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Daily News

AMHERST — The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce is issuing a final call to register for the 2025 A+ Awards Dinner, created to honor leaders in the Amherst area who have made a positive impact through their dedication in education, business, and civic engagement. The 2025 A+ Awards Dinner will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 18 from 5 to 8 p.m. at UMass Amherst’s Student Union Ballroom.

Presented by PeoplesBank, the A+ Awards Dinner recognizes contributions to the community across Amherst, Belchertown, Hadley, Leverett, Pelham, Shutesbury, and Sunderland, as well as the broader Pioneer Valley. Attendees have the opportunity to network with business leaders in the community and enjoy a meal catered by award-winning UMass Dining. Following dinner, the A+ Award honorees are celebrated with custom videos that share their story.

“PeoplesBank is honored to support the chamber’s efforts to highlight the remarkable individuals whose visionary leadership and passionate commitment have made a profound impact on our community,” said Matt Bannister, senior vice president of Corporate Responsibility and Sponsorships at PeoplesBank. “We stand with the chamber in celebrating these local heroes who inspire us all.”

The 2025 A+ Awards recipients include:

• Young Professional Award: Alyssa Petrides, owner of Nature & Nurture Preschool, recognized for her entrepreneurship in founding and operating an inclusive preschool;

• Community Service Award: Sarah Maroney, chair of the Belchertown Creative Economy Committee, recognized for her dedication to creating community engagement events and cultural projects in Belchertown;

• Leader in Sustainability Award: Weston Dripps, director of Sustainability at Amherst College, recognized for his leadership and development of campus and community sustainability programs;

• Chamber MVP Award: Robert Allingham, Marketing & Communications manager at the Amherst Business Improvement District, recognized for his creativity and commitment to the Amherst Area Chamber as an ambassador;

• Legacy Award: Clare Higgins, retired executive director of Community Action Pioneer Valley, recognized for her impact in the region throughout her 14 years of leadership; and

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Tullio Inglese, founder and principal architect of TIA Architects, recognized for his sustainable architectural projects and 50 years of mentorship to young architects.

“The A+ Awards Dinner is a signature event that highlights members of our community who deserve to be recognized for their efforts in making the Amherst area a vibrant, connected place to live and work,” said Jacob Robinson, executive director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce. “We look forward to celebrating the outstanding achievements of our awardees and their meaningful impact on the area.”

Individual tickets and a limited number of tables are still available. For tickets and more information, visit www.amherstarea.com/awards or email [email protected].

Daily News

HOLYOKE — The Connection, the official magazine of Holyoke Community College (HCC), received a first-place gold Medallion Award at the fall 2025 District 1 conference of the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations.

The spring 2025 edition of the Connection took the top spot in the category of large-scale magazine, for publications of more than 16 pages.

“The design looks polished and professional,” the judges said in their comments. “It’s an engaging issue that highlights student and alumni success while showing how the college continues to grow and support its people.”

In addition to its usual campus news, alumni briefs, and class notes, the spring 2025 issue includes a cover story about the opening of HCC’s Marieb Adult Learner Success Center and Parent Learning Center (“A Family Affair”); a profile of late alum JoAnne Wrobel, who launched a free food cart for students that grew into the Thrive Center and Food Pantry, which now feeds hundreds of HCC students every year (“A Silent Hero”); and a feature story about HCC alum Brandon Towle of Westfield, who founded the first sleepaway camp in New England for stuttering youth (“Freedom to Speak”).

“Freedom to Speak,” written by the magazine’s editor-in-chief, Chris Yurko, received a second-place silver Medallion Award in the category of long-form writing (stories of more than 800 words).

The magazine is designed by John Devanski, owner of Guy With Glasses Design in Ware.

The Connection is a 36-page magazine published two times a year by the HCC office of Marketing and Communications and distributed free to alumni, students, and friends of the college.

“I’m incredibly proud of our marketing and strategic communications team for earning this recognition,” said Amanda Sbriscia, vice president of the Institutional Advancement division, which includes Marketing and Communications, Development, and Alumni Relations. “Their collaboration, creativity, and exceptional writing are what set the Connection apart. But credit also belongs to the HCC community — our students, alumni, faculty, and staff provide endless inspiration through their stories. Our team has the great honor of amplifying those voices, and it’s that authentic storytelling that makes our work meaningful.”

A digital version of the spring 2025 issue can be viewed at hcc.edu/connection-sp25.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Attorneys Michele Feinstein and Carol Cioe Klyman, shareholders at Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C., have co-authored the third edition of Massachusetts Elder Law, a definitive guide to the complexities of elder law in the Commonwealth. Published by LexisNexis, the book is an essential resource for attorneys, financial professionals, and policymakers dedicated to protecting older adults and their families.

The newly released treatise provides practical, in-depth coverage of financial and medical planning, MassHealth eligibility, guardianships and conservatorships, and asset protection strategies. It offers expert commentary, forms, and step-by-step guidance for those practicing in this rapidly evolving field.

Feinstein concentrates her practice in estate planning and administration, elder law, probate litigation, health law, and business succession planning, including representation of closely held businesses and physicians. A cum laude graduate of Western New England University School of Law and a summa cum laude graduate of Boston University, she also earned an LL.M. degree in taxation from Boston University.

Feinstein has been named to Best Lawyers in America from 2013 to 2026, including Lawyer of the Year for trusts and estates in 2023 and 2025, as well as repeatedly named to Massachusetts Super Lawyers for estate planning, elder law, estate administration, and estate litigation. She serves as a senior adjunct professor of Law at Western New England University School of Law, teaching in the LL.M. program for estate planning and elder law, and holds the accredited estate planner designation from the National Assoc. of Estate Planners and Councils.

Klyman focuses her practice in the areas of estate planning, long-term care planning, and special needs planning, helping individuals and families plan their affairs, minimize taxes, protect their loved ones, and navigate the complexities of long-term care and public benefits. A magna cum laude graduate of Western New England University School of Law and a former journalist, she has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America every year since 2007 and named Lawyer of the Year in elder law and trusts and estates for 2021, 2022, 2024, and 2026.

Klyman is a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and the American Bar Foundation, serves on the Massachusetts Bar Assoc. Probate Law Section Council and MassNAELA amicus committee, and is editor emerita of the NAELA Journal. Since 1996, she has also authored chapters on tax-related topics for Elder and Disability Law in Massachusetts, published by MCLE New England.

Massachusetts Elder Law addresses vital issues, including planning for incapacity, end-of-life decision making, housing and care alternatives, and asset preservation. The publication is available through LexisNexis by clicking here.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Skoler Abbott attorney Marylou Fabbo has been named a Legal Luminary by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. Legal Luminaries is a new program celebrating legal professionals who have shaped the community and advanced the practice of law. Fabbo will be recognized at an event on Dec. 9 for her dedication, expertise, and commitment to justice that has made a lasting impact on Massachusetts employment law.

“I am truly honored that my peers voted to include me as one of the exceptional employment attorneys in Massachusetts,” she said.

Fabbo, senior partner at Skoler Abbott, has been with the firm for more than 30 years. Skoler Abbott represents solely employers and management in employment and labor matters. For many years, Fabbo has been recognized by Boston magazine as a Super Lawyer and has been designated as one of the Top Women in Law and as a Go To Employment Lawyer by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — For the seventh year in a row, Big Y has been recognized as a Forbes Best-In-State Employer in Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Honorees have been identified through a survey from a vast sample of more than 160,000 U.S. employees working for companies employing at least 500 people within the U.S. More than 2 million employer evaluations were considered. Employers have neither the knowledge of which employees are polled nor the ability to influence the results in any way. Employees are also asked to give their opinions on a series of statements surrounding work-related topics such as compensation, working conditions, potential for development, and overall company image.

“Being named a Forbes Best-In-State Employer in Massachusetts and Connecticut for the seventh consecutive year is a true honor and a reflection of the strength of our culture and the caring spirit of our Big Y family,” Big Y President and CEO Michael D’Amour said. “This recognition celebrates the dedication of our more than 10,000 employees who bring heart to their work and make a meaningful impact in the lives of our customers and communities. Their efforts continue to shape a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow.”

Big Y places a strong emphasis on elevating the employee experience by prioritizing flexibility, meaningful recognition, work/life balance, and cultivating a culture rooted in care and inclusion, the company stated.

“Big Y actively engages team members through roundtables, focus groups, employee resource groups, and regular surveys, ensuring every voice is heard and valued. Receiving this award underscores the power of listening and responding to employee feedback. These efforts foster a collaborative environment where ideas are welcomed and innovation thrives.”

Daily News

HOLYOKE — De La Luz Soundstage will host an all-day hurricane relief benefit for Jamaica on Sunday, Nov. 16 from 1:30 to 8:30 p.m., bringing together some of the Valley’s most beloved musicians in solidarity with communities recovering from recent hurricanes in Jamaica’s mountain region of St. Elizabeth Parish.

All proceeds from the event will go directly to the Mystic Bowie Cultural Center, a registered 501(c)(3) organization based in Accompong Town, Jamaica. The center, founded by acclaimed reggae artist Mystic Bowie, provides education, arts, and cultural programs for youth in the region, many of whom have been severely impacted by storm damage and ongoing recovery needs.

The lineup features a vibrant mix of roots reggae, rock, ska, funk, and dance, including performances by the Valley Moonstompers Society (two sets), Peter J. Newland and RadioX, Fever, Won Word Trend, Deejay Theory, DJ Cancer, and a burlesque interlude by the House of Grotesque.

The Moonstompers’ closing set will feature an all-star roster of guest musicians: Cinamon (Brown Bones), Michael Wilbur (Moon Hooch), Matt Penza and Chris Regan (Fear Nuttin Band), Danny Pease and Kenn Kosiba (DPR), Freddy McCondichie (formerly of the Meditations), and Robin Setal (formerly of Burning Spear), with additional guests expected throughout the night.

The kitchen and bar will be open all day, serving food and drinks as part of the festivities. Suggested donation is $20 to $40, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

“This event is about community showing up for community — across distance and borders,” event organizers stated. “Music connects us, and this is a way to channel that connection into real support for people rebuilding their lives.”

De La Luz Soundstage is located at 114 Race St., Holyoke. For more information, visit www.delaluz.org or follow @delaluzsoundstage on social media.

Daily News

GRANBY — On Saturday, Nov. 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Red Fire Farm will celebrate the seasonal harvest to help people prepare for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday and keep the barn raising going for the future of the farm. It all takes place at Red Fire Farm at 7 Carver St. in Granby.

During this time of year, the harvest can be preserved for the colder days ahead. Visitors on Nov. 15 can taste two different hot autumnal soups and pick up the organic vegetable ingredients and recipes to make at home. There will also be workshops on the basics of lacto-fermentation with a focus on two types of sauerkraut made with cabbage from the farm. And everyone is invited to take tractor rides to the barn.

The schedule for the day includes soup tastings from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; a classic easy green cabbage kraut class at 11:30 a.m.; wagon rides to see the new barn construction and fields with Ryan Voiland at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.; and a colorful sauerkraut with red cabbage, carrots, and onions class at 1:30 p.m.

Construction is underway just down the road in Granby to build the new barn, which will provide a new heart for the farm CSA and farm store after a fire took down the farm’s 100-year-old barn in February 2024. Despite a large state grant, which has helped get this barn about half-built, the current inflationary climate has caused a huge increase in construction costs that are exceeding the grant and insurance money by hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The farm’s supporters have started a fundraising campaign to raise $200,000 to help meet the gap, with $70,000 raised to date. These monies are essential to getting the new farm store barn built and operational for the 2026 growing season. Click here for more information and to donate.

Daily News

GREENFIELD — Community Action Pioneer Valley (CAPV), the federally designated anti-poverty agency for Franklin and Hampshire County, has been named a 2025 Health New England Well Worth It Award recipient at the Gold level for successful worksite health promotion. The award recognizes CAPV’s commitment to its employees’ overall health and its achievements in implementing health and wellness programs during the previous year.

An effective worksite wellness program can improve the well-being and productivity of the workforce while managing employee turnover, behavioral health concerns, and the rising cost of healthcare.

Whether encouraging those from different departments to get to know one another with cross-department lunch opportunities, offering prompts to encourage gratitude, or sharing wellness resources, CAPV aims to weave a thread of wellness through day-to-day agency life.

“The Well Worth It Award allows Health New England to recognize our employer groups who work hard to provide their employees the opportunity to focus on overall well-being, both personally and professionally,” said Katie Bruno, manager of Quality Improvement Programs at Health New England. “CAPV has demonstrated our mission of helping to improve the health and lives of the people living in our communities with its commitment to wellness in the areas of awareness generation, education, skills development, and self-confidence. We are excited to recognize CAPV for always being caring, thoughtful, and committed to helping employees thrive.”

Bernadette Bean, director of Human Resources at Community Action Pioneer Valley, added that “we’re honored to receive this recognition from Health New England. The HR team participated in a walking challenge. Our walking challenge was more than just steps — it was about building community among our staff and demonstrating that wellness is a priority at every level of our organization. This award reflects our commitment to creating a workplace where everyone can bring their best selves to the important work we do.”

Daily News

WARE — In response to the increasing needs of local families and seniors affected by the recent government shutdown, Country Bank announced donations of $160,000 to support food insecurity programs across Central and Western Mass.

As the bank kicks off its annual “Season of Difference” campaign, it is donating an additional $25,000 to both the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and the Worcester County Food Bank. Earlier this year, each of these food banks received $100,000 as part of a $1 million pledge. Additionally, another $55,000 is being donated to local food pantries and $55,000 to senior centers throughout the region.

“With so many in our communities facing uncertainty and hardship, it’s more important than ever that we stand together,” said Mary McGovern, president and CEO of Country Bank. “These donations are one way we can help ensure that our neighbors have access to nutritious meals and the support they need during this challenging time.”

The “Season of Difference” campaign highlights Country Bank’s long-standing dedication to strengthening local communities through financial support, volunteer efforts, and compassionate leadership. Each year, the bank donates more than $800,000 to nonprofits that focus on food insecurity, education, housing, and community well-being.

“As a community bank, giving back is at the heart of who we are,” said Shelley Regin, chief Marketing and Community Relations officer. “This season, we are focused on making a meaningful difference for our neighbors and ensuring that those most affected by current economic challenges receive the help they need.”

Daily News

HOLYOKE — The Greater Holyoke Chamber is issuing an urgent appeal to the business community and all Greater Holyoke residents. With SNAP benefits discontinued for nearly half of the community, many families now face the prospect of food insecurity and serious financial distress.

“The chamber, as a proud representative of local businesses, the broader community, and as organizer of the Holyoke Farmers Market, recognizes our responsibility at the vital intersection where business and community meet,” it stated. “Now more than ever, we are counting on businesses, organizations, and individuals to join us in meeting this challenge. We are launching a food drive to provide immediate support and ensure local families have access to shelf-stable food and essential supplies during this critical time and going forward.”

The chamber is seeking donations of non-perishable food items, baby supplies, and toiletries. High-need items include beans, rice, grains, oatmeal, nut butters, canned fruits and vegetables, soups, pasta, sauce, shelf-stable milk, baby food, diapers, and toiletries. Monetary contributions (cash, check, or digital payments) are also welcomed, and every donation will be converted directly into non-perishable food or grocery store gift cards for local families in need.

Donations can be dropped off at the Greater Holyoke Chamber office by appointment or during regular business hours: Mondays from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The chamber is also working to extend its hours for Thursday and Friday and add additional drop-off locations for community convenience, with updates to follow via social media and its homepage.

Daily News

WILBRAHAM — Spectrum is sponsoring the Wilbraham Senior Center’s annual Thanksgiving luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 13 from noon to 1 p.m. This event will bring together approximately 120 older adults to celebrate the season of gratitude and enjoy a festive holiday meal. In addition to the luncheon, Spectrum will announce a $5,000 donation to Friends of Wilbraham Seniors Inc. in support of programming for older adults.

“Spectrum’s commitment to supporting our senior community is truly commendable,” said Matt Villamaino, president of Friends of Wilbraham Seniors Inc. “Their sponsorship of our annual Thanksgiving luncheon and the generous $5,000 donation are not just acts of kindness, but essential contributions that enable us to enhance the programs and services we offer. This support helps us foster a welcoming environment where seniors can connect, engage, and thrive.”

Camille Joseph, group vice president, State Government Affairs for Charter Communications, noted that “Spectrum is honored to continue our support for organizations like the Wilbraham Senior Center, recognizing their invaluable contributions to our communities. Our sponsorship of the Thanksgiving luncheon and the $5,000 donation to Friends of Wilbraham Seniors Inc. reflect our ongoing commitment to fostering a sense of community and ensuring that older adults have access to meaningful social and recreational activities. We are proud to enhance the quality of life for the residents of Wilbraham and look forward to contributing to their well-being.”

State Rep. Angelo Puppolo Jr. added that “I am delighted to see Spectrum’s continued dedication to our senior community here in Wilbraham. Their sponsorship of the annual Thanksgiving luncheon and the generous $5,000 donation to Friends of Wilbraham Seniors Inc. are deeply appreciated. These contributions significantly enhance the resources available to our seniors, ensuring they have opportunities to connect and thrive within our community. Spectrum’s support exemplifies the spirit of giving that defines this season of gratitude.”

Daily News

Juliana D’Agostino

WILBRAHAM — Giombetti Associates announced the addition of Juliana D’Agostino as its administrative assistant. An integral part of the team, she supports scheduling, client communications, assessment logistics, and internal operations.

“Her energy, drive, and love for the organization make her a key contributor to the team’s success,” the company stated. “Whether she’s scheduling travel, coordinating Giombetti YOU-niversity programs, or supporting clients with assessment data, she keeps everything, and everyone, running smoothly behind the scenes.”

Before joining the team, D’Agostino interned as a human resources assistant at Glenmeadow, where she helped strengthen employee recognition and marketing initiatives. She also spent five years at Big Y, building strong customer relationships and sharpening her service skills.

“As our clients and programs continue to grow, Juliana keeps everything (and everyone) running smoothly,” said Ross Giombetti, president of Giombetti Associates. “Her professionalism, humor, and just the right amount of sass keep us grounded, organized, and always smiling.”

