2026 - BusinessWest

Westfield State University Appoints Aaron Aska VP of Administration and Finance

By BusinessWest Staff July 20, 2026

Daily News

Aaron Aska

WESTFIELD — Westfield State University has appointed Aaron Aska as vice president of Administration and Finance. He brings more than 25 years of executive leadership experience in higher education finance, operations, strategic planning, and institutional administration.

Aska joins Westfield State from St. Elizabeth University in Morristown, N.J., where he served as chief operating and fiscal officer. Prior to that, he spent nearly two decades at New Jersey City University, holding a series of senior leadership positions and helping guide major institutional initiatives.

“As Westfield State University continues to advance its strategic priorities, Dr. Aska’s extensive experience in financial leadership, operational excellence, and long-term planning will be instrumental in positioning the university for continued success,” President Linda Thompson said.

Throughout his career, Aska has demonstrated expertise in fiscal management, capital planning, strategic resource allocation, and organizational effectiveness. He has overseen complex financial operations, developed innovative public-private partnerships, secured multi-million-dollar grants, and led initiatives that strengthened institutional growth and long-term sustainability.

As vice president of Administration and Finance, Aska will oversee the Westfield State’s financial operations, budgeting, facilities, business services, and administrative functions, providing strategic leadership to support the institution’s mission and financial health.

He earned his doctor of education degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He is a certified public accountant and has devoted his career to advancing innovation, operational excellence, and student success through sound financial stewardship.

BusinessTalk with Ray Berry, Owner and General Manager, White Lion Brewing Co.: Mane Events

By Ryan Leary July 20, 2026

Business Talk Podcast Features

With new episodes airing every other Monday, BusinessTalk features in-depth interviews and discussions with local industry leaders who offer thoughtful perspectives on the Western Massachusetts economy and the many business ventures that keep it running. BusinessTalk is sponsored and presented by Greenfield Cooperative Bank.

Go HERE to view all episodes

Episode 261: July 20, 2026

George O’Brien talks with Ray Berry, Owner and General Manager, White Lion Brewing Co.

Ray Berry acknowledges these are challenging times for the craft beer industry. The founder, owner, and general manager of White Lion Brewing, he notes that the cost of everything, from hops to labor to food, is rising. Meanwhile, the Millennials who fueled the craft beer surge years ago are getting older and have other priorities. And they and everyone else also have more choices, including hard ciders and seltzers, ready-made cocktails, and cannabis. In this environment, to survive and thrive, brewers must get creative, he said, and offer much more than lagers and pale ales. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Ray talks with BusinessWest contributing writer George O’Brien about all that goes into being creative, and how his efforts are also helping to breathe some life into downtown Springfield through live music, lobster rolls, and much more. It’s must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest over both audio and video platforms, and sponsored by Greenfield Cooperative Bank.

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Florence Bank Hires Kim Zabek as Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager

By BusinessWest Staff July 20, 2026

Daily News

Kim Zabek

FLORENCE — Florence Bank announced it has hired Kim Zabek as assistant vice president and branch manager of the Florence branch office.

With more than 28 years of banking experience, Zabek has previously held the positions of branch manager officer, Call Center manager, and assistant branch manager. In addition to managing the bank’s Florence branch, she will oversee community outreach and engagement, growing customer relationships, and customer service.

“I’m excited to lead the Florence branch team,” Zabek said. “I look forward to building lasting relationships and helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve their financial goals.”

President and CEO Matt Garrity is pleased to welcome Zabek to the bank. “Kim comes to us with a wealth of experience in banking,” he said. “With her prior experience and incredible skillset, I am confident she will provide exceptional service to Florence Bank’s customers.”

Country Bank Named Top Workplaces Award Winner for 2026

By BusinessWest Staff July 20, 2026

Daily News

WARE — Country Bank announced it has been named a 2026 Top Workplaces Award winner for the second consecutive year, earning national recognition for the supportive workplace culture it continues to build across the local communities it serves.

Rooted in a long tradition of community banking, Country Bank credits this honor to its team members, whose dedication to one another helps shape a workplace centered on care, collaboration, and service.

Country Bank was also honored with Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Awards for employee well-being and work-life flexibility. These additional recognitions underscore the bank’s ongoing focus on supporting employees in meaningful ways.

For Country Bank, the recognition reflects more than an internal achievement; it highlights the connection between a strong workplace culture and the bank’s ability to serve families, businesses, and nonprofit organizations throughout the region. By investing in its employees and fostering a culture where people can thrive, the bank continues to strengthen the relationships that have long been at the heart of its mission.

“This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the voices of our team members and the culture we continue to build together,” said Mary McGovern, president and CEO of Country Bank. “At Country Bank, we believe that, when employees feel supported, valued, and connected to a shared purpose, they are better able to care for our customers and give back to the communities we are proud to serve.”

Top Workplaces awards celebrate organizations that have built people-first workplace cultures within their sector. These awards recognize employers of choice based on feedback from a research-backed employee engagement survey.

“Creating a workplace where employees feel heard, supported, and empowered is central to who we are,” said Miriam Siegel, chief Culture and Development officer at Country Bank. “These recognitions reflect the care our teams show for one another every day and our continued commitment to providing the flexibility, resources, and culture that help employees succeed, both at work and in their personal lives.”

MSBDC Helps People Get Down to Business

By George O'Brien July 20, 2026

Cover Story

Regional Director Rob DelMastro

From Idea to Reality

Rob DelMastro says he’ll always remember his first encounter with a consultant working for the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC), the state-funded agency tasked with fostering the start, growth, and sustainability of small businesses.

That’s because it wasn’t exactly a good experience.

“The message was, essentially, ‘go away, little boy, this is a stupid idea,’” said DelMastro, who came to the center when he was in his early 30s for help with launching a software business focused on the insurance industry.

He was quick to point all this out when he went back to the agency for guidance as he was blueprinting his next entrepreneurial gambit — a co-working venture back when that concept was still relatively new, he told BusinessWest. And far more important than the large bit of satisfaction he gained was a critical lesson he took from those experiences.

“When I took this job, I told myself I would never tell someone, ‘that’s a bad idea,’” said DelMastro, director of the MSBDC’s Western and Berkshire regions. “My job is to help someone realize it’s a bad idea.”

Or a good idea, he added, noting that this mindset has prevailed over his work with the agency, which he joined as a senior business advisor in its Central region in 2021 before taking the helm in the 413 last August. And he said the way to help someone determine whether an idea has merit is with numbers.

“I tell all my clients that business is all about math,” he said. “You’re in business to make money, and you need to make money to support your employees and support you and your family. And math often helps people understand why something is a bad idea.”

DelMastro and other consultants with the Western office are doing a lot of work with math these days as the region continues to see an abundance of entrepreneurial energy.

There’s always been a good amount of that commodity locally, but it picked up during the pandemic, he explained, when people had time and opportunity to reflect on their lives and careers, with many deciding they weren’t happy doing what they were doing.

And more recently, an increasingly challenging job market for older individuals has prompted more people to think about going into business for themselves.

“I know several friends, relatives, and clients who are in their mid- to late 50s and older, and they just can’t find a job,” he explained, adding that many need to keep working and are looking to work for themselves, often as a consultant, a path that might seem easy to those considering it, but comes with many different challenges.

As do most all entrepreneurial ventures, he said, adding that the MSBDC exists to help people of all ages, with all kinds of ambitions, at all the various stages of entrepreneurship, from conception of an idea to retirement.

“When I took this job, I told myself I would never tell someone, ‘that’s a bad idea.’ My job is to help someone realize it’s a bad idea.”

People like Amber-Lynn Watson, who created a wedding planning business called Small Town Moments LLC. She had worked as an insurance agent for more than seven years when she decided it was time for a meaningful change.

Amber-Lynn Watson operates Small Town Moments LLC with ongoing guidance from the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center.

“I didn’t feel like that was something I was meant to do; I was doing it to pay the bills, but I wanted something that was actually going to light me up and give me inspiration and help people enjoy their day to the fullest,” she said, adding that she’s found all this in a business designed to help couples with their pain points and essentially deliver as much help as they need — when they need it.

She took the concept to the MSBDC and was eventually assigned to DelMastro, who helped her get started, and has stayed with her, working on everything from forming an LLC to budgeting and cash flow, to understanding when she’s ready to take on her first employee.

“No one tells you how to start a business,” Watson told BusinessWest, adding that the MSBDC has been instrumental with the myriad aspects off getting a venture off the ground and then coping with the inevitable challenges and growing pains.

For this issue, we take an in-depth look at the MSBDC and its regional office and how it remains an important component in the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Western Mass.

Married to the Idea

Watson told BusinessWest that she got a taste of event planning with her own wedding and Jack and Jill, as well a nonprofit event — a fundraiser for the American Heart Assoc. to benefit her cousin, who died from cardiomyopathy.

“It started with passion because I love all the little details that bring an event together,” she said, adding that she started thinking about turning that passion into a business. She did the requisite due diligence and determined that, while there were a few wedding planners and coordinators working in the 413, there was room for another one.

Especially one with her model, which she described as ‘a la carte planning support,’ which translates into essentially whatever the couple needs — full planning, partial planning, or month-of coordination. On the actual wedding day, she’s there for as many hours as the couple needs her.

“When I got married, I had a venue coordinator who takes care of the tables, the space, and the chairs, but I didn’t have someone in those weeks leading up to help build a timeline, confirm things with all those vendors, and make sure everyone’s on the same page,” she said, adding that this is the void she’s filling.

And she’s off to a good start, building a word-of-mouth referrals and filling in the schedule with work for the next year and beyond.

Watson is typical of the clients who come to the MSBDC for guidance at various stages of a venture, but increasingly, they’re seeking help at the earliest stages, said DelMastro, adding that he’s not exactly sure why this is, but he suspects it has something to do with more individuals — the older population, as mentioned earlier, but also younger people as well — looking to turn ideas into sustainable businesses.

The MSBDC provides these individuals with a wide array of services, including a two-hour, online “How to Start a Business” training series for those who have not officially launched or generated revenue prior to actual advising.

As for that advising, it covers considerable ground, including business plan development, financial plan development, marketing and sales strategies, cash flow analysis, organizational issues, and government procurement assistance.

There are three business advisors at the Western region, affiliated with the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst, and now based in the university’s facilities in Tower Square, said DelMastro, who devotes part of his time to such work, adding that they’re working with roughly 20 clients each at any given time.

The advising work is rewarding on many levels, he said.

Lars Reinhard is making some news with his custom muffler business.

“The best part of the job is meeting new individuals with some great ideas, including some things that I never thought about or knew about — that’s exciting. Every new client I meet, I look forward to it, and it’s fun to listen to the enthusiasm — and the ideas.”

Such as the one Lars Reinhard came up with for a muffler whereby the driver can control the volume from inside the vehicle. It’s not an entirely new concept — the Corvette provides the driver with that option, Reinhard noted — but he found a way to mainstream the concept, patented the technology, risked all that he and his wife had saved, and created an LLC (Glory Days Speed Shop) with help from the MSBDC.

He recently passed a milestone, $1 million in annual sales, and now has six employees and has designs on continued growth. But nothing has been easy.

“It’s been the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” said Reinhard, who was teaching during the pandemic before deciding he wanted to go into business for himself. “It’s such a challenge, and most of it is mental, getting used to the stress, the roller coasters, the ridiculous hours, handling the mistakes … it’s hard to celebrate the wins.”

Adding It Up

DelMastro said one challenge for him comes when the idea in question doesn’t sound like a good one, adding, again, that he won’t actually tell someone that; he’ll help them make that determination.

And this brought him back to the subject of math, and how many aspiring entrepreneurs need to do more of it when considering a business proposition. He offered an actual case as an example.

“I had three women come to me right after the pandemic — they were among my first clients,” he recalled. “During the pandemic, they were making muffins for the neighborhood, and they were making 100 bucks a weekend doing it. So they came to me and said, ‘we’re going to start a muffin company.’

“I said, ‘great — what are your parameters?’” he went on, adding that the three said they would like to make $50,000 each annually from the venture. “I said, ‘that’s $150,000 profit you need to make; what are you going to sell your muffins at?’ And they said about $3. They also said they only wanted to work Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. We did the math, and it turned out they needed to sell 6,000 muffins a day.

