial Hospital recently earned an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade from the Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety, which grades hospitals across the country based on more than 30 performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries, and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them.

Pictured: Lindsey Gamble (front center), executive director of Patient Care Services & Operations, with Johnson Memorial Hospital colleagues.

Pictured: Lindsey Gamble (front center), executive director of Patient Care Services & Operations, with Johnson Memorial Hospital colleagues.

 

Agenda

By
Agenda

40 Under Forty Nominations

Through Feb. 27: BusinessWest is currently accepting nominations for the 40 Under Forty class of 2025. The deadline for nominations is Feb. 27. Launched in 2007, the program recognizes rising stars in the four counties of Western Mass. Nominations, which should be detailed in nature, should list an individual’s accomplishments within their profession as well as their work within the community. Nominations can be completed online at businesswest.com/40-under-forty-nomination-form. Nominations will be weighed by a panel of judges, and the selected individuals will be profiled in the April 28 issue of BusinessWest and honored at the 40 Under Forty Gala in June.

 

‘Lights, Community, Action!’

Feb: 7-8: JaDuke Theater in Turners Falls will mount a two-night community performance titled “Lights, Community, Action!” Proceeds from the four-act musical revue will benefit Community Action Pioneer Valley’s Center for Self-Reliance food pantry. Each of the four acts of the show will center around one of the four themes of Community Action’s programs: food, heat, support, and community connection. With numbers such as “Be Our Guest” from Beauty and the Beast, “Circle of Life” from The Lion King, and pop hits like “Lean on Me” and “Walking on Sunshine,” the show’s 95 community cast members are rehearsing weekly to prepare a thigh-slapping, foot-stomping singalong show full of family fun. The Center for Self-Reliance food pantry, which will be the direct beneficiary of the event’s donations and sponsorships, has seen a 34% increase in visitors over the last three years. Right now, the pantry offers fresh meat, dairy, eggs, produce, and shelf-stable goods to more than 1,000 visitors per week. The Center for Self-Reliance serves people in and around Greenfield, and the West County Pantry satellite pantry serves the Shelburne Falls and hilltown area. This is JaDuke’s fourth year of putting on a benefit show for a local nonprofit. The first three years’ beneficiaries were the Children’s Advocacy Center, United Arc, and the New England Center for Women in Transition. Both performances will start at 6 p.m. Tickets are available online at jaduketheater.com.

 

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.

 

Second Chance Auction Gala

March 29: Second Chance Animal Services will host its 26th annual Auction Gala at the AC Marriott in Worcester. This is Second Chance’s most important fundraiser of the year, raising critical funds to help provide life-saving services to more than 56,000 pets in need. The evening will feature hundreds of silent auction items, raffles, and a small but exclusive live auction offering one-of-a-kind experiences. With a relaxed cocktail and dressy-casual dress code, the event is designed to be an enjoyable evening for all, combining great company with opportunities to make a meaningful impact. All proceeds will support Second Chance’s mission to transform the lives of pets by providing affordable veterinary care, keeping pets with their families, and finding loving homes for animals in need. Tickets are on sale now, and seating is limited, so early reservations are encouraged. Businesses and individuals can also support the event by sponsoring, which includes recognition in event materials, highlighting their commitment to supporting pets in need. Donations to the auction are another way to get involved, with unique goods, services, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences being especially popular. To purchase tickets, become a sponsor, or donate auction items, visit www.secondchanceanimals.org/dinner-auction or email [email protected].

 

Difference Makers Gala

April 9: Tickets are now on sale for the 17th annual Difference Makers awards gala, hosted by BusinessWest at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. The class of 2025 will be profiled in the Feb. 17 issue. Tickets cost $95 per person, and tables of 10 are available. They can be purchased at businesswest.com/eventcalendar/difference-makers-tickets. The 17th annual Difference Makers program is sponsored by Burkhart Pizzanelli, the Royal Law Firm, Trinity Health Of New England/Mercy Medical Center, and TommyCar Auto Group.

 

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. 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. 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 invited 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.

 

People on the Move

By
People on the Move
Kiley O’Meara

Kiley O’Meara

The directors of the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation announced that Kiley O’Meara has been named the new executive director of the foundation. She will oversee the foundation’s strategic initiatives and brings with her three decades of experience in philanthropy, policy, and education. For the past year, O’Meara has served the Davis Foundation as director of Strategy and Learning. She previously worked as a senior researcher at Stanford University at the PACE (Policy Analysis for California Education) research center. In that position, she supported continuous improvement in policy and philanthropy through research, data-based insights and analysis, and strategic planning. Specializing in improving education for low-income youth, O’Meara has conducted pivotal research on initiatives supported by major foundations, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Her diverse career spans roles such as director of Policy and Research at GreatSchools, program officer at the Stupski Foundation in San Francisco; and policy director of the Bay Area School Reform Collaborative, part of the national Hewlett-Annenberg Challenge school-improvement effort. She served as an AmeriCorps member after graduating college, teaching inmates at the Suffolk County House of Correction in Boston. She then went on to be a TK-12 educator before entering the realm of policy and research. She holds a master’s degree in public policy from the Kennedy School at Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College. In the community, she serves in leadership roles at Choate Rosemary Hall’s parent association and the Harvard Alumnae Assoc., and also volunteers at Healing Meals in Simsbury, Conn.

•••••

Gerardo Sanchez

Gerardo Sanchez

bankESB recently promoted Gerardo Sanchez to digital banking product officer, based at its 241 Northampton St., Easthampton office. He has 26 years of banking experience and joined bankESB in 2021 as an electronic banking systems manager. Previously, he was the Financial Center Operations manager at Bank of America and, before that, eBanking manager at Florence Bank. In this new role, he will focus on bankESB’s digital banking roadmap, initiatives, and upgrades. Sanchez earned an associate degree in business studies from Holyoke Community College and a bachelor’s degree in both business management and human resources from Bridgewater State University. He also earned a certificate from the Massachusetts Bankers Association’s New England School for Financial Studies.

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Laura Davis

Laura Davis

Andy Zhang

Andy Zhang

Dietz & Company Architects Inc. announced that Laura Davis has been promoted to the position of senior project manager. She joined the firm in 2019 as an architectural associate and quickly grew to become an invaluable part of the team through her strong project-management skills. Now, as a senior project manager, she leads projects across many states and properties for the firm’s hospitality clients. Dietz & Company also announced that Andy Zhang has earned his professional license to practice architecture in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. To achieve licensure, he successfully completed all six divisions of the Architectural Registration Examination and 3,740 experience hours under a licensed architect, as well as meeting all requirements for architectural licensure in the Commonwealth. Zhang joined Dietz & Company in 2020 as an architectural associate and has since grown within the company, working on a variety of project types and now as a member of its hospitality team. He earned his master of architecture degree from UMass Amherst and his bachelor of architecture degree from Shandong Architecture University in China.

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Mary McGovern, president and CEO of Country Bank, announced the promotion of Melissa Mann to vice president of Customer Experience and Michael Dias to Product Marketing & Business Insights officer. Mann offers a unique blend of skills, including completing the New England School for Financial Studies through the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. in 2019. She is currently working on completing her project management certification through the Project Management Institute, which shows her ongoing commitment to professional development. She will continue to lead and manage the bank’s Sales and Customer Experience programs and strategies. Dias has been a driving force in integrating data analytics into the bank’s marketing strategies. With an MBA in data analytics from Western New England University and his recent certification as a certified financial marketing professional by the American Bankers Assoc., his strategic mindset and forward-thinking approach have been key in integrating data analytics into the bank’s marketing strategies.

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Autumn Leshinski

Autumn Leshinski

Hogan Technology, a leading managed technology services provider, announced the promotion of Autumn Leshinski to the position of voice group manager. She has been an integral part of Hogan for more than 11 years, during which time she has expanded her role significantly, transitioning from client services to technical services and project coordination. “Autumn has become an indispensable member of our team,” said Sean Hogan, president of Hogan Technology. “She engages daily in client-facing roles, making her a crucial element in both client retention and new customer onboarding. Her new responsibilities as voice group manager will encompass partner and resource development.”

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Melisa Loa

Melisa Loa

American International College (AIC) appointed Melisa Loa dean of students and director of Residence Life. In this role, she will lead the Office of Student Affairs and oversee student conduct, support, and advocacy. She is especially dedicated to advocating for and supporting first-generation students, aligning with AIC’s mission of providing access and opportunity for all. Loa joins AIC with more than a decade of experience in and out of higher education. She most recently served as assistant director of Residence Life for First-year Experience at Anna Maria College, where she worked closely with first-year students. Loa began her professional journey as a resident assistant, steadily advancing in leadership roles. She holds a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and sociology with an individualized focus on higher education from Roger Williams University and a master’s degree in student affairs administration from Michigan State University.

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Courtney Huxley

Courtney Huxley

Greenfield Cooperative Bank announced the promotion of Courtney Huxley to Business Development officer. In this role, she will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to grow the bank’s customer base and strengthen its market position. She will be responsible for driving business growth by fostering new customer relationships, supporting marketing strategies, and implementing initiatives to attract customers to the bank. She will also be a strong presence at the bank’s numerous community giving and outreach programs. Huxley has a 22-year career in retail banking, including five years as a branch manager at Greenfield Cooperative Bank.

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On Jan. 1, Michael Skillicorn joined Alisa Klein as co-executive director of Grow Food Northampton (GFN). Together, they say their complementary strengths and shared vision will lead Grow Food Northampton into an exciting new chapter, advancing its mission as a food and farming justice organization. Skillicorn joined Grow Food Northampton eight years ago as program director and was promoted five years ago to associate director. Over the last five years, Klein has led Grow Food Northampton as the sole executive director — through the pandemic, the catastrophic flood of the Grow Food Northampton Community Farm in July 2023, and a period of growth and stability for the organization.