Known for her outgoing personality — her friends joke that social anxiety is afraid of her — D’Agostino loves connecting with people wherever she goes. She is a graduate of Western New England University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, in psychology.

“I’m passionate about understanding people and helping organizations thrive, so Giombetti Associates is the perfect fit for me,” she said. “I’m excited to continue contributing to a team that’s deeply committed to helping others grow both personally and professionally.”

Daily News

GREENFIELD — The city of Greenfield invites local and regional artists to help commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution through a new public art project that will bring history to life, right on the city’s sidewalks.

As part of the city’s MA250 Greenfield project, 10 sidewalk murals will be commissioned for downtown Greenfield and its environs. The murals will highlight the American Revolution and its ideals, Greenfield’s own revolutionary history, and the spirit of innovation that has long defined the community. This project is modeled after a highly successful 2024 sidewalk art project on abolitionist history in Greenfield which can be found at visitgreenfieldma.com/art-walk.

Artists selected for the project will receive stipends of $1,100 per mural, plus $100 for each design mockup. The murals will be unveiled in June 2026 as part of a series of guided walking tours led by local historians, to take place in June and July.

The call is open to all U.S. residents age 18 and older, with special encouragement for artists with Greenfield or Massachusetts connections, and those experienced in community-based and inclusive arts. Artists of all experience levels are welcome to apply.

An information session will be held via Zoom on Monday, Nov. 17 from 6 to 7 p.m. Registration is required, and pre-application materials must be submitted by Dec. 1.

For full details, including links to the artist call, a pre-application form, and information session registration, click here or visit greenfield-ma.gov and search ‘Artist Opportunity.’

Features

The Tables Are Turning

Bob Roccanti says vinyl is enjoying a resurgence among people of all ages.

Bob Roccanti says vinyl is enjoying a resurgence among people of all ages.

 

As he was explaining why vinyl has been staging a dramatic comeback over the past decade, Bob Roccanti stopped, reached into a box, and pulled out a Stevie Wonder album, circa 1972.

“Look at this … you buy this, you’ve got some artwork,” he said as he showed the cover. “And there’s lyrics, inside you’ve got some more things …a lot of these record albums tell a story.

“It’s a lot warmer than this,” he went on, holding up his cell phone and opining that this is just one reason why some Baby Boomers are rebuilding the record collections that filled their dorm rooms in the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s and also why their children and even grandchildren are embracing vinyl — although Taylor Swift is probably the biggest reason there.

All this also explains Raspberries Records, a long-held dream and entrepreneurial gambit (although he says it’s not much of a gamble) for Roccanti, a retired wireless industry executive.

“You can put a record store anywhere, and they will find you.”

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do — I’ve always been into music,” he said, adding that he opened his first location in Ludlow, where he lives and plays much of his golf, in 2022, and then expanded into a strip mall near the center of East Longmeadow roughly 18 months ago. Neither location is in a busy urban area, but they don’t have to be, he explained.

“You can put a record store anywhere, and they will find you,” he told BusinessWest, adding that ‘they’ means visitors from around the corner, halfway across the state, or even another state who arrive in person or go online to browse or find a specific item.

That list includes everything from a copy of the Beatles’ White Album — he generally has a dozen or more in the inventory that sell for $30 on average — to vintage band T-shirts; from blank album covers and frames to put them in to eight-tracks, tapes, and CDs; from 45s to vintage ’60s and ’70s stereo systems.

“We’re like the old Sears — we have good, better, and best, he said, pointing to a few stereos on the floor and on racks selling for between $500 and $1,000.

But the albums, new and vintage, are the big sellers. They cross all genres, and they’re being picked up people coming into stores or ordering them online, he said, adding that he ships out 10 to 12 a day on average.

“We get a lot of Baby Boomers in here, but we also get their children, and they think this is the coolest thing,” he said, adding that he believes this renewed interest in vinyl has legs and is not a fad.

For this issue, we talked with Roccanti about his venture, the record business, and the still-growing interest in vinyl.

 

Music to His Ears

As he talked with BusinessWest in the back room of the East Longmeadow store, Roccanti was surrounded by thousands of albums covering every genre and every letter of the alphabet.

Along the top row of shelves, many albums were separated by artist, with names written on tape along the bottom: Linda Ronstadt, J. Geils Band, Cat Stevens, Loggins & Messina, and the Beach Boys, among many others. For Boomers, these albums represent a trip in the ‘way back machine,’ while for the younger generations, it’s a new fascination and something more visual — and personal — than streaming music services.

One of the ’70s-era stereo systems for sale at Raspberries.

One of the ’70s-era stereo systems for sale at Raspberries.

When asked where the 71,000 albums he has between the two stores came from, he said simply, “everywhere,” meaning everything from collections from other stores to area residents cleaning out attics and basements.

“A typical call would be, ‘we’ve got a bunch of records. We don’t use them anymore. They belong to my kids; I called the kids, and they said to just get rid of them. Before we take them up to the Goodwill or Salvation Army, we thought we’d give you a call.’”

And while people are still getting rid of their vinyl, others are buying it. When asked who, Roccanti said this runs the gamut as well.

“Collectors come in, other record stores come in and buy from us, people looking for something specific,” he said, adding that prices range from a few dollars to more than $2,000 for a rare funk album from the early ’90s.

“We’ve sold some old jazz albums for more than $1,000,” he said. “And then, you have some different albums that are unique in their own ways because they’re promo copies, or they printed very limited amounts of them, things like that.”

“We’ve sold some old jazz albums for more than $1,000. And then, you have some different albums that are unique in their own ways because they’re promo copies, or they printed very limited amounts of them, things like that.”

Roccanti anticipated all this when he conceptualized Raspberries. He said he started by visiting other record stores — and there are many of them, including maybe a dozen in the 413 by his count — and asking those behind the counter about the business and his prospects for success.

“Some of them would be very encouraging, and others were less so — many of them were retired, and they said they’d seen the industry change,” he recalled. “I saw opportunity, with Taylor Swift coming on board creating a huge amount of interest from young people — everything she came out with was on vinyl.

“All these people were buying record players that had never owned record players,” he went on, adding that demand remains high, and it’s from several different generations of music lovers.

Bob Roccanti, seen here with a copy of the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, has amassed more than 71,000 records in his stores.

Bob Roccanti, seen here with a copy of the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, has amassed more than 71,000 records in his stores.

“We’ve got customers that are 12 years old and customers in their 80s,” he explained. “Some of them are just getting into vinyl, and some of them have been into vinyl their whole life. It’s unique in that sense because, when you’re planning your marketing and your strategy, you have to look at the big picture — who’s my target? Our target is anyone and everyone.”

 

Spin City

Roccanti said he started in Ludlow with a decent amount of inventory, and it didn’t take long to “fill the bins,” as he put it.

“As soon as we opened, from the first month, we were getting calls — the phone was ringing off the hook; ‘do you buy records? Do you buy records? Do you buy records?’” he recalled. “We were very fortunate because people were just getting rid of them.

“Sometimes, people just want to give them to us; other times, they want to sell them,” he went on. “One thing we generally do if someone just wants to give them away … if there’s value in them, I don’t let them leave without taking some money because I’m going to make money, and I want to be fair. If you found out one of those records you tried to give away was worth 100 bucks, you’d be pretty upset.”

Elaborating, Roccanti said there was obviously a learning curve involved with knowing just what an album is worth, and there have always been knowledgeable sources to rely on, as well as the internet.

“Everyone has a story about music.”

“I was fortunate that I had several record store owners that I became friends with,” he said. “I always had someone I could call and say, ‘hey, I’ve got a chance to buy this Beach Boys album.’ They’d say, ‘let me call you back, Bob,’ and when they did, they’d say, ‘grab it, Bob, it’s worth some money.’

“I’ve learned a lot, and the internet is fantastic — you can Google anything,” he went on. “And there are apps that are dedicated specifically to record stores and collectors.”

As for the business side of things, Roccanti said it has been steady, with solid numbers of customers visiting the stores or perusing items online.

A good start in Ludlow prompted thoughts of expansion, and the site in the strip mall in East Longmeadow, a former juice bar, fit the bill.

The nearby rotary — or infamous rotary, to be more precise — detracts a few, but it’s also a good reference point because everyone knows it, even if they don’t want to drive around it, he said.

Meanwhile, that aforementioned learning curve continues — with regard to what items are worth and what they can be sold for, and also what customers are seeking.

“They’re coming in with lists,” Roccanti explained, adding that the bulk of what is sold falls into the category of classic rock, but there is interest in many other genres as well.

“I’ve got a lot of customers my age who realize that this stuff is available again,” he said. “Now, they’re thinking, ‘I had these albums,’ and, little by little, they’re rebuilding their collections, whether it’s Springsteen, Bob Dylan…”

With that, he went back into the bin and pulled out a Traffic album from the early ’70s.

“People will come in, see this, and say, ‘I had this album,’ and then they’ll tell me a story — ‘I was dating this girl, and I loaned her this album, and I never got it back,’” he told BusinessWest. “Everyone has a story about music.”

And that’s why this entrepreneurial venture has taken off, and why Roccanti believes it has a solid future.

 

Banking and Financial Services

Here’s How Businesses Can Protect Themselves

By Heather Arbour

 

In an era dominated by digital payments, it’s easy to assume that check fraud is a relic of the past. But the reality is far more alarming: check fraud is not only alive, but it’s thriving, and it’s evolving to span both physical and digital realms.

As someone who has spent more than two decades in banking compliance and fraud prevention, I have seen the damage firsthand. Check fraud isn’t just inconvenient — it can be devastating.

At Monson Savings Bank, we’ve helped business customers who faced losing tens of thousands of dollars in a single incident. And what’s most frustrating is that many of these losses are preventable with the right tools and awareness.

Heather Arbour

Heather Arbour

“Fraudsters aren’t just individuals — they’re organized networks. They use social media and encrypted messaging apps to share techniques and sell stolen check images. It’s a whole underground economy.”

 

The Mechanics of Check Fraud

Check fraud is no longer confined to forged signatures and stolen paper checks; it has evolved into a complex, tech-enabled threat. Criminals are using both traditional tactics and digital tools to exploit vulnerabilities in business payment systems.

Classic forms of check fraud include forged signatures, altered payee names, counterfeit checks, and check washing, where stolen checks are chemically altered and rewritten. These methods remain prevalent, especially when checks are sent through unsecured mail channels.

Fraudsters aren’t just individuals — they’re organized networks. They use social media and encrypted messaging apps to share techniques and sell stolen check images. It’s a whole underground economy.

Digital check fraud is also on the rise, and it’s often harder to detect. Fraudsters are increasingly using mobile banking apps to commit remote deposit capture fraud, depositing the same check multiple times across different platforms. Synthetic identity fraud is another growing concern, where criminals create fake personas using a mix of real and fabricated data to open accounts and deposit counterfeit checks. Business email compromise schemes are also becoming more common, with scammers impersonating vendors or executives to reroute legitimate payments.

In fact, we’re seeing just as many cases involving digital manipulation as we are with physical theft. Fraud is a risk whether it involves traditional paper checks or digital deposits. This evolving landscape demands that businesses stay informed and proactive. Understanding the full spectrum of fraud tactics is the first step toward building effective defenses.

 

Integrating Critical Lines of Fraud Defense and Loss Mitigation

Fraud detection solutions are crucial. There are few as effective and proactive as positive pay when it comes to protecting against check fraud. Whether fraudsters are targeting traditional paper checks or digital deposit channels, positive pay offers businesses a critical line of defense.

This service allows businesses to submit a list of issued checks to their bank. When a check is presented for payment, the bank compares it against the list. If there’s a mismatch in amount, check number, or payee, the transaction is flagged for review.

Positive pay is like having a second set of eyes on every check. It’s proactive, not reactive. You’re catching fraud before the money leaves your account and potentially saving yourself from major losses. We strongly encourage our business customers to implement positive pay at Monson Savings Bank.

“As fraudsters continue to innovate, businesses must stay vigilant. The rise of AI-generated synthetic identities and deepfakes means that fraud will only become harder to detect.”

Why Businesses Should Act Now

The urgency to adopt fraud mitigation tools has never been greater. According to industry data, check fraud attempts have increased by more than 40% in the past year, with small and mid-sized businesses being disproportionately affected.

Many business owners think, ‘it won’t happen to me’ — until it does. And by then, it’s often too late to recover the funds.

 

Beyond Technology: Building a Culture of Vigilance

While tools like positive pay are essential in the fight against check fraud, that technology alone isn’t enough. Businesses must adopt a multi-layered approach that includes strong internal controls, employee education, and daily operational vigilance.

Daily reconciliation of accounts is critical to catching anomalies early, before they escalate into major losses. Employees should be trained to recognize red flags, such as suspicious payment requests or unexpected changes in vendor information, and empowered to question anything that seems off.

Verifying vendor payment instructions through a secondary channel can prevent business email compromise scams, and secure mailing practices, like using locked mailboxes or dropping checks directly at the post office, can help reduce the risk of physical check theft.

Fraud prevention isn’t just about tools; it’s about culture. Everyone in the organization needs to be part of the defense. Train your staff to recognize red flags. Reconcile accounts daily. Limit who can issue checks and who can approve payments. Fraud prevention is a mindset.

Monson Savings Bank offers a comprehensive Business Security Center on its website. This resource hub provides curated information on fraud prevention strategies, scam recognition, cybersecurity best practices, and secure operations. Whether you’re a small business or a growing enterprise, the Business Security Center is designed to help you stay ahead of threats and build a resilient, fraud-resistant organization.

 

Looking Ahead

As fraudsters continue to innovate, businesses must stay vigilant. The rise of AI-generated synthetic identities and deepfakes means that fraud will only become harder to detect.

If fraudsters are evolving, then so must we. The bottom line is that the cost of prevention is always less than the cost of recovery. As a local community bank, we are happy to help our customers be successful, and that includes offering solutions to help them stay one step ahead and reduce risk of harmful financial loss.

 

Heather Arbour is vice president, BSA/Fraud officer and Compliance manager at Monson Savings Bank.

Banking and Financial Services

Boosting Access to Local Food

 

Greylock, Arbella Support Berkshire Grown’s Mobile Farmers Market

From left: Stephanie Bergman, director of Development, and Margaret Moulton, executive director, at Berkshire Grown; Lori Goodell Sr., vice president of Greylock Insurance Agency; and Jennifer Connor Shumsky, assistant vice president of Community Support and Engagement at Greylock Federal Credit Union.

The Berkshires is synonymous with farm-to-table culture, yet more than a third of Berkshire County experiences some level of food insecurity, and many farmers struggle to sustain their livelihood.

In service of caring for the Berkshire community, Greylock Insurance Agency, along with partners Arbella Insurance Foundation and Greylock Federal Credit Union, has awarded a combined grant of $4,500 to Berkshire Grown to help fund the Berkshire Mobile Farmers Market.

“Before you can think about insurance and other forms of financial health, you have to first meet your most vital needs, like feeding yourself and your family,” said Lori Goodell, senior vice president of Greylock Insurance Agency. “All of us at Greylock do our best to lead with heart. Supporting Berkshire Grown and this incredible program is part of our commitment to caring for our community. We are thrilled to continue partnering with Arbella to help fight food insecurity in the Berkshires.”

According to the Greater Boston Food Bank, food insecurity rates in the Berkshires is at 39%, with children experiencing even higher rates at 43% statewide. Rural regions, such as the Berkshires, have limited transportation, higher housing costs, and lower wages, which create obstacles to affording fresh food.

The Berkshire Mobile Farmers Market is one way Berkshire Grown helps feed people while supporting farmers. The Mobile Market uses funds from donations and grants to purchase fresh local food from more than 50 area farms. In collaboration with partner organizations, including Berkshire Bounty, the Mobile Market distributes seasonal produce, dairy, meats, and other goods, such as honey and bread, to low-income, underserved, and often rural communities of the Berkshires.

“Not only does the Mobile Market make accessible fresh, nutritious food, it also strives to create an inclusive, stigma-free shopping experience with a tiered payment system. Shoppers can choose a price that fits their budget.”

“Many areas, like the hill towns and Pittsfield’s inner city, lack nearby, walkable grocery stores or pantries,” said Katie Rubright, Berkshire Mobile Farmers Market manager. “Not only does the Mobile Market make accessible fresh, nutritious food, it also strives to create an inclusive, stigma-free shopping experience with a tiered payment system. Shoppers can choose a price that fits their budget.”

In addition to the tiered payment system, which allows customers to pay retail price, a 50% discount, or receive up to $50 worth of food for free, the Mobile Market accepts both Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Massachusetts Healthy Incentives Program. Over the course of 17 weeks from June through October, the Mobile Market stopped weekly at sites in Adams, Becket, Cheshire, Monterey, and Pittsfield.

A key component of Berkshire Grown’s mission is to assist farmers in growing the food the community needs; the Mobile Market pays full prices for all products, regardless of how much the consumer is able to pay.

“The program specifically benefits seniors, children, and historically underserved communities, particularly those in environmental justice neighborhoods,” Rubright said. “We have the highest percentage of people more than 80 years old in the state, and many of them face mobility challenges. Our goal is to make locally grown food more accessible to the people who need it most and, at the same time, support small and mid-sized farms by helping bring their products to a wider market.”

Margaret Moulton, executive director of Berkshire Grown, sees the relationship between the farms, Berkshire Grown, and the Mobile Market as an important way to bolster the health of the Berkshire economy.

“Local agriculture is vital to the Commonwealth’s food supply and economy, but too often, farmers earn less than it costs to grow our food — on average, just 95 cents for every dollar,” she explained. “Choosing to buy local strengthens farm businesses, expands access to fresh, healthy food, and helps preserve the farmland that defines our communities.”

Banking & Finance

Easing the Load

The Healey-Driscoll administration recently awarded $400,405 to community-based organizations to support the economic security of unpaid family caregivers. The five organizations will receive funding to support 91 municipalities across Massachusetts.

Funded projects range from financial literacy training to resource navigation and community workshops.

“Family caregivers work incredibly hard, often holding a full-time job in addition to supporting a loved one,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “We know many caregivers struggle with balancing their own work and finances, as well as their loved ones’, and these grants will help provide family caregivers with the support they need to pay the bills.”