“That’s a silly example, but a great example of how sitting down and doing the math helps you realize how silly your idea is,” he continued, adding that he’s conducted several such exercises over the years.

“The best part of the job is meeting new individuals with some great ideas, including some things that I never thought about or knew about — that’s exciting.”

But math is only one consideration for those looking to start a business, he said, adding that others include having reasonable expectations and understanding all the challenges and risks, as well as the opportunities.

“Everyone thinks they’re going to make a million dollars, and everyone thinks that when they open their doors, 200 people are going to stream through them,” he said. “So my job is to help them tamper down that enthusiasm and identify the least amount they can sell and break even, and I enjoy that — I’m a numbers guy, and it’s quite an education for most people.”

Reinhard learned about the MSBDC from his mother, who turned to the agency for help with a catering business, and he has been leaning on counselors (most recently DelMastro) for guidance at every step of the journey.

“We just check every month, and I tell him numbers and run things by him,” Reinhard said. “Like, ‘should I go with this marketing agency?’ or ‘who should I hire next, a cheap person or a high-level person?’ — big, strategic questions like that. It’s nice to bounce ideas off people like that.”

Watson agreed and said DelMastro helped her set realistic expectations and also create a roadmap for sustainability, working on issues such as cash flow, creation of a website, how to present at a recent bridal expo at Mohegan Sun, and planning for expansion and hiring an assistant.

And, like all entrepreneurs, Watson said there have been highs and lows, but mostly enthusiasm for doing something that, unlike selling insurance, she really enjoys.

“The most fun is doing something that I love to do; it warms my heart to see people enjoy their day because I was able to take the stress out,” she explained. “The hardest part is the ups and downs — not everything is going work out the way you want it to — but that’s life, and you just keep going every day and get up and keep moving. That’s all you can do.”

Helping businesses keep moving is probably the simplest way to describe the mission of the MSBDC, which offers training and advice of all kinds, but mostly deals in reality — and how to cope with it.

Manufacturing Day Brings Industry’s Issues to Lawmakers

By Joseph Bednar July 20, 2026

Features Manufacturing

Associated Industries of Massachusetts President and CEO Brooke Thomson

Something to Build On

Brooke Thomson called it “a gathering at the intersection of commerce and public policy” — and a critical conversation to be having in Massachusetts right now.

“We know that, when people think about manufacturing, they picture factory floors and assembly lines, machines producing everything from automobiles to medical devices, but they don’t always think about the intersection with public policy,” said Thomson, president and CEO of Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM). “They don’t always picture all the lawmakers, regulations, and government programs that are behind the scenes supporting the industry.

“At first glance, that can seem like two separate worlds, but we know how interconnected we truly are,” she continued. “Every manufacturing decision — where to build a plant, what products to make, how to invest in new technology, and who to hire — is shaped by public policy. At the same time, we know the strength of the manufacturing sector influences our state’s economic growth, its job creation, its security, and its ability to compete in the global economy.”

“Manufacturing faces both exciting opportunities and complex challenges from workforce development, energy supply, supply chain resilience, and managing health insurance premiums.”

With that, Thomson kicked off AIM’s Manufacturing Day on July 8, which drew a large group of manufacturing executives to the State House in Boston to hear from legislators and discuss key issues relating to the state’s manufacturing economy — and what needs to be done to increase its competitiveness.

“Manufacturing faces both exciting opportunities and complex challenges from workforce development, energy supply, supply chain resilience, and managing health insurance premiums,” Thomson told the gathering. “It’s one of the reasons that AIM devotes much of its public policy efforts to supporting our manufacturers.”

Leslie Greis, AIM Manufacturing Community co-chair, noted that the economy has shifted in ways manufacturing could take advantage of, namely with the pace of acceleration in climate tech, defense needs, and AI.

“With a healthy manufacturing ecosystem, we can help achieve the state’s objectives” in these areas, she noted, citing a few ways to make that happen, including expanding access to the vocational school system, expanding funding for the Center for Advanced Manufacturing, encouraging conformity between state and federal tax codes, and expanding capital grants to make equipment more affordable for small manufacturers.

The first point, about vocational schools, was brought up repeatedly throughout the event.

“One of the things in Massachusetts that drives me crazy is, when a school has reached the end of its life cycle, and we say, ‘OK, the community needs to come together and support this regional vocational school,’ they build a brand new, state-of-the-art school, but don’t add any actual seats. That is a problem,” said state Sen. Paul Feeney, who co-chairs the Massachusetts Legislative Manufacturing Caucus with state Rep. Jeff Roy, who also addressed the gathering.

“We need to increase capacity,” Feeney added. “The vocational schools across Massachusetts have a waiting list a mile long right now. And the reason is because they do such a great job of preparing people to actually go out and make money as opposed to coming out with a lifetime of debt.

“Vocational education is not some sort of ‘other way’ to educate people,” he added. “Whatever you thought about vocational education growing up, vocational education in Massachusetts is excellence. It’s a pipeline to family-sustaining, career-sustaining jobs. It gives students the skills to be able to step in on day one into your organizations. We need to invest in it and double down on it.”

Thomson told BusinessWest that there might be ways to get the state’s community colleges — which are now free for Massachusetts residents — more involved in the vocational space to fill gaps that arise from a shortage of capacity or teachers.

“We’ve done a lot of work at AIM to try to connect the community colleges to the manufacturers, not just to get more teachers, but because we’ve got an aging workforce. High school kids can take classes in community college, right? There are opportunities where we can use some of these resources in a more productive way.”

Grit, Precision, and Passion

State Rep. Jeff Roy (left) and state Sen. Paul Feeney, who co-chair the Massachusetts Legislative Manufacturing Caucus, addressed a number of issues at the AIM gathering.

Roy began his introductory remarks with praise for the Commonwealth’s manufacturers.

“When people think of Massachusetts, they often think of our incredible universities, our historic cities, and our medical breakthroughs. But what makes those breakthroughs real, what scales them, and what brings them to the world is the grit, the precision, and the passion of Massachusetts manufacturing and their manufacturers,” he said. “We are not a state that just thinks — we are a state that makes.”

He cited some numbers to bolster that point: namely, 228,000 men and women in manufacturing jobs across the Commonwealth. “And their impact is immense. Manufacturing drives a massive 7.9% of the total Massachusetts GDP. And this isn’t just a legacy sector; it’s a vital, living engine of our modern economy.”

Added Feeney, “we have many, many success stories, yet you turn on the news, you read the paper, and all they want to talk about is our challenges. And we get it. We do have an issue where we need to focus on competitiveness.”

He noted efforts like Gov. Maura Healey’s Advisory Council on Competitiveness, which aims to stem outmigration and make Massachusetts a more attractive place to do business.

“But we also need to tell about our successes. We need to share our stories,” Feeney said. “Instead of talking about the ones that are leaving, let’s talk about the ones that are staying and what they’re doing right — the challenges that they’re facing, but also the opportunities that they’re creating. When we tell those stories, it’s compelling. It moves public policy.”

Some of the issues raised at the event are not new — or exclusive to manufacturing — and speak to affordability in Massachusetts in general, like housing and childcare costs that can be barriers to both living and working here. To the latter issue, Feeney brought up the Commonwealth Cares for Children grants that encourage childcare providers to keep more spaces open while keeping costs down.

“The vocational schools across Massachusetts have a waiting list a mile long right now. And the reason is because they do such a great job of preparing people to actually go out and make money as opposed to coming out with a lifetime of debt.”

But Michael Keneally, owner of Accutech Packaging in Mansfield and Foxborough, brought up another issue concerning to manufacturers — an anxious situation right now for immigrants and workers who are losing temporary protective status (TPS) due to a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision.

“We are offering so many programs to help these people,” Roy said. “I am a grandchild of immigrants who came to America and took advantage of the opportunities here to give opportunities to their children and grandchildren — and I think we need to preserve that because that’s what America is all about.”

Feeney agreed. “We get wrapped up in these abstract conversations about what’s right and wrong when it comes to immigration policy without actually understanding that it affects people deep down. It affects your companies,” he said. “So it’s important for us to make sure we are acting as a backstop to provide legal resources to folks … although it’s becoming more and more challenging to do so.”

Other speakers at the event included Greg Batsevitsky, senior vice president at Rockland Trust, who talked about manufacturing financing; and Laura Jenkins, tax partner at Citrin Cooperman, who discussed tax and incentive opportunities stemming from last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Continuing the Conversation

Aaron Vega makes a pitch for Western Mass. as fertile ground for manufacturing at the State House.

Aaron Vega, president and CEO of the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council (EDC), was on hand as well, taking a moment to address AIM officials and lawmakers with a pitch for manufacturing in Western Mass., where costs can be similar to states where companies from the eastern part of the state have fled.

Afterward, Vega told BusinessWest that the concerns that came up during Manufacturing Day — expanding vocational education, making manufacturing more affordable, and helping potential talent access housing and childcare opportunities that will allow them to keep jobs — reflect what he’s heard from EDC members.

“Workforce is the number one issue — those senior, experienced people in the manufacturing companies retiring, and not being able to backfill those positions,” he noted. “I really think we have a lot of good training programs. It’s getting that marketing out to let people know that you didn’t have to be a mathematician in high school — that there are opportunities in manufacturing for you, opportunities for real careers.

“I think we’ve got a pretty good platform of vocational education in Western Mass., but again, it needs to be bolstered, and it’s that marketing piece again — we need to let people know these are not old-school manufacturing jobs,” Vega added. “I’ve been on today’s manufacturing floors, and they’re clean, and they’re making amazing things.”

After the event, Thomson told BusinessWest that, “since I’ve come into this position as CEO, I travel — I try to visit as many members every month as I can, and a lot of them are manufacturers. Everything that came up today is in line with what we’re doing. It’s workforce at the top of the list, but there are so many issues — housing, transportation, education.

“The exciting thing is, we have a lot of opportunity,” she added. “Manufacturing is alive and well in Massachusetts. There’s a lot of really great opportunity, and I can see that the Legislature is focused on helping support the industry. I think that’s great for the whole Commonwealth — not just Boston, which sometimes gets all the attention.”

AI Poses New Threats for Cybersecurity, but Useful Tools as Well

By Joseph Bednar July 20, 2026

Cybersecurity Features

Getty Images

The Landscape Is Shifting

It’s become cliché — in industries of all kinds — to call some new development both a threat and an opportunity.

But in the case of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on cybersecurity, it’s true, in several distinct ways, said Delcie Bean, CEO of Paragus Strategic IT.

“It’s changed cybersecurity more than any single event I can think of, at least in recent history. Unfortunately, as is often the case in these situations, it tends to help the offense faster than the defense, and the defense has to play catch-up and respond. And right now, the offense seems to have the upper hand.

“The level of sophistication and frequency of attacks has increased substantially, and there’s no reason to think that will change soon,” Bean added. “It’s a very busy time for our cybersecurity division to make sure clients are safe and protected because things are changing so quickly and so often.”

This acceleration of AI threats comes at a time when data breaches are already a significant problem. According to a recent report by the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) and the MassCyberCenter, in 2024 alone, OCABR received 2,292 data breach submissions across a wide swath of industries.

“The level of sophistication and frequency of attacks has increased substantially, and there’s no reason to think that will change soon.”

Among the key findings of this study, most incidents involved malicious or criminal conduct, with system intrusion being the dominant method; financial services, healthcare, and banking represent the top industries affected; organizations struggle with preventing, attributing, and detecting breaches; and people, process, and technology contribute to data breaches through identified weaknesses such as insufficient multi-factor authentication and passwords.

“With cyber threats continuously evolving, there is a growing need for cybersecurity and information security professionals to protect computer networks and systems,” wrote Sean O’Brien, director of Cybersecurity & Computer Science at Bay Path University, in a recent article. “In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for information security analysts is projected to grow 29% between 2024 and 2034, notably faster than the national average for all occupations.”

And this breach data, and projections about talent demand to fight threats, largely predate what technology experts are seeing now in the rise of AI. In short, it’s a quickly changing world.