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Cliff Hedges

Cliff Hedges

Mackenzie Coburn

Mackenzie Coburn

Eastern States Exposition (ESE) employees Cliff Hedges, director of Security, and Mackenzie Coburn, Sales Innovation manager, have been appointed chairman of the Safety & Security Committee and chair of the Sponsorship Committee, respectively, by the International Assoc. of Fairs and Expos (IAFE). Hedges has an extensive background in public safety beyond his six years as ESE’s director of Security. He began his career in law enforcement as a police officer in Dallas and was later employed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for 26 years. He maintained various roles while working for the FBI in Tampa, Fla., Boston, and Springfield. While in Springfield, he spent five years conducting criminal investigations as a supervisory special agent for the Safe Streets Gang Task Force and Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Task Force. He was a foreign counterintelligence investigator when he concluded his career with the FBI. Immediately before joining ESE, Hedges was the Compliance director and investigator for Regional Care Healthcare, where he oversaw the security of five hospitals. At that time, he was simultaneously acting as a security consultant for Bee-Line Security. Coburn began her career at ESE more than five years ago as a marketing intern immediately after completing her bachelor’s degree in communications at Westfield State University. Soon after, she joined the team as a brand marketing coordinator and expanded her responsibilities tenfold, overseeing website redesigns for ESE and the Big E, rebranding the Big E’s food competition, refreshing the sponsorship program, and more. In July 2022, she became Sales Innovation manager, re-establishing the internship program, developing a brand style guide, curating a local brewers showcase, and more. Coburn has also completed the Institute of Fair Management graduate certificate program in November 2023 and became an IAFE ambassador in February 2023.

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The Stack Group Inc. announced the hiring of Jordan Stack as an associate. In this role, he will contribute to content creation for SEO clients as well as design for website projects. Stack is currently a sophomore at UMass Amherst, where he is pursuing a major in legal studies. Prior to attending UMass Amherst, he was a business and marketing major at American International College (AIC), where he also competed as a student-athlete on its Division II lacrosse team. An accomplished student, he has achieved dean’s list honors in all his semesters of academic work. He also earned a design certification via Duda and a content certification via HubSpot.

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James Dyment

James Dyment

Tighe & Bond, a Northeast leader in engineering, design, and environmental consulting, recently welcomed James Dyment as a vice president in its Water Business Line. He will help to drive business-development strategy and pursuits within that line, as well as provide coaching and mentoring to staff. In addition to his role at vice president, he will serve as a project director with a focus on wastewater project management. Dyment brings more than 25 years of progressive experience in water and wastewater engineering. His wastewater infrastructure experience includes treatment, collection systems, pumping stations, infiltration/inflow analyses, and sewer system evaluation surveys. He has extensive experience collaborating across engineering disciplines, including instrumental and controls as well as supervisory control and data acquisition, and managing projects throughout the life cycle from conceptualization through design, construction, commissioning, and operation. His drinking-water infrastructure experience includes pump stations, booster stations, and storage tanks. Throughout his career, he has been responsible for a variety of successful, multi-discipline municipal water and wastewater engineering projects. Dyment has worked on significant municipal treatment facility projects in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, including overseeing the design, construction, and startup of the 7.7 MGD advanced wastewater treatment facility in Warwick, R.I. and the 10 MGD advanced wastewater treatment facility in Taunton; developing upgrades to the wastewater treatment facility and remote pumping stations in Bristol, R.I.; and serving as project manager for the design and construction of water storage tanks in Milton. He will be based out of the firm’s Providence, R.I. office.

•••••

Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts (RTWM) announced a slate of new board members to its roster, enhancing its community leadership in a cause that has engaged more than 350 volunteers in Western Mass. Board members inaugurated in 2025 include Mallory Probert-Caplan, Cathy Dorison, Michael Paysnick, and Carolyn Martinez, executive director of Christina’s House, as agency representative, a new position on the board of directors. In addition, RTWM also added Janice Dickstein to the board in 2025 and to the executive board in 2025. Jeffrey Sagalyn and Erinn Young, vice president at PeoplesBank, moved from the professional advisory council to the board. RTWM’s new president is Judy Yaffe, and the vice president is Jane Cohen. Laura Katz remains treasurer.

•••••

The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts announced the addition of three community members to its board of directors: Amy Rome, Olivia Aguilar, and Maureen James. Each brings a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to addressing food insecurity in the region. With extensive expertise in fundraising across health, education, performing-arts, international, and faith-based organizations, Rome has held key roles at institutions such as Lincoln Center, Cancer Care, and the William J. Clinton Foundation and Union Seminary. She has also consulted on initiatives for the Guggenheim Museum and the Episcopal Divinity School at Union. She has actively contributed to the Food Bank’s development committee since March 2022. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she has served on the board of the Academy of Music and leads the Banned Book Initiative for the League of Women Voters in Northampton. Aguilar, director of the Miller Worley Center for the Environment at Mount Holyoke College, is a nationally recognized expert in environmental education and community-based learning. A first-generation college graduate, she has earned degrees from Texas A&M University and Cornell University, with research focused on inclusivity in environmental and science learning communities. Her work explores intersections of community, race, and transformative education. Her dedication to equity aligns with the Food Bank’s mission to create inclusive and sustainable solutions to hunger. Her upcoming book, Remembering, Resisting, and Reimagining: The Latinx Outdoor Experience, will be published in 2025. A Cathedral High School alumna, James brings legal and community-service expertise to the board. After earning degrees in political science and English from Boston University and her law degree from Suffolk University, she has specialized in employment defense and insurance law at Skoler, Abbott, and Presser, P.C. in Springfield. Since returning to Western Mass. in 2015, she has become deeply involved in her community, chairing Wilbraham’s Commission on Disability, and, starting this year, serving as vice chair of the Baystate Health Foundation board. Her dedication to community empowerment complements the Food Bank’s vision for a hunger-free region.

•••••

Local nonprofit community behavioral-health agency Clinical & Support Options (CSO) has announced key leadership changes within the organization. Chief Financial Officer Frank Mertes announced his plans for retirement last fall. This month, CSO welcomes Jeffrey Cebula as its new CFO. Cebula comes from Baystate Health, where he served in progressive roles, including six years as director of Finance for Baystate Franklin Medical Center and Baystate Noble Hospital. Also new to CSO’s senior leadership team is Brooke Deren, who joins the agency as its new regional program director of Emergency Services Programs. Like Cebula, Deren also comes to CSO from Baystate Health, most recently working in its Partial Hospitalization Program.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Big E Ranks Fourth-largest Among North American Fairs

WEST SPRINGFIELD — On Dec. 16, Carnival Warehouse, the fair industry’s most comprehensive news source for carnivals and events, released its annual ranking of the top 50 fairs in North America based on attendance numbers. After a record-setting year, the Big E soared to fourth place. In 2024, the Big E welcomed an unprecedented 1,633,935 fairgoers to the Eastern States Exposition (ESE) complex. Throughout the 17-day fair, seven daily attendance records were set, and Saturday, Sept. 21 set a record for single-day attendance. North American Midway Entertainment (NAME), the Big E’s carnival provider, retained its position as the number-one midway operator in the same study. NAME operates at 11 of the events on the list of top 50 fairs. NAME’s history with ESE dates back to 1979 when Conklin Shows was granted the contract to the Big E. Conklin later united with four other major midway operators to create NAME, an international company with corporate headquarters based in Farmland, Ind. NAME’s reign at the Big E began two decades ago, in 2005. Since its inception, NAME has provided rides, games, and food to fairs and festivals in about 140 communities and 20 states, as well as four Canadian provinces. It boasts more than 200 rides and fair classic food concessions that allow clients to remain novel and competitive. The Big E is an example of ESE’s efforts to connect the larger public with agricultural producers through 17 fun-filled days each September. The fair’s legacy spans more than 115 years, and its growing size and international recognition are a testament to its success. As the agricultural buildings remain at the center of the complex, the impact of the individual farmer remains at the heart of ESE’s mission.

 

Pyramid Management Group Extends Loan for Holyoke Mall

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Pyramid Management Group, one of the largest privately-held shopping-center developers in the Northeast, has successfully worked with its lender to secure a three-year extension for the loan on Holyoke Mall at Ingleside. This extension will allow Pyramid to continue to reinvest in the property and ensure its continued health, vibrancy, and success. Holyoke Mall has been the Western Mass. region’s largest enclosed shopping center for more than 45 years. Anchored by Macy’s, JCPenney, Target, Hobby Lobby, and Best Buy, Holyoke Mall offers more than 150 retail shops, as well as restaurants like 110 Grill and Sumo Japanese Steakhouse and entertainment destinations Round 1, Billy Beez, and Altitude Trampoline Park. Holyoke Mall is also a major employment driver in the area and an economic catalyst for the region. The property totals 1.6 million square feet, with more than 3,000 people employed by Pyramid and its tenants.

 

Elms to Cover Full Tuition for Eligible Families

CHICOPEE — Elms College has introduced the Elms Promise, a financial-aid program designed to provide full tuition coverage for students from families earning less than $85,000 annually. By combining federal and state grants with institutional scholarships, the Elms Promise reflects the college’s commitment to making a high-quality, four-year college education accessible to students of all backgrounds. Full tuition is covered after all federal, state, and institutional grants and scholarships are applied. This includes merit awards, endowed scholarships, and other forms of financial aid. To take advantage of the program this fall, incoming freshmen must maintain a minimum high-school GPA of 3.5, apply for admission to Elms College and be accepted by May 1, and complete the FAFSA by May 1 as well. Students can live on campus or commute to receive full benefits. If a student chooses to live on campus, the cost of room and board is not covered by the program; federal loans and external scholarships may help offset these expenses. Families must be Massachusetts residents. Eligibility is reassessed annually based on income and FAFSA submission. Students must also remain in good academic standing.