AARP estimates the average caregiver pays more than $7,200 annually in out-of-pocket costs for transportation and other needs.

“We have to support our family caregivers. Without them, our home- and community-based services system will not succeed,” Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said. “Family caregivers provide an estimated 36 billion hours of care for older parents, spouses, and other family and friends. Without family caregivers, there are not enough healthcare professionals to support our communities in need.”

Kiame Mahaniah

Kiame Mahaniah

“One of our priorities in Massachusetts is to prepare for an aging population, and we can’t do that without our family caregivers, who live out that care and support every day. This funding will ensure we support them in the same way.”

The grant funding comes from the Administration on Aging (AoA), which is part of the Administration for Community Living (ACL) under the federal Department of Health and Human Services. Massachusetts was one of only four states selected to receive the FY 2024 Advancing State Implementation of the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers grant, demonstrating the state’s national leadership in aging policy and caregiver support.

“We are grateful to our partners at the ACL-AoA for prioritizing funding to support family caregivers,” Health and Human Services Secretary Kiame Mahaniah said. “One of our priorities in Massachusetts is to prepare for an aging population, and we can’t do that without our family caregivers, who live out that care and support every day. This funding will ensure we support them in the same way.”

Grants ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 were awarded to the following five community-based organizations:

• AgeSpan, in partnership with Northeast Legal Aid and M&T Bank ;

• Boston Senior Home Care, in partnership with ARCHANGELS

• Greater Lynn Senior Services, in partnership with Senior Care Inc., Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services, and Positive Approach, LLC;

• LifePath, based in Greenfield, in partnership with ​Dostata​; and

• Tri-Valley Inc., in partnership with Hanscom Financial Credit Union.

Grant-funded programs are expected to begin immediately, with impact reports due to the Executive Office of Aging & Independence this winter.

“Our community-based organizations know exactly what their communities need, which is why we are so excited to get this funding into their hands,” Aging & Independence Secretary Robin Lipson said. “These grants will allow organizations on the ground to pilot innovative programs that ease the financial strain on caregivers — whether that’s helping with transportation, groceries, respite care, or other daily costs. By investing in caregivers, we’re investing in the health and stability of families across the Commonwealth.”

Workforce Development

Training Ground

On Oct. 22, the Healey-Driscoll administration awarded approximately $1.5 million in Training Resources and Internships Network (TRAIN) grants to provide essential training opportunities to more than 500 unemployed and underemployed people across Massachusetts.

These grants will be administered through 13 of the state’s public community colleges and are designed to equip adult workers with the skills necessary to thrive in key industry sectors, ensuring that the workforce is prepared with the skills for the opportunities of today and tomorrow.

“Everywhere I go, I see the difference our investments in education are making — people earning degrees and credentials, launching new careers, increasing their earnings, and strengthening their communities,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “Free community college has opened doors for thousands of students, and these TRAIN grants will open even more by helping adult learners gain the STEM and workforce skills that power our economy. That’s what STEM Week is all about — learning that leads to opportunity.”

John Cook

John Cook

“By connecting skill development with industry-recognized credentials, STCC and our sister community colleges showcase our contributions to the economic vitality in every corner of the Commonwealth.”

Indeed, the grants were announced during the recent Massachusetts STEM Week, which promotes interest in science, technology, engineering, and math careers.

“At a time when employers across the state are looking for skilled workers, we’re making sure Massachusetts residents can get the training they need to fill those roles and build great careers,” Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said. “During STEM Week, we’re celebrating how hands-on learning — from the classroom to the lab to the workplace — helps people of all ages discover new pathways in science, technology, engineering, and math. These TRAIN grants strengthen that pipeline by connecting adult learners to the high-demand STEM careers driving our state’s innovation economy.”

The TRAIN grant program focuses on supporting long-term unemployed, underemployed, and new entrant adult workers by providing them with targeted industry skills and workforce readiness training. This funding supports 13 implementation programs that offer comprehensive training programs, which include not only the development of key skills, but also wraparound support services to guide participants through their learning journey and into new careers.

“We know that education doesn’t stop at high school graduation — it’s a lifelong pathway,” Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler said. “Through programs like TRAIN, we’re connecting learning to purpose and helping adult learners develop the skills that Massachusetts employers need most. Announcing these grants during STEM Week is a powerful reminder that in our Commonwealth, STEM truly starts now — for students, workers, and communities alike.”

Sen. Jo Comerford

Sen. Jo Comerford

“These TRAIN grants demonstrate that our Commonwealth understands community colleges are not just classrooms — they are engines for equity, opportunity, and economic growth.”

Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega added that “these TRAIN grants are an important part of the Healey-Driscoll administration’s successful efforts to bring post-secondary opportunities to more residents, building their careers and strengthening our communities. During STEM week, TRAIN grants also serve as an example of the crucial role our community colleges play in building a skilled workforce to fuel our STEM industries.”

 

Local Impact

The announcement was made at Springfield Technical Community College (STCC), which was selected to receive a $150,000 grant to train certified nursing assistants.

“As the community college in Massachusetts with two middle names, we are honored to help highlight investments in STEM and workforce,” STCC President John Cook said. “At STCC, we know there is a lot of STEM in healthcare, and our $150,000 in grant funds … will expand access to careers in a vital sector. By connecting skill development with industry-recognized credentials, STCC and our sister community colleges showcase our contributions to the economic vitality in every corner of the Commonwealth.”

Other TRAIN grant awardees include:

• Berkshire Community College, $132,825 for commercial driver’s license training;

• Bunker Hill Community College, $150,000 for dental assisting, EKG, phlebotomy, and IT training;

• Bristol Community College, $87,289 for a cybersecurity certificate program;

• Cape Cod Community College, $107,209 for addiction recovery and medical interpreter training;

• Greenfield Community College, $102,309 for certified nursing assistant and phlebotomy training;

• Holyoke Community College, $123,235 for paraeducator training;

• Massasoit Community College, $75,730 for EKG technician and phlebotomy training;

• Middlesex Community College, $124,870 for advanced manufacturing, pharmacy technician, and phlebotomy training;

• Mount Wachusett Community College, $99,282 for paraeducator training;

• Northern Essex Community College, $147,258 for certified nursing assistant and pharmacy technician training;

• North Shore Community College, $92,895 for dental assisting and central sterilization training; and

• Quinsigamond Community College, $106,183 for personal care aide training.

“As federal support for education declines, Massachusetts is charging forward, investing deeply in our community colleges and the students they uplift,” said state Sen. Jo Comerford, vice chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “These TRAIN grants demonstrate that our Commonwealth understands community colleges are not just classrooms — they are engines for equity, opportunity, and economic growth.”

Added William Heineman, president of North Shore Community College and chair of the Community College Council of Presidents, “thank you to the Healey-Driscoll administration and members of the Legislature for prioritizing TRAIN grants. These funds help the community colleges to support the Commonwealth’s workforce and strengthen the career pipeline.”

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. (MassMutual) announced that it will pay an estimated $2.9 billion in dividends to eligible participating policyowners in 2026. This is the company’s largest dividend payout and its 158th consecutive year paying a dividend. The dividend interest rate (DIR)1 will also increase to 6.60%, marking two decades of delivering an industry-leading DIR for MassMutual policyowners.

What sets MassMutual apart, the company states, continues to be the underlying performance of its insurance business — from how the company assesses risk to the strength of its operations, to its long-term investment approach — combined with its broad, diverse portfolio of strategic businesses and investments. This includes the company’s wealth management, annuities, and institutional solutions businesses; global asset management business; and other strategic investments, all of which have delivered earnings across a range of environments that have contributed to MassMutual’s ability to deliver a competitive dividend to its policy owners.

“Our 2026 dividend payout reflects our unwavering focus on our policy owners, which is rooted in being a mutual company aligned with their interests. This enables us to have a long-term perspective that drives our decision making and ultimately benefits the millions of Americans who rely on us,” said Roger Crandall, chairman, president, and CEO of MassMutual. “All of this drives our ability to deliver enduring financial strength and exceptional performance and, most of all, help generations of people plan for and build financial foundations that last a lifetime.”

Over the last two decades, MassMutual has also delivered on its commitments, paying nearly $100 billion in insurance and annuity benefits; significantly grown the number of people it protects, exceeding $1 trillion in life insurance protection in force; enhanced its financial strength and flexibility, more than tripling total adjusted capital to more than $33 billion while maintaining ratings that are among the highest in any industry; and doubled industry growth rate in whole life insurance sales, thanks to the strength of its network of financial professionals and broad, competitive product portfolio.

“As we approach our 175th anniversary in 2026, we continue to make long-term decisions that will position MassMutual for future success, building upon the legacy of those who came before us,” Crandall said. “This includes reaching more people in more ways than ever — especially through our network of passionate and dedicated financial professionals, enhancing and expanding our suite of solutions to meet needs for generations, and building a personalized, simplified experience for our policy owners and customers. All of this will enable MassMutual to help millions more people secure their future and protect the ones they love.”

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — A new book aimed at empowering future homeowners has just hit the market. GET MOVING! A Personal Guide to Get You in TOP Home Buying Shape, written by Angela and Mike Tourville, is a timely guide designed to educate and prepare people for one of life’s biggest financial decisions — buying a home.

GET MOVING!, its authors note, offers a refreshing, down-to-earth approach. The book walks readers through every stage of the journey — from qualifying for a mortgage to understanding interest rates, closing costs, and even the pros and cons of paying discount points. Written in an engaging and conversational tone, it’s designed to make readers feel like they have a trusted guide by their side.

One standout feature of the book is its collaborative approach. Each chapter includes insights, advice, and personal stories from a diverse range of local real estate professionals in Western Mass., including realtors, attorneys, loan officers, insurance agents, and financial planners. Their real-world perspectives add depth and authenticity, helping readers see how each piece of the process fits together.

This book is also a family effort. Angela Tourville, co-author and branch manager at AnnieMac Home Mortgage, brings years of frontline lending experience and a passion for helping people achieve homeownership. Her co-author and father-in-law, Mike Tourville, adds his seasoned perspective as a writer and communicator, making the complex world of lending approachable for everyday readers.

“Buying a home doesn’t have to feel intimidating,” Angela Tourville said. “We wanted to give people the clarity and confidence they need to move forward — no jargon, no judgment, just real help.”

Mike Tourville added, “too often, people delay buying because they don’t know where to start. GET MOVING! gives them the tools and confidence to take that first step. Purchasing without preparation and knowledge can be costly, and this book helps you avoid expensive surprises and understand every step in advance.”

GET MOVING! A Personal Guide to Get You in TOP Home Buying Shape is now available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other online booksellers.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Tickets are now on sale for the eighth annual Women of Impact awards gala, hosted by BusinessWest. The event will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 9 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow. Tickets cost $95 per person, and tables of 10 are available. Click here to purchase tickets.

Profiles of the Women of Impact class of 2025 can be read in the Oct. 27 issue of BusinessWest and at businesswest.com. This year’s honorees are:

• Tara Brewster, vice president of Business Development and Director of Philanthropy at Greenfield Savings Bank;

• Ayanna Crawford, president of AC Consulting and Media Services;

• Tracy Friedenberg, executive director of Bacon Wilson, P.C.;

• Rania Kfuri, vice president for Philanthropy, Sales, and Marketing at Glenmeadow;

• Chelsea Kline, executive director of Cancer Connection;

• Angelina Ramirez, CEO of Stavros Center for Independent Living;

• Amanda Sanderson, executive director of Resilience Center of Franklin County; and

• Sarah Rose Stack, lecturer of Public Relations at UMass Amherst.

The eighth annual Women of Impact program is presented by Country Bank and TommyCar Auto Group and sponsored by Bacon Wilson, P.C. For more information, call Natasha Mercado-Santana, Marketing and Events Manager, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or email [email protected].

Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Generator Supercenter of Western Mass recently celebrated the grand opening of its new location at 1285 Riverdale St. in West Springfield with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the West of the River Chamber of Commerce. The event brought together local leaders, community members, and company representatives to mark this milestone.

Among the guests were West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt, Generator Supercenter founder and CEO Matthew Metcalfe, and several other key members of the Generator Supercenter franchise team, all of whom joined in celebrating the company’s expansion into Western Mass.

Generator Supercenter of Western Mass is dedicated to providing comfort and peace of mind to homeowners through reliable power solutions, specializing in home standby generators. Its team offers comprehensive services including sales, installation, maintenance, monitoring, and repair, ensuring customers are fully supported from start to finish.

Serving all of Western Mass. and surrounding areas, Generator Supercenter of Western Mass is ready to meet the growing demand for dependable backup power across the region.

“We’re thrilled to bring our trusted brand and expertise to Western Mass.,” a company spokesperson said. “Our mission is to help homeowners stay safe and comfortable, no matter what the weather or power conditions may bring.”

Daily News

CHICOPEE — Valley Opportunity Council (VOC) will hold a ribbon cutting and open house for its new Belcher Apartments development at 10 Southwick St. in Chicopee on Thursday, Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to noon, with the ribbon cutting to take place at 10:30 a.m.

Chicopee Mayor John Vieau, state Sen. Adam Gómez, and state Reps. Shirley Arriaga and Patricia Duffy are expected to be in attendance to cut the ribbon on the new development, along with VOC leadership and community members. Refreshments will be served at the event, and guests will be able to tour the property.

Belcher Apartments, featuring 25 affordable and market-rate apartments, is located near amenities and major thoroughfares and was specifically designed for households earning at or below 30%, 50%, and 60% of the area median income, alongside options for those able to pay market rent.

VOC purchased the Belcher property, a former elementary school, from the city of Chicopee in 2016. The building features two one-bedroom, 17 two-bedroom, and six three-bedroom apartments, with 22 affordable and three market-rate apartments. Tenants went through an application and lottery process this past spring, and qualified tenants will be moving in later in November. Rents range from $825 for one-bedroom to $1,486 for three-bedroom apartments.

The $13 million project was made possible through funding from city of Chicopee ARPA funds, state historic tax credits, federal historic tax credits, federal low-income housing tax credits, the Housing Stabilization Fund; the Affordable Housing Trust Fund; and the Community Economic Development Assistance Corp.

Property features include the first triple-pane, energy-efficient historic approved windows in the region, as well as many elements of historical restoration, including custom-made entry doors based on old plans the property’s historic consultant found in archives, reused original granite steps in the parking lot entryway, and reused original trim throughout the building.

Also as part of the building’s energy-efficient renovations, a solar panel system on the roof produces 74,000 kWh per year (equivalent to seven homes). The building functions as 100% electric (heat/air conditioning and hot water), and also features EV charging stations.

Daily News

NORTH ADAMS — MountainOne Insurance Agency has again been named a Top Insurance Employer by Insurance Business America. This marks the sixth time MountainOne Insurance has earned the national recognition and the fifth consecutive year of receiving the honor.

Each year, the publication identifies top insurance employers through a confidential employee survey that assesses key areas such as workplace culture, professional development, benefits, DEI practices, and overall employee experience. Organizations awarded this distinction are recognized for prioritizing employee well-being, adapting programs based on staff feedback, and fostering strong career growth pathways.

MountainOne Insurance has remained a standout in the industry for its intentional approach to talent development and supportive workplace culture. Over the past several months, the agency has promoted six team members across departments and introduced a new leadership-level role to acknowledge employees who demonstrate exceptional expertise, leadership, and client service.

“Recognition as a top insurance employer reflects the culture our team has built together,” said Jonathan Denmark, executive vice president of MountainOne Bank and President and chief operating officer of MountainOne Insurance. “When our Mountaineers feel supported and empowered to grow, everyone benefits. Our clients, our communities, and our organization are stronger because of their dedication. I am incredibly proud of this team.”

Daily News

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Mall is partnering with the Salvation Army for its annual Red Kettle Campaign kickoff event on Friday, Nov. 14 at 11 a.m. on the mall’s upper level near AT&T.

This event signals the start of an initiative that funds programs and services for thousands of families, youth, and senior citizens in the local community and across Massachusetts each year. Bell ringers will be accepting donations at various exterior entrances and interior locations across the shopping center until Dec. 24. The kickoff event will feature a performance from the Holyoke High School Madrigal Choir.

To complement the Red Kettle Campaign, the Salvation Army is set to host another annual tradition, the Angel Tree. This program provides clothing and toys for children in need. Each Angel Tree is decorated with numbered paper angel tags with the first name, age, and gender of a child who is in need of a gift. Contributors may remove one or more tags from the tree and purchase appropriate gifts for the child or children described on the tags.

Picture This

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

 

Supporting Nurse Education

bankESB recently announced a $100,000, multi-year commitment to Mercy Medical Center in Springfield, in support of the Sister Mary Caritas Endowed Nurses’ Education Fund. This investment will help provide critical resources for the education, training, and professional development of nurses, ensuring patients in Western Mass. continue to receive the highest quality of compassionate care. 

Pictured, from left: Susanne deVillier of bankESB, Geoffrey Hoyt of Trinity Health Of New England, Sister Mary Caritas, Susan Pettorini-D’Amico of Mercy Medical Center, Dr. Philip Glynn of Mercy Medical Center, and Katherine Sordillo of bankESB.

Pictured, from left: Susanne deVillier of bankESB, Geoffrey Hoyt of Trinity Health Of New England, Sister Mary Caritas, Susan Pettorini-D’Amico of Mercy Medical Center, Dr. Philip Glynn of Mercy Medical Center, and Katherine Sordillo of bankESB.

 

 

Gone to the Dogs

City Tire and Auto Centers in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire recently helped raise money for America’s VetDogs. Through direct donations and contributions made for every oil change in July and August, City Tire raised thousands of dollars to support training for service dogs like Daisy, who is pictured with Jeff Martin (left), vice president of Operations at City Tire and a volunteer service dog trainer, and Mark Tyler, a trainer with America’s VetDogs.

Daisy  pictured with Jeff Martin (left), vice president of Operations at City Tire and a volunteer service dog trainer, and Mark Tyler, a trainer with America’s VetDogs.

Daisy pictured with Jeff Martin (left), vice president of Operations at City Tire and a volunteer service dog trainer, and Mark Tyler, a trainer with America’s VetDogs.