On Guard

Delcie Bean says AI can cut through the noise and make threat detection more efficient.

Bean laid out a few ways in which AI is making life easier for hackers, one of which is the ability to identify many loopholes in an existing system much faster than a human could.

“Using these AI tools, you can uncover hundreds of vulnerabilities, if not thousands. And when those become exploited, there’s no easy answer,” he explained, noting that these can quickly turn into ‘zero day attacks,’ which are exploitations of a previously unknown security flaw before the developer is aware of it or has time to create a patch.

“A second issue is deepfakes and how much more broadly and more powerfully hackers are able to trick people, whether it’s amazing phishing emails looking exactly like normal emails, or more sophisticated attacks,” such as deepfaked video, Bean said.

He cited one example of a company’s employee finding himself on a Zoom call with what he thought was an FBI agent, and wound up exposing critical information to an individual who didn’t actually exist. “A video with that level of sophistication, being able to trick people into thinking it’s real — that’s really changing the game.”

Another threat is the ability, using AI, to autonomously attack companies, Bean said, which can make cyber threats both more numerous and more random. “We’re seeing powerful AI systems being set up to basically scan the internet for businesses and find a company to review for vulnerabilities and launch an attack completely autonomously.”

AI on AI

When asked how AI is changing cybersecurity,
here are the main points outlined in Google’s AI overview:
AI-powered Threats
• Sophisticated social engineering: Attackers use large
language models to generate highly personalized,
grammatically flawless phishing and spear-phishing emails at scale.
• Deepfakes and impersonation: AI-generated video and audio
clones are actively deployed to trick employees into authorizing
fraudulent transactions or divulging sensitive credentials.
• Machine-speed attacks: Threat actors utilize AI to scan massive
networks for vulnerabilities, rapidly test evasion techniques against
legacy defenses, and program malware that mutates to avoid detection.
• Adversarial machine learning: Hackers actively attempt to manipulate
or ‘poison’ the data pool used to train enterprise machine learning models,
leading to compromised security outputs.
Advanced Cyber Defenses
• Real-time threat detection: AI analyzes petabytes of data to establish
baseline ‘good behavior’ and immediately flag subtle, anomalous user or
network activities that indicate a breach.
• Endpoint detection and response: AI-powered endpoints act continuously
without relying on static file signatures, neutralizing unknown and zero-day
threats based on malicious actions.
• Automated incident response: AI tools can instantly isolate infected systems,
validate alerts, and disseminate threat intelligence, shrinking manual response
times from hours to minutes.
• Vulnerability management: AI models prioritize system patches by
analyzing internet accessibility, active exploits, and business criticality —
far beyond traditional scoring systems.

However, AI also offers opportunities to improve cyber defenses, again, in numerous ways — one of which is better honing those defenses.

“A lot of what we’ve done to combat cybersecurity is getting more tools and systems and technologies in place to keep businesses safe. The downside is it generates more and more noise — alerts, false positives, information that’s hard to understand; it takes a lot of additional work to sort through that, which can be overwhelming,” Bean explained.

“Where AI has been successful is helping cybersecurity companies analyze all this noise and determine whether it’s actually information that needs to be addressed, which cuts down on false positives.”

Then there’s the ability to analyze potential threats on a macro level, where suspicious activity on one computer might not immediately read as a threat, but similar activity across a network would — and AI is more adept at picking those patterns up.

Finally, “like AI setting up autonomous agents to attack, we’re also looking at setting up autonomous agents to defend,” Bean said. “Being able to keep track of more data and intelligence than humans are able to — especially in small businesses — means we can respond more effectively and efficiently, 24 hours a day.”

Sean Hogan, president of Hogan Technology Inc. (see related story on page 24), recently wrote about another under-discussed threat from AI. He cited a recent report that 86% of workers use AI at least weekly for work tasks, and 49% of workers admit using AI tools at work without employer approval.

“Whether workers are using these tools to conduct searches, create documents, or enter organization information, they are doing it in a risky manner because none of the tools are secure,” Hogan noted. “Most organizations have invested in cybersecurity. They have implemented firewalls, endpoint protection, multi-factor authentication, email security, backup systems, and network monitoring. However, most are now unknowingly bypassing all of those protections the moment workers begin interacting with an unsecured public AI tool.”

That’s why his company has begun helping clients establish guardrails around how AI is used, allowing workers to benefit from automation and intelligence while maintaining oversight, compliance, and human review.

“Companies want the productivity benefits of AI, but we step in and lock down these tools, so they are safe and secure.”

“Whether workers are using these tools to conduct searches, create documents, or enter organization information, they are doing it in a risky manner because none of the tools are secure.”

Future Shock

In Bean’s mind, the biggest question right now is what’s coming next on both the offensive and defensive sides.

“The thing we’re really afraid of is waking up someday, and there’s a new AI model out there, and you can point it at a company, and it bores its way in, no matter what, and finds an opening and takes that company down. We all believe AI is headed in that direction, and it’s becoming more a matter of when than if.”

However, he added, “the opportunity, in the interim, is to develop some other technology to help combat that, or at least minimize the damage of it. We haven’t seen this level of sophistication yet, but the industry thinks it’s coming. It’s just a matter of who’s going to get there first, offense or defense, and when it’s going to happen.”

Mid-Year Tax Planning

By Contributor July 20, 2026

Accounting and Tax Planning Features

Timely Guidance for Individuals, Small Businesses

By Kristina Drzal Houghton, CPA

Mid-year is one of the best times to revisit your tax picture. By this point, you have real income and expense data for the year, but you still have time to adjust withholding, estimated payments, retirement savings, deductions, and business decisions before year-end. A thoughtful mid-year review can help reduce surprises, manage cash flow, and identify planning opportunities while they are still actionable.

This article highlights practical mid-year action steps for individuals and small business owners, with a focus on items that can still move the needle.

Many taxpayers wait until the fourth quarter to think about taxes. That can be too late for some of the best planning moves. Mid-year planning allows you to:

• Project this year’s tax liability while there is still time to respond;

• Adjust wage withholding or quarterly estimates before underpayment penalties build;

• Revisit retirement contribution strategy;

• Manage capital gains, losses, and charitable gifts more deliberately;

• Evaluate credits and deductions affected by adjusted gross income (AGI); and

• For business owners, align equipment purchases, accounting methods, and compensation decisions with tax and cash-flow goals.

Kristina Drzal Houghton

“Retirement planning is not just for December. Mid-year is an ideal time to verify whether contributions are on pace and whether more tax-efficient choices are available.”

For Individuals: Start with a Tax Projection

A mid-year tax projection should include more than wages. It should also capture:

• Bonuses, commissions, and self-employment income;

• Investment income, capital gains, and losses;

• Retirement distributions or Roth conversions;

• Itemized deductions or expected use of the standard deduction;

• Education and childcare expenses; and

• Any large one-time events such as a home sale, business sale, or major charitable gift.

This projection becomes the roadmap for deciding whether to increase withholding, make or reduce estimated payments, harvest losses, or accelerate deductions.

Estimated Taxes and Safe Harbors: Avoiding Penalties

Under the pay-as-you-go system, individuals generally must prepay enough tax during the year through withholding and/or estimated tax payments. The underpayment penalty rules are often manageable if you monitor them early enough.

In general, the estimated tax penalty can be avoided if your required annual payment equals the lesser of 90% of your current-year tax or 100% of your prior-year tax.

If your prior-year AGI exceeded $150,000 ($75,000 if married filing separately), the prior-year safe harbor generally increases to 110% of prior-year tax. There is also generally no penalty if the balance due after withholding is less than $1,000.

For many employees and retirees, the easiest mid-year fix is not an estimated payment — it is increasing withholding. Withheld tax is generally treated as paid ratably throughout the year, even if you increase it later in the year. That can make withholding a useful tool for catching up after underwithholding in the first half of the year.

A mid-year ‘paycheck checkup’ is often worthwhile after major life or income changes. Employees can use the IRS withholding estimator and submit a revised Form W-4 to adjust withholding.

Retirement Contributions: One of the Best Mid-year Levers

Retirement planning is not just for December. Mid-year is an ideal time to verify whether contributions are on pace and whether more tax-efficient choices are available.

Current-year limits: The elective deferral limit for 401(k), 403(b), and 457 plans is $24,500, while the limit for traditional and Roth IRAs is $7,500. Catch-up contributions may also apply for eligible older taxpayers.

For self-employed taxpayers, some retirement plans may still be adopted by the return due date, including extensions, depending on plan type and timing rules.

Capital Gains and Loss Harvesting: Don’t Wait Until December

Capital gain planning is not only a year-end exercise. Mid-year is a good time to review taxable brokerage accounts and identify unrealized gains and losses.

If you have realized gains already this year, harvesting losses can offset those gains. If losses exceed gains, up to $3,000 of net capital loss can generally offset ordinary income ($1,500 for married filing separately), with excess losses carried forward.

For higher-income individuals, loss harvesting may also reduce exposure to the 3.8% net investment income tax (NIIT).

A tax loss generally is not recognized if you sell securities and buy substantially identical securities within the 61-day wash sale window — 30 days before or 30 days after the sale.

“A thoughtful mid-year review can help reduce surprises, manage cash flow, and identify planning opportunities while they are still actionable.”

Charitable Giving: Timing and Asset Choice Matter

Charitable planning can often be improved significantly with better timing and better choice of property. Because many taxpayers claim the standard deduction, charitable contributions may produce more tax value if you bunch multiple years of giving into one year to exceed the standard deduction. Mid-year is a good time to decide whether the current year is an ‘itemize’ year or a ‘standard deduction’ year.

Donating long-term appreciated securities or other long-term capital gain property can be more tax-efficient than donating cash. In the right circumstances, the donor may receive a fair market value deduction and avoid tax on the built-in capital gain. This can be especially attractive for taxpayers sitting on large unrealized gains in investment accounts.

Cash gifts charged to a credit card are generally deductible in the year charged, even if the bill is paid later. Mid-year planning gives you time to decide whether to accelerate donations into the current year.

Taxpayers age 70½ or older may be able to make qualified charitable distributions directly from an IRA to eligible charities. For 2026, up to $111,000 per individual may qualify.

A QCD does not generate a charitable deduction, but it can still be highly tax-efficient because the distribution is excluded from income.

For tax years beginning after 2025, non-itemizers may be allowed a limited charitable deduction for cash gifts, while itemizers may face a new floor on charitable deductions.

For Small Businesses: Mid-year Planning Is About Cash Flow and Flexibility

For sole proprietors, partners, LLC owners, and S-corporation shareholders, mid-year planning is especially valuable because the business and personal tax picture are closely connected.

Quarterly Estimates and Annualization for Business Owners

Self-employed individuals and pass-through owners generally need to pay quarterly estimated taxes to cover income tax, self-employment tax, and, in some cases, NIIT or additional Medicare tax.

Equipment Purchases: Section 179 vs. Bonus Depreciation

If your business expects equipment or other fixed-asset purchases, mid-year is the right time to decide how those purchases should be structured under IRC §§179 and 168(k). Section 179 is often useful because it can be elected asset by asset, giving more flexibility than bonus depreciation. Bonus depreciation is generally applied by asset class rather than asset by asset. Under current law, 100% bonus depreciation is available for qualifying property.

Accounting Method Opportunities for Eligible Small Businesses

Eligible small businesses may have mid-year opportunities to simplify tax accounting and accelerate deductions. Businesses that meet the gross receipts test may be able to change from the accrual method to the cash method and also simplify inventory and UNICAP treatment. A mid-year review gives you time to determine eligibility, model the tax impact, and coordinate the accounting method change with return preparation and cash-flow planning.

Choosing the Right Retirement Plan for a Small Business

For business owners, the ‘best’ retirement plan depends on whether there are employees, how much the owner wants to contribute, how predictable profits are, and how much administrative complexity is acceptable.

A one-person 401(k) can be very attractive for an owner-only business or a business employing only the owner and spouse. It often allows larger contributions than a SEP or SIMPLE at comparable income levels and can offer annual flexibility.

A safe harbor 401(k) can help a small employer avoid annual non-discrimination testing, making it appealing where rank-and-file participation is unpredictable. However, safe harbor plans generally must be adopted before the start of the plan year, although certain mid-year changes are permitted.