 

Baystate Calls Off Sale of Health New England

SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Health has called off plans to sell it’s not-for-profit health insurer, Health New England, to Boston-based Point32Health. Baystate and Point32Health announced the $165 million sale in February 2024, and it had received approval from state insurance regulators. The announcement means Baystate Health and the affiliated physicians through Baycare Health Partners remain in network for Point32Health plan members. There is no change to current coverage, benefits, or provider network for members. Meanwhile, Health New England will continue to operate as usual, with no change to current coverage, benefits, or provider network for members. Baystate Health will retain ownership of Health New England, and Baystate Health governance and senior leadership will be taking the next few months to evaluate the strategic positioning and performance of Health New England to inform future decisions.

 

AIC Achieves Eligibility as Hispanic-Serving Institution

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) announced it has reached the enrollment threshold for Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation. Official recognition of HSI status — granted by the U.S. Department of Education to not-for-profit, degree-granting institutions with at least 25% of their full-time equivalent undergraduate enrollment identifying as Hispanic — is expected within the next two years. Since its establishment in 1885, AIC has provided access to higher education for underserved populations. This mission was bolstered by the 2022 launch of AIC Reimagined, a five-year strategic plan that prioritized achieving HSI designation. As of last fall, Hispanic/Latino students represent more than 27% of AIC’s undergraduate enrollment, a landmark achievement for the institution. While the growth in Hispanic and Latino/Latina student enrollment has positioned AIC to pursue this designation, the college remains committed to cultivating a vibrant community that serves students from all backgrounds. HSI status will provide access to federal and foundation grants, expanding resources to benefit the entire student body.

 

Dress for Success Opens Women’s Career Center

SPRINGFIELD — Dress for Success Western Massachusetts (DFSWM) celebrated the opening of its new Women’s Career Center and the completion of its newly constructed office spaces, program areas, and boutique with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 15. The new Women’s Career Center will make DFSWM’s workforce-development programming available to hundreds more individuals each year, both on a drop-in basis and through regularly scheduled workshops. Through the center, clients can receive assistance with résumé creation, job searching, career coaching, digital and financial literacy, and more. Drop-in hours for the center will be Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with some evening hours to be determined and occasional weekend hours by appointment.

 

JetBlue to Offer Non-stop Service from Bradley to New York City

WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — The Connecticut Airport Authority announced that JetBlue will be launching non-stop service between Bradley International Airport (BDL) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Flights will begin on April 30 and will operate daily year-round. The announcement builds on JetBlue’s ongoing expansion in Connecticut, which has resulted in an increase of 35 additional weekly flights between Bradley International Airport and the airline’s Florida destinations this winter. Additionally, in the summer of 2025, JetBlue will offer 30% more seats from Bradley International Airport than last summer.

 

Westfield State Launches Co-response Grad Program

WESTFIELD — Westfield State University announced its new law enforcement and mental health co-response graduate program, which is designed to address the growing need for collaboration between law enforcement and mental-health professionals. This degree-granting program, the first of its kind in the nation, is a concentration within the university’s master of arts in mental health counseling program or available as a standalone post-baccalaureate certificate. Joseph Camilleri, professor of Psychology; Kimberly Tobin, professor of Criminal Justice; and Lisa Barao, visiting lecturer of Criminal Justice, were instrumental in developing this program. They worked closely with law-enforcement agencies across Massachusetts and Connecticut to create a curriculum that meets workforce needs and equips participants with tools for success in this emerging field. This comprehensive program covers essential topics such as the intersection of mental disorders and crime, relevant legal frameworks, and strategies for conducting rapid mental-health and risk assessments in the field. Students will gain in-depth knowledge and skills to understand mental-health disorders and their relationship to criminal behavior, as well as the broader criminal-justice system. Ultimately, this strengthens relationships between public-safety professionals and the communities they serve. Emphasizing practical application, the co-response program includes research opportunities and culminates in a capstone project where students apply their learning in real-world scenarios. The program is designed to reduce strain on emergency services, connect individuals to appropriate care and resources, and foster trust between community members and public-safety professionals. By bridging the gap between law enforcement and mental-health professionals, the program equips graduates to address critical public-safety challenges while supporting the mental-health needs of communities.

 

WNE, GCC Accelerate Pathways to OT Doctorate

SPRINGFIELD — Western New England University (WNE) and Greenfield Community College (GCC) announced an innovative articulation agreement that streamlines the path for students pursuing careers in occupational therapy. This new associate to doctor of occupational therapy (OTD) transfer program provides GCC allied health students with a seamless transition to WNE’s 3+3 dual-degree programs, culminating in a doctorate in occupational therapy. Designed to provide a structured and efficient academic journey, the agreement allows eligible students to transfer from GCC’s associate in science allied health program into WNE’s bachelor of science in health studies or bachelor of arts in psychology program. From there, students progress into the university’s doctor of occupational therapy program housed within the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (COPHS). Current GCC students in the allied health program are eligible and can transfer to WNE as juniors in the 3+3 OTD program as early as next fall as long as they have taken the necessary coursework, met the GPA criteria, and have graduated with their associate degree.  In terms of cost and time, the 3+3 program saves students an entire year of schooling as it takes just six years to earn a doctoral degree in occupational therapy. Students will be informed of this opportunity during their application process at GCC and can indicate their interest at the time of matriculation. WNE and GCC will collaborate on outreach and advising initiatives to ensure prospective students receive the guidance they need to succeed. This agreement underscores both institutions’ dedication to equipping students with the skills and credentials needed to thrive in the dynamic field of occupational therapy.

 

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.

AGAWAM

Iglesia Evangelica la Hora de Restauracion, 238 Male St., Apt. G6, Agawam, MA 01001. Quetcy Rivera, same. Spiritual support for the community.

ASHFIELD

Ethos Award Equestrian Inc., 611 Barnes Road, Ashfield, MA 01330. Roberta Wilmore, same. Nonprofit established to fundraise to support the Ethos Award.

EASTHAMPTON

Mass Park Way Inc., 39 Hannum Brook Dr., Easthampton, MA 01027. Jeffrey James McDonald, same. Buying and reselling of items along with helping others dispose of excess items and offering pro bono help when needed to customers.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Caring Home Health Care Inc., 270 Benton Dr., Suite B, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Maria Mena, same. Home healthcare services.

GREENFIELD

Jay SBM Corp., 92 Verde Dr., Greenfield, MA 01301. Priyankumar Patel, same. Smoothie store.

HOLYOKE

Maccg Holyoke Inc., 50 Holyoke St., R116, Holyoke, MA 01040. Hong Zhi Liu, 3115 Knorr St., Philadelphia, PA 19149. Restaurant located in food court of Holyoke Mall.

LENOX

Pickni Properties Inc., 31 Hubbard St., Lenox, MA 01240. Michelle Pranger, same. Real-estate investments.

NORTH ADAMS

Fuls Family Entertainment Inc., 41 Roberts Dr., North Adams, MA 01247. Gary Fuls Jr., 82 Elm St., Williamstown, MA 01267. Bowling, video golf, and entertainment.

PITTSFIELD

6 Solferino St. Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Yongmei Zeng, same. The purpose of this organization includes but is not limited to e-commerce trade.

Avazone Works Ltd., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Tao Zhang, same. Consulting service and technical service.

Epique Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Joshua Miller, same. Office for real-estate agents and brokers.

Mtmove Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Hongxia Yuan, same. Real estate.

Revitalize Health and Wellness Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Richard Westhaver, same. Health and wellness products.

Xtrs Corp., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Daniel Rodrigues de Souza, 3204 Founders Way, Saugus, MA 01906. Car towing company.

SPRINGFIELD

7 Star Dickinson Inc., 707 Dickinson St., Springfield, MA 01108. Muhammad Ali Saleem, 188 Clearwater Circle, Ludlow, MA 01056. Gas station with convenience store, tobacco, cigarette, vapor, and lottery.

Springfield Cowboys Inc., 1570 Plumtree Road, Springfield, MA 01119. Chelsea Lester, same. Nonprofit organization whose mission is to make a positive impact on youth across New England through a comprehensive approach that includes sports, mental health, and equity, with a program focused on a variety of athletic activities, including football, flag football, track, and more, to provide young people with opportunities to develop their skills, teamwork, and discipline.

WESTFIELD

5355 Elm Corp., 53 Elm St., Westfield, MA 01085. Binta Modh, 5 Pond St., Ashland, MA 01721. Retail package store, tobacco, and convenience.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Danger, Alert, Prepare Inc., 521 Union St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Nathan Daniels Jr., 23 Dawes St., Springfield, MA 01109. Nonprofit organization providing educational, charitable and community programs and services for returning citizens so they can be productive and positive individuals in society.

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates

The following business certificates and/or trade names were issued or renewed during the month of January 2025.

AMHERST

Aikido of Amherst
7 Pomeroy Lane
James Heath Atchley

All About Learning
7 Pomeroy Lane, Units 1-6
David Wilder, Melissa Wilder

Amherst Antiques
81 Sunderland Road
Matthew Corcoran

Amherst Inn
257 Main St.
Ann King

Our Foods Bakery
362 Northampton Road, Apt. D
Clara Selorm Danso

The Red Barn
893 West St.
Tana Boone

Ren’s Mobil Service
161 North Pleasant St.
Reynold Gladu

Sandy’s Barber Shop
96 North Pleasant St.
Stacy Kelliher

Sociocracy for All
120 Pulpit Hill Road, Unit 8
Jerry Koch-Gonzalez

Thinqué
362 Northampton Road, Apt. D
Clara Danso, Emmanuel Danso

 

BELCHERTOWN

Dream Designs Custom Framing
95 West St.
Darvin Martin, Helena Martin

Ed Leary Home Improvement
46 South Liberty St.
Edwin Leary

Goetic Systems
475 South Washington St.
Adam Nyzio

Victor Cueto
11 Barton Ave.
Victor Cueto

HADLEY

CMG Home Loans
195 Russell St., B1
CMG Mortgage Inc.

Hadley Auto Express
212 Russell St.
Amir Mikchi

JC Mattress Co.
81 River Dr.
Justin Carlson

Jiffy Lube #812
347 Russell St.
Atlantic Coast Enterprises

Marshalls #0838
325 Russell St.
TJX Cos. Inc.