 

 

Corporate Citizenship

The Boston Business Journal named Pioneer Valley Financial Group an honoree in its annual 2025 Corporate Citizenship Awards, recognizing the region’s top corporate charitable contributors. PV Financial Group earned recognition for contributing $100,000 or more to local nonprofits and charitable causes in 2024. 

Pictured, from left: PV Financial Group’s Antonio Bastos, financial advisor; Edward Sokolowski, partner and wealth manager; Karen Nogueira, partner and director of Client Relations; and Kelly Haber, partner and registered principal.

Pictured, from left: PV Financial Group’s Antonio Bastos, financial advisor; Edward Sokolowski, partner and wealth manager; Karen Nogueira, partner and director of Client Relations; and Kelly Haber, partner and registered principal.

Agenda

‘Colors of Grief’ Art Exhibit

Through Nov. 30: Rick’s Place invites the community to join in honoring Children’s Grief Awareness Month through “Colors of Grief: Shades of Love and Loss,” an inspiring art exhibit featuring original works created by youth and adult participants of Rick’s Place. The exhibit is on display at the William Blizard Art Gallery in Blake Hall at Springfield College throughout the month of November, daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. This meaningful collection of artwork explores how grief, love, and memory shape our lives after loss. Each piece offers a personal reflection — an intimate expression of what it means to remember, to miss, and to move forward. The title, “Shades of Love and Loss,” reflects the many ways grief can be uniquely experienced, with each artwork revealing the individual journey and creative expression of its artist. Rick’s Place, a nonprofit organization based in Wilbraham, provides free peer grief support programs to children, teens, and families across Western Mass. and Northern Conn. With more than 5,000 children in Hampden County having experienced the death of a parent or sibling, Rick’s Place continues to be a compassionate space where families find understanding, connection, and hope.

 

Food Fest West

Nov. 13: The West of the River Chamber of Commerce announced the return of Food Fest West, a community culinary celebration, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Crestview Country Club in Agawam. This event showcases the region’s eateries, offering guests the opportunity to sample a wide variety of delicious dishes and vote for their favorite restaurant of the night. From savory bites to sweet treats, attendees will experience the best of Western Mass. cuisine, all under one roof. In addition to food, guests will enjoy a fun-filled evening featuring a silent auction, raffles, photo booth, and cash bar. It’s an ideal way to connect with friends, colleagues, and community members while supporting local businesses and restaurants. Tickets are available through the West of the River Chamber of Commerce. For tickets, restaurant participation, or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.westoftheriverchamber.com.

 

Friends of Children Artisan Market

Nov. 16: Friends of Children Inc. will host its first-ever Artisan Market from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Garden House at Look Park, 300 North Main Street, Florence. This juried artisan event will feature 30 local creators, food vendors, and a silent online auction with a selection of local seasonal experiences to bid on. All proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit children and young adults affected by the child welfare system. Admission is free, and there is no parking fee. Artisan items available for purchase include fiber arts, pottery, woodworking items, kiln glass, framed prints, holiday decor, jewelry, and all-natural self-care items. Push for Joy and Local Burger will be the featured food vendors. The online silent auction will run through Nov. 23. Visit www.32auctions.com/focartisanmarket to view or bid on available items, including experiences at New England’s premier holiday season attractions, museum admissions, lift tickets to local ski resorts, and an array of handmade items from local artisans.

 

A+ Awards Dinner

Nov. 18: The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce announced the return of the A+ Awards Dinner, created to honor leaders in the Amherst area who have made a positive impact through their dedication in education, business, and civic engagement. The 2025 A+ Awards Dinner will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. at the UMass Student Union Ballroom. Presented by PeoplesBank, the event recognizes contributions to the community across Amherst, Belchertown, Hadley, Leverett, Pelham, Shutesbury, and Sunderland, as well as the broader Pioneer Valley. Attendees have the opportunity to network with business leaders in the community and enjoy a meal catered by award-winning UMass Dining. Following dinner, the A+ Award honorees are celebrated with custom videos that share their story. The 2025 A+ Award recipients include Alyssa Petrides, owner of Nature & Nurture Preschool (Young Professional Award), Sarah Maroney, chair of the Belchertown Creative Economy Committee (Community Service Award), Weston Dripps, director of Sustainability at Amherst College (Leader in Sustainability Award), Robert Allingham, Marketing & Communications manager at the Amherst Business Improvement District (Chamber MVP Award), Clare Higgins, retired executive director of Community Action Pioneer Valley (Legacy Award), and Tullio Inglese, founder and principal architect of TIA Architects (Lifetime Achievement Award). Tickets to the dinner are available at www.amherstarea.com/awards.

 

Women of Impact

Dec. 9: BusinessWest will celebrate its eighth annual Women of Impact cohort at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow. Tickets cost $95 per person, and tables of 10 are available. To purchase tickets, visit www.businesswest.com/eventcalendar/womenof-impact-2025. The class of 2025, featured in the Oct. 27 issue of BusinessWest and at businesswest.com, includes Tara Brewster, vice president of Business Development and Director of Philanthropy at Greenfield Savings Bank; Tracy Friedenberg, executive director of Bacon Wilson, P.C.; Chelsea Kline, executive director of Cancer Connection; Ayanna Crawford, president of AC Consulting and Media Services; Rania Kfuri, vice president for Philanthropy, Sales, and Marketing at Glenmeadow; Angelina Ramirez, CEO of Stavros Center for Independent Living; Amanda Sanderson, executive director of Resilience Center of Franklin County; and Sarah Rose Stack, lecturer of Public Relations at UMass Amherst. The event is presented by Country Bank and TommyCar Auto Group and sponsored by Bacon Wilson, P.C.

 

Follow My Steps Foundation Annual Gala

Dec. 14: Follow My Steps Foundation announced its annual gala, Stepping Into 2026, will be held at the Basketball Hall of Fame. This event will bring together community leaders, partners, supporters, and youth to celebrate the strides made over the past year and to rally support for future expansion of the foundation’s mentorship, career readiness, and financial literacy programs. The event will also introduce the Pioneers for Change Award, recognizing exemplary changemakers whose actions resonate with Follow My Steps’ mission. Guests will enjoy a catered dinner, live entertainment, and uplifting stories about the youth served by the foundation. The evening also marks the launch of a community giving campaign, aiming to raise $10,000 in individual contributions that fuel mentorship, education, and empowerment initiatives throughout the year. Early bird tickets (through Nov. 14) cost $55 for adults and $27.50 for children. General admission tickets (Nov. 15-30) cost $65 for adults and $32.50 for children. Final admission tickets (Dec. 1-14): cost $75 for adults and $37.50 for children. Visit www.followmysteps.org/steppinginto2026 to purchase tickets. Businesses and community partners are also invited to join as sponsors of the Stepping Into 2026 Gala. Five tiered sponsorship levels — copper, bronze, silver, gold, and platinum — offer meaningful opportunities to align one’s brand with youth empowerment and community advancement. Each level includes a range of benefits such as brand visibility across digital and print channels, recognition during the event, logo placement, program ads, reserved tickets, and social media promotion.

People on the Move
Carla Cosenzi

Carla Cosenzi

TIME magazine announced the nomination of Carla Cosenzi, president of Country Nissan in Hadley, for the 2026 TIME Dealer of the Year award. Cosenzi is one of a select group of 47 dealer nominees from across the country who will be honored at the 109th annual National Automobile Dealers Assoc. (NADA) Show in Las Vegas on Feb. 5, 2026. The TIME Dealer of the Year award is one of the automobile industry’s most prestigious and highly coveted honors, recognizing the nation’s most successful auto dealers who also demonstrate a long-standing commitment to community service. Cosenzi was chosen to represent the Massachusetts State Auto Dealers Assoc. in the national competition, one of only 47 auto dealers nominated for the 57th annual award from more than 20,000 nationwide. Second-generation president of TommyCar Auto Group, Cosenzi has grown the family business through strategic expansion — adding new franchises, launching TommyCar Collision and TommyCar Towing, and making significant investments in modern, customer-centric facilities. She also established the Carla Cares program, which reviews thousands of local requests annually and mobilizes volunteers and funding across youth programs, women’s shelters, food banks, and more, giving team members ownership of the causes they champion. The group’s signature event, the Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament, held in memory of her father, is one of the largest charity golf tournaments in Western Mass. and consistently ranks among the top 10 events supporting the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Since its founding in 2009, it has raised more than $2 million for glioblastoma cancer research, with more than 90% employee participation each year. In addition, the Tom Cosenzi Scholarship, also created in her father’s memory, awards $5,000 annually to local graduating seniors.

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Steven Weiss

Steven Weiss

Attorney Steven Weiss, a shareholder at Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C., a regional law firm with offices in Springfield and Northampton, is now bringing his legal expertise to a national stage. He has been elected president of the National Assoc. of Bankruptcy Trustees (NABT), the premier organization advocating for and supporting the interests of bankruptcy trustees across the country. Weiss, who has served as NABT’s first vice president, assumed the new role on Oct. 1. He has been a member of the NABT for more than two decades and is co-chair of its amicus committee, which evaluates requests for friend-of-the-court briefs to be filed in cases for which the bankruptcy profession may have an interest. He concentrates his practice in the areas of commercial and consumer bankruptcy, reorganization, and litigation. He supervises the bankruptcy, reorganization, and workout practice at Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin. He is also a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute and has been part of the private panel of chapter 7 trustees for the District of Massachusetts for 38 years. He is a graduate of Boston University School of Law.

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Country Bank announced the appointment of David Gentleman as retail loan officer. With nearly 20 years of experience in the lending industry, he brings a wealth of knowledge, dedication, and customer-first values that align with Country Bank’s mission to make a difference in the communities it serves. Throughout his 18-plus years in the financial industry, Gentleman has focused on helping customers navigate the often complex process of buying a home. He takes pride in making the experience as smooth and understandable as possible, especially for first-time homebuyers. His approach to lending is built on transparency, education, and trust, qualities that have earned him long-standing relationships and even generational referrals. He also brings a strong sense of community to his work. He serves on the board of directors for North Central Massachusetts Habitat for Humanity and the Worcester Children’s Chorus, organizations that align with his passion for affordable housing and youth development through music.

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Janice Pirog

Janice Pirog

Monson Savings Bank announced the promotion of Janice Pirog to Digital Systems manager. In her new role, she will oversee the workflow operations of digital banking products and services, while also managing and training employees within the eBanking Department. Pirog brings a wealth of experience to her new position. She has worked in the finance and banking industry for 33 years, including 23 years with Monson Savings Bank. Her deep understanding of banking operations and commitment to excellence have made her a valuable asset to the community bank. Like Monson Savings Bank, Pirog is involved in community initiatives. She volunteers her time as a reader in local elementary school classes and Rays of Hope, reflecting her dedication to making a positive impact both inside and outside the workplace.

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Jacqueline Robles

Jacqueline Robles

Holyoke Community College (HCC) Police Chief Jacqueline Robles was honored on Oct. 10 as one of ‘100 Women of Color’ during a celebration at the Bushnell Theater in Hartford, Conn. The 100 Women of Color gala and awards ceremony, sponsored by the June Archer Foundation, recognizes the contributions of women of color in leadership, business, education, government, entertainment, healthcare, and public and community service, and the impact they have made on the lives of people in Connecticut and Western Mass. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Springfield, Robles is a graduate of Holyoke High School and has been a member of the HCC Police Department for 22 years. With her swearing-in in May, she became the first Latina to serve as HCC Police chief. Since then, Robles has received a slew of honors. She was named a Commonwealth Heroine by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, recognized with proclamations at the State House from both the House of Representatives and Senate, and selected as the civil service ambassador for the Springfield Puerto Rican Day Parade. A portion of the proceeds from the 100 Women of Color event supports programs and scholarships for young women of color.

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Berkshire Money Management (BMM) announced that Brendan Bullett has joined its team as a financial advisor. He brings more than 20 years of experience helping Berkshire County residents navigate the transition from saving for retirement to retiring with confidence. Bullett’s experience and local roots enhance BMM’s ability to serve the growing number of people seeking retirement guidance in the Berkshires, especially in Northern Berkshire County. He has extensive experience leading employees of Williams College and Berkshire Health Systems into confident retirements and provided vital support to nurses and hospital staff who faced unexpected retirement transitions following the closure of North Adams Regional Hospital in 2014.

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Xiaolei Hua

Xiaolei Hua

Shadia Coley

Shadia Coley

Florence Bank announced that Xiaolei Hua has joined the bank as vice president / commercial loan officer, while Shadia Coley has been named branch manager / branch officer of the bank’s new Holyoke office set to open in 2026. Hua has 20 years of banking experience, and prior to joining Florence Bank, he held the positions of commercial credit officer, assistant vice president / portfolio manager, and vice president / commercial lending. He is skilled in business development, relationship management, financial and credit analysis, and underwriting. In his new role, he will develop, manage, and deepen client relationships while supporting the bank’s strategic growth goals. Hua holds both a bachelor’s degree in finance and an MBA from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst. He also attended the New England School for Financial Studies at Babson College, which trains banking professionals. He is a board member and finance & investment committee member for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and a board member and finance committee member for Tech Foundry. He was named to the 40 Under Forty class of 2013 by BusinessWest. Coley has more than 10 years of banking experience and previously held the positions of assistant branch manager / business specialist and branch manager. In addition to managing Florence Bank’s newest branch, she will oversee community outreach and engagement, team leadership, and coaching and customer service. Coley holds both a bachelor’s degree in business administration and an MBA with a concentration in finance from Southern New Hampshire University. She sits on the board for Dress for Success Western Massachusetts.

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Stacy Farber

Stacy Farber

Whittlesey announced that Partner Stacy Farber has been named to Forbes’ “America’s Top 200 CPAs” list for 2025. This prestigious list honors the nation’s most accomplished and trusted CPAs across various specializations and regions, recognizing those with exceptional expertise, leadership, and community service. Forbes’ editorial team selected honorees through a rigorous process involving independent nominations, direct outreach, and comprehensive editorial review. Farber joined Whittlesey in 2025 as an assurance partner, bringing more than 25 years of experience in public accounting. She provides assurance and advisory services to closely held entities in manufacturing, construction, retail, franchising, and employee benefit plans. Her prior roles as CFO and controller for privately held businesses give her an understanding of clients’ financial and operational challenges. Her professional excellence has earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as one of the Hartford Business Journal’s Top 25 Women in Business (2023) and the CTCPA Women Distinguished Service Award (2024). She is active in the Assoc. of International CPAs and the Connecticut Society of CPAs, where she serves as chair of the employee benefit plan committee and a member of the advisory council. She also previously served as treasurer and board member at Gifts of Love, reflecting her deep commitment to community service.

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Western Mass.-based author J.D. O’Brien is among 20 featured writers in this year’s Best American Mystery and Suspense short fiction collection. His story, “Outlaw Country,” follows a struggling Nashville country singer who decides the best way to get his name in lights is to commit a high-profile crime. It originally appeared in the journal Starlite Pulp and was selected for the Best American Mystery and Suspense anthology by New York Times bestselling author Don Winslow and series editor Steph Cha. The annual series features the finest mystery short fiction published in the previous year. O’Brien is the author of the novel Zig Zag, a 2023 Southwest Book of the Year.

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Dana Robb

Dana Robb

Ray Smith

Ray Smith

Pittsfield Cooperative Bank announced the promotions of Dana Robb and Ray Smith to senior vice president positions. Robb was promoted to senior vice president, Retail Banking & Operations, bringing more than two decades of experience in the financial services industry. A graduate of the 2016 Berkshire Leadership Program, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing customer experience and operational excellence within the bank. Deeply rooted in the community, he is also involved with the Dalton Community Recreation Center and serves on the board for Girls Inc. He is a 2024 graduate of the New England School of Banking. Smith was promoted to senior vice president, Marketing and Communications. He brings 30 years of experience in marketing and communications, spanning industries such as technology, consumer goods, travel, healthcare, and finance. His community involvement includes past service on the boards of the Southwestern Vermont and Williamstown chambers of commerce, as well as volunteering for Williamstown’s annual Holiday Walk. He received his bachelor’s degree in communications from Colby-Sawyer College and his master’s degree in corporate communications from Ithaca College.

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Advantage Truck Group (ATG) diesel technician Riley Sullivan has been named one of the 2025 NEXT Top Talent Award winners by the Next Generation in Trucking Assoc. This national recognition celebrates young diesel technicians and CDL drivers under age 30 who are setting a new standard for excellence, professionalism, and purpose in the trucking industry. Sullivan is one of 20 diesel technicians from across the country to be recognized with this award. Sullivan joined ATG’s shop in Westfield in 2020, beginning his career as a diesel technician through the cooperative education program at Westfield Technical Academy. Today, he not only actively mentors and guides co-ops and apprentices, but has also completed more training hours than any other technician his age across all eight ATG locations.

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Matthew Sheridan

Matthew Sheridan

Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson

Matthew Sheridan, founder and managing director of Salmon Falls Wealth Advisors, announced that Michael Johnson has joined the firm as associate director and senior wealth advisor. Sheridan and Johnson first worked together at the former A.G. Edwards & Sons office in Greenfield and have maintained a long-standing professional respect for one another. Both have extensive experience managing investment and insurance programs at local financial institutions and share a client-first philosophy rooted in trust and integrity. Salmon Falls Wealth Advisors, in partnership with LPL Financial, provides independent financial guidance and personalized strategies for retirement planning, investment management, and estate and tax planning. The firm is located at 50 State St., Shelburne Falls. Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC.