SEP and SIMPLE arrangements remain useful for many small businesses because they are comparatively straightforward, though contribution limits and flexibility may be lower than with a one-person 401(k).

Owner Compensation and Benefits: Get the Structure Right

How an owner takes cash out of the business affects income tax, payroll tax, self-employment tax, QBI, and retirement-plan calculations.

S-corporations can reduce payroll tax exposure because distributions generally are not subject to self-employment tax. But shareholder-employees must still receive reasonable compensation. If wages are set too low, the IRS may recharacterize distributions as wages. This is not just a payroll tax issue. Reasonable compensation also affects the owner’s qualified business income analysis.

Unlike S-corporation distributions, sole proprietors and partners generally remain exposed to self-employment tax on business earnings. In partnerships, guaranteed payments also are generally not treated as qualified business income for §199A purposes.

The self-employed health insurance deduction remains an important planning item for sole proprietors, partners, and more than 2% S-corporation shareholders.

For more-than-2% S corporation shareholders, the policy must generally be paid by or reimbursed by the corporation; the premium must be included on Form W-2 as wages, though not subject to FICA for this purpose; and the shareholder’s deduction is limited by wages from that business.

For other self-employed individuals, the deduction is limited by earned income from the business that established the health plan.

Final Thought

Good tax planning is rarely about chasing one dramatic move in December. More often, it is about making a series of informed adjustments while the year is still in progress. Mid-year is the point when those adjustments are still available, the numbers are more reliable, and the choices can be made without rushing.

If your income, investments, family situation, or business results have changed since the start of the year, a mid-year review can help you turn that information into practical tax savings and fewer surprises at filing time.

Finally, remember that this article is intended to serve only as a general guideline. Your personal circumstances will likely require careful examination. You should schedule a meeting with your adviser to assist with all your tax planning needs.

Kristina Drzal Houghton, CPA is a partner with Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.

JaDuke Celebrates 20 Years on Industrial Boulevard

By BusinessWest Staff July 17, 2026

Daily News

TURNERS FALLS — Twenty years ago, what sat on Industrial Boulevard wasn’t a thriving performing arts center filled with music, laughter, applause, and lifelong memories. It was simply a dream.

Built through determination, countless hours of hard work, and the belief that the arts have the power to change lives, the JaDuke Center for the Performing Arts officially opened its doors in Turners Falls in 2006. Today, as the family-owned business celebrates 20 years in its Industrial Boulevard home, that dream has grown into a place where thousands of students have discovered confidence, creativity, friendships, and a second home.

For owners Kimberly Williams and Nicholas Waynelovich, the building has always been about far more than dance steps, songs, and standing ovations.

“Twenty years ago, we didn’t just build a building — we built a place where children could dream,” Williams said. “We hoped it would become a place where students felt supported, challenged, and inspired. Looking back, it’s incredible to see the lives that have been shaped within these walls.”

Over the past two decades, JaDuke students have gone on to achieve extraordinary things. Alumni have marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, earned acceptance into some of the nation’s leading performing arts colleges and universities, performed in Disney World, performed professionally in regional theatre productions, appeared on television and national commercials, and even taken the stage internationally.

But Williams said success isn’t measured only by professional credits. Some former students are now teachers, nurses, engineers, entrepreneurs, business owners, first responders, healthcare professionals, and community leaders. While they may no longer perform under stage lights, they continue to use the lessons first learned inside JaDuke’s studios — discipline, teamwork, resilience, collaboration, creativity, confidence, and perseverance.

“We’re incredibly proud of every student who has gone on to perform professionally,” she added. “But we’re equally proud of the students who discovered confidence here and carried it into completely different careers. The arts teach life skills that last forever, helping shape compassionate people who become outstanding contributors to their communities.”

Today, JaDuke Center for the Performing Arts offers more than 50 classes each week in dance, voice, acting, musical theatre, and performance opportunities for students ages 2 through adult. Every program is performance-based, giving students regular opportunities to take the stage while building confidence, friendships, and valuable life skills.

As JaDuke looks toward its next chapter, its mission remains the same as it was 20 years ago: to provide a welcoming environment where students are encouraged to dream big, work hard, support one another, and become the best versions of themselves.

“We’re grateful to every family who has trusted us with their children over the last 20 years,” Williams said. “This building has become so much more than a performing arts center — it has become a community. As we begin the next 20 years, we look forward to continuing to inspire the next generation of artists, leaders, and kind, hardworking people who will leave their mark on the world.”

With its milestone anniversary underway, JaDuke is also looking ahead to an exciting new season. Fall enrollment is now open, with classes beginning for dancers, singers, actors, and performers of all experience levels. Families can explore programs and register online at jadukecenter.com.

Freedom Credit Union Strengthens IT Team with New Hire, Promotions

By BusinessWest Staff July 17, 2026

Daily News

Jason Cutroni

SPRINGFIELD — Freedom Credit Union has announced several updates within its Information Technology department, including the hiring of Jason Cutroni as assistant vice president, information security officer, and the promotions of Eugene Marceau Jr. to information technology officer and Luke Sopet to network administrator.

Eugene Marceau Jr.

“Investing in talented technology professionals is essential to protecting our members, supporting our employees, and positioning Freedom Credit Union for continued growth,” said Glenn Welch, president and CEO of Freedom Credit Union. “Jason brings valuable experience in information security, and Gene and Luke have consistently demonstrated the expertise and leadership that make them deserving of these promotions.”

Luke Sopet

As assistant vice president, information security officer, Cutroni leads the credit union’s information security program, overseeing cybersecurity risk management, incident response, vendor risk, and business continuity planning. Before joining Freedom Credit Union, he managed business continuity, disaster recovery, and physical security programs for Workers Federal Credit Union.

Marceau was promoted after 13 years as network administrator. In his new role, he oversees the information technology department, leading staff development, project management, and the implementation of technology initiatives across the organization.

Sopet, who joined Freedom Credit Union three years ago as a computer network technician, now serves as network administrator, where he manages the organization’s network infrastructure and helps ensure the performance and security of its systems.

“Jason, Gene, and Luke each bring unique strengths to our organization, and we’re excited to see the impact they will have as we continue to enhance the technology and security that support our members every day,” Welch said.

Tickets on Sale for Dakin Humane Society’s 11th Annual Barks & Brews

By BusinessWest Staff July 17, 2026

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The 11th annual Barks & Brews event, presented by Dakin Humane Society, will take place on Sunday, Oct. 11 at Fort Hill Brewery in Easthampton. The event will begin with a VIP exclusive preview hour from noon to 1 p.m., with general admission taking place from 1 to 4 p.m.

Click here to purchase tickets. VIP admission tickets, priced at $65 ($75 starting Sept. 1), entitle holders to on-site parking, hors d’oeuvres served during the preview hour, a complimentary beer, and an event T-shirt. (The price becomes $75 starting Sept. 1.) General admission tickets, priced at $25 ($35 starting Sept. 1), include a complimentary beer. Parking is located on-street and at the local school lot, a five-minute walk.

All attendees of the event must be at least 21 years old. Guests are invited to bring crowd-friendly dogs on a non-retractable leash (retractable leashes are not allowed), and are asked not to bring strollers.

Other event features will include a Halloween costume contest for dogs, a hot dog eating contest for dogs, a 50/50 raffle (ticket holders need not be present to win), musical sit (like musical chairs, but for dogs), a dog splash zone, a photo booth, dog painting canvas art, nail trims with Fur’s-a-Flyin’, dog baths with HydroDog, vendor booth shopping (local craft-made goods and pet-centric gifts), and food trucks.

Barks & Brews is an important annual fundraiser for Dakin, a 501(c)(3) organization. In previous years at Fort Hill, this event has generated about $30,000 for services and programs that help animals in need.

Healthy Incentives Program Reaches $100 Million Milestone

By BusinessWest Staff July 17, 2026

Daily News

GRANBY — On July 16, the Healey-Driscoll administration celebrated a major milestone for Massachusetts’ Healthy Incentives Program (HIP), which has helped families purchase more than $100 million in fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables since its launch in 2017.

At an event at Red Fire Farm in Granby, state leaders also announced that applications will soon reopen for new HIP farm vendors for the first time since 2022, expanding access to healthy food while creating new opportunities for Massachusetts farmers. Since launching in 2017, HIP has grown to more than 500 participating farm locations across Massachusetts.

HIP  is the nation’s first and largest nutrition incentive program fully integrated into the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). When SNAP recipients purchase eligible fruits and vegetables directly from participating Massachusetts farms, farmstands, farmers’ markets, mobile markets, or community-supported agriculture programs, they automatically receive money back on their EBT card, helping families stretch their food budgets while supporting local agriculture. Depending on household size, participants can receive up to $40, $60, or $80 each month in HIP incentives.

Today, more than 500 farms and markets participate in HIP across Massachusetts. Reopening vendor applications will allow even more farms and food access organizations to join the program, increasing access in underserved communities while strengthening local food systems.

“No one should have to choose between putting healthy food on the table and paying for other essentials,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “The Healthy Incentives Program helps families stretch their grocery budgets while supporting the Massachusetts farmers who grow our food. Reaching this $100 million milestone shows just how much this program has meant to communities across our state, and by expanding it to more farms, we’re making it easier for even more families to access fresh, local produce.”

Kuhn Riddle Architects & Designers Celebrates Thom Barry’s MCPPO Certification

By BusinessWest Staff July 17, 2026

Daily News

AMHERST — Kuhn Riddle Architects & Designers announced that Thom Barry received his MCPPO (Massachusetts certified public purchasing official) certification in June.

The MCPPO program is administered by the Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General. It equips professionals with the specialized knowledge required to ensure fairness, accountability, and legal compliance in public contracting. With this certification, Barry expands his capability to manage high-stakes public, educational, and municipal design projects from inception to completion.

Massachusetts’ Gains 8,400 Jobs in June as Unemployment Rate Drops Again

By BusinessWest Staff July 17, 2026

Daily News

BOSTON — The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) released Massachusetts unemployment and job estimates for June, with preliminary data indicating that payroll jobs increased by 8,400 for the month, following a revised decrease of 4,100 jobs in May. Massachusetts has added more than 24,800 payroll jobs, including 21,700 private-sector jobs, since September.

Preliminary data also shows the June unemployment rate dropped to 4.4%, 0.2% higher than the national rate, and the labor force participation rate decreased slightly to 65.3%, 3.8% higher than the national rate.

Bureau of Labor Statistics categories with the strongest growth month-over-month for Massachusetts employment in June includes private education and health services, construction, professional and business services, and manufacturing.

“In June, Massachusetts saw the unemployment rate drop again and continues to see strong payroll job growth, with average monthly job growth outpacing the U.S. over the past year,” said Mark Rembert, chief economist in EOLWD’s Department of Economic Research. “That job growth has been broad-based across industries, including healthcare and social assistance, education, construction, manufacturing, and professional and business services.”

Greylock Federal Credit Union Awards $20,500 in Scholarships to 31 Students

By BusinessWest Staff July 17, 2026

Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Greylock Federal Credit Union awarded a total of $20,500 in scholarships to 31 students in recognition of excellence and achievement. Twenty-one students received a $500 Community Enrichment Scholarship for exemplifying positive community spirit and demonstration of respect and care for peers. Another 10 students received a $1,000 Scholastic Achievement Award, which is designated for children of Greylock employees.

Opportunity to apply for the Community Enrichment Scholarship was given to all public high schools in Berkshire and Columbia (N.Y.) counties. Applicants were required to be a Greylock member and write an essay showcasing their meaningful community involvement.

“I’m so proud of this year’s class,” said Jennifer Connor Shumsky, assistant vice president, Community Support & Events. “It’s incredible to see the tremendous work each of these students are doing in our community. Everyone here at Greylock wishes them the best as they embark on the exciting next chapter of their lives.”

The scholarships will be applied toward tuition at a state- or nationally accredited two- or four-year college or university, or a full-time technical school program.