Mud Rail Farms Trapping
57 Roosevelt St.
Brandon Daniel

Pride #603
25 Russell St.
Pride Operating LLC

Pride #612
445 Russell St.
Pride Operating LLC

River Drive Auto
81 River Dr.
Stephen Szymkowicz

River Valley Realty Services
114 Bay Road
Timothy Murphy

T.J. Maxx #0136
454 Russell St.
TJX Cos. Inc.

Unlimited Business Service
217 Russell St.
Ruth Parker

Valley Veterinary Hospital
320 Russell St.
VetCor of Massachusetts

PITTSFIELD

Capital Bookkeeping Solution
39 Winship Ave.
Gerardo Gonzalez

Delicias de Mi Tierra
28B Whipple St.
Nubia Toloza Davila

Hair Loft
12 Allendale Road
Corrine Vaughn

Lavender Cleaning Services
111 Lincoln St., Apt. D
Lida Hernandez Ospina

Tom’s Moving Service
234 Lenox Ave.
Thomas Weiland

SOUTHWICK

208 Southwick Inc.
208 College Highway
Ankit Patel

A&Z Auto Corp.
797 College Highway
Fariaan Mufreed

AMV Corp.
587 College Highway
Maunish Shah

Balance Beauty Bar
535 College Highway
Florence Castonguay

Bears n Buses
509 College Highway
Dominic Faretra

Clear 10 Solutions
39 Deer Run Road
Jeff King

DK Design
615 College Highway
Keith King

Faced by Emily LLC
627 College Highway
Emily Burke

FJ Auctions Inc.
58 Fred Jackson Road
Jamie Jacquier

M&D Trucking
134 South Loomis St.
Michael Girroir

Maids Made Affordable
8 Veteran St.
Christina Larosa

Mary Vella
613 College Highway
Mary Vella

Oak’n Keg
20 Point Grove Road
Vimal Patel

Ranpat Inc.
23-25 Point Grove Road
Natalie Lynch

Southwick Forastiere Funeral Home & Cremation
624 College Highway
Frank Forastiere

Southwick Package Store
466 College Highway
Robert Benoit

WESTFIELD

Alpaxion Digital Synergies
26 Hampden St.
Keven Allen

Charles Skop
120 Northwest Road
Charles Skop

Chuck’s Handyman Services
29 East Silver St., #1
Irvin Hooten

Community Chiropractic Care
420 Union Street, #1
Peyton O’Conner

DPM
44 Pontoosic Road
Davyd Prykhodko

Great Clips
249 East Main St.
Catie Laraway

Healing Hands by Sarifa
16 Union Ave.
Sarifa Khan

Madison Construction
264 Buck Pond Road
James O’Sullivan

Ravenwood Investigations
57 Jaeger Dr.
C. Lee Bennett

Simple Website Admin
192 Eastwood Dr.
Richard Hauff

Spirals Massage
1029 North Road
Keilani Tirado

Vessel Coffee Cart
74 Old Holyoke Road
Alyona Brutskaya

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Angelo Bertelli’s Liquor Mart
726 Main St.
Angelo Bertelli’s Liquor Mart

Art Studio
201 Dewey St.
Art Studio

Bell Dental Lab
1111 Elm St., Suite 25
Bell Dental Lab

Costco Liquors
119 Daggett Dr.
Costco Atlantic Liquors Inc.

The Cupcakes Lady
12 Prospect St.
The Cupcakes Lady

Enterprise Rent-A-Car
1053 Riverdale St.
Camrac LLC

Fathers & Sons Inc.
434 Memorial Ave.
Fathers & Sons Inc.

Fathers & Sons Volvo Cars West Springfield
989 Memorial Ave.
Fathers & Sons Inc.

Fathers & Sons Inc.
168 New Bridge St.
Fathers & Sons Inc.

Health Products Shop
440 Main St.
Health Products Shop

Huntington Creative Commercial Photography LLC
132 Myron St.
Huntington Creative Commercial Photography LLC

Pension & Benefits Associates Inc.
131 Wayside Ave.
Pension & Benefits Associates Inc.

Pro Tool and Machine
349 Cold Spring Ave.
Pro Tool and Machine

Skip’s Cleaning
871 Main St.
Skip’s Cleaning

Smart Pick Dental
235 Memorial Ave.
Riverside Dental LLC

Victory International Store
573 Union St.
Victory International Store

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

The following bankruptcy petitions were recently filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Readers should confirm all information with the court.

Bassette, Matthew W.
Bassette, Diane E.
116 Raymond Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/27/2024

Blais, David J.
43 Converse St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/31/2024

Bradford-Hall, Julissa
a/k/a CollazoJulissa
a/k/a RodriguezJulissa
450 Broadway St., 2nd
Chicopee, MA 01020
Date: 12/23/2024

Brown, Lee Ernest
553-555 Union St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Date: 12/31/2024

Day, John A.
Day, Sara A.
10 Wright Place
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 13
Date: 12/30/2024

Dearborn, Kristina Czepiel
73 Fomer Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/31/2024

Decker, Robert J.
Decker, Brenda L.
a/k/a Shaw, Brenda L.
77 Federal St.
Millers Falls, MA 01349
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/23/2024

Hensley, Lincoln M.
40 Prospect St., Apt. D1
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/24/2024

Jackson, Frank P.
Turner, D. Stephen
405 Rock Valley Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/21/2024

LaFond, William
71 Allen Crest St.
Hampden, MA 01036
Chapter: 13
Date: 12/17/2024

Lewis, Christie L.
599 Williams St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Date: 12/31/2024

Mercado, Pablo Daniel
40 Amherst St.
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/30/2024

Pandell, Larry T.
Pandell, Noelle M.
P.O. Box 114
Cheshire, MA 01225
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/30/2024

Rourke, Sally
15 Davis St., Apt. 2
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 13
Date: 12/17/2024

Thornton, Anthony
Thornton, Jasmin D.
a/k/a Cage, Jasmin
23 Dixie Ter.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/24/2024

Velez, Tatiana
184 Berkshire St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/31/2024

Weir, Thomas P.
Weir, Joanne
52 Lakeshore Dr.
Becket, MA 01223
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/26/2024

Wright, Benjamin T.
8 Simpson St.
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 13
Date: 12/20/2024

Zengotita Bonilla, Cecilia
a/k/a Jimenez Bonilla, Cecilia
45 Duryea St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/30/2024

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

BERNARDSTON

57 Deane Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $349,000
Buyer: Erik A. Bardwell
Seller: Stephen D. Kelsey
Date: 01/02/25

BUCKLAND

142 Bray Road
Buckland, MA 01370
Amount: $302,000
Buyer: Christopher Miner
Seller: Alan Ross
Date: 12/30/24

Charlemont Road
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Peter Q. Warinner
Seller: James R. Schaefer
Date: 01/03/25

CHARLEMONT

River Road
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Peter Q. Warinner
Seller: James R. Schaefer
Date: 01/03/25

GREENFIELD

276 Chapman St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Katharine F. Kyros
Seller: Scott, June F., (Estate)
Date: 12/30/24

LEVERETT

168 North Leverett Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Hanna Freedlund
Seller: Dario Rosenstock
Date: 12/30/24

 

NORTHFIELD

598 Mount Hermon Station Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $439,000
Buyer: Justin Moody
Seller: Patrick Weyers
Date: 01/03/25

ORANGE

180 West River St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Adonai Marroquin
Seller: Marcia J. Horman
Date: 12/23/24

WHATELY

155 Christian Lane
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Nicholas Jansson
Seller: Troy T. Martin
Date: 01/03/25

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

29 Editha Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $300,171
Buyer: Skyspec LLC
Seller: Ruperto Perez
Date: 12/24/24

21 Line St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Stephen Grabowski
Seller: Serg W. Abramchuck
Date: 12/30/24

162 Mallard Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Bradley Montanez
Seller: Laura A. Marcoux
Date: 12/31/24

397 Southwick St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Matthew Spinale
Seller: Silver Snake Properties LLC
Date: 01/02/25

322-326 Springfield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $358,000
Buyer: Chenghao Xu
Seller: Jackie Y. Tang
Date: 01/03/25

25 Westford Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Konstantin S. Skovorodin
Seller: Carrie Mayer
Date: 12/27/24

BRIMFIELD

21 Hollow Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Tyler J. Fournier
Seller: Shannon Kelly
Date: 12/27/24

7 Knollwood Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Nicole M. Look
Seller: Jason Almy
Date: 12/30/24

CHICOPEE

136 Exchange St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $329,900
Buyer: Walkis Figueroa
Seller: Wsp Realty LLC
Date: 12/24/24

5 Gonet St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Enid M. Swienton
Seller: Steven M. Gutkowski
Date: 12/30/24

1416 Granby Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: A & L Realty LLC
Seller: Rattell Real Estate Holding LLC
Date: 12/23/24

685 James St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Procon Group LLC
Seller: Nicola Difilippo
Date: 01/03/25

9 Massachusetts Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Koda Penny Realty LLC
Seller: Scott Levreault
Date: 12/23/24

1633 Memorial Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: 1633 Property Holdings LLC
Seller: Robert J. Duga
Date: 12/23/24

10 Nadeau Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $329,900
Buyer: Aaron G. Boutot
Seller: Mark Devoto
Date: 12/23/24

41 Pennsylvania Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $287,000
Buyer: Latorya Adams
Seller: 7 One 7 Capital LLC
Date: 12/23/24

50 Sherman Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $268,500
Buyer: John Syper
Seller: Naples Home Buyers TR
Date: 12/30/24

43 Tourtelotte Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Eliezer J. Ashley
Seller: Harvey Marmolejos
Date: 12/23/24

16 Walton St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $299,950
Buyer: William Stetson
Seller: Jessica Dahlquist
Date: 12/31/24