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Eight attorneys with Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C., a multi-disciplinary law firm with offices in Springfield and Northampton, were selected for inclusion in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers in America or Ones to Watch, with two receiving the prestigious Lawyer of the Year designation in their practice areas. Carol Cioe Klyman was named Lawyer of the Year in Springfield for both trusts and estates and elder law. She was also recognized in Best Lawyers in America for her work in these fields, marking the 19th consecutive year she has received Best Lawyers recognition. Steven Weiss was selected for Best Lawyers in America for bankruptcy and creditor debtor rights / insolvency and reorganization law for the 14th consecutive year. He was additionally honored as Lawyer of the Year in Springfield for this practice area. Timothy Mulhern, managing partner, was recognized for his excellence in corporate law and tax law. Michele Feinstein was honored in Best Lawyers in America for elder law, litigation – trusts and estates, and trusts and estates. She was previously named Lawyer of the Year in trusts and estates in 2025 and has been honored annually since 2013. Gary Fentin, founding shareholder, was recognized for banking and finance law and commercial transactions / Uniform Commercial Code law. Steven Schwartz, founding shareholder, was recognized for business organizations (including LLCs and partnerships), closely held companies, and corporate law. James Sheils was honored for commercial transactions / Uniform Commercial Code law. A partner with the firm since 1985, Sheils has been recognized by Best Lawyers annually since 2015. Stephen Sobey was recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for trusts and estates.

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Kathy Martin

Kathy Martin

Glenmeadow Inc. announced that President and CEO Kathy Martin has been elected to a three-year term on the board of trustees of LeadingAge Massachusetts, an association dedicated to supporting the work of not-for-profit aging service providers. The appointment was made during LeadingAge Massachusetts’ 71st annual meeting of the membership and awards ceremony, held at College of the Holy Cross. Martin’s election reflects her commitment to advancing the mission of not-for-profit aging service providers and her leadership in reframing perceptions of aging more broadly. Western Mass. is well-represented on the LeadingAge Massachusetts board. At the same ceremony, Margaret Mantoni, CEO of the Loomis Communities, was elected chair of the board, succeeding Walter Ramos, president and CEO of Rogerson Communities, who will continue to serve as immediate past chair.

Company Notebook

MassDevelopment Issues Bond for Mount Holyoke College Plan

SOUTH HADLEY — MassDevelopment has issued a $154,750,000 tax-exempt bond on behalf of the trustees of Mount Holyoke College, who will use bond proceeds to make investments in its campus, with the goal of ensuring accessibility for all and sustainability for years to come. Mount Holyoke’s campus renewal will respond to the existing needs of the college community and continue both its transition to geothermal energy and its residence hall renovations. The college’s geothermal exchange project, already in progress, includes the drilling of geothermal exchange wells and the purchase of heat pumps and related energy equipment. The institution will also use bond proceeds to fund other strategic improvement projects on its campus, such as renovations to its residence halls and key academic buildings, as well as refinance previously issued debt. The tax-exempt bond, purchased by TD Bank, helped the borrower achieve a lower cost of capital.

 

Holyoke Community College Lands $300,000 RISE Grant

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) received a $300,000 state grant to train low-income job seekers whose primary barrier to employment is their English language skills. The Readiness, Integration, Skills, and Employment (RISE) grant to HCC is part of a $2.7 million package awarded recently to eight employers and organizations for English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) initiatives that also include career readiness, job training, and placement services. The RISE grants are funded by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and administered by Commonwealth Corp. through the state’s Workforce Competitive Trust Fund. HCC was one of only two grant recipients outside the Boston area; Greenfield Community College received a $195,000 grant to train home health aides. Overall, the grants will support the training of more than 500 residents in the state in workforce ESOL training programs and help ease the demand for ESOL services. HCC is partnering with three Springfield-based agencies — Way Finders, Tech Foundry, and MassHire Springfield — to provide training and career placement services for 50 individuals. HCC’s employer partners include Baystate Health, Holyoke Medical Center, Adhesive Applications, Pioneer Valley Hotel Group, and MGM Springfield, who have agreed to interview program participants. Originally, the grant focused on people living in emergency shelters but has been expanded to also include other low-income job seekers with children below age 18.

 

$560,000 Endowment Created at Cooley Dickinson Hospital

NORTHAMPTON — Cooley Dickinson Hospital announced the establishment of the Paul and Susan Mannheim Endowment for Facilities Improvement with a gift of $560,000 from Susan Mannheim and her late husband, Paul Mannheim, a family with deep roots in the Pioneer Valley, known for their long commitment to community service. Paul’s involvement with Cooley Dickinson began in 1988 as a member of the Golf FORE Health Committee, and he eventually became a volunteer and trustee. In honor of his contributions, he was honored in 1999 with the William E. Dwyer Distinguished Service Award. Over nearly four decades, the couple have supported many capital projects at the hospital, both individually and through their business, including what is now the Main Entrance, the Imaging and Childbirth Center, as well as the North Building and Kittredge Surgery Center. During his life, Paul took out a life insurance policy and named the hospital as the beneficiary. After his death earlier this year, the life insurance benefit payout was used to establish the Paul and Susan Mannheim Endowment for Facilities Improvement. The endowment will support capital projects, helping to ensure access to modern, state-of-the-art facilities for years to come.

 

Sentillian, Hogan Technology Announce Strategic Partnership

EASTHAMPTON — Sentillian, an innovator in AI-driven call center solutions, announced a strategic partnership with Hogan Technology, a provider of communication technology and services, to expand beyond the legal sector. Together, the companies will deliver enterprise-grade, AI-powered call center solutions designed by regional engineering teams in Easthampton to improve customer engagement, streamline operations, and reduce costs for clients across industries that require help desk and customer service support. The partnership combines Sentillian’s next-generation AI agent technology — which functions as a call center answering agent with natural, human-like voices and the ability to handle most basic tasks typically performed by live staff — with Hogan Technology’s robust telecom infrastructure and decades of industry expertise. Hogan Technology will serve as Sentillian’s strategic partner, enabling both companies to expand market reach and deliver turnkey solutions to enterprise clients. Together, the companies will focus on solving long-standing challenges in call center operations, including long wait times, high labor costs, and the need for 24/7 multi-lingual support. The partnership between Sentillian and Hogan Technology launches immediately with clients in legal, automotive, and other industries that rely heavily on help desk and call center operations.

 

D. Hotel Suites & Spa Completes Renovations

HOLYOKE — D. Hotel Suites & Spa, a 60-room boutique hotel located on the grounds of the Delaney House, announced the completion of a series of renovations designed to enhance comfort, security, and style for its guests. The project, which began in January and concluded recently, aims to bring a fresh, modern feel to the property while preserving its boutique charm. The extensive updates include a reimagined breakfast area, providing guests with a welcoming and contemporary space to start their day. The hotel’s lobby has also been redesigned, creating a brighter and more inviting first impression for both leisure and business travelers. Guest rooms and hallways received significant improvements as well. Most rooms now feature new flooring, updated fixtures, modern furniture, and fresh paint, as well as enhanced lighting and thoughtful design details. As part of the renovations, D. Hotel also invested in upgraded door lock technology, providing guests with an added layer of security and peace of mind. The integration of these modern systems reflects the hotel’s ongoing commitment to guest safety and convenience.

 

TSM Design Announces Closing After 40 Years in Business

SPRINGFIELD — TSM Design, a marketing, branding, and design firm, will close on Dec. 31 after 40 years in business. The firm was founded as the Super Market by Leslie Lawrence in 1985. Nancy Urbschat, Lawrence’s colleague, who joined the firm three months after its opening, became a partner in 1986 and purchased the company in 2005. TSM Design continues to work on client projects and is developing the means for a smooth transition at the end of the year. This will be made possible in part because Deb Walsh, Janet Bennett, and Brittany Arita, the TSM team, will continue their work independently. Urbschat’s decision follows decades of work with many of the region’s businesses, nonprofits, and Massachusetts government and quasi-government agencies. TSM Design has partnered with clients ranging from small startups to a Fortune 100 company the firm engaged with for more than a decade. TSM also held a state contract that brought high-profile projects across several agencies. A fierce advocate for the city of Springfield, Urbschat has served on numerous boards, committees, and initiatives, and has donated countless hours of pro bono branding, marketing, and design expertise to organizations such as the branding of Springfield Men of Color Health Awareness, rebranding the Springfield City Library, and capital campaign materials for Friends of the Homeless.

 

bankESB Honored with Top Workplaces Awards

EASTHAMPTON — bankESB announced it has been recognized as a Financial Services Industry Top Workplaces award winner and has received three additional Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Awards for fall 2025: Employee Appreciation, Employee Well-being, and Professional Development. Presented by Energage, a leading provider of technology-based employee engagement tools, these awards celebrate organizations that excel in fostering exceptional workplace cultures based on employee feedback and engagement. Winners are chosen based solely on employee feedback gathered through an anonymous, third-party employee engagement survey, issued by Energage. More than 42,000 organizations across the country were invited to participate in the survey. Results are calculated by comparing the survey’s research-based statements, including 15 culture drivers proven to predict high performance against industry benchmarks. The awards highlight organizations that demonstrate a genuine commitment to their employees’ success, health, and overall experience. bankESB’s achievement across all categories underscores its dedication to creating a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow professionally.

 

Tech Foundry, Comcast Partner to Expand Digital Opportunity

SPRINGFIELD — Representatives from Tech Foundry, a Springfield-based workforce development organization, and Comcast were joined by Springfield Mayor Dominic Sarno and City Councilor Jose Delgado on Oct. 23 to celebrate a new initiative aimed at expanding internet adoption and digital skills training for Greater Springfield residents. Through this collaboration, Tech Foundry will sponsor six months of Comcast’s Internet Essentials service for the first 25 individuals who complete 12 digital literacy classes. Additionally, Comcast will donate laptops to the first 50 individuals who complete six digital literacy classes through Tech Foundry’s program. This initiative is made possible through Comcast’s Internet Essentials Partnership program, which enables community organizations to fund Internet Essentials (IE) service for qualifying households. Sponsored families receive all the benefits of IE: a high-speed internet connection at home, the option to purchase a low-cost computer, and access to free digital skills training online, in person, and in print. Tech Foundry offers free computer literacy and information technology certification programs to residents across the region.

 

Country Bank Recognized for Charitable Giving

WARE — Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Mass., announced that the Boston Business Journal has once again named the bank an honoree in its annual Corporate Citizenship Awards, recognizing the region’s top corporate charitable contributors. The magazine annually publishes this list to highlight companies that promote and prioritize giving back to their communities. During this year’s celebration on Sept. 10, 99 companies qualified for the distinction by reporting at least $100,000 in cash contributions to Massachusetts-based charities last year. Collectively, they gave more than $416 million in cash contributions. This year’s honorees include companies from such industry sectors as financial and professional services, healthcare, technology, retail, and professional sports. Country Bank employs 239 staff members in Hampden, Hampshire, and Worcester counties. Its team of Difference Makers actively promotes the bank’s mission of making a difference in their communities by volunteering for various nonprofits throughout the year.

 

Assets for Artists Transitions to Independent Status

NORTH ADAMS —Assets for Artists (A4A), a 17-year-old initiative supporting artists across New England, is marking its formal transition to independent nonprofit status with more than $2 million in new funding. This includes a $1.5 million general operating support grant from the Barr Foundation. The three-year grant will power A4A’s work providing capacity-building programs, professional development, and financial education to artists in all disciplines across New England. A4A has also secured significant program support, including $460,000 from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving to launch the Greater Hartford Creatives Alliance, more than $100,000 from the city of Boston through the Arts Action Consortium, and $82,000 from the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts to continue the ValleyCreates artist support programming. Since its founding, A4A has delivered professional development support to more than 3,700 artists in seven states, awarding more than $1.7 million in capacity-building grants to artists and providing more than 1,600 hours of career-building and financial education workshops and more than 4,000 hours of individual coaching sessions led by A4A’s roster of experienced artist trainers. Launched as a collaborative program under MASS MoCA in 2008, A4A began by serving artists in Berkshire County, but has since expanded to serve all of New England.

 

Whittlesey Wins ClearlyRated’s Best of Accounting Award

HARTFORD, Conn. — Whittlesey has earned ClearlyRated’s 2025 Best of Accounting award for service excellence. The award is based entirely on client feedback and recognizes firms that consistently deliver exceptional client experience. ClearlyRated’s program provides statistically valid and objective benchmarks for the accounting industry, highlighting which firms deliver the highest levels of client and employee satisfaction. Whittlesey received a Net Promoter Score more than twice the industry’s average. On average, clients of Best of Accounting winners are 60% more likely to be satisfied than those who work with non-winning firms — a testament to Whittlesey’s commitment to trusted guidance and personalized service.

 

Tighe & Bond Acquires Geosphere Environmental Management Inc.

WESTFIELD — Tighe & Bond, a Northeast leader in engineering, design, planning, and environmental consulting, announced it has acquired Geosphere Environmental Management Inc., a New Hampshire-based hydrogeology and environmental firm. As a trusted groundwater advisor with service offerings in hydrogeology, geothermal, and environmental science, Geosphere’s client base includes public municipal, utility, and private sector clients. Aligned with Tighe & Bond’s mission, Geosphere strives to create an economically feasible and environmentally responsible built environment. Following a successful history of collaborating on projects, the addition of Geosphere complements Tighe & Bond’s capabilities in its Water Business Line, which offers clients full-service engineering and environmental expertise to support their drinking water, stormwater, wastewater, geotechnical, dam, and ecological restoration projects. Geosphere’s water supply development and groundwater discharge capabilities enable Tighe & Bond to even more comprehensively support its clients’ drinking water and wastewater needs. Geosphere’s geothermal and ground heat exchange expertise also align with Tighe & Bond’s whole asset approach to the built environment, adding to site utility and building mechanical system design capabilities for high-performance building projects. The Geosphere team will now be based out of Tighe & Bond’s Portsmouth, N.H. office.

 

Bay Path University Continues OTD Grant Program

LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University is now accepting applications for the second cohort of its post-professional occupational therapy doctorate grant program, Improving School-based OT Practice: A Doctoral Program to Improve Outcomes for Children with High-intensity Needs. Supported by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs), this innovative program is designed to advance the preparation of school-based occupational therapy leaders committed to improving outcomes for children with disabilities and high-intensity needs. Through this two-year, fully online program, participants earn a doctor of occupational therapy (OTD) degree, an American Occupational Therapy Assoc. (AOTA) school-based practice certificate, and a graduate certificate in autism spectrum disorders. In addition to advanced academic training, participants receive up to $21,000 in federal grant funding, covering more than 50% of tuition costs. Additional benefits include one-on-one faculty mentoring, professional development opportunities, and up to $3,000 to present research at the AOTA national conference. Only eight spots are available for the upcoming cohort. Applications are now open for the next cohort, which begins Jan. 12, 2026. The deadline to apply is Dec. 1. To learn more or apply, visit baypath.edu/otdosepgrant.

 

Hyundai Hope on Wheels Supports Baystate Children’s Hospital

SPRINGFIELD — On Oct. 6, Hyundai Hope on Wheels presented Baystate Children’s Hospital with a $100,000 Impact Grant to support pediatric cancer care. The funding will expand access to the latest treatments through clinical research, support a nurse practitioner specializing in childhood cancer, and enhance quality-of-life programs for pediatric patients. These programs include milestone celebrations, holiday gifts, and engaging activities for children undergoing long treatments. Hyundai Hope on Wheels is a nonprofit organization committed to finding a cure for childhood cancer. Launched in 1998, it provides grants to eligible institutions nationwide that are pursuing critical research aimed at improving treatments and saving lives.

 

Beetle Press Earns Certification as Women’s Business Enterprise

NORTHAMPTON — Beetle Press, a PR business specializing in marketing and media strategy and consulting, was recently awarded national certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Center for Women and Enterprise, a regional certifying partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). Founded in Northampton in 1998, Beetle Press offers marketing and public relations strategy as well as writing and editing services. In the Pioneer Valley, it currently serves Laplante Construction, Florence Bank, Thornes Marketplace, Keiter, and the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council. The WBENC standard of certification implemented by the Center for Women and Enterprise is a meticulous process, including an in-depth review of the business and a site inspection. The certification process is designed to confirm the business is at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by a woman or women, and that the business has appropriate structure and strategic business planning and implementation in place.

 

WillPower Foundation Joins Multicultural Community Services

SPRINGFIELD — WillPower Foundation, a longtime champion of families with different abilities in Western Mass., announced its next chapter: a formal partnership with Multicultural Community Services (MCS). WillPower Foundation will transition to become the WillPower Fund at MCS. Since 2008, WillPower Foundation has awarded nearly a half-million dollars in direct grants to families and individuals with different abilities across Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties. Founded by Maria and Craig Burke in honor of their son, William Michael Burke, who lives with a rare brain malformation called schizencephaly, the foundation was created to fill critical gaps left by insurance and other systems, funding items such as mobility aids, therapeutic programs, and sensory equipment. When the pandemic hit, WillPower was forced to eliminate most of its part-time staff to cut operational costs and stay afloat. Thanks to the continued generosity of donors and a dedicated board and volunteer base, the organization not only survived, but continued to grow its impact. Still, the long-term sustainability of operating without staff was uncertain. After 17 years of empowering families, the WillPower board worked diligently to plan for the future and find a more efficient way to ensure that more donor dollars are directed to families, thereby maintaining a strong mission for years to come. On Oct. 1, WillPower Foundation and MCS marked this milestone with a celebration featuring Burke himself. The WillPower board presented a $40,000 founding gift to MCS to officially launch the WillPower Fund in its new home.

 

Zeretas Studios Opens New Salon in Westfield

WESTFIELD — Zeretas Studios held a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for Zeretas Studios, a new Latina-owned salon business located at 501 Southampton Road in Westfield, on Oct. 18. Owner Jesse Rivera developed her business vision and plan with the support of EparaTodos, the Spanish-language business accelerator program of EforAll Pioneer Valley. Rivera’s story is one of resilience and culture. In the late 1990s, her mother opened her first salon in Puerto Rico, dedicated to textured hair at a time when very few stylists knew how to properly care for curls. Rivera grew up in that salon, later joining their mother in the work, and quickly recognized the gap in the beauty industry when it came to textured hair education and representation. After the devastation of Hurricane Maria in 2019 and the 2020 pandemic, the family was forced to close their doors in Puerto Rico. Rivera carried the vision forward, launching Zeretas Studios in Texas and most recently expanding to Massachusetts, with the opening of Zeretas Studios in Westfield.