“The young people who apply for this scholarship are always amazing. We are thrilled so many students shared how they are helping to make our community a better place for everyone,” said JamieEllen Moncecchi, senior vice president and chief administrative officer. “It’s truly a direct reflection of Greylock’s values to care, educate, and inspire. It’s also very exciting to help the children of our employees in their higher education journey. I can’t wait to see this entire cohort become part of our next generation of leaders and professionals.”

Focusing on Brain Health as We Age

By Contributor July 17, 2026

Opinion

By Dr. Steven Angelo

As more Americans live longer, maintaining brain health is becoming an increasingly important part of overall well-being. And there are simple, everyday ways to support brain health as we age.

Research estimates that around 10% of the 65+ population are living with some form of dementia, and one in nine Americans age 65 and older is living with Alzheimer’s disease. While the numbers are growing, so is our understanding of the small steps within our control that can help delay or even prevent the onset of dementia.

One of the most meaningful ways to support brain health is also one of the most familiar: staying connected to others. Research continues to show that strong social relationships are linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline, while isolation can have the opposite effect.

That doesn’t have to mean anything complicated. Regular phone calls, time with friends and family, or participation in community activities can all help people stay engaged and supported.

Hearing plays an important role in how we stay connected and engaged with the world around us. Untreated hearing loss has been identified as a key, modifiable risk factor for dementia and is tied to both social isolation and cognitive decline. Because hearing changes can be gradual, they’re easy to dismiss. But checking in with your doctor and addressing any concerns early can help maintain those everyday connections.

Brain health and heart health are closely connected. Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Managing these conditions through regular care, medication when needed, and healthy habits can help reduce risk over time, supporting both heart and brain health.

Staying active is another important way to support brain health. Regular physical activity helps increase blood and oxygen flow to the brain, which may benefit cognitive function.

Just as important is keeping your mind engaged. Activities like reading, learning something new, or pursuing hobbies can help strengthen connections in the brain over time. Together, physical and mental activity can help maintain sharpness as we age.

Regular check-ins with your primary care provider can help catch changes in memory or thinking early, even when they seem minor. These conversations can lead to earlier support and reinforce the role preventive care plays in long-term brain health. They also provide an opportunity to stay on top of overall health, from managing chronic conditions to maintaining healthy routines.

Supporting brain health doesn’t require a major life overhaul. In many cases, it starts with small, consistent steps like staying socially engaged, keeping up with routine care, or simply paying attention to changes in hearing or memory. Prioritizing brain health is a lifelong effort, and it’s never too early or too late to start.

Dr. Steven Angelo is chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement of Massachusetts

People on the Move

By BusinessWest Staff July 17, 2026

People on the Move

Mary Lee Walsh

Mary Lee Walsh has started a full-time venture as executive assistant to the president and CEO of Eastern States Exposition (ESE). In this role, she will provide high-level administrative, operational, and strategic support to the CEO and Executive Office, ensuring seamless daily operations, proactive coordination, and clean communication across the organization. Walsh earned her bachelor’s degree in social science from Providence College. She also spent time studying abroad in London, England, through Richmond American University. Prior to joining ESE, Walsh’s career history prepared her to be a partner to senior executives, supporting them across complex, high-visibility industries. As associate director of Philanthropy at Shriner’s Children’s New England in Springfield, she managed a portfolio of donors, oversaw confidential records, and built relationships to advance the organization’s mission. She gained experience in major event management, taking responsibility for guest registration, logistics, and leadership briefings for the organization’s 100th anniversary gala. At Bay Path University, Walsh was assistant director of Alumni Relations and Engagement. During this time, she drafted executive communications, planned and executive more than 30 alumni events annually, and collaborated with the president’s office, university leadership, and the alumni community to cultivate strategic partnerships on behalf of the institution. Other roles that have prepared Walsh well for ESE include associate operations manager at Cap & Hitch of New England, executive assistant to the president and CEO of Special Olympics Massachusetts, director of Constituent Services for the office of state Sen. Eric Lesser, and director’s assistant for Everybody Hates Chris (2005-09) in Hollywood, Calif. Walsh is known for her philanthropic efforts outside of the workplace; she has served on the boards of directors for Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts and the Assoc. of Fundraising Professionals of Western Massachusetts. She has volunteered her time with Special Olympics Massachusetts, read-aloud programs through Springfield Public Schools, and the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp.

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Claudia Quintero

On June 2, Central West Justice Center Director Claudia Quintero received the Legal Services Award from the Massachusetts Bar Assoc. Quintero was honored as a champion of the clients she serves in her role as director of Central West Justice Center (CWJC), where she oversees a team of lawyers, paralegals, and staff who assist low-income and elderly clients with immigration, housing, and employment benefits in the five counties of Central and Western Mass. (Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, and Worcester). Since 2021, Quintero has also led the Fairness for Farmworkers Coalition, a group engaged in legislative advocacy to support a law that would entitle farm workers to a minimum wage and overtime pay. She has also taught students at Western New England University School of Law in Springfield since 2022.

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A new children’s book designed to inspire confidence, self-belief, and purpose in young readers is now available. Emilio and the Spirit Tunnel, written by Danielle Delgado, a local educator and school administrator in Springfield, tells the story of a young student who discovers the strength, resilience, and potential that have been within him all along. Set within a vibrant school community, the book follows Emilio as he navigates challenges, builds meaningful relationships, and learns to believe in himself. More than just a story, Emilio and the Spirit Tunnel highlights the important role that schools, families, and communities play in helping children develop confidence and a strong sense of identity. The book reflects Delgado’s real-life work as a principal, where she uses ‘spirit tunnels’ to harness the positive energy and enthusiasm of students and staff to build a sense of community. Her school’s spirit tunnels were inspired by and featured on The Jennifer Hudson Show. In addition to inspiring young readers, proceeds from Emilio and the Spirit Tunnel will support future generations through a scholarship fund that will help students pursue their educational goals and dreams.

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Gabriella Ofcarcik

Daniel McKellick II

Patricia Santana-Garcia

Monnea Slade

Bacon Wilson, P.C. announced that Gabriella Ofcarcik, Daniel McKellick II, Patricia Santana-Garcia, and Monnea Slade have been accepted into the firm’s law clerk program for the 2026-27 school year. Ofcarcik joined Bacon Wilson in August 2025 as a law clerk in the firm’s Commercial Law department. She is currently pursuing her juris doctorate at Western New England University School of Law and is expected to graduate in May 2027. She earned her bachelor’s degree in legal studies from UMass Amherst in 2024. McKellick has spent much of his legal career with Bacon Wilson, beginning in June 2021 as an office assistant in the firm’s Westfield office. Throughout his tenure, he has gained experience in a wide range of legal matters, including drafting conveyance, mortgage, and corporate formation documents, while serving as a key point of contact for clients throughout the legal process. He is currently pursuing his juris doctorate at Western New England University School of Law and is expected to graduate in May 2027. Santana-Garcia joined Bacon Wilson in May 2026. She is currently a juris doctor candidate at Western New England University School of Law and is expected to graduate in May 2027. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science, with a minor in law and human rights, from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City in 2022. Slade joined Bacon Wilson in May 2026. She is currently pursuing her juris doctorate at Western New England University School of Law and is expected to graduate in May 2027. She earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Maryland Global Campus in Adelphi, Md. in 2023.

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New Valley Bank & Trust announced the appointment of Aaron Goodman as chief lending officer. In his new role, Goodman will oversee and manage all lending activity for the bank, leading efforts to provide responsive, relationship-focused financial solutions to businesses and individuals throughout the region. He will work closely with the lending team to advance New Valley Bank & Trust’s lending objectives while maintaining the high standards of integrity, service, and local decision making that define the organization. Goodman brings a combination of banking expertise and real-world business experience to the position. As one of the original founders of New Valley Bank & Trust, he served on the bank’s board of directors and director’s loan committee from 2019 to 2022, helping guide the institution during its formative years. Throughout his career, he has successfully developed and managed a recycling business, a self-storage facility, and various real estate investments. His firsthand understanding of entrepreneurship and business operations provides valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing local business owners. As chief lending officer, Goodman will be responsible for overseeing commercial and consumer lending activities, supporting portfolio growth, and ensuring customers receive timely, personalized service tailored to their financial goals. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Connecticut.

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Stephanie Vincelette

bankESB announced the promotion of Stephanie Vincelette to vice president, Human Resources Operations, based at the bank’s 36 Main St. office in Easthampton. Vincelette joined the bank in 2012 as a part-time payroll specialist and has steadily advanced throughout her tenure, demonstrating a strong commitment to operational excellence and employee support. She has held several key roles in the Human Resources department, including payroll manager and human resources operations officer. Most recently, she served as assistant vice president, Human Resources Operations. In this expanded leadership role, Vincelette oversees the operations side of Human Resources, including payroll, benefits, compensation strategy, compliance, HRIS, and overall HR administration. The Human Resources Operations team serves as a shared services function across Hometown Financial Group, the parent company of bankESB, bankHometown, TruNorth Bank, and Hometown Mortgage, and has grown into a team of five under her leadership. Vincelette holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Western New England University and is certified as a senior professional in human resources (SPHR). Her career progression reflects both her adaptability and her leadership throughout a period of organizational growth, including multiple mergers and acquisitions that expanded the scope of her responsibilities. She has played an integral role in scaling HR operations to meet evolving business needs.

•••••

Country Bank announced the recent promotions of seven employees across its commercial banking, retail banking, lending, and marketing divisions, recognizing their leadership, commitment to customers, and contributions to the bank’s continued growth and positive community impact. Angela Barahona was promoted to first vice president, Cash Management team lead. With a combined 24 years at the bank and extensive cash management experience, she has played an instrumental role in strengthening municipal and commercial banking relationships while helping advance the bank’s cash management strategy. Jennifer Bujnevicie was promoted to first vice president, Retail Banking regional manager. With more than 21 years of banking experience, she has driven significant consumer loan and deposit growth in the bank’s East Region and played a key role in opening several new banking centers. Cristina Consalvo was promoted to vice president, Marketing. Since joining the bank last year, she has leveraged her 14 years of marketing experience to lead strategic initiatives, including implementing and optimizing marketing automation systems to enhance lead generation, analytics, and overall marketing effectiveness. Sarah Yurkunas was promoted to vice president, commercial lender. A nearly 20-year veteran of the bank, she manages a substantial commercial lending portfolio, including complex construction and commercial relationships, while remaining actively involved in community initiatives throughout the region. Kimberly Eaton was promoted to assistant vice president, Retail Banking officer. Over the past four years, she has demonstrated strong leadership and sales performance, contributing to growth in the bank’s Worcester market. She is also deeply committed to community involvement, regularly volunteering at local events and organizations. Kelly Kemp was promoted to assistant vice president, Retail Lending officer. With more than 20 years of experience at Country Bank, she consistently delivers exceptional service and is highly regarded for her expertise in supporting homebuyers. She is also recognized for her strong commitment to community involvement. Janelle Soucia was promoted to assistant vice president, Retail Lending officer. Throughout her 19-year tenure with the bank, she has earned a reputation for outstanding customer service, strong sales performance, and active engagement in financial education and community outreach initiatives.

•••••

Luis Márquez

UMass Amherst recently announced the appointment of Luis Márquez as the next director of the UMass Amherst Cranberry Station, an 11-acre working farm, research, and outreach facility located in East Wareham. Márquez brings more than two decades of experience spanning academia and agricultural biotechnology, with deep expertise in applied plant biology, soil health, plant-microbe interactions, and field-based research. Most recently, he served as chief technology officer at CryoBio, a startup incubated at Cornell’s Boyce Thompson Institute, and previously held leadership roles at Robigo, Joyn Bio/Ginkgo Bioworks, and Indigo Agriculture — organizations rooted in the Greater Boston and Northeast biotechnology ecosystem. His career has been marked by translating cutting-edge science into practical, grower-relevant solutions through large-scale field trials and collaborative research programs. Márquez succeeds Hilary Sandler, who retired in 2024.