EAST LONGMEADOW

8 Ainslie Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Quercus Properties LLC
Seller: Willard Brown
Date: 12/31/24

24 Favorite Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $277,000
Buyer: Dina A. Lukina
Seller: Michael Kane
Date: 01/03/25

66 Nelson St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $337,000
Buyer: Leo Fennell
Seller: Ramon Tapia
Date: 12/23/24

108 Shaker Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $1,200,000
Buyer: 108 Shaker Road LLC
Seller: C. & S. Partnership LLC
Date: 12/31/24

33 Taylor St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $354,900
Buyer: Alyssa Guiel
Seller: Daniel S. Gusovsky
Date: 12/23/24

GRANVILLE

614 Main Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Weatherwax LLC
Seller: Charlcy G. Oleksak
Date: 01/03/25

HAMPDEN

66 Forest Hill Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $595,000
Buyer: Benjamin R. Rislove
Seller: Yabela RT
Date: 12/31/24

131 Glendale Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Daniel R. Brown
Seller: William Brown
Date: 01/02/25

600 Glendale Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Wenda M. Luff
Seller: Tawnne J. Ostrander
Date: 12/23/24

60 Greenleaf Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Jaime Pardave
Seller: Hebert, Shirley A., (Estate)
Date: 12/27/24

HOLYOKE

41 Arthur St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Cameron M. Asselin
Seller: Michael J. McLellan
Date: 12/31/24

109-111 Brown Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Equity Trust Co.
Seller: Naples Buyers TR
Date: 12/30/24

426 Maple St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $950,000
Buyer: Royal Vibe Homes LLC
Seller: Legacy Property Investment Group LLC
Date: 12/30/24

428 Maple St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $950,000
Buyer: Royal Vibe Homes LLC
Seller: Legacy Property Investment Group LLC
Date: 12/30/24

8 Orchard St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $317,000
Buyer: Blase A. Provitola
Seller: Patrick D. Mulvaney
Date: 12/30/24

HOLLAND

25 Stagecoach Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Jonnathan Blas
Seller: John H. Lindsey
Date: 12/27/24

HOLYOKE

97 Elm St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: 97 Elm Holyoke Rental LLC
Seller: Rinaldi Pease Acquisition LLC
Date: 12/23/24

676 Hampden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Cocowa Consulting Inc
Seller: Jessica D. Morales
Date: 12/27/24

434 Pleasant St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Raymond O. Edi-Osagie
Seller: Mara R. Lopez
Date: 12/27/24

268 South St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $307,000
Buyer: Nailiyah Alves
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 12/23/24

18 Steven Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $319,000
Buyer: Christine L. Braen-Futia
Seller: C. Noir Properties LLC
Date: 12/23/24

9 Washington Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Meara Properties LLC
Seller: Gladys M. Torres
Date: 12/24/24

LONGMEADOW

162 Magnolia Circle
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $960,000
Buyer: Victoria L. Wright
Seller: Yong I. Han
Date: 12/31/24

50 Sunset Lane
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Jeanermy Hernandez
Seller: Vini E. Carrillo
Date: 01/02/25

LUDLOW

15 Adams St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $381,000
Buyer: Steven J. Mastalerz
Seller: Joseph V. Casagranda
Date: 01/03/25

10 Alden St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Dwight Manganaro
Seller: Christine L. Colucci
Date: 01/03/25

46 Fairview St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $197,039
Buyer: Towd PT Mtg. T2017-3
Seller: Amanda J. Kenyon
Date: 12/24/24

1 Parkview St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Ashley Mason
Seller: Numeri Capital Investors LLC
Date: 12/27/24

35-37 Rogers Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Berkant Bayram
Seller: Kazimierz Borawski
Date: 12/27/24

260 Woodland Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Drew Brissette
Seller: David B. Vieira
Date: 01/03/25

MONSON

74 Cote Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $238,500
Buyer: Mary J. Clavin
Seller: Marcia A. Donovan
Date: 12/31/24

23 High St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $166,001
Buyer: HUD
Seller: David F. Martin
Date: 12/27/24

PALMER

2098 Calkins Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $411,000
Buyer: Stephanie Ruocco
Seller: Citadel Projects LLC
Date: 12/31/24

2015 East St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $181,000
Buyer: Mostafa Yakoob
Seller: Robert H. Hayes
Date: 01/02/25

146 Mason St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Elias Coleman
Seller: Linda A. Regis
Date: 12/23/24

1090 Thorndike St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Robin M. Lamothe
Seller: Charles J. Gilbert
Date: 12/23/24

SPRINGFIELD

127 Abbott St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Jane Gray
Seller: Robert K. Perry
Date: 12/23/24

55 Balboa Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $281,000
Buyer: Phaneth Son
Seller: Kerry P. Carnevale
Date: 12/23/24

112 Barber St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $124,336
Buyer: Ameriquest Mtg. Securities
Seller: Lorrie Smith
Date: 12/27/24

887 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Daniel Defoe
Seller: Walker, Joel, (Estate)
Date: 01/02/25

862 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $285,600
Buyer: Felipe G. Salas
Seller: Celia Y. Pena
Date: 12/27/24

1047 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: To Tran
Seller: Carlos H. Villa
Date: 12/27/24

151-153 Catherine St.
Springfield, MA 01013
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Ayotunde A. Akinwande
Seller: Northern Flooring & Remodeling
Date: 01/03/25

65 Cherokee Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Christine Colucci
Seller: Wesley Blask
Date: 01/03/25

6 Cornwall St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Michael Biasetti
Seller: Stephen P. Smedberg
Date: 12/31/24

158 Davis St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $242,000
Buyer: Yasmine Mercado
Seller: Dianne Tatro
Date: 12/23/24

68 Fargo St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Shushmabahen Patel
Seller: Federal National Mortgage Association
Date: 12/30/24

64-66 Farragut St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Emtay Inc.
Seller: Constantin Gellis
Date: 01/02/25

329 Forest Hills Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Aisha E. Caulton
Seller: Dwayne C. Burey
Date: 12/27/24

151 Fox Hill Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Ashley J. Lapointe
Seller: Anthony C. Diaz
Date: 12/27/24

98 Fox Woods Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $412,050
Buyer: Stephanie Garner
Seller: Carolyn E. Loyd
Date: 12/23/24

10 Frederic St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $284,900
Buyer: Jason M. Sisko
Seller: Donna Bihler
Date: 12/23/24

63 Grandview St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $249,000
Buyer: Alessandro Malafronte
Seller: Nres LLC
Date: 01/02/25

14 Hadley St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Benjamin S. St.Amand
Seller: Julia C. Hogan RET
Date: 12/30/24

43 Harmon Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Ntasia Meadows
Seller: Benjamin S. St.Amand
Date: 12/30/24

83 Hazen St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Carlos D. Rodriguez
Seller: Bryon R. Cyr
Date: 12/31/24

48 Hope St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Angelica Mendez
Seller: Daniel Stamborski
Date: 12/23/24

10 Kittrell St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $489,902
Buyer: Mohammad Solaiman
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 12/23/24

165 Laurelton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Casandra Burgos
Seller: RM Blerman LLC
Date: 12/30/24

174 Locust St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $744,681
Buyer: Havenhub LLC
Seller: London Realty LLC
Date: 01/03/25

99 Lyons St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $281,000
Buyer: My Sweet Spot LLC
Seller: Ernest F. Skwisz
Date: 01/02/25

72 Maebeth St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $269,000
Buyer: Stanley Ortiz-Brown
Seller: Peter J. Waltermire
Date: 12/30/24

2595 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Bethania Market Realty LLC
Seller: Nguyen, Cuong Huu, (Estate)
Date: 12/31/24

110 Maple St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $2,025,000
Buyer: Praveen Devineni
Seller: Maple Springfield Assocs. LP
Date: 12/31/24

120 Maple St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $2,025,000
Buyer: Praveen Devineni
Seller: Maple Springfield Assocs. LP
Date: 12/31/24

130 Maple St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $2,025,000
Buyer: Praveen Devineni
Seller: Maple Springfield Assocs. LP
Date: 12/31/24

135 Massasoit St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $129,000
Buyer: Wayne Lawrence
Seller: Xiuyu Ma
Date: 12/30/24

191-193 Middlesex St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $176,400
Buyer: Gary Mapp
Seller: Victor Dupre
Date: 12/23/24

35 Montclair St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Zoe Taylor
Seller: Veteran Stan LLC
Date: 12/23/24

123 Newhouse St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $319,000
Buyer: Christopher M. Hopkins
Seller: Jeffrey McDonald
Date: 12/30/24

40 Norfolk St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: William Forte
Seller: Clinton R. Stonacek
Date: 12/24/24

55 Norman St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Fehmida Biki
Seller: Alison A. Vanderleeden
Date: 12/31/24

27 Ontario St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Ruperto Perez
Seller: Kokoleka RT
Date: 12/24/24

104 Oregon St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $312,000
Buyer: Mark Hayden
Seller: Heather Cooper
Date: 12/27/24

1211 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Jose Urbina
Seller: Adnan Rahim
Date: 12/30/24

1298 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Adrion Watt
Seller: Elizabeth Correa
Date: 12/27/24

43-45 Pasco Road
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $192,208
Buyer: Pennymac Loan Services LLC
Seller: Stacey Smith
Date: 12/24/24

28 Pinta Circle
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Stephanie C. Guerra
Seller: Jaime Pardave
Date: 12/27/24

296 Quincy St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Angela Daniels
Seller: Ileana C. Rodriguez
Date: 12/26/24

123-125 Ranney St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Pilar A. Peralta-Guzman
Seller: Sulla M. Silva
Date: 12/31/24

19 Rogers Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $239,000
Buyer: Elvis J. Pujols
Seller: David B. White
Date: 01/02/25

46-48 Silas St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Azeem Ashraf
Seller: Sylvia J. Parker
Date: 12/27/24

1030 State St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Cesar Ruiz
Seller: Gregory Vatrano
Date: 12/23/24

16 Stuart St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $176,679
Buyer: Wicked Deals LLC
Seller: Elsie Acevedo
Date: 01/03/25