 

Indie Readery & Records Opens on North Street in Pittsfield

PITTSFIELD — Indie Readery & Records, located at 314 North St. in Pittsfield, hosted a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 23. Owned by Emma Lenski, Indie Readery & Records is an independent bookstore that combines a curated selection of books, vinyl records, and a variety of humorous and progressive gifts. The store’s focus on offering literature that promotes social justice, equity, and freedom places a strong emphasis on liberal and progressive viewpoints. The store will serve as a community space for like-minded individuals to engage with new ideas, music, and humor, while providing a space for cultural and community events.

 

Thunderbirds Partner with Foundation for TJO Animals

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Thunderbirds announced the inception of Luff’s Pups in partnership with the Foundation for TJO Animals. As part of this newly established initiative, T-Birds veteran forward and animal lover Matt Luff will pledge a donation of $50 to the Foundation for TJO Animals for every point he records during the 2025-26 season. Springfield Thunderbirds fans are encouraged to join in the Luff’s Pups pledge and donate to the Foundation for TJO Animals. A donation of just $25 can help feed up to 20 hungry animals or supply rabies vaccines for five animals.

Incorporations

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

ADAMS

Adams Taxpayers Assoc. Inc., 215 Gould Road, Adams, MA 01220. Paula Chenail, same. Association advocating for the best interests of the taxpayers of Adams.

AMHERST

Ann Sutliff Inc., 280 Amity St., Amherst, MA 01002. Ann Sutliff, same. Real estate services.

BELCHERTOWN

Omega Perseverance Foundation Inc., 72 Mountain View Dr., Belchertown, MA 01007. Richard Griffin Jr., same. Nonprofit organization providing mentorship, leadership development, and social uplift programs to underserved youth and communities.

CHICOPEE

MN2TS Corp., 70 Exchange St., Chicopee, MA 01013. Tania Forte-Dileo, 173 Summit Ave., Chicopee, MA 01020. Restaurant and bar.

DALTON

The Stephanie Rose CHS Foundation Inc., 19 Claremont Road, Dalton, MA 01226. Alyssa Farella, same. Foundation honoring the life of Stephanie Rose by raising awareness of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), providing support to families affected by CHS, and contributing to medical research toward prevention, understanding, and treatment of the condition.

FEEDING HILLS

Drews Fabrication Inc., 562 South West St., Feeding Hills, MA 01030. Jamie Drew, same. Heavy equipment and structural steel erection.

Horeb Mission Vidyalaya Inc., 10 Gary Place, Apt. C, Feeding Hills, MA 01030. David Reji, same. Nonprofit educational institution for the instruction of students from kindergarten through grade 12 in academic, artistic, athletic, and other subjects, consistent with a comprehensive educational curriculum.

HAMPDEN

Chapin Road Farm Inc., 91 Chapin Road, Hampden, MA 01036. Brian Lee, same. Educational organization promoting sustainable agriculture, community-supported farming, and environmental stewardship, committed to providing inclusive access to nature-based education and wellness programming with a special focus on supporting individuals and families affected by multiple sclerosis.

HUNTINGTON

Horological Heritage Foundation Inc., 10 East Main St., Huntington, MA 01050. James Stoudenmire, 124 Goss Hill Road, Huntington, MA 01050. Charitable organization whose mission is to preserve, promote, and education the public about horology, the history, science, and craftsmanship of timekeeping through museum exhibits, educational programs, workshops, and community outreach.

LONGMEADOW

786 Properties Inc., 45 Woodside Dr., Longmeadow, MA 01106. Hamza Mustafa, 85 Lynwood Dr., Longmeadow, MA 01106. Real estate management.

NORTH ADAMS

Great Sky Media Inc., 504 Church St., North Adams, MA 01247. Joe Aidonidis, same. Video production company that serves businesses, nonprofits, and creative organizations by creating short-form documentaries and promotional material.

ORANGE

BB Realty Group Inc., 511 East River St., Orange, MA 01364. Olivia Paras, same. Real estate broker.

PITTSFIELD

Always on Electric Inc., 536 Elm St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Augustus Rizza, same. Electrical contractor.

Bicameral Labs Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Erik Parker Hoel, 149 Wheeler Road, Mashpee, MA 02649. Corporation conducting and disseminating independent research on the safe, ethical, and freedom-preserving integration of artificial intelligence with human systems.

Coordinated Civil Management Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Thomas Blakeney, same. Construction company specializing in electrical contracting and installation work, including but not limited to fire warning and security systems.

Ebon Solar Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Dong Hu, same. Holds investments and owns equity interests in other companies.

KBJB Legacy Corporation, 185 Highland Ave., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Kevin Garcia, same. Real estate investment, development, and property management.

ODAI Inc. 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. George Sibble, same. AI and software development.

WCA Express Inc., 120 Lyman St., Apt. 4, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Wanderson Camargos de Alvarenga, same. Transportation of vehicles and other miscellaneous products.

SOUTH EGREMONT

Gulshan Jaffery Inc., 6 Fisher Lane, South Egremont, MA 01258. Gulshan Jaffery, same. Production consultancy.

SPRINGFIELD

Corepath Alliance Corp., 132 Fort Pleasant Ave., Springfield, MA 01108. Asiala Rivera, same. Nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide workforce training and entrepreneurship education in trucking, skilled trades, real estate, and business development.

Sun & Summer Corp., 140 Fort Pleasant Ave., Springfield, MA 01108. Lauro de Queiroz, same. Cleaning services.

Twinsbrothers 6 Inc., 1390 Allen St., Springfield, MA 01118. Shirleen Pereira, 31 North Woods Road, Hamden, CT 06518. Retail grocery.

WARE

Mary Lane Health Inc., 10 Crescent St., Ware, MA 01082. Cynthia Allen, same. Acquires, accepts, develops, and maintains land and buildings located in the town of Ware to be used and occupied for the provision of healthcare, administration of health-related programs, and facilitation of economic development activities in furtherance of healthcare services.

WESTFIELD

VOK Corp., 446 Southwick Road, Westfield, MA 01085. Vladyslav Kravets, same. Auto transportation.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

George of All Trades Inc., 64 Riverdale St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Heorhii Kambur, same. General remodeling services.

Ready 2 Go Inc., 43 Russell St., # 1, West Springfield, MA 01089. Jamila Agayeva, same. Specialty and dedicated services of transporting commercial goods, vehicles, and other commodities via flatbed container and heavy hauling trailers on a for-hire basis.

WILLIAMSTOWN

Hig-4 Cleaning Services Inc., 111 North St., Williamstown, MA 01267. Claudia Higgiston, P.O. Box 777, Williamstown, MA 01267. Residential and commercial cleaning services.

DBA Certificates

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

BELCHERTOWN

Forever Excavating
494 South Gulf Road
Dillon Natle

Forever Tree Care
494 South Gulf Road
Dillon Natle

Grace Aesthetics and Wellness PLLC
3 Stadler St., Suite 2/3
Grace LaValley

Tran Family NLN
205D Ware Road
Linh Tran

Window World of Western Massachusetts Inc.
20 Daniel Shays Highway
Timothy Drost

Window World of Western Massachusetts Inc.
401 Mill Valley Road
Timothy Drost

NORTHAMPTON

Debra Joyce Family Law Consulting
78 Main St., Suite 402
Debra Joyce LaMonica

Emily Gilbert Photography
16 Forbes Ave.
Emily Gilbert

Hampden Hampshire Massage Therapy
181 Main St., Suite 2
Leigh Salvage

Hampshire Dermatology and Skin Health Center
39A Carlon Dr.
Katherine White

Hampshire Speech Therapy
75 Lyman Road
Danielle Baker

Northampton Volkswagen
361 King St.
Carla Cosenzi Zayac

The Old Book Table
9½ Market St., Suite 3A
Hosea Baskin

Radical Connection LLC
25 Gregory Lane
Audra Taylor Winn

River Valley Insight Meditation Community
575 Bridge Road, Unit 11-4
Kim Weeber

WEST SPRINGFIELD

AQ Games
150 Hannoush Dr.
AQ Games

Aveanna Healthcare
78 Capital Dr.
Epic Health Services Inc.

Begley Law
1284 Elm St., Unit U3
Michelle Begley

Details by Ananda
109 Ashley Ave., Apt. A
Details by Ananda

Distinctive Works
31 Lowell St.
Distinctive Works

Generator Supercenter of Western Massachusetts
1285 Riverdale St.
KMV Services LLC

Rise & Redefine
47 Amherst St.
Rise & Redefine

Salamon Flooring Inc.
103 Myron St.
Salamon Flooring Inc.

Bankruptcies

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

Abbott, John W.
60 Franklin St., Apt. 16
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/10/2025

Alban, Orly Alejandro
2118 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/07/2025

Bannish, Lindsey Anna
479 Blandford Road
Granville, MA 01034
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/15/2025

Bousquet, Linda L.
44 Peros Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/10/2025

Carroll, Maryann
915 Bradley Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Date: 10/09/2025

Chobot, Brittany M.
15 Bellevue Ave.,  Apt. 2
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/07/2025

Crowther, Kate Frances
47 East Center St.
Leeds, MA 01053-9716
Chapter: 13
Date: 10/14/2025

Fonseca, Joel Jay
20 Joy St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Date: 09/30/2025

Gallagher, Sharon L.
6 Leonard St., #1
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 13
Date: 10/06/2025

Hogan, Alan David
Usher, Jessica Ann
7 Park Slope
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/06/2025

Kennedy, John C.
16 Inwood Commons
East Longmedow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/09/2025

Kimball, Morgan Dunbar
89 Howard St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 13
Date: 10/15/2025

King, Daniel C.
King, Alexandra Lynn
a/k/a Troncoso, Alexandra Lynn
204 Freedom St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/03/2025

Li, Audrey
386 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/01/2025

Longtin, Rielly J.
21 Ridgeway Dr.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/08/2025

Morales, Ivelisse Marie
27 Middlebrook Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 13
Date: 10/03/2025

Norval, Christopher P.
Norval, Sarah D.
10 Linwood Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/15/2025

Pozzuto, Laura M.
36 Maplewood St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 13
Date: 10/03/2025

Reynolds, Diane Leslie
121 Waldo St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/30/2025

Rohrbach, Ace C.
Schaeneman, Leigh Ann
133 Ellington St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 13
Date: 10/03/2025

Sanchez, Janira
273 Dorset St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/15/2025

Santiago, Pedro L.
559 Main St., Apt. 1
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/14/2025

Skovorodin, Aleksandr A.
36 Adams St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/15/2025

Smith, Jamellah
13 Park St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/10/2025

Real Estate

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY

ASHFIELD

688 Bear Swamp Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $635,000
Buyer: Jordan Friede
Seller: Daniel K. Lederer
Date: 10/10/25

1450 West Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $457,000
Buyer: Daniel T. Butler
Seller: Lynn R. Dole
Date: 10/10/25

BERNARDSTON

390 Bald Mountain Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $560,000
Buyer: Zain Naveed
Seller: John W. Graves
Date: 10/10/25

55 Keets Brook Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $349,000
Buyer: Peter Harrington
Seller: Bmfn LLC
Date: 10/10/25

60 Keets Brook Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $349,000
Buyer: Peter Harrington
Seller: Bmfn LLC
Date: 10/10/25

BUCKLAND

1 Bray Road
Buckland, MA 01370
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Nawontah Waters
Seller: Robert D. March
Date: 10/15/25

24 Conway Road
Buckland, MA 01370
Amount: $551,000
Buyer: John Gravenmier
Seller: Donald G. Paye INT
Date: 10/07/25

CHARLEMONT

463 Legate Hill Road
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Sharon Matthews
Seller: Suzanne Webber
Date: 10/08/25

DEERFIELD

44 Thayer St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Kathryn S. Hanning
Seller: Saunders N. Whittlesey
Date: 10/14/25

43 Whately Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $1,950,000
Buyer: 43 Whatley Road LLC
Seller: R. Sitterly LLC
Date: 10/10/25

51 Whately Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $1,950,000
Buyer: 43 Whatley Rd LLC
Seller: R. Sitterly LLC
Date: 10/10/25

 

GILL

7 Riverview Dr.
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $495,000
Buyer: Marek Tresnak
Seller: MW & MW Realty
Date: 10/10/25

GREENFIELD

38 Butternut St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: 38 Butternut LLC
Date: 10/10/25

260-1/2 Davis St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Karla B. Quintanilla
Seller: Emily S. Greene
Date: 10/10/25

130 Elm St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $336,000
Buyer: Livingwood LLC
Seller: Prb LLC
Date: 10/06/25

312 Federal St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $1,347,000
Buyer: Phoenix GF LLC
Seller: Lorenz Family LLC
Date: 10/14/25

221 Hope St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $244,000
Buyer: Brandie L. Soulia
Seller: Freedom Hill RT
Date: 10/09/25

2 Mead St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Fret Mill LLC
Seller: Historic Factories LLC
Date: 10/15/25

44 Russell St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Brian M. Hillard
Seller: Michael A. Biskerski
Date: 10/10/25

104 Wildwood Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $347,500
Buyer: Leah Dion
Seller: Sandra P. Smith
Date: 10/10/25

HEATH

93 Colrain Stage Road
Heath, MA 01346
Amount: $625,000
Buyer: Yevgeniy Yefimov
Seller: David J. Travers
Date: 10/10/25

MONTAGUE

20 Dunton St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Suzanne M. Hale
Seller: Sherry L. Debarge
Date: 10/14/25

ORANGE

286-288 Butterworth Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Alexis Mejia
Seller: Kurt M. Moisan
Date: 10/09/25

77 Daniel Shays Hwy.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Walter Ferreira
Seller: Craig Ballou
Date: 10/10/25

61 East Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $398,500
Buyer: Monica D. Knight
Seller: Joshua T. Behrens
Date: 10/14/25

900 North Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $176,467
Buyer: Megliola Realty LLC
Seller: Phillip E. Miller
Date: 10/14/25

SHELBURNE

175 Peckville Road
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Christian Parenti
Seller: William H. Stafford INT
Date: 10/10/25

SUNDERLAND

31 Garage Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Morse & Morse Realty LLC
Seller: Jelf Properties LLC
Date: 10/09/25

415 Montague Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Jaime M. Rodriguez
Seller: Barbara J. Harlow-Robinson
Date: 10/09/25

61 South Plain Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Michael Shanahan
Seller: Margaret L. Gutman
Date: 10/14/25

WARWICK

37 Smith Road
Warwick, MA 01378
Amount: $530,000
Buyer: Craig Tourigny
Seller: Jose M. Bovio
Date: 10/10/25

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

51 Bradford Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Jenna M. Lavrenchuk
Seller: No Limit Assets LLC
Date: 10/10/25

41 Channell Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Sarah Cannamela
Seller: Aldo Properties LLC
Date: 10/10/25

26 Dutchmaster Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Victoria Egan
Seller: Paul K. Laviolette
Date: 10/14/25

60 Edward St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Orhan Ahmeti
Seller: Jason M. Douthwright
Date: 10/10/25

60 Farmington Circle
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: Aisha Khan
Seller: Steven M. Jones
Date: 10/08/25

19 Harding St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Maria Webster
Seller: Nadia Grushetskiy
Date: 10/10/25

16 Laura Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Nicholas McMahon
Seller: Carl F. Roberts
Date: 10/07/25

53 Memory Lane
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Adam Anischik
Seller: David J. Mias
Date: 10/09/25

848 North St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Mackenize Douglas
Seller: Hardy, Steven A., (Estate)
Date: 10/09/25

940 North St. Ext.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $510,000
Buyer: Svg Holdings LLC
Seller: Crescent Hill Realty LLC
Date: 10/08/25

489 North Westfield St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Susan E. Jenney
Seller: David P. Jenney
Date: 10/10/25

67 Suffield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Gladys Provost
Seller: Shelby Texeira
Date: 10/15/25

BRIMFIELD

50 John Haley Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Beau X. Boudreau
Seller: Theresa M. Muska
Date: 10/14/25

249 Little Alum Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Kenneth S. Longtin
Seller: Richard Chaffee
Date: 10/09/25

CHESTER

97 Old State Hwy.
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: James D. Adams
Seller: Perennial Flow LLC
Date: 10/15/25

124 Skyline Trail
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $749,000
Buyer: Clifford A. Madru
Seller: Richard A. Sutton 2025 TR
Date: 10/07/25

CHICOPEE

12 Allen St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Adam D. Struthers
Seller: Anne M. Whelihan
Date: 10/09/25

25 Andover Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $347,500
Buyer: Susan L. Arcisz
Seller: William K. Malone
Date: 10/15/25

62 Charpentier Blvd.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $293,800
Buyer: Steven Caraballo
Seller: Andre Savoie
Date: 10/10/25

21 Depot St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $227,777
Buyer: Mazal Real Estate LLC
Seller: Winners O LLC
Date: 10/10/25

20 Gilbert Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Natalie A. Escalera
Seller: Michelle Paneto
Date: 10/14/25

46 Guerin St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Kellie A. Serrao
Seller: 539 Lancaster St. Realty LLC
Date: 10/10/25

248 Hampden St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Veteran Stan LLC
Seller: Gladys Provost
Date: 10/15/25

333 Hampden St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Pablo Colon
Seller: Susan A. Midura
Date: 10/06/25

27 Janine St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: John D. Griffin
Date: 10/14/25

36 Lapa Farm Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Eric Dorn
Seller: Dunigan, Bruce C., (Estate)
Date: 10/15/25

664 McKinstry Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Prossy Drinkwine
Seller: Christopher Nascembini
Date: 10/14/25

1709 Memorial Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: R. & R. Hoe Improvement
Seller: Arpc LLC
Date: 10/14/25

38 Ward St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $359,000
Buyer: Rachel L. Dane
Seller: Christopher M. Barrett
Date: 10/06/25

68 Woodcrest Court
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $407,000
Buyer: Iolanda Arocho
Seller: Justin S. Simonich
Date: 10/10/25

EAST LONGMEADOW

198-200 Benton Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $2,375,000
Buyer: 198 Benton Drive LLC
Seller: Fluids NT
Date: 10/08/25

158 Elm St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $201,000
Buyer: Marc Dulaimy
Seller: Tashjian, Armen, (Estate)
Date: 10/14/25

57 Marci Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $570,000
Buyer: Marc J. Riccio
Seller: George L. George
Date: 10/15/25

20 Maynard St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Matthew D. Wiklund
Seller: Marc J. Riccio
Date: 10/15/25