•••••

Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) announced the appointment of two new members to its board of directors: Chrissy Lynch, president of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, and Michelle Schutt, president of Greenfield Community College. Together, they bring expertise and leadership experience in workforce development, labor, and higher education to the state’s clean energy and climatetech economic development agency. Lynch has served as president of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO since October 2023. She previously served as the organization’s secretary-treasurer and chief of staff, and oversaw its political and legislative departments. Prior to AFL-CIO, she spent time as director of Operations for the Greater Boston Building Trades Unions, where she helped lead programs that advanced equity, inclusion, and community standards in the construction industry. She is a current member of LiUNA Local 22 and former member and steward of OPEIU Local 6. Schutt has served as president of Greenfield Community College since 2022. She has more than two decades of experience supporting students, staff, and faculty through her work in higher education leadership. Prior to leading Greenfield Community College, Schutt served as vice president of Learner and Community Services at the College of Southern Idaho, the state’s first Hispanic-serving institution.

•••••

Berkshire County Development Alliance announced a new leadership team for the 2026-27 program year. Hannah Kogut and Kara Matthews will oversee group programming and operations. They succeed outgoing chairs Kate Gigliotti, Jackie Kelly-Olson, and Miranda Meyers. Kogut is a skilled, Berkshires-based arts and nonprofit professional with nearly a decade of experience spanning development, digital communications, and marketing. She currently serves as Membership and Stewardship coordinator at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, a regional performing arts organization with a multi-state donor base. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Clark University in film/video production and European history and a postgraduate certificate in museology from Tufts University. She is a Fulbright Summer Institute scholar and a graduate of the Berkshire Leadership Program. Matthews is an experienced development professional with more than a decade of experience leading advancement efforts for arts, cultural, and social sector organizations. She currently serves as director of Institutional Giving at MASS MoCA. She holds a master’s degree in nonprofit management from the New School and is based in North Adams.

•••••

Soniha Nuzrat

Alvana Abedini

Dietz & Company Architects Inc. announced that Design Associate Soniha Nuzrat has earned the credential of LEED accredited professional with a building design and construction specialty (LEED AP BD+C) through the U.S Green Building Council (USGBC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting sustainability in the built environment. The LEED AP BD+C designation denotes proficiency in current sustainable design, construction, and operations standards, and signifies expertise in green building and a LEED rating system. In order to achieve LEED certification, she completed a rigorous, multi-part exam to prove her knowledge on the subject. Nuzrat joined Dietz & Company Architects in 2023 after completing her master of architecture degree at Miami University in Ohio. Her current focus is on projects for multi-family housing, higher education, and municipalities. Dietz & Company Architects also announced that Alvana Abedini has joined the firm as a design associate. In this role, she will support project teams throughout all phases of design, bringing an approach rooted in creating spaces that focus on the connections between architecture, culture, community, and place. Abedini recently earned her master of architecture degree from the University of Hartford, where her thesis explored cultural preservation through hands-on learning, traditional crafts, storytelling, and intergenerational exchange, culminating in the design of a Center for Craftsmanship and Learning in Albania. During her academic career, she gained professional experience through internships with architectural firms in Connecticut, where she contributed to residential and mixed-use projects.

•••••

Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C. announced that five of its attorneys have been recognized on the 2026 Massachusetts Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists. The four Super Lawyers are Marylou Fabbo, who has been a partner at the firm for more than 30 years and heads the firm’s immigration team; Timothy Murphy, a partner whose practice spans labor relations, union campaigns, collective bargaining and arbitration, and employment litigation; John Gannon, a partner whose practice focuses on employment litigation, personnel policies and practices review, wage and hour compliance, non-compete and trade secrets litigation, and OSHA compliance; and Erica Flores, a partner whose practice involves employment litigation in state and federal courts and agencies; class and collective action wage and hour litigation; discrimination, harassment, and retaliation defense; and counseling employers on day-to-day employment issues. Named a Rising Star is Amelia Holstrom, a partner whose practice covers employment litigation, labor relations, advice and training, litigation avoidance, wage and hour compliance, and MCAD and EEOC proceedings.

•••••

In acknowledgement of his demonstrated excellence in driving business success, Beacon Bank Chief Marketing Officer Gary Levante has been recognized as a finalist in the inaugural BostonCMO ORBIE Awards. The 2026 BostonCMO ORBIE Awards honor chief marketing officers with proven leadership and management effectiveness, business value driven by marketing initiatives, and engagement in industry and community endeavors. Finalists were selected through an independent, peer-adjudicated process led by prior ORBIE recipients in categories based upon the size and scope of their organization and responsibilities. In his role, Levante is responsible for advancing Beacon Bank’s strategic goals by establishing the bank’s brand, deepening client engagement, and delivering integrated marketing and communications programs. He works closely with other members of the leadership team and board to strengthen the brand and deepen the bank’s connection to its employees, clients, and broader communities.

•••••

Annie Connor

Community Legal Aid, a nonprofit organization that provides free legal services annually to more than 9,000 low-income and elderly residents of Central and Western Mass., has named new managing attorneys for its operations in Franklin and Hampshire counties. Annie Connor has been named managing attorney of Community Legal Aid’s Northampton office, which serves Hampshire County residents. Connor joined Community Legal Aid in 2022 as a staff attorney with the CORI & Re-Entry Unit and then became the coordinating attorney for that unit in 2023. She came to Community Legal Aid from the city of Somerville Mayor’s Office, where she served as director of Intergovernmental Affairs and Legislative Liaison under Mayor Joseph Curtatone. Prior to that, Connor spent five years as a public defender at the Committee for Public Counsel Services in Roxbury, Dorchester, and Worcester. A graduate of Northeastern University School of Law, she also holds a master’s degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a bachelor’s degree from Vassar College. Santina Sciaba-Douglas has been named managing attorney for Community Legal Aid’s Greenfield office, which services Franklin County residents. After graduating from Western New England University School of law, Sciaba-Douglas began her legal career as a law clerk to the judges of the Western Massachusetts Superior Court. She then worked as a special attorney general for the Massachusetts Department of Health’s Lead Program while also representing individuals facing involuntary treatment hearings, monitoring court-approved treatment programs, and serving as guardian ad litem through the Committee for Public Council Services. Sciaba-Douglas also worked at the Center for Public Representation (CPR) for close to 20 years, representing individuals appealing the denial of Social Security benefits at all levels of the administrative appeal process, including in federal court. While at CPR, she also advocated for students with disabilities seeking special education services and challenging school suspension and/or expulsion. Prior to joining Community Legal Aid, she served as deputy executive director and interim executive director for Disability Rights CT. She is a native Spanish speaker. Connor and Sciaba-Douglas are replacing Jennifer Dieringer, who led the Northampton office since 2011 and the Greenfield office since it opened in 2024. Dieringer is leaving Community Legal Aid for a position as a full-time lecturer at UMass Amherst.

•••••

Officials of Willie Ross School for the Deaf (WRSD) announced that Bert Carter will retire at the end of the current school year, effective June 30, ending a 13-year tenure as head of the school. Carter led the school after serving as the top executive at the Austine School for the Deaf in Vermont. He succeeded former WRSD President and CEO Lou Abbate. Carter’s road to a career in deaf education started with an internship at the Boston School for the Deaf while in graduate school at Lesley College in Cambridge. While pursuing a PhD in deafness rehabilitation from New York University, he accepted a position as program director at the Connecticut-based Family Services Woodfield, now known as Lifebridge, as director of Deaf Services. During his tenure there, he grew the program from one full-time employee to 90 employees. He then went on to become president and CEO of Austine School for the Deaf, where he served until his hiring at WRSD in 2013. During Carter’s tenure at WRSD, the school’s outreach program has more than doubled; a more than $2 million renovation of the school’s Longmeadow campus was completed, transforming its Sidney M. Cooley Administration Building; and a partnership with Bay Path University was formed, where the university houses WRSD’s early education programming in renovated former student dorm space to address the needs of a growing early childhood education program.

•••••

The Hampden County Bar Assoc. (HCBA) held its annual meeting, vendor show, and member reception on June 18 at the Springfield Sheraton. Attorney Stephen Holstrom from Bulkley, Richardson & Gelinas, LLP was sworn in as HCBA president for the 2026-27 year by retired Superior Court Judge Mary-Lou Rup. Attorney Charles Casartello Jr. of Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley, P.C. was presented with the Thomas A. Kenefick III Memorial Award for Leadership & Professionalism. The award was presented by his son, attorney Tyler Kenefick.

Building Permits

By BusinessWest Staff July 17, 2026

Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the month of June 2026.

CHICOPEE

Thuy Cao
1720 Westover Road
$43,500 — Change bathrooms for ADA compliance
Home Investment
680 Chicopee St.
$15,500 — Install backwork for fresh air system
K&M Laflamme Holdings LLC
54 Second Ave.
$94,100 — Roofing

EASTHAMPTON

Paul Sise
94 Cottage St.
$39,930 — Roofing

HADLEY

Amherst Development
Associates LLC
329 Russell St.
N/A — Reconfigure 63 hotel rooms to 51 affordable apartments

Pyramid Mall of Hadley
Newco LLC
367 Russell St.
N/A — Build wall
David Watson

104 Middle St.
N/A — Insulation and air sealing
W/S Hadley Properties LLC
5 South Maple St.
N/A — Install kitchen exhaust hood

LENOX

Lenox Commons Holdings LLC
55 Pittsfield Road
$390,000 — Build new exam rooms in existing building
Rebecca Piccolo

12 Housatonic St.
$9,000 — Remove and replace front stairs off right entrance, install two new helical peers, new pressure-treated framing tracks, decking, etc.
Sumer LLC
90 Pittsfield Road
$64,334 — Roofing

NORTHAMPTON

Hampshire, Franklin & Hampden Agricultural Society
54 Fair St.
$9,500 — Roofing on two accessory buildings
Hampshire Regional YMCA
286 Prospect St.
$98,700 — Repairs to masonry wall

JW Inc.
30 Crafts Ave.
$35,235 — Roofing

Pun Family LLC
176 Pine St.
$10,000 — Install free-standing floating deck

Smith College
College Lane
$196,200 — Interior renovation

Smith College
Prospect Street
$12,215,000 — Accessibility upgrades

Trident Realty Corp.
76 Main St.
$162,401 — Replace existing HVAC system with new outdoor units

Trident Realty Corp.
76 Main St.
$61,579 — Install new HVAC system for restaurant

Twin Building LLC
211 North St.
$13,500 — Interior alterations to Units C and D

PITTSFIELD

CCP Realty LLC
112 West Housatonic St.
$19,050 — Replace gas-fired rooftop unit

CW Acquisitions LLC
1685 West Housatonic St.
$163,470 — Install roof-mounted solar system, add PV production meter, and upgrade main service panel

Hillcrest Educational Centers Inc.
400 Columbus Ave. Ext.
$147,500 — Install fire sprinklers in new dorms
Three Eleven Partners LLC
34 Depot St.
$9,875 — Install heat pump

Doing Business as Certificates

By BusinessWest Staff July 17, 2026

DBA Certificates

The following business certificates and/or trade names were issued or renewed during the month of June 2026.

AMHERST

ArchiZoa
26 Woodlot Road
Theodore Parker

The Boujie Hippy
109 Chestnut St.
Summyr Kerin

The Closet
61 Main St.
Andrea Marion

iLA Film Lab and Store
409 Main St., Suite 217
Jonathan Davila

Kristine Mamchur
24 South Prospect St.
Kristine Mamchur Ellenhorn

Meyer 9-1-1 Solutions LLC
22 Lessey St., Apt. 617
Jeremie Meyer

Peelle Leisure Enterprises
161 High St.
Diana Peelle

Soma Skin Studio
17 Kellogg Ave.
Danielle Looman

Taxes Without Terror
48 Gray St.
Barton Ramos

Tilted Orbit Arcade
113 Cowls Road
Amy McDonough

Tilted Orbit Games
113 Cowls Road
Amy McDonough

BELCHERTOWN

AC Kester Co.
31 Cottage St.
Arnold Kester

Black Oak Farm & Stable
351 North Washington St.
Carl Pomietlarz, Terry Pomietlarz

Bred Wrong
391 South St.
Alex Krasovsky

Bright Property Services
685 Federal St.
Cairn McDonough Bright

Country Acres Farm
134 South Washington St.
Christine Spellman

Family Ties Landscape
584 North Liberty St.
Mark Fitzherbert

Family Tree and Home LLC
54 Pine St.
Nicholas Southwick-Hall

Inner Peace Farm
275 Jackson St.
Sara Weil

John H. Conkey & Sons Cordwood
621 Daniel Shays Highway
John Conkey Jr.