17 Sycamore St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $159,000
Buyer: RM Blerman LLC
Seller: Waverly G. Rhone
Date: 12/31/24

142 Thompson St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Nehcole J. Felix
Seller: Robert Gallant IRT
Date: 12/30/24

142 Westminster St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: William Lucas
Seller: Manahan, Roger Steven, (Estate)
Date: 12/30/24

37 Wilber St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Jarelys Velez
Seller: Sareen Properties LLC
Date: 12/24/24

SOUTHWICK

33 Point Grove Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $434,900
Buyer: Leonid Ignatyuk
Seller: Bradley Wright
Date: 12/23/24

WALES

23 Holland Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Laura Phifer
Seller: Chandle D. Scanlon
Date: 12/27/24

WEST SPRINGFIELD

24 Angeline St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Angela M. Southwick
Seller: Aleksandr Bak
Date: 12/23/24

21 Craiwell Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Edward C. Guerrero
Seller: Sullivan Sr., Robert D., (Estate)
Date: 12/24/24

96 Garden St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Donald J. Finamore
Seller: Ruth Rivera
Date: 12/30/24

277 Greystone Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $469,500
Buyer: Brian P. Kapinos
Seller: Eric D. Demers
Date: 01/03/25

91 Grandview Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Joseph S. Spano
Seller: Kevin C. Sheehan
Date: 12/27/24

20 Gregory Lane
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Mihail Dobrin
Seller: Manchester Ent. LLC
Date: 12/27/24

43 Hampden St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Ali Abdraba
Seller: John M. McCarthy
Date: 12/30/24

15 Hazel St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $338,500
Buyer: Eric Liptak
Seller: Manchester Enterprise LLC
Date: 12/31/24

1013 Main St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $1,300,000
Buyer: BRVS LLC
Seller: Aptly Main St. LLC
Date: 12/30/24

993 Main St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $1,300,000
Buyer: BRVS LLC
Seller: Aptly Main St LLC
Date: 12/30/24

41 Partridge Lane
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Dmitriy V. Sergeychik
Seller: Irene L. Balise
Date: 12/31/24

202 River St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $399,000
Buyer: Matthew Sawyer
Seller: Jamie Mitchell
Date: 12/23/24

WESTFIELD

13 Chapel St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Gse Realty LLC
Seller: Chapel Street Realty LLC
Date: 12/30/24

9 Chapel St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Gse Realty LLC
Seller: Chapel Street Realty LLC
Date: 12/30/24

12 Coolidge Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $324,900
Buyer: Zachery H. Naldrett
Seller: Michael S. Chaloux
Date: 12/30/24

225 East Main St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $1,300,000
Buyer: Panther Development Westfield LLC
Seller: 228 East Main Street LLC
Date: 12/31/24

4 Old Quarry Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Samuel Johnson
Seller: Victor J. Strycharz
Date: 01/03/25

24 Rambling Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Lindsey E. Malinowski
Seller: Eric Liptak
Date: 12/31/24

7 School St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: 30 Elm & 7 School St. LLC
Seller: Santander Bank
Date: 12/17/24

404 Southwick Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $2,154,808
Buyer: Oaks Property I LLC
Seller: Westfield Oaks LLC
Date: 12/31/24

189 Springfield Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $970,192
Buyer: River Property I LLC
Seller: Three J. Partners LLC
Date: 12/31/24

161 Steiger Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Teresa Johnston
Seller: Karen A. Shaw
Date: 12/23/24

37 Summit Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Ian P. Dixon
Seller: Orlando Huertas
Date: 12/30/24

WILBRAHAM

11 Longfellow Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $429,000
Buyer: Christopher P. Danalis
Seller: Kimberly A. Goewey
Date: 12/31/24

29 Pineywood Ave.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Alex Kibbe
Seller: Douglas W. Smith
Date: 12/24/24

239 Soule Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Michael D. Pirro
Seller: Pirro, Paul Daniel, (Estate)
Date: 12/30/24

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

21 Baker St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Dudleys View LLC
Seller: Snell Baker LLC
Date: 01/03/25

846 East Pleasant St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $915,000
Buyer: Joshua Arnold
Seller: Susan Pearson
Date: 01/03/25

98 East Pleasant St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $432,500
Buyer: Pleasant Hill Apt. LLC
Seller: Rabinowitz, Stanley J., (Estate)
Date: 12/31/24

169 Meadow St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $654,481
Buyer: 169 Meadow St. LLC
Seller: Mosaic Real Estate Amherst LLC
Date: 12/31/24

30 North East St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Sarah Cowls Mountain View LLC
Seller: 30 North East St. LLC
Date: 01/03/25

149 Pomeroy Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $555,000
Buyer: Jennifer A. Rulf
Seller: Michael M. Powell
Date: 12/27/24

29 Strong St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: Ballett School LLC
Seller: 29 Strong St. LLC
Date: 01/03/25

BELCHERTOWN

39 South Main St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $298,000
Buyer: Bryan Castro
Seller: Lindsay A. Hoadley
Date: 12/30/24

CUMMINGTON

54 Lilac Ave.
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $176,000
Buyer: Andrew Liebenow
Seller: Stanwich Mortgage Loan TR
Date: 12/31/24

EASTHAMPTON

22 Chapin St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $387,000
Buyer: Michael J. Greene
Seller: Perrier FT
Date: 01/03/25

128 Ferry St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Donald Robadue
Seller: Deborah A. Burckley
Date: 12/23/24

40 Mineral St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $391,000
Buyer: James T. Jewitt
Seller: New England Remodeling
Date: 01/03/25

239 Park St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Precious King
Seller: Jessica Tierney
Date: 12/27/24

245 Park St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $248,453
Buyer: Citimortage Inc.
Seller: Jason S. Lafosse
Date: 12/27/24

26 South St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Alpi Properties Inc
Seller: Margaret M. Ryan
Date: 01/03/25

GRANBY

133 Aldrich St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $570,000
Buyer: Garrett Postema
Seller: William H. Brawner
Date: 12/23/24

HADLEY

North Maple St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Rocky Hill LLC
Seller: Keith A. Rehbein
Date: 01/03/25

22 North Maple St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: William Goldings LLC
Seller: 22 North Maple St. LLC
Date: 01/03/25

303 Russell St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $4,500,000
Buyer: Bar Hardley LLC
Seller: 303 Russell St. LLC
Date: 12/31/24

HATFIELD

36 Depot Road
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $498,000
Buyer: Minh Le
Seller: Mark T. Huyler
Date: 12/30/24

27 Elm St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Zacahry D. Vollinger
Seller: 119 Real Estate LLC
Date: 12/31/24

153 North Hatfield Road
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $312,851
Buyer: Richard F. Thayer
Seller: Inter Vivos TR
Date: 12/24/24

157 North Hatfield Road
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $312,851
Buyer: Richard F. Thayer
Seller: Inter Vivos TR
Date: 12/24/24

NORTHAMPTON

78 Cahillane Ter.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Daisy C. Marquis
Seller: Capital Group LLC
Date: 12/30/24

286 Coles Meadow Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $555,000
Buyer: Carol B. Waldron
Seller: Renate M. Schulte
Date: 12/27/24

111 Hawley St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Norwich Properties LLC
Seller: Carl E. Glowatsky
Date: 01/03/25

18 Pilgrim Dr.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $672,000
Buyer: Hui Li
Seller: Pfeier-Kotz RET
Date: 12/23/24

87 Prospect St.
Northampton, MA 01063
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: 98 Pine St. LLC
Seller: Elizabeth R. Hynes
Date: 12/31/24

723 Ryan Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Norman W. Rice
Seller: Robnet B. Upham
Date: 01/03/25

197 Spring Grove Ave.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Brett M. Haseltine
Seller: Cindy M. Haseltine LT
Date: 12/30/24

SOUTH HADLEY

16 Central Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $274,000
Buyer: Mariola Rivera
Seller: Liz B. Lescarbeau
Date: 01/03/25

129 College St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: 136 East St. LLC
Seller: Celester A. Pelissier
Date: 01/02/25

47 Columbia St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Emma Zanazzi
Seller: Andre J. Duquette
Date: 12/23/24

77 Fairview St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Sheila Mulvaney
Seller: Vincent Calvanese
Date: 12/30/24

3 Greenacre Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Daniel M. Ouellette
Seller: Michael Dipon
Date: 01/02/25

40 Westbrook Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $358,000
Buyer: Jeryl G. Brown
Seller: Schark, Katherine, (Estate)
Date: 12/30/24

2 Yale St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Samuel Dorval
Seller: Potvin, Gerard J., (Estate)
Date: 12/23/24

SOUTHAMPTON

7 Courtney Lane
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $585,000
Buyer: Jessica L. Tierney
Seller: John L. Enright
Date: 12/27/24

29 Lead Mine Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Lloyd D. Sullivan
Seller: Dexter G. Sullivan
Date: 12/31/24

74 Lead Mine Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $391,000
Buyer: James T. Jewitt
Seller: New England Remodeling
Date: 01/03/25

92 Pequot Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: David Selin
Seller: Yevegeny Selin
Date: 12/27/24

WARE

103 Beaver Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Eric J. Carroll
Seller: Boucher, Roberta F., (Estate)
Date: 12/23/24

5-7 Canal St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Pfgc LLC
Seller: Bennett Properties LLC
Date: 12/23/24

39 Eagle St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Brendan D. Miller
Seller: Trudeau, Robert F., (Estate)
Date: 12/27/24

31 Meadow Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Andrew J. Bonneau
Seller: G&W New Construction LLC
Date: 12/23/24

55 North St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Jeff Amazan
Seller: Pinto Realty Mgmt. LLC
Date: 12/31/24

26 Sorel Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Jennifer L. Lagarda
Seller: Selin Nacar
Date: 12/24/24

31 West Main St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Patricia A. Wilmot
Seller: Sarah M. Stafford
Date: 12/24/24

WESTHAMPTON

1 Chesterfield Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Rmc Real Estate LLC
Seller: Gerald Hinkle
Date: 01/03/25

258 Chesterfield Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Dawn E. Perkins
Seller: David Solomkin
Date: 01/02/25

WILLIAMSBURG

2 Judd Lane
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Eden Swasey
Seller: Barrack, Lorraine C., (Estate)
Date: 12/27/24

WORTHINGTON

585 Kinnebrook Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Diane M. Reckless
Seller: Mason, Guy, (Estate)
Date: 01/03/25

Building Permits

By
Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the month of January 2025.