31 Melwood Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Ariana Mateus
Seller: Sabeena Dave
Date: 10/07/25

383 Porter Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Andrew T. McAlary
Seller: Timothy J. Carlin
Date: 10/10/25

HAMPDEN

58 Bennett Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $351,000
Buyer: Kaitlynn Muse
Seller: Jeffrey E. Bates
Date: 10/09/25

43 Colony Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Samuel Murtaugh
Seller: Lisa A. Millett
Date: 10/10/25

HOLLAND

7 Sheila Dr.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Cassidy Horner
Seller: Beau X. Boudreau
Date: 10/10/25

88 Wales Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $377,000
Buyer: Heather Davis
Seller: Stephen A. Kavorkian
Date: 10/15/25

108 Wales Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Daniel R. Carr
Seller: Daniel D. Carr
Date: 10/15/25

HOLYOKE

43 Bemis Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Marie A. Schlosstein
Seller: Jeremiah J. Mullane
Date: 10/14/25

29-31 Brown Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Juan J. Pizha
Seller: Stanwich Mortgage Loan TJ
Date: 10/10/25

131 Center St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $216,500
Buyer: Jessica M. Foss
Seller: Christopher Marble
Date: 10/09/25

55 Hitchcock St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Paige Hamelin
Seller: 55 Hitchcock LLC
Date: 10/09/25

10 Humeston Slope
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Sam O’Vonnor
Seller: Mary Ann J. Lapointe RET
Date: 10/09/25

845-851 Main St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $2,950,000
Buyer: Springdale Apartments LLC
Seller: Cig3 LLC
Date: 10/06/25

16 Meadowview Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Devin Colon-Grenier
Seller: Grant T. Schlosstein
Date: 10/14/25

14 Scott Hollow Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Chad Finley
Seller: Dorota M. Garncarz
Date: 10/10/25

186 Suffolk St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Tiana Pena
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 10/07/25

45 Vernon St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $2,950,000
Buyer: Springdale Apartments LLC
Seller: Cig3 LLC
Date: 10/06/25

LONGMEADOW

15 Berwick Ter.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Jackson T. Kleintz
Seller: Anthony Gandelli
Date: 10/15/25

41 Dennis Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $1,070,000
Buyer: Eduardo R. Nunez
Seller: Fabricio Ochoa
Date: 10/14/25

31 Homecrest St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Abigail Bertheaud
Seller: Rhonda A. Theroux
Date: 10/09/25

124 Longfellow Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: Mason F. Rapaport
Seller: Song Zhang
Date: 10/15/25

26 White Oaks Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Dle Properties Trail TR
Seller: Lorraine M. Slepski
Date: 10/10/25

LUDLOW

34 Briarwood Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $388,000
Buyer: Trevor J. Lewicki
Seller: Lori A. Lewicki
Date: 10/10/25

Center St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: S. & C. Investors LLC
Seller: Town Of Ludlow
Date: 10/14/25

68 Fairview St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Morales Real Estate Solutions LLC
Seller: Naples Home Buyer TR
Date: 10/14/25

194 Pine St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Anita Patrie
Seller: Mare-Lene Properties NT
Date: 10/14/25

41 Roy St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $359,000
Buyer: Jennifer L. Racine
Seller: Domingos Verissimo
Date: 10/08/25

157-159 Sewall St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Amy M. Coelho
Seller: Adelia Pedro
Date: 10/08/25

MONSON

138 Brimfield Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Ryan M. Fay
Seller: Jerry R. Degon
Date: 10/14/25

32 Bunyan Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Jeremy Vargas-Percy
Seller: Carole Singh
Date: 10/15/25

211 Butler Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Michael Cain
Seller: Mountain House Properties LLC
Date: 10/10/25

18 Munn Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Coalie Rt
Seller: Mark S. Schwartz
Date: 10/09/25

MONTGOMERY

11 Old Main Road
Montgomery, MA 01085
Amount: $155,334
Buyer: Kathy A. Lee
Seller: Jeffrey C. Lee
Date: 10/15/25

PALMER

10 Forest St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $444,900
Buyer: Joshua Banas
Seller: Lynne W. Rahim RET
Date: 10/14/25

139 Griffin St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $428,000
Buyer: Samantha Haraty
Seller: Antonio Sebastiao FT
Date: 10/06/25

63 Mount Dumplin Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Natalie Brewer
Seller: James L. Godin
Date: 10/08/25

16 Old Farm Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Conor O. Flynn
Seller: Dolores M. Elkas
Date: 10/15/25

464 Old Warren Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Thomas A. Beauregard
Seller: John W. Lizak RET
Date: 10/06/25

690 River St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Joanna G. Sorreiro
Seller: Shelby F. Lamothe
Date: 10/09/25

SPRINGFIELD

245 Arthur St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Jaileen Rodriguez
Seller: Erik Collazo
Date: 10/06/25

467-469 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Nalani Capital 3 LLC
Seller: Lyons, Charles Rogers, (Estate)
Date: 10/15/25

222 Bolton St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Patricia G. Beauregard
Seller: Patricia Duprat
Date: 10/09/25

68-70 Cambridge St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Jjj17 LLC
Seller: Pfgc LLC
Date: 10/10/25

34 Castle St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Emtay Inc.
Seller: Debra Craig
Date: 10/15/25

175 Chestnut St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $1,000,000
Buyer: Bar Belmont LLC
Seller: Eleanor Chestnut Realty LLC
Date: 10/14/25

186-192 Chestnut St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $1,100,000
Buyer: Bar Belmont LLC
Seller: Bruce Wright Group LLC
Date: 10/10/25

150 Cloran St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $328,000
Buyer: Merna Ivey
Seller: Genevieve Construction Development Group
Date: 10/10/25

137 Cobb St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Clx Real Estate LLC
Seller: Falynne P. Correia
Date: 10/15/25

31-33 Dorset St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $472,500
Buyer: Abraham Adolphus
Seller: Cig4 LLC
Date: 10/09/25

435 Dwight St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $6,500,000
Buyer: Bar Belmont LLC
Seller: Dwight Taylor Realty NT
Date: 10/10/25

64-66 East Bay Path Ter.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $349,000
Buyer: Monica Kuku
Seller: Phantom Holdings LLC
Date: 10/15/25

51 East Canton Circle
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $204,000
Buyer: Sean Curran
Seller: Paige Bradley
Date: 10/08/25

144 Euclid Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: 144 Euclid LLC
Seller: Emtay Inc.
Date: 10/10/25

45 Fenimore Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Nadine A. Thomas
Seller: Kimberly A. Douglas
Date: 10/14/25

87 Fenwick St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Naples Home Buyers TR
Seller: Heather S. Guadeloupe
Date: 10/14/25

72 Firglade Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Keith Olenchak
Seller: W. B. Grisel
Date: 10/07/25

30 Forest Park Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Zachary J. Brown
Seller: Jose C. Santiago
Date: 10/08/25

47 Garfield St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $483,460
Buyer: Meredith Lemasurier
Seller: Stefan Hagmann
Date: 10/14/25

14 Garford St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Maria I. Vazquez
Seller: Emtay Inc.
Date: 10/08/25

93 Garfield St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Luz A. Devasquez
Seller: Corina Young
Date: 10/10/25

58 Gilman St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $271,500
Buyer: Gabriel A. Santana
Seller: Orange Park Mgmt.LLC
Date: 10/15/25

19 Harbour Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Nicholas Albert
Seller: Kaitlyn Bouffard
Date: 10/10/25

79 Keith St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $443,000
Buyer: Amaurys J. De Los Santos
Seller: Ackeem J. Donaldson
Date: 10/07/25

5 Kerry Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $297,500
Buyer: Tony E. Sousa
Seller: Ellis C. Gray
Date: 10/09/25

52 Luden St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $298,000
Buyer: Jenna Jackson
Seller: Anna Cardaropli
Date: 10/15/25

101-103 Lyman St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $1,100,000
Buyer: Bar Belmont LLC
Seller: Bruce Wright Group LLC
Date: 10/10/25

127 Lyman St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $1,100,000
Buyer: Bar Belmont LLC
Seller: Bruce Wright Group LLC
Date: 10/10/25

130-134 Lyman St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $1,100,000
Buyer: Bar Belmont LLC
Seller: Bruce Wright Group LLC
Date: 10/10/25

2 Lyons St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $187,500
Buyer: Michael Krause
Seller: Joseph D. Szarek
Date: 10/06/25

254-256 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $760,000
Buyer: RG Main & Oak LLC
Seller: Rafael A. Martinez
Date: 10/10/25

128 Maplewood Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $417,000
Buyer: Darnel Alouidor
Seller: Moses Pava TR
Date: 10/06/25

136 Maynard St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Manchester Enterprises LLC
Seller: Tyrus T. Ferguson
Date: 10/09/25

19 Metzger Plaza
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Clarissa Camacho
Seller: Pablo Colon
Date: 10/06/25

168 Middle St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $247,000
Buyer: Joshua L. Morin
Seller: William Royland
Date: 10/09/25

41 Nevada St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Lance Hamilton
Seller: Susan L. Guterl
Date: 10/15/25

179 Oak St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $215,250
Buyer: Joseph L. Selevitch
Seller: Cwbs Instrument Of Redemption
Date: 10/15/25

148-150 Oak Grove Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Emma Burke
Seller: Leggett, Gladys, (Estate)
Date: 10/07/25

72-74 Palmer Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $259,000
Buyer: Chamber Investment Group LLC
Seller: Sandy Moon RET
Date: 10/07/25

423-425 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Albertina Ozor
Seller: 423-425 Parker Street TR
Date: 10/10/25

61 Russell St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Arnoldo W. Gallardo
Seller: Theresa M. Rice
Date: 10/15/25

60 Saffron Circle
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Jonathan Samataro
Seller: Jacques, Normand G., (Estate)
Date: 10/07/25

35 Tioga St.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $251,832
Buyer: Federal National Mortgage Assn.
Seller: Phyllis A. Sojka
Date: 10/08/25

140 Wait St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Jonathan Hafer
Seller: Jason Pagan
Date: 10/10/25

27 Welland Road
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: M&H Property Ventures LLC
Seller: Gary J. Lafave
Date: 10/08/25

92 Woodside Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $1,120,000
Buyer: American Patriots Real Estate LLC
Seller: Rbt Enterprise LLC
Date: 10/06/25

1275 Worcester St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Derek Estrella
Seller: Victor A. Ramos
Date: 10/09/25

SOUTHWICK

33 Birchwood Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Connor T. Kane
Seller: William A. Cunningham
Date: 10/08/25

7 Pondview Lane
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $710,000
Buyer: Jill Brody
Seller: Analytical Sciences Marketing
Date: 10/09/25

TOLLAND

64 Porcupine Point Road
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $649,900
Buyer: Charles H. Keller
Seller: Dorothy Nicoletti
Date: 10/14/25

27 Stones Throw Dr.
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $261,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Lipchus
Seller: Judith Factor
Date: 10/08/25

WALES

6 Haynes Hill Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $222,500
Buyer: Naples Home Buyes TR
Seller: Ernest J. Bertothy
Date: 10/15/25

WESTFIELD

53 Bristol St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Vladislav Biley
Seller: Evelyn D. Casey
Date: 10/10/25

16 Glen Ridge Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Joseph Crevier
Seller: Heather White
Date: 10/10/25

99 Hillcrest Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $557,500
Buyer: Heather L. White
Seller: Angelique L. Cadieux
Date: 10/10/25

15 Laro Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Ryan Simmitt
Seller: Francis B. Marsh
Date: 10/14/25

19 Locust St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Kristin A. Brouillette
Seller: David Smith
Date: 10/08/25

15 Maple Ter.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Anthony J. Zazzaro
Seller: Brett M. Worden
Date: 10/07/25

50 North Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Maria Williams
Seller: Elizabeth Provo
Date: 10/09/25

16 Spruce St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $432,000
Buyer: Lisa R. Frances
Seller: Melissa K. Lavimoniere
Date: 10/10/25

WILBRAHAM

20 Bartlett Ave.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Jessica Barrett
Seller: Mark D. Haggan
Date: 10/07/25

31 Brooklawn Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $538,000
Buyer: Ralph F. Hess
Seller: Anita E. Richard
Date: 10/15/25

37 Brookside Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Caitlin Phelps
Seller: Rene A. Romero
Date: 10/14/25

4 Highmoor Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $561,000
Buyer: April B. Robinson
Seller: Smith, Barbara J., (Estate)
Date: 10/10/25

21 Hunting Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Olivia G. Fernandes
Seller: Jeffrey Webb
Date: 10/14/25

9 Longview Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $570,000
Buyer: Zachary Charbonneau
Seller: Karla Impionbato-Sass
Date: 10/07/25

8 Meadowview Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $429,900
Buyer: Kathryn Fischman
Seller: Michael J. Stirlacci
Date: 10/14/25

505 Mountain Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Kara Rice
Seller: Positive Spin Real Estate Investors Inc.
Date: 10/10/25

344 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Naples Home Buyers TR
Seller: Janet E. Johnson RET
Date: 10/08/25

WEST SPRINGFIELD

45 Autumn Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Lisa M. Cosgrove
Seller: Dean J. Martilli
Date: 10/10/25

55 Bliss St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $594,000
Buyer: Ibrahim S. Kilic
Seller: Nikulin FT
Date: 10/10/25

77 Bowers St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $378,000
Buyer: Julissa Muniz
Seller: Nostin, Thomas J., (Estate)
Date: 10/10/25

51 Craiwell Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Sandra Brodeur
Seller: Moira F. Centracchio
Date: 10/14/25

45 Elm Circle
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Danielle Maynard
Seller: Jennifer A. O’Connor
Date: 10/14/25

31 Fox St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $329,900
Buyer: Tara Cataloni
Seller: Manchester Enterprises LLC
Date: 10/09/25

103 Hillcrest Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Silvia D. Dejeronimo
Seller: James R. Keddy
Date: 10/15/25

22 Maple Ter.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Mario D. Fairweather
Seller: Haskell Holdings LLC
Date: 10/10/25

132 Nelson St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $329,000
Buyer: Sara Moriarty
Seller: Aem Property Investment LLC
Date: 10/08/25

43 Woodmont St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $327,925
Buyer: Kate J. Karl-Morin
Seller: Brandon Clement
Date: 10/06/25

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

313 Amity St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $651,388
Buyer: Bingyu Hu
Seller: Robert L. Stern
Date: 10/06/25

57 Harlow Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Nicholas J. Skowronek
Seller: Karen Isabelle
Date: 10/08/25

15 Research Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $2,000,000
Buyer: Dickinson Street LLC
Seller: Carex LLC
Date: 10/09/25

BELCHERTOWN

1 Chestnut Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $554,000
Buyer: Lawrence Lacombe
Seller: Robert C. Lattanzi
Date: 10/15/25

287 Federal St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $379,900
Buyer: Chelsea Cooke
Seller: Dexter J. Labonte
Date: 10/10/25

1003 Federal St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Andrea Fernandes
Seller: Jason W. Fernandes
Date: 10/09/25

41 Meadow Pond Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $570,000
Buyer: Geoffroy FT
Seller: Pinto IRT
Date: 10/09/25

4 Metacomet Circle
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Marcus P. Lafountain
Seller: Fumi Realty Inc.
Date: 10/10/25

17 Metacomet St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Joelle A. Michigan
Seller: Ann L. Tabb
Date: 10/15/25

343 State St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $570,100
Buyer: Earnest E. Bliss
Seller: Thomas A. Johndrow
Date: 10/06/25

EASTHAMPTON

40 Division St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Jonathan T. Freniere
Seller: Jeffrey J. Kolodziej
Date: 10/08/25

25 Meadowbrook Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $505,000
Buyer: Maren E. Buck
Seller: Jessica L. Strom
Date: 10/08/25

5 Morin Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $273,766
Buyer: Rcaf Acquisiion TR
Seller: Charles Adams
Date: 10/15/25

16 Pomeroy Meadow Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Michael K. Lalak
Seller: Hikari Mamata
Date: 10/10/25

9 Sandra Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Elizabeth G. Provo
Seller: Anthony O’Brien
Date: 10/09/25

GOSHEN

95 Ball Road
Goshen, MA 01096
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Jessica Emmonds
Seller: Linda A. Sbrega
Date: 10/15/25

GRANBY

31 West St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: Paul M. Delp
Seller: Carlos M. Garcia
Date: 10/09/25

HADLEY

10 Bristol Lane
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Jacquelin Sordillo RET
Seller: W. & Rosemary M. Skiba IRT
Date: 10/10/25

6 Highland Circle
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Michael MacDonald
Seller: Bishko, Theodore E., (Estate)
Date: 10/09/25

20 North Maple St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $9,500,000
Buyer: RW North Massistant
Seller: Elaine Manor LP
Date: 10/10/25

2 Nikkis Way
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $1,015,000
Buyer: Chang Liu
Seller: Firefly Vacation Home LLC
Date: 10/15/25

HATFIELD

353 West St.
Hatfield, MA 01066
Amount: $464,000
Buyer: 119 Real Estate LLC
Seller: Shirley Skorupski
Date: 10/15/25

MIDDLEFIELD

120 River Road
Middlefield, MA 01243
Amount: $339,000
Buyer: Molly Laflesh
Seller: Brush FT
Date: 10/14/25

NORTHAMPTON

71 Forest Glen Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Adam K. Komosinski
Seller: Haynes, Christopher A., (Estate)
Date: 10/14/25

183 Grove St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $830,000
Buyer: Missy Ehrgood
Seller: Ajna Maric
Date: 10/10/25

42 Harrison Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $1,099,000
Buyer: Katherine A. Boyer
Seller: Jeffrey M. Mast
Date: 10/07/25

53 Harrison Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $1,200,000
Buyer: W. & Allison V. Brewer RET
Seller: Seth M. Shulman
Date: 10/10/25

35 Hillcrest Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $1,200,000
Buyer: Stephen M. Tirrell RET
Seller: Karen C. Hogan
Date: 10/15/25

1 Walnut St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $1,000,000
Buyer: Jelb Properties LLC
Seller: Donald P. Judge
Date: 10/09/25

10 Ward Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $1,750,000
Buyer: Stephen Trichka
Seller: Luke C. Brown
Date: 10/09/25