O’Neil Financial Services
5 Spring Hill Road
Patrick O’Neil

P&L Machine
382 South Washington St.
Paul Barrows

Pinciak Property Care
102 Blue Meadow Road
Andrew Pinciak

Preserve History
667 South Washington St.
Richard Dzialo

Prime Directive Drone Media LLC
130 Ware Road
Adam Burdick

Quabbin Valley Educational Consultants Inc.
6 Waterford Dr.
Frank Robbins, Marlene Robbins

Shannon Pasture Forest Products
404 Allen Road
Henry Martin Jr.

NORTHAMPTON

Companion Software
71 Olander Dr.
Lawrence Daniele

Computer First Aid
209 Main St.
Cian Dowling

Cutchins Programs for Children and Families Inc.
78 Pomeroy Terrace
Tina Champagne

Firetype Chocolate
150 Main St.
Daniel McKenney

Holy Cow Online Marketing
71 Olander Dr.
Lawrence Daniele

The House of Rosin
110 Main St.
Erich Husemoller

MOMS Northampton
216 North King St.
Joel Wheeler

New Directions School
78 Pomeroy Terrace
Tina Champagne

Ostrander Law Office
36 Service Center Road
David Ostrander

Prime Possibilities
24 Nutting Ave.
Joanna Napolitano

Sentient Technology
209 Main St.
Cian Dowling

Urban Exchange
233 Main St.
Isabella Pratt

SOUTHWICK

Avery’s Window Tint LLC
529 College Highway, Unit B
Avery’s Window Tint LLC

Clutch Industrial Services
251 Vining Hill Road
Clutch Industrial Services

Gamelli Vending
9 Whalley Way, Unit B1
Justin Gamelli

Golden Kazan
6 Junction Station Road
Golden Kazan

Hair by Kristen
515 College Highway, Suite F
Hair by Kristen

Pelkey Family Farm LLC
349 College Highway
Pelkey Family Farm LLC

Shoreshot Café LLC
108 Congamond Road
Shoreshot Café LLC

South Pond Tavern
141 Congamond Road
Ken’s Lakeside Plaza LLC

Totally You Hair Studio
108 Congamond Road
Totally You Hair Studio

White Rabbit Plumbing
100 Klaus Anderson Road
White Rabbit Plumbing

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Avon Beauty Center
250 Westfield St.
Debbie Scharmann

Bourque Real Estate
1233 Westfield St.
Wilfrid Bourque Jr.

Cassie Roche, MS, LMHC
425 Union St.
Cassie Roche

Chick-fil-A #05624
1094 Riverdale St.
Robert Hewes

Crowned Claws Academy
759 Memorial Ave.
Crowned Claws Salon & Academy LLC

Hair by Brittney Minniear
33 Westfield St.
Brittney Minniear

Sterling Analytical
15 Agawam Ave.
Muhammad Ali

Stitches and Ink
33 Apple Ridge Road
Christen Leahey

White Glove Cleaning Services LLC
745 Memorial Ave.
Alicia Gamelli

Agenda

By BusinessWest Staff July 17, 2026

Agenda

Healthcare Heroes Nominations

Through July 27: BusinessWest and HealthcareNews.com are now accepting nominations for the 10th annual Healthcare Heroes awards. Nominations for the Healthcare Heroes class of 2026 should be submitted by Thursday, July 23 at businesswest.com/healthcareheroes/nominations. The Healthcare Heroes program was created in 2017 to honor the individuals and organizations working across the region’s vast, diverse, and essential healthcare and wellness sector. These leaders, innovators, and collaborators have devoted their careers to improving the quality of individual lives and the health of entire communities. Since its inception, Healthcare Heroes has more than fulfilled its mission of identifying truly inspirational people and organizations — and sharing their compelling stories. Year after year, the program has highlighted outstanding achievements and contributions from throughout the healthcare and wellness industry. For more information, contact Heather Leclerc, Marketing and Events director, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or [email protected].

Super 60 Nominations

Through Sept. 11: Nominations are now open for the Springfield Regional Chamber’s Super 60 Awards. Each year, Super 60 shines a spotlight on organizations making a meaningful impact across Western Mass. through growth, innovation, community involvement, and service. Nominations must be submitted by Friday, Sept. 11, and winners will be recognized at Super 60 on Friday, Nov. 6 at the MassMutual Center. The Super 60 categories include: Revenue Award, honoring companies with outstanding total revenue performance in their most recent fiscal year; Start-Up Award, Recognizing companies that have been in business for five years or less and have achieved revenue growth over a full three-year period; Give Back Award, celebrating companies that make a difference through charitable giving, volunteerism, and community engagement; Growth Award, recognizing businesses that have achieved significant revenue growth over a consecutive three-year period; and Non-Profit Award, honoring nonprofit organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to their mission through program-focused spending and community impact. Visit springfieldregionalchamber.com/super60 to submit a nomination.

One Night Stand … Up Comedy Fundraiser

July 31: The Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce is conducting its One Night Stand … Up Comedy Fundraiser at the Hardwick Vineyard and Winery. The event will be headlined by award-winning comedian Ray Harrington, who is known globally for his infectious and charming performances with hilariously irreverent material and marvelous improvisational riffing that embraces life with a smile. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce and its ongoing mission to assist its more than 200 member businesses and promote tourism to the area. The event will also feature a pair of Boston comedians, Kinda Lansburg and Sam Ike. Tickets cost $40 per person and are only available to purchase on the chamber’s official website, qhma.com. This is a rain or shine event with general admission seating, and attendees must be at least 18 years old.

Pig Roast to Benefit Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation

Sept. 12: Families, friends, and supporters from across the region are invited to attend the 2026 Pig Roast benefiting the Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation and hydrocephalus research from noon to 5 p.m. at Outlook Farm in Westhampton. This family-friendly community event will bring people together for an afternoon of food, live entertainment, children’s activities, and fundraising efforts to support hydrocephalus awareness, advocacy, and research. Guests will enjoy a pig roast meal, choice of sides, and a non-alcoholic beverage while taking part in activities that include live music by local rock band Axis, a bounce house and activities for children, opportunities to connect with families and supporters impacted by hydrocephalus, and a special appearance by Springfield Thunderbirds mascot Boomer from 1 to 2 p.m. Hydrocephalus, often referred to as ‘water on the brain,’ affects thousands of children and families. Events like this pig roast help raise critical funds for research, support programs, education, and advocacy efforts while bringing together a community united by hope and determination. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $15 for children ages 6-12. Children age 5 and under are free. Organizers ask that all attendees register in advance at runsignup.com/ticketevent/pigroast2026 to ensure an accurate headcount.

RVCC Golf Tournament

Sept. 18: River Valley Counseling Center (RVCC), a member of ServiceNet, will hold its 11th annual golf tournament at East Mountain Country Club in Westfield. All proceeds will directly support RVCC’s youth mental health programs, including the Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI) and School-based Outpatient Therapy Services. Both programs are designed to meet young people where they are, sending therapists into homes and placing them inside local schools so that more families can get the support they need. For many children and teens, these programs are the difference between getting help or going without. The cost per golfer is $125 and includes golf cart rental, lunch, dinner, and prizes. There will also be a raffle and contests on the course. Registration will begin at 9 a.m., followed by a 10 a.m. shotgun start, meaning all groups will tee off simultaneously. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

58th Annual Chamber Cup

Sept. 25: The Greater Holyoke Chamber is inviting businesses, professionals, local leaders, and community partners from across Western Mass. to participate in the 58th annual Chamber Cup at Westover Golf Course. Registration is now open for the annual event, which brings together the regional business community for a day of golf, networking, visibility, and relationship building. The event is open to chamber members and non-members alike, making it a regional opportunity for businesses looking to expand their reach and community presence. Businesses can participate in several ways, including registering a foursome, becoming an event sponsor, sponsoring a hole or meal, donating raffle prizes, or volunteering during the event. Each option offers a different path to visibility and engagement, whether a company wants to host clients, recognize employees, promote its brand, or support a signature community event. The day will include golf at Westover Golf Course, breakfast, lunch, raffles, and opportunities to connect with business owners, executives, public officials, nonprofit leaders, and professionals from throughout Western Mass. Companies interested in playing, sponsoring, donating raffle prizes, or volunteering can visit holyokechamber.com or contact the chamber for more information.

Real Estate Transactions

By BusinessWest Staff July 17, 2026

Real Estate

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY

BERNARDSTON

116 Bald Mountain Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $322,500
Buyer: Peter Klimoski
Seller: Dianne Michaud
Date: 06/10/26

727 Brattleboro Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $399,900
Buyer: Connelly Farm RT
Seller: Delizia Bouafi
Date: 06/08/26

87 Cross St.
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $243,750
Buyer: Shirley A. Lilly
Seller: Wedolyn J. Abramson
Date: 06/17/26

93 Cross St.
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $243,750
Buyer: Shirley A. Lilly
Seller: Wedolyn J. Abramson
Date: 06/17/26

Route 91
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $243,750
Buyer: Shirley A. Lilly
Seller: Wedolyn J. Abramson
Date: 06/17/26

BUCKLAND

10 Gardner Falls Road
Buckland, MA 01370
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Ralph Chery
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 06/18/26

141 North St.
Buckland, MA 01370
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Cljl Realty LLC
Seller: James C. Bragdon
Date: 06/18/26

9-13 State St.
Buckland, MA 01376
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: Newell Block LLC
Seller: 9-13 State St. RT
Date: 06/09/26

CHARLEMONT

14 Harmony Heights
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Warren Brothers
Seller: JH Deerfield Valley Properties LLC
Date: 06/18/26

Todd Mountain Road
Charlemont, MA 01367
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: T Audubon Society
Seller: Bannish Land Preserves Inc.
Date: 06/18/26

Zoar Road
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Massachusetts Audubon Society
Seller: Bannish Land Preserves Inc.
Date: 06/18/26

CONWAY

80 Baptist Hill Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Michael E. French
Seller: Dennis Anderson
Date: 06/18/26

901 Roaring Brook Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $1,275,000
Buyer: Brandon L. Hawks
Seller: Susan G. Fentin
Date: 06/16/26

DEERFIELD

37 River Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Michael Hanieski
Seller: Brander M. Sieber
Date: 06/08/26

407 River Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Heather Rose Floyd-Haupt
Seller: Kathleen O’Connor
Date: 06/08/26

GILL

143 Barney Hale Road
Gill, MA 02043
Amount: $353,000
Buyer: Olivia Finnegan
Seller: Shari L. Sollars
Date: 06/12/26

137 French King Hwy.
Gill, MA
Amount: $980,000
Buyer: Scott R. Purinton
Seller: Mark A. Dyer
Date: 06/18/26

GREENFIELD

14-16 Abbott St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Deam E. Natweecha
Seller: Mary Conlisk Stuart
Date: 06/17/26

19 Arnold Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Alexandru Veverita
Seller: Patrick E. Peters
Date: 06/18/26

5 Birch St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Hannah Heineman
Seller: Franklin Hampshire Habitat
Date: 06/16/26

180 Chapman St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Fort River Estate LLC
Seller: Allisia Cole Williams
Date: 06/12/26

46 Colrain St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Camila Hwang-Carlos
Seller: Freedom Hill TR
Date: 06/15/26

57 Meadow Wood Dr.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $699,000
Buyer: Michael G. Gorczyca
Seller: Jordan Javier Coriza
Date: 06/15/26

414 Mohawk Trail
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $199,000
Buyer: Btm Solar LLC
Seller: Havey Levitt NT
Date: 06/10/26

71 Washington St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $227,000
Buyer: Angela Clark
Seller: Knox Wilder
Date: 06/17/26

HEATH

144 Branch Hill Road
Heath, MA 01340
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Headlands Residential Series Owner TR
Seller: Margaret Boudreau
Date: 06/12/26

MONTAGUE

59 Millers Falls Road
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Scott Mackenzie
Seller: Greene INT
Date: 06/10/26