EASTHAMPTON

Overlook Industries
193 Northampton St.
$61,665 — Modify and extend fire sprinkler system

LEE

Consolati Building Inc.
61 Main St.
$1,020 — Build wall in existing opening

LENOX

Amy Parsley
52 Housatonic St.
$7,000 — Add ADA bathroom

Trinity United Methodist Church
6 Holmes Road
$1,080 — Remove portion of wall to create opening between two adjacent rooms

Ventfort Hall Assoc. Inc.
104 Walker St.
$15,500 — Install new matching fabric for 11 openings

NORTHAMPTON

660 Riverside Drive LLC
660 Riverside Dr.
$2,750 — New door for vault room

Cago Enterprises LLC
17 Brewster Court
$33,793 — Add two partition walls

City of Northampton
210 Main St.
$30,000 — Insulate attic floor

King Barrett LLC
301 King St.
$600,000 — Alter interior tenant space for Chipotle

King Barrett LLC
301 King St.
$5,000 — Front wall sign for Chipotle

King Barrett LLC
301 King St.
$5,000 — North wall sign for Chipotle

King Barrett LLC
301 King St.
$980 — Ground sign for Chipotle

Maplewood Shops Inc.
2 Conz St.
$32,000 — Repairs due to car damage

 

Ten Main Street Florence LLC
10 Main St.
$3,800 — Install door and exit sign

Trumbull Partners LLC
6 Trumbull Road
$86,644 — Install two condensers

PITTSFIELD

Berkshire Medical Center Inc.
725 North St.
$673,800 — Alter interior space to create new offices and support space

The Berkshire Theatre Festival Inc.
111 South St.
$119,520 — Insulate exterior wall and basement wall of storage facility, interior duct work

Brixmor Property Group
555 Hubbard Ave.
$672,845 — Alter tenant space, including construction of new employee areas and fitting rooms, new flooring, and finishes to interior walls and exterior façade at entry

City of Pittsfield
8 Holmes Road
$90,000 — Window removal and replacement

Elizabeth Freeman Center Inc.
66 Allen St.
$8,300 — Replace fire-alarm panel

Hurricane Properties LLC
75 East Housatonic St.
$26,598 — Roofing

Pittsfield General Electric
303 Crane Ave.
$3,200 — Repair wind damage to panels on barn roof

Pittsfield Massachusetts Storage LLC
428 Merrill Road
$23,700 — Convert three dry fire sprinkler systems to wet systems, relocate three ITVs, add fire protection to new office

ServiceNet Inc.
320 Onota St.
$20,000 — Add insulation to basement ceiling, apply intumescent coating to exposed joists

Vetley Pittsfield LLC
1634 West Housatonic St.
$17,500 — Repair vehicle damage to window area

Zion Lutheran Church
74 First St.
$330,500 — Install fire sprinkler throughout building

SPRINGFIELD

ARG BCSPRMA001 LLC
800 Boston Road
$35,000 — Alter interior space for beauty and cosmetic department of Kohl’s department store

JC Williams Community Center Inc.
116 Florence St.
$3,255,405 — Add second story to existing building; add new elevator, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems; add new commercial kitchen and parking area

North English Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses
58 Wilkes St.
$13,712 — Insulation and weatherization of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Onyx Springfield Crossing LLC
1655 Boston Road
$600,000 — Alter interior space, fit-out for Chipotle

Picknelly Family LP
1414 Main St.
$316,000 — Alter interior tenant office space on 18th floor for Ameriprise

Presbytery of Southern New England Inc.
14 Concord Terrace
$689,350 — Repair fire-damaged MLK Jr. Community Presbyterian Church

Argenis Ramos
770 Bay St.
$2,500 — Repair fire-damaged exterior walls of El Fogón de Yuyu restaurant

Springfield Investors LLC
1105 Boston Road
$2,500,000 — Addition to right side of Walmart building near bakery sales area; alter interior space at grocery sales, checkout area, fitting rooms, and employee lounge and restroom areas

United Cooperative Bank
1410 Carew Ave.
$135,000 — Alter interior office space for 7 Hills Dental

Supporting the Local Food Economy

By
Opinion

Editorial

 

In talking with Alisa Klein about Grow Food Northampton for the story that begins on page 25, she shared some sobering statistics in explaining why the nonprofit’s work is so important.

One is 30% — that’s the percentage of families in Hampden and Hampshire counties that are not able to access enough healthy, nutritious food on a regular basis. Many of those are single-mother households, and for families of color, the rate is much higher.

Alarmingly, that 30% figure actually shot up to close to 50% during the pandemic a few years ago. In response to that crisis, GFN launched a community food-distribution project along with the Northampton Survival Center, which delivered food weekly to 16 low-income housing sites.

“Each of our organizations has continued to do our work separately since the pandemic ended,” Klein told BusinessWest, “but it was the pandemic that kind of set off community insecurity in a new way.”

Adapting to changing needs is critical to the work that she and Michael Skillicorn, the organization’s co-executive directors, along with their teams of dedicated staffers and volunteers, do. In fact, Grow Food Northampton has been evolving since its origin in 2009, when a group of individuals banded together to save a couple of Florence farms — land that has since become a community farm that benefits local farmers, a community garden used by more than 400 local residents, a giving garden that grows thousands of pounds of food annually for food pantries and community meal sites, and much more, including a robust educational program.

The pandemic may have drawn sharp lines around the importance of a local food economy, Klein said, but it doesn’t take a crisis to understand why it’s always important to support farming, help low-income people access food, and, as a byproduct, reduce the pollution created by transporting fresh food long distances.

In Western Mass., any support of local agriculture is welcome, whether it’s the grants, foundations, and donations that fuel GFN’s efforts to help small-scale growers or the many funding partners of the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation’s Local Farmer Awards, which have assisted with capital projects on farms for the past 11 years (the latest winners will be announced in April).

Because, as Klein said, “if you lose farmland, you can’t grow your own food, and you become dependent on the national food system.” And if national crisis strikes — and even if it doesn’t — it’s good to have a safety net close to home.

Jonathan Denmark Named Executive Vice President of MountainOne Bank

By
Daily News

Jonathan Denmark

NORTH ADAMS — MountainOne announced the promotion of Jonathan Denmark to executive vice president of MountainOne Bank. In addition to his new leadership responsibilities, he will continue to serve as president and chief operating officer of MountainOne Insurance Agency.

Denmark will celebrate 10 years with MountainOne in March. Early in his tenure as president and COO of MountainOne Insurance, he led the consolidation of MountainOne’s insurance agencies, True North Insurance and Coakley, Pierpan, Dolan, and Collins, and oversaw the rebranding of the combined agencies to MountainOne Insurance. His efforts also established a strong partnership with OneDigital for the agency’s group benefits business line. Under his leadership, MountainOne Insurance has continued to expand, acquiring three agencies, opening a new office in Stockbridge, and expanding the agency’s presence to the Pioneer Valley. Denmark’s growth strategy, coupled with his expertise and dedication, have positioned the agency as a core contributor to MountainOne’s overall success.

Denmark recently assumed the role of board chair of the Pittsfield Economic Development Authority (PEDA), which oversees the William Stanley Business Park. The park, home to the MountainOne building at Silver Lake and the Berkshire Innovation Center, is poised for significant development in the coming years. Denmark’s leadership at PEDA will further align economic growth opportunities with community development in Pittsfield and beyond.

“It is a true privilege to announce Jonathan’s promotion to executive vice president,” said Robert Fraser, president and CEO of MountainOne Bank. “Over the past decade, Jonathan has consistently demonstrated visionary leadership and a deep commitment to MountainOne’s mission. His ability to drive growth, foster innovation, and inspire collaboration has been instrumental to our success. This appointment reflects our confidence in his ability to guide MountainOne toward even greater achievements.”

Added Denmark, “I am deeply honored to step into the role of executive vice president at MountainOne Bank. As we look ahead, I remain dedicated to advancing MountainOne’s mission of delivering meaningful solutions that create lasting value for our customers, employees, and communities.”

UMassFive Announces Peter Rosskothen as New Board Member

By
Daily News

Peter Rosskothen

HADLEY — UMassFive College Federal Credit Union (UMassFive) recently announced the addition of Peter Rosskothen to its board of directors. A seasoned business professional, he brings more than 35 years of business experience to UMassFive. He first became involved with the credit union through utilizing its business banking products and services five years ago.

With an educational background in finance from the Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá, Colombia, and studies in hotel & restaurant management from UMass Amherst, Rosskothen has demonstrated a wide array of skills in organizational finance, budgeting, branding, marketing, strategic planning, and community relations.

Throughout his career, he has also dedicated time to volunteer work, serving as a board member for several organizations, including People’s Savings Bank, the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Springfield Visitors and Convention Bureau.

As a UMassFive board member, Rosskothen is eager to contribute his extensive knowledge and life experience to the credit union’s continued growth and success. He is passionate about supporting both UMassFive and its members, finding fulfillment in helping the credit union thrive while fostering the success of its community.

“Giving back to the community is a way of saying thank you,” he said. “I look forward to participating in efforts that will make UMassFive an even better institution for its members and our community.”

Massachusetts Employment Numbers Hold Largely Steady in December

By
Daily News

BOSTON — The state’s December total unemployment rate was 4.1%, a 0.1% increase from the revised November estimate of 4.0%, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced. The Massachusetts unemployment rate was equal to the national rate of 4.1% reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Over the year, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was up by 0.9%.