SOUTH HADLEY

341 East St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $335,200
Buyer: Richard Veltman
Seller: Chateauneuf, Lucille J., (Estate)
Date: 10/14/25

10 Easy St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Robyn Robitaille
Seller: William Joniec
Date: 10/10/25

28 Hillside Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Michael L. Williams
Seller: Lewis, Richard Ennever, (Estate)
Date: 10/10/25

7 Hunter Ter.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $419,000
Buyer: Steven Pelletier
Seller: 2 Black Cats LLC
Date: 10/10/25

2 Silverwood Ter.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Jessica S. Dubois
Seller: Steven R. Pelletier
Date: 10/10/25

40 Spring St. Ext.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $153,300
Buyer: Lcr Builders LLC
Seller: Polly A. Vauhgn
Date: 10/14/25

SOUTH HADLEY

59 Granby Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Joseph Garcia
Seller: William P. Tanguay
Date: 10/06/25

2 Red Ledge Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $590,000
Buyer: Natalie L. Strokes
Seller: Gelinas, Judith Ann, (Estate)
Date: 10/09/25

SOUTHAMPTON

43 Pomeroy Meadow Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $665,000
Buyer: Megan Creighton
Seller: R. B. & Johna L. Merritt FT
Date: 10/15/25

23 Wolcott Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $675,000
Buyer: Christopher R. Schelling
Seller: Joly, Shirley F., (Estate)
Date: 10/08/25

WARE

9 Cottage St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Hoa Le
Seller: Sharafat Khan
Date: 10/15/25

13 Crescent Ter.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Michael J. Richardson
Seller: Melinda Terry
Date: 10/07/25

12 Mountainview Dr.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $368,000
Buyer: Bethany Racine
Seller: Daniel P. Racine
Date: 10/08/25

27 Old Poor Farm Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $690,000
Buyer: Emmett A. Bumpus
Seller: Thomas R. Klenke
Date: 10/10/25

150 Osborne Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $437,000
Buyer: Lee Conner
Seller: Anthony J. Nevue
Date: 10/10/25

70 Shoreline Dr.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $348,000
Buyer: Licia J. Galinsky
Seller: Patricia G. Moriarty
Date: 10/08/25

37 Warebrook Village
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Kevin M. Comptois
Seller: Bryce D. Haley
Date: 10/10/25

164 West St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $2,000,000
Buyer: H&Y 2025 LLC
Seller: G&A RT
Date: 10/09/25

WILLIAMSBURG

86 South St.
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Kit C. Walsh
Seller: Brian R. McGill
Date: 10/08/25

WORTHINGTON

209 Old North Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $358,750
Buyer: Mary E. Davidson
Seller: Mark A. Spiess
Date: 10/09/25

Building Permits

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

CHICOPEE

Walnut Properties LLC
1400 Memorial Dr.
$7,000 — Carport metal kit

EASTHAMPTON

City of Easthampton
Daley Field Road
$9,000 — Machine demolition of dilapidated shaed with collapsing roof

Easthampton Mahadev LLC
71-77 Cottage St.
$32,000 — Roofing

Easthampton Mahadev LLC
37-43 Union St.
$25,000 — Roofing

Porvenir LLC
100-106 Cottage St.
$30,000 — Repair rear fire escapes on second floor

HADLEY

Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield
120 Russell St.
Siding

LEE

Berkshire Bank
1 Park St.
$19,570 — Replace gas-fired rooftop unit

Enlighten Next Inc.
850 Summer St.
$216,550 — Demolish existing pool house and construct new pool house

Pollard Realty LLC
184 Main St.
$12,000 — Install 12 vinyl replacement windows

Ponds Assoc.
852 Summer St.
$13,829 — Roofing on pool building

LENOX

25 Franklin Street LLC
25 Franklin St.
$18,050 — Roofing

Electric Power Research Inc.
115 East New Lenox Road
$25,000 — Install metal storage building

McGee BMW of Lenox
374 Pittsfield Road
$253,498 — Furnish and install rooftop solar system

Sean and Michael Berkshires AV LLC
384 Pittsfield Road
$252,325 — Furnish and install rooftop solar system

NORTHAMPTON

175 Main Street LLC
175 Main St.
$7,500 — Illuminated wall sign for TD Bank

American Dream Realty LLC
142 Main St.
$41,000 — Interior renovation to Dunkin’

American Dream Realty LLC
142 Main St.
$2,800 — Illuminated ground sign for Dunkin’

American Dream Realty LLC
142 Main St.
$2,800 — Illuminated wall sign for Dunkin’

Biapita LLC
32 Orchard St.
$5,000 — Repairs to deck

Chase Bank
1 King St.
$55,000 — Replace HVAC split system

City of Northampton
80 Locust St.
$6,000 — Non-illuminated wall sign

Florence Congregational Church
130 Pine St.
$25,000 — Remove chimney and bathroom

King Auto Body Inc.
141 King St.
$5,000 — Interior demolition

Northampton Holdings LP
180 North King St.
$56,371 — Change fixtures for Bank of America ATM

O’Connell Development Group
10 Hawley St.
$2,985 — Non-illuminated ground sign for Hawley Manor

O’Connell Oil Associates Inc.
506 Pleasant St.
$39,000 — Build wall in new coffee shop

Om Shiv Gauri Inc.
81 Maple St.
$10,000 — Build/finish partition wall and floor

Smith College
64 Kensington Ave.
$15,000 — Replacement windows

PITTSFIELD

18 Degrees
480 West St.
$330,000 — Minor interior elevations, new air handling units, roofing, and gutters

BHD 10 Pittsfield Realty LLC
10 Lyman St.
$10,000 — Add offices and hallways space

BPDSR LLC
77 Elm St.
$58,316 — Repair existing front porch, ramp, and back porch

City of Pittsfield
180 Connecticut Ave.
$1,671,420 — Roofing at Allendale Elementary School

City of Pittsfield
96 Valentine Road
$532,000 — Horticultural garage for Taconic High School

Elizabeth Freeman Center Inc.
66 Allen St.
$200,000 — Roofing

Guido’s Quality Fruit and Produce
1020 South St.
$3,500 — Add insulated shed on back side of store, mounted on concrete slab, to house tower chemicals, controls, and pumps

Chen Hao
157 Seymour St.
$31,455 — Roofing

Hillcrest Educational Centers Inc.
400 Columbus Ave. Ext.
$850,000 — Foundation for construction of two-story facility

Pittsfield Cemetery Corp.
203 Wahconah St.
$7,200 — Roofing

Sonal Patel LLC
524 North St.
$4,680 — Demolish non-bearing partitions and doors

Wojtkowski Bros. Inc.
501 East St.
$1,000 — Remove non-load-nearing walls and doors, construct one non-load-bearing wall, install two doors and two cased openings, and construct stage platform

Opinion

Editorial

 

Several weeks back, we opined that the ongoing search for a new courthouse site in Springfield has been much like the race to locate the Western Mass. casino more than a decade ago — an exercise packed with speculation, hope, and … more speculation.

Now that DCAMM (the state Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance) has released the list of proposed locations and developers, we’d have to say this search is like the casino hunt on steroids.

In all, 11 proposals have been submitted, covering a wide range of properties across downtown Springfield, many of them vacant or underutilized to one extent or another — everything from Steiger Park to the building that was home to the closed Mardi Gras strip club; from the Springfield Newspapers property to the current courthouse itself; from the former YMCA building on Chestnut Street to office properties on Main Street, Maple Street, and State Street.

It’s quite a list, and together these proposals tell the story of just how much real estate downtown falls into the categories of ‘non-performing’ and ‘underperforming.’

Indeed, the quest for a new courthouse offers an intriguing answer to the question — and in some cases it’s been asked for years, if not decades — ‘what to do with…?’ Examples include:

• Steiger Park. Created after the demolition of the Steiger’s department store on Main Street, it was then called by some ‘a little park for a little while.’ That was nearly 30 years ago. Meanwhile, the park has become a popular gathering spot, home to a farmers’ market and at least one art exhibit. Many would like to see it stay a park.

• The Republican building. Built during a much different time for newspapers and for a staff exponentially larger than the one now working there, the property has been the subject of considerable speculation in recent years and was a big part of one of the proposed Springfield casino plans. In a few signs of the times, a considerable portion of the property is now being leased out to a cannabis dispensary;

• The Liberty Arts Building (125 Liberty St.). Built in the mid-’60s as part of comprehensive urban renewal in the North End (as was the Republican building), this property has certainly seen better days and now has a relatively high vacancy rate. It would be combined with another parcel to create the requisite space for a new courthouse.

• The Mardi Gras building (91 Taylor St.). The strip club has been closed for years, and the building that housed it has been mostly vacant. Housing has been proposed as a new use, but this would be an expensive retrofit.

• The existing courthouse site. It has long been considered a second development opportunity if and when a new courthouse is built elsewhere. It has some advantages as home to the new courthouse, but a temporary facility would have to be found while a new facility is being built, and that might prove problematic. The theater section of the former Eastfield Mall had been suggested for that role before it was torn down.

We can continue this exercise with the other properties on the list, including the former YMCA, the office building at 55 State St., and two mostly vacant office and medical buildings on Maple Street.

Unfortunately, the courthouse project will only solve one of these problems. It will be up to the city and the development community to solve the others.

Meanwhile, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno is calling for a courthouse project that will be ‘game-changing.’ We interpret that to mean something that will do more than solve one of the above-listed problems, a project that could help transform a part of the downtown.

It remains to be seen if any of the projects actually fit that description. So let the speculation begin. Actually, it began a long time ago, so … let it continue.

Opinion

Opinion

By Community Action Pioneer Valley

As Gov. Maura Healey called on the Trump administration late last month unfreeze SNAP benefits (an issue that remained unresolved at press time), Community Action Pioneer Valley’s Center for Self-Reliance food pantries in Greenfield and Shelburne Falls were preparing for an unprecedented surge in need while facing their own funding crisis.

More than 1.1 million Massachusetts residents — including thousands in Franklin & Hampshire Counties — were set to lose their SNAP benefits. Simultaneously, the Trump administration has been targeting Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding for elimination, threatening the very resources that allow the Center for Self-Reliance to operate.

The crisis highlighted the importance of regional food security programs. In the most recent program year, the Center for Self-Reliance provided free, nutritious food to 3,341 neighbors across Franklin County, distributing 184 tons of food — the equivalent of 25 meals per person. The food pantries served an average of 1,400 people per month, with 27% of those served being children.

Unlike some food pantry distributions, the Center for Self-Reliance operates as a client choice food pantry open four days a week, allowing shoppers to select their own groceries, produce, and frozen meat. Forty percent of all food distributed is fresh produce.

“Dignity starts at the front door,” said Cheo Ramos, program coordinator. “When people can shop for what they want and need, rather than receiving a pre-packed bag, it honors their autonomy and ensures food doesn’t go to waste.”

The CAPV food pantries serve a diverse community, with staff speaking Spanish, English, Portuguese, Russian, and Moldovan to better connect with participants. A team of 25 volunteers donated 2,972 hours of time last year, helping make the program possible.

The Center for Self-Reliance’s partnership with the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and other suppliers allows it to stretch donated dollars remarkably far.

“For every dollar you give me, I can turn it into three,” Ramos explained. But this efficiency depends on CSBG funding, which covers essential operating costs, including staff, facilities, and the infrastructure that makes bulk purchasing and food distribution possible.

If SNAP benefits freeze and CSBG funding is eliminated, the Center for Self-Reliance will face an impossible situation: serving dramatically more people with dramatically fewer resources.

How can you help? The Center for Self-Reliance is calling on community members to donate funds at www.communityaction.us/giving, which can be stretched further than food donations; volunteer time at the Greenfield location to help with food distribution and/or making deliveries; spread awareness about the crisis facing food security programs; and contact elected officials to protect SNAP benefits and CSBG funding.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Thunderbirds, Wellpoint, and community partners are teaming up to connect local students and public safety officials through the return of the First Line Program. The initiative, sponsored by Wellpoint and revived from the 2017-18 season, pairs Springfield Public Schools students with Springfield and Hampden County public safety officials for an unforgettable night of hockey, mentorship, and community pride.

“Re-establishing the First Line Program was deeply important to our organization as we continue to strive to be pillars of this community,” Thunderbirds President Nathan Costa said. “This initiative creates meaningful connections between local youth and public safety officials, helping to build trust, inspire dialogue, and strengthen relationships that make Western Massachusetts a better, safer place for everyone.”

Seven students and teachers from Kiley Prep Middle School attended the program kickoff at the Nov. 7 Thunderbirds game, where each student was paired with a Springfield police officer, firefighter, or corrections officer from the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office. The event celebrated community connection, with participants enjoying food, conversation, and hometown pride as they watched the Thunderbirds face the Bridgeport Islanders.

“We aim to empower every individual we serve with the resources and support they need to thrive,” said David Morales, general manager of Wellpoint. “The First Line Program does exactly that. By bringing students together with public safety leaders and community partners through sports, we’re enabling young people to grow and thrive.”

The First Line Program will continue throughout the Thunderbirds’ 2025-26 season, with students and educators from schools across Springfield joining in future games.

“At Springfield Public Schools, we believe that one of the cornerstones of a strong community is shared purpose,” Superintendent Sonia Dinnall said. “The First Line Program reminds our students that they are valued and supported by the people who protect and serve them every day. We are deeply grateful to the Springfield Thunderbirds and Wellpoint for creating this opportunity. When young people and public safety officials come together in positive ways, it fosters compassion and trust — values that make our city stronger.”

Daily News

Victoria LePrevost

PITTSFIELD — Pittsfield Cooperative Bank announced that Victoria LePrevost has joined the bank’s senior leadership team as chief accounting officer.

LePrevost brings more than eight years of experience in public accounting to her new role, most recently serving as a senior manager in Deloitte’s Audit and Assurance practice. Throughout her career, she has worked with a wide range of clients, offering expertise in banking, securities, and capital markets.

A Berkshire County native, LePrevost earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting and an additional liberal studies major in ethics and social responsibility from Bentley University. She is a certified public accountant in Massachusetts and a member of both the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants.

“We are thrilled to welcome Victoria to the Co-op Bank leadership team,” President Gregg Levante said. “Her distinguished experience at Deloitte and her passion for community-focused banking make her an exceptional addition to our organization. Victoria’s insight and integrity will strengthen our financial foundation and help us continue delivering trusted, personalized service to the families and businesses that rely on us every day.”

LePrevost will oversee all accounting functions of the bank, supporting its continued commitment to sound financial management and community-focused banking.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The second annual Party with 1 Purpose lit up the Basketball Hall of Fame on Oct. 4, bringing together a sold-out crowd for an evening of inspiration, generosity, and community. Co-hosted by David Fontaine Jr. and Sarah Fontaine, the event raised nearly $470,000 to support Breakthrough T1D’s mission to accelerate life-changing research and ultimately cure type 1 diabetes (T1D).

The evening featured a silent auction filled with unique experiences and local treasures, along with an energetic new live auction that had guests raising their paddles for exclusive trips, dining experiences, and one-of-a-kind items, all to fuel T1D research.

Guests were deeply moved by the stories shared throughout the night. Speaker Katie Bone — a professional rock climber, American Ninja Warrior champion, and proud T1D advocate — delivered a powerful message about perseverance and strength in the face of T1D.

One of the most emotional highlights came during the Fund a Cure segment, featuring a touching video spotlighting Beth, Shane, and Braden Kouflie. Their story — alongside other local T1D warriors — captured the daily realities of living with diabetes and the hope that drives this community forward. Their heartfelt words inspired an outpouring of generosity, resulting in a record-breaking Fund a Cure moment.

The weekend continued on a high note on Oct. 5 with a special event at Pioneer Gymnastics Center in East Longmeadow, where Bone led demonstrations and gave local kids the chance to try out fun, ninja-style activities while hearing her inspiring story as a T1D athlete. The uplifting session brought together Breakthrough T1D families for a morning of connection, encouragement, and empowerment.

“Party with 1 Purpose has become more than just a gala — it’s a movement,” David Fontaine Jr. said. “To see our community come together again, sell out the event, and raise nearly half a million dollars toward a cure — it’s truly humbling.”

All proceeds from the evening will directly fund Breakthrough T1D’s critical research and advocacy work, supporting the more than 1.4 million Americans living with T1D.

Due to overwhelming success and community support, organizers have already announced that Party with 1 Purpose will return next year on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.

Daily News

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Community College (GCC) is hosting its fifth annual celebration of first-generation college students with a slate of activities this week, Nov. 10-14.

More than half of all GCC students are first-generation, meaning their parents did not earn a bachelor’s degree, or they self-identify as the first in their immediate family to attend college.

National studies show that completing a college degree remains a powerful driver of economic mobility. Workers with a bachelor’s degree earned about 61% more annually in 2023 than those with only a high-school diploma. Graduates from historically underrepresented or first-generation backgrounds who complete their degrees see stronger long-term gains — such as higher lifelong earnings and lower poverty rates — than peers with similar early-life disadvantages who stop short of a credential.

While Nov. 8 is national First-Generation College Celebration Day, GCC extends the recognition throughout the week with campus-wide activities, food, and community displays honoring the achievements of first-generation students. Faculty and staff who were the first in their families to attend college will also be featured in mini-profiles across campus to highlight shared experiences and foster connection.

GCC student Rebecca Durand shared what being first-generation means to her. “It’s difficult to put into words what it truly means to be the first in my family to go to college and earn a degree. Through four generations, I am the only one who will be graduating from college, and that fills me with immense pride and gratitude. Although I’m doing this in my 50s, it’s never too late to chase your dreams. This journey represents not only my personal determination, but also the hopes and sacrifices of the generations before me who didn’t have the same opportunity. Being a first-generation student means breaking barriers, setting an example, and proving that education has no age limit.”

GCC President Michelle Schutt added that “being a first-generation college student means stepping into unfamiliar territory and carrying your family’s hopes with you. When I first arrived on a college campus, I didn’t always know where to turn or what to expect, but I learned that resilience and curiosity can open every door. I see myself in our students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education, and I want them to know they belong here. Being first-generation isn’t just about being the first; it’s about ensuring you’re not the last. It’s about transforming opportunity into legacy.”