The labor force increased by an estimated 6,500 from the revised estimate of 3,853,900 in November, with 1,100 more residents employed and 5,500 more residents unemployed over the month. The state’s labor-force participation rate — the total number of residents 16 or older who worked or were unemployed and actively sought work in the last four weeks — increased by 0.1% to 66.5%. Compared to December 2023, the labor-force participation rate increased by 1.6% over the year.

The BLS preliminary job estimates for Massachusetts increased by 6,000 jobs in December. This follows November’s revised loss of 1,500 jobs. The largest over-the-month private-sector job gains were in education and health services; professional, scientific, and business services; and leisure and hospitality. Employment now stands at 3,747,300. Massachusetts gained 683,800 jobs since the employment low in April 2020.

From December 2023 to December 2024, BLS estimates Massachusetts gained 26,200 jobs. The largest over-the-year gains occurred in education and health services, leisure and hospitality, and government.

BusinessWest Seeks 40 Under Forty Nominations

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest is currently accepting nominations for the 40 Under Forty class of 2025. The deadline for nominations is Feb. 27.

Launched in 2007, the program recognizes rising stars in the four counties of Western Mass. Nominations, which should be detailed in nature, should list an individual’s accomplishments within their profession as well as their work within the community. Nominations can be completed online by clicking here.

Nominations will be weighed by a panel of judges, and the selected individuals will be profiled in the April 28 issue of BusinessWest and honored at the 40 Under Forty Gala in June.

Steve Kaplan: An Appreciation

By
Daily News

In Yiddish, a ‘mensch’ is a good person, a stand-up guy, someone with integrity, honor, and character.

Steve Kaplan, who passed away recently after a lengthy and courageous battle with brain cancer, was a mensch of the highest order.

He was a CPA with the firm Meyers Brothers Kalicka, remembered by colleague and fellow partner Howard Cheney as “a tireless CPA who always set a high standard for us to follow, a great teacher, and as the person who went to the post office on April 15 each year to mail out last-minute tax returns.”

But he was also known for his bowties, and especially for getting involved with the community and encouraging others to do the same. He was a tutor, mentor to young people, great golf buddy, devoted Rotarian, and someone who never waited to be asked to volunteer his help.

He jokingly introduced himself as ‘Mr. Susan Jaye Kaplan,’ a nod to his energetic, equally involved, and perhaps better-known wife, with whom he partnered on many initiatives, especially the nonprofit Link to Libraries, which promotes childhood literacy and puts books on the shelves of school libraries.

They co-founded the agency, with Sue as its face, while Steve kept the books and mostly stayed in the background. Together, with a few others, they built a nonprofit that has drawn the support of individuals and businesses across the region.

There should be emphasis on that word ‘together.’ Indeed, individually, the Kaplans achieved much. Together … they were a force, authors of a love story that was and is a true inspiration.

Theirs was the kind of partnership the writer Antoine de Saint-Exupery had in mind when he wrote that “life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.”

Steve and Sue Kaplan did a lot of that, and in addition to that partnership, Steve leaves behind a legacy of caring and a sense of service to others.

The region has lost a great mensch.

Davis Foundation Makes Major Gift to Local Farmer Awards

By
Daily News

AGAWAM — The Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation has become the newest lead funding partner with a contribution to the Local Farmer Awards, a program in its 11th year providing annual grants of up to $2,500 to Western Mass. farmers, helping them purchase capital equipment used as an ongoing part of farm operations.

Harold Grinspoon — whose foundation, in partnership with Big Y and the Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture, and in collaboration with 15 other community funders, makes these awards possible — described the Davis Foundation gift as “a pivotal moment in our ability to help more deserving farmers.”

Founded in 1970, the Davis Foundation has a rich legacy of local support. Kiley O’Meara, executive director, stated that “the Davis Foundation is thrilled to join this program that supports and empowers the local community.”

The 2025 Local Farmer Awards application is open until Friday, Jan. 31. To qualify to receive an award, project applications must be related to growing, harvesting, or processing of farm products. Past award winners have used the grants to expand planting areas, improve fencing to keep their animals healthy and safe, acquire machinery to produce items for market, and put in place a host of other efficiencies. A full list of eligibility criteria can be found at farmerawards.org. This year’s winners will be announced in April.

“Our generous community funders are fundamental to the program’s success,” said Mark Gold, director of the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation. “We will have a complete list of 2025 funders available soon.”

Karen Sargent Joins Pittsfield Co-op as Dalton Branch Manager

By
Daily News

Karen Sargent

PITTSFIELD — Pittsfield Cooperative Bank announced the hiring of Karen Sargent as the new assistant vice president and branch manager of its Dalton branch location. With an impressive track record in banking and a deep commitment to community engagement, she brings a wealth of experience and leadership to her new role.

Sargent joins Pittsfield Cooperative Bank with more than 15 years of experience in the financial-services industry. Her expertise spans branch operations, customer relationship management, business banking, and team leadership at several regional institutions, including Adams Community, Berkshire, Citizens, and NBT banks. In her role as branch manager, she will oversee daily operations, mentor staff, and strive to ensure the delivery of exceptional service to the bank’s customers.

“We are thrilled to welcome Karen to the Co-op Bank family,” said Dana Robb, vice president, Retail Banking and Operations. “Her extensive experience, customer-focused approach, and passion for fostering community connections align perfectly with our mission. We are confident she will make a significant impact in the Dalton branch and beyond.”

A lifelong resident of Berkshire County, Sargent is deeply rooted in the community and has been actively involved in various local organizations. Her commitment to strengthening local ties and supporting community initiatives aligns seamlessly with the bank’s dedication to serving the region.

Ride to Remember Sign-up Party Slated for Feb. 2 at White Lion Brewing

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Registration for the region’s largest cycling event will officially kick off on Sunday, Feb. 2. Organizers of the Ride to Remember XIV will hold a launch party at White Lion Brewing in Springfield from 2 to 5 p.m., featuring food, drinks, and live music. The event is open to all supporters, friends, and families.

Attendees who sign up for the ride that day can do so for $100, representing a 50% discount from the normal registration fee.

Ride to Remember XIV will take place on Saturday, Sept. 6. This year’s route will be a 70-mile trek from Springfield to Hartford and back. All riders are welcome to participate in this safe, inspiring event, featuring multiple rest stops, nourishment, and an abundance of encouragement along the way. Cyclists will be escorted by a police motorcade for the entire route, stopping traffic at every intersection to ensure the safety of every rider.

Founded in 2012, the Ride to Remember is an annual cycling event to commemorate fallen first responders. Led by retired Springfield Police Sgt. John Delaney and a team of volunteers, the event began as a tribute to fallen Springfield Police Officer Kevin Ambrose, who was killed in the line of duty. To honor his memory and pay respect to his loved ones, 180 cyclists made the initial 100-mile trek from Springfield to Boston.

Since then, the ride has grown to nearly 500 riders and honors all first responders, including police, firefighters, corrections officers, and ambulance workers. Over the years, the ride’s route has included treks to Boston, Worcester, and Hartford, as well as regional rides around Western Mass.

The mission of the ride is to honor fallen first responders by raising funds to support their families and community organizations that work to make the region’s neighborhoods safer and healthier for the families who live here.

Proceeds from the ride have supported Christina’s House, On-Site Academy, Square One, multiple police and firefighter memorials, several neighborhood playgrounds and soccer fields, and other community-based initiatives.

Northfield Mount Hermon Receives $50 Million Bequest

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Daily News

GILL — Northfield Mount Hermon has received its largest-ever gift and one of the largest donations ever to an independent school. The $50 million bequest from the late John Mitchell, who graduated in 1956, will endow need-based scholarships and expand support for faculty, key objectives of the school’s $275 million fundraising campaign.

Announcing the gift to the NMH community, Head of School Brian Hargrove and Monie Hardwick, NMH board chair, described it as “an act of generosity from an exceptionally accomplished alumnus who was modest in his profile but profound in his gratitude for the education he received.”

John Mitchell arrived at the Mount Hermon School for Boys in 1952 as a scholarship student from an unheated home in a small town in Eastern Mass. Recognized early as academically gifted, Mitchell participated in several sports and thrived in his NMH courses, graduating as class valedictorian. Following NMH, he earned degrees from Yale and NYU and went on to a long and distinguished career as president of Global Manufacturing at Pfizer.

“John credited his time at NMH as a turning point in his life and held tight to the habits and values nurtured at NMH: hard work, critical thinking, lifelong learning, and service,” Hargrove and Hardwick said.

Mitchell later served on the NMH board of trustees, where he brought a particular focus on finances and campus planning. With characteristic pragmatism and modesty, he made numerous gifts to top off the budget for faculty housing projects, athletics facilities, the early-childhood center, and related campus improvements.

Kuhn Riddle Architects & Designers Welcomes Lindsay Comeaux Schnarr

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Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — Kuhn Riddle Architects & Designers announced that Lindsay Comeaux Schnarr, AIA has joined its growing architectural team. Her primary architectural interest is in public spaces, and she is pleased that her first project is working on CitySpace in Easthampton, renovating an existing historic building to include a theater space and other community-use areas.

“I am excited to join a firm that is woman-owned and is focused on equity, sustainability, and community outreach,” she said.

Schnarr interned as a student with Kuhn Riddle from 2009 to 2011 and continued after graduation through 2014. She described her return to the firm 15 years later as “bookending” her career to date. “It’s satisfying to see how far I’ve come in in those years and to rejoin a firm whose values are so aligned with mine.”

Schnarr received her bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 2002 from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She graduated in 2011 with her master’s degree in architecture from UMass Amherst.

She has been on the Amherst Design Review Board for many years, taught design as an adjunct lecturer at UMass Amherst from 2015 to 2020, co-founded the Emerging Professionals Development Program for the Western Massachusetts American Institute of Architects (WMAIA), and is a member of WMAIA’s Women in Architecture Committee.