72 Randall Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $511,000
Buyer: James Donald Hulse
Seller: Stephanie Keri
Date: 06/08/26

NORTHFIELD

Off Warwick Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Commonwealth Of Mass.
Seller: Keith G. Lyman
Date: 06/09/26

ORANGE

10 Mechanic St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Make Investors Great Again LLC
Seller: Alan J. Paige TR
Date: 06/10/26

NORTHFIELD

230 Millers Falls Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Jacob I. Desgres
Seller: Virginia R. Toole
Date: 06/17/26

20 Pine Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Mark Wightman
Seller: Phillip B. Sherburne
Date: 06/15/26

ORANGE

63 Camp Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $274,900
Buyer: Michael R. Lehouillier
Seller: Mumblow, Rose M., (Estate)
Date: 06/18/26

30 Cottage St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Jesus Lopez Davila
Seller: Jasonrhomes LLC
Date: 06/17/26

188 Drew Blvd.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $518,000
Buyer: Kevin Smith
Seller: Ricky J. LeBlanc
Date: 06/15/26

52 Mechanic St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Red Bear LLC
Seller: Douglas K. Rau
Date: 06/18/26

336 Tully Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $259,000
Buyer: Nicholas Taylor
Seller: Lloyd A. Taylor FT
Date: 06/15/26

37 West Myrtle St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Maeshaun Springer
Seller: Chris A. Rushford
Date: 06/18/26

39 West Myrtle St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Maeshaun Springer
Seller: Chris A. Rushford
Date: 06/18/26

ROWE

Todd Mountain Road
Rowe, MA 01367
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Massachusetts Audubon Society
Seller: Bannish Land Preserves Inc.
Date: 06/18/26

Tunnel Road
Rowe, MA 01367
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Town Of Rowe
Seller: Richard H. Truesdell
Date: 06/15/26

SHELBURNE

280 Colrain Shelburne Road
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Preston Peardon
Seller: Thomas S. Fantini
Date: 06/15/26

11 Masonic Ave.
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Mark E. Gerry RET
Seller: Mark P. Upton
Date: 06/10/26

SHUTESBURY

305 West Pelham Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Cameron Mortimer-Berg
Seller: Scott A. Gibson
Date: 06/16/26

FRANKLIN COUNTY (MISC.)

90 Whatley Road
Franklin County, MA
Amount: $620,000
Buyer: Kamil Bak
Seller: Hirschel, Henry P., (Estate)
Date: 06/15/26

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

97 Beekman Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $202,000
Buyer: Johnathan Bachta
Seller: Linda M. Cardaropoli
Date: 06/12/26

95 Carr Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Ryan Gazlay
Seller: Todd L. Bousquet
Date: 06/12/26

20 Hendom Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Kamil Lachut
Seller: Piccoli, Marie, (Estate)
Date: 06/15/26

134 Hendom Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: John Frederick Kukahiko
Seller: Louise L. Moriarty
Date: 06/11/26

40-42 Henry St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: David Grushetskiy
Seller: Page, Patricia Hannah, (Estate)
Date: 06/18/26

4 Hunters Greene Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $740,000
Buyer: Lucas Giusto
Seller: Christopher H. Stearns
Date: 06/11/26

20 Ottawa St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Diana Mire
Seller: Brian Cote
Date: 06/18/26

17 Royal St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Mishka LLC
Seller: Ayers, Adeline R., (Estate)
Date: 06/11/26

50 School St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Sareen Properties LLC
Seller: Bedard, Denise T., (Estate)
Date: 06/08/26

88 South St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Michael Philip Doyle
Seller: Wal-Lee Enterprises LLC
Date: 06/15/26

84 Spencer St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Brandon Laviolette
Seller: Ronald J. Thibodeau
Date: 06/15/26

44 Spring St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Leah McCarthy
Seller: Ortega LLC
Date: 06/16/26

1094 Suffield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $1,450,000
Buyer: Chrisjoe Realty LLC
Seller: 1094 Suffield LLC
Date: 06/17/26

77 Valentine Ter.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Carol Nyzio
Seller: Penni Taylor
Date: 06/18/26

24 Willow Brook Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Serhii Makarov
Seller: Jeffrey Govoni
Date: 06/16/26

BLANDFORD

76 Main St.
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Kathleen Keefe
Seller: Kyle Bean
Date: 06/12/26

49 Russell Stage Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Conner Edmund Glebocki
Seller: Mark Cerilli
Date: 06/15/26

BRIMFIELD

279 Little Alum Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Jason Cornu
Seller: Jocelyn Tourtellotte
Date: 06/09/26

20 Paige Hill Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Maria Vertkin
Seller: Megan Colantuoni
Date: 06/17/26

CHICOPEE

71 Ann St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: James Norris
Seller: Melissa M. Wegman
Date: 06/08/26

47 Boucher Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Asa Apprey
Seller: Blout, Margaret Ellen, (Estate)
Date: 06/12/26

62 Britton St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Frederick I. Ononibaku
Seller: Roberto C. Jimenez
Date: 06/12/26

30 Catherine St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $318,000
Buyer: Oleksandr Verbetska
Seller: Susan Boyd
Date: 06/12/26

32 Chateaugay St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Bobbie Jo Simmons
Seller: Abdallah Mustafa
Date: 06/15/26

101 Delaney Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: John George Lolos
Seller: Christine Mary Garelli
Date: 06/16/26

2 Dwight St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $4,350,000
Buyer: Industriae Variae LLC
Seller: Acclaim Properties Inc.
Date: 06/10/26

151 Edgewood Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Steven Ture Dahlquist
Seller: James J. Galica
Date: 06/15/26

157 Exchange St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $4,350,000
Buyer: Industriae Variae LLC
Seller: Acclaim Properties Inc.
Date: 06/10/26

78 Front St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $4,350,000
Buyer: Industriae Variae LLC
Seller: Acclaim Properties Inc.
Date: 06/10/26

748 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Ulices A. Guillermo
Seller: Daviau & Robert Properties LLC
Date: 06/08/26

64 Hampshire St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Tyler Moreau
Seller: Moreau Real Investors Inc.
Date: 06/15/26

54 Helen St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $570,000
Buyer: Tyler J. Schofield
Seller: Jennifer M. Gallant
Date: 06/15/26

72 Joy St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Ageniea Effitoya Bryan
Seller: Edwan Alzuhairi
Date: 06/16/26

35 Kimball St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Mazal Real Estate LLC
Seller: Amat Victoria Curam LLC
Date: 06/09/26

40 Kimball St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Mazal Real Estate LLC
Seller: Amat Victoria Curam LLC
Date: 06/09/26

44 Kimball St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Mazal Real Estate LLC
Seller: Amat Victoria Curam LLC
Date: 06/09/26

56 Marion St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $307,000
Buyer: Jose Polanco
Seller: Akim Rivera
Date: 06/11/26

800 McKinstry Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $258,000
Buyer: Jason Hinckley
Seller: Cassidy, Francis, (Estate)
Date: 06/12/26

330 Montgomery St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Rtj Property Services LLC
Seller: Hum Real Estate Holdings LLC
Date: 06/09/26

135 Nutmeg Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Kayla M. Armando
Seller: Sophia E. Barnes
Date: 06/10/26

27 Old Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Henry David Smola
Seller: Jerzy Cebula
Date: 06/17/26

16 Oxford Place
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $213,860
Buyer: Lakeview Loan Service LLC
Seller: John M. Robinson
Date: 06/11/26

11 Rolf Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $244,000
Buyer: Jacqueline A. Seymour
Seller: Christopher J. Graham
Date: 06/15/26

77 South St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $720,000
Buyer: Celtic Holdings LLC
Seller: Kyle Callendar
Date: 06/09/26

70 Warwick Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Brittney Bristol
Seller: William B. Dodd
Date: 06/17/26

49 West St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $268,000
Buyer: Angel Manuel Rivera
Seller: Jason M. Reed
Date: 06/18/26

38 White St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $349,900
Buyer: Jason M. Reed
Seller: Jacob A. Ferry
Date: 06/18/26

EAST LONGMEADOW

22 Allen St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Francesco Raschilla
Seller: Carlo F. Raschilla
Date: 06/12/26

27 East Circle Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Nelson Barbosa
Seller: Patricia Kelly
Date: 06/08/26

79 Gerrard Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01040
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Ying Chan
Seller: Goodwin, Mary Ellen, (Estate)
Date: 06/15/26

75 Nottingham Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01104
Amount: $980,000
Buyer: William R. Whitney
Seller: George D. Roumeliotis
Date: 06/15/26

217 Pleasant St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01040
Amount: $605,000
Buyer: Alexandria Nuccio
Seller: Richard P. Baca
Date: 06/18/26

144 South Brook Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Jonathan Cascarilla
Seller: James A. White
Date: 06/09/26

10 Tamarak Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Christopher Senecal
Seller: Robert E. Lajoie
Date: 06/17/26

61 Wood Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01040
Amount: $326,500
Buyer: Justin T. Bren
Seller: Todd Peter Simon
Date: 06/15/26

HAMPDEN

77 Carmody Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $540,000
Buyer: Stephen Sparks
Seller: Kevin Roger Nichols
Date: 06/17/26

18 Fox Run Lane
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $522,000
Buyer: Lindsey Laflamme
Seller: Monica Margeson
Date: 06/09/26

192 Glendale Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Tyler Renaud Cantrebury
Seller: Edward K. Shuttleworth
Date: 06/10/26

185 North Monson Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Greg Miner
Seller: Laura N. Lambert
Date: 06/18/26

77 Woodland Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Deborah Pacheco
Seller: Sarah Haras
Date: 06/11/26

HOLLAND

19 Lakeridge Dr.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $910,000
Buyer: Jennifer Dawn Rogers
Seller: Ralph Vincent Donadio
Date: 06/18/26

9 Lois Lane
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Kaylee Adams
Seller: Lynette Doris Peret
Date: 06/17/26

49 Over The Top Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $281,000
Buyer: Jenavieve Anne Lyon
Seller: Robert F. Baker
Date: 06/17/26

HOLYOKE

34 Bassett Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $378,500
Buyer: Richard Persson
Seller: Donald W. Miner
Date: 06/12/26

37 Bemis Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $391,823
Buyer: Julie James
Seller: Fayetta Haberman RET
Date: 06/08/26

16 Cranberry Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Lauron Jockwig Kehrer
Seller: Kamil Bak
Date: 06/15/26

Easthampton Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Jennifer He
Seller: Dfe LLC
Date: 06/12/26

18 Harrison Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Zaida Sanabria-Rodriguez
Seller: Bernardo Ortiz Rodriguez
Date: 06/09/26

42-44 Hitchcock St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Timothy Hanlon
Seller: Larry M. Field
Date: 06/10/26

77 Locust St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Luz Enid Cruz Melendez
Seller: Zaida Sanabria-Rodriguez
Date: 06/09/26

55 Longfellow Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Jennifer He
Seller: Dfe LLC
Date: 06/12/26

154 Madison Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $388,800
Buyer: 59 Crystal Street LLC
Seller: Perotti FT
Date: 06/17/26

87 Pine St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $217,000
Buyer: GR Construction LLC
Seller: Rafaela Soto
Date: 06/11/26

39 Pleasant St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $388,000
Buyer: Rebecca Fisher Staley
Seller: Margaret M. Gallagher
Date: 06/18/26

95 Wedgewood Ter.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $297,000
Buyer: Ana Lua Fontes
Seller: Katrina Turner
Date: 06/12/26

115 Whiting Farms Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $2,900,000
Buyer: ISO New England Inc.
Seller: Bear Properties LLC
Date: 06/18/26

LONGMEADOW

137 Albemarle Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Susan R. Gordon
Seller: Beverly Magner
Date: 06/15/26

105 Edgewood Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: John H. Fitzgerald
Seller: Erik L. Borreson
Date: 06/11/26

324 Farmington Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $920,000
Buyer: Brittney Scavotto
Seller: Jonathan Moseley
Date: 06/12/26

103 Field Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $453,000
Buyer: Raymond R. Howard
Seller: Elio Trolio
Date: 06/17/26

651 Frank Smith Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Neil Cyr Devoe
Seller: Podgurski RET
Date: 06/10/26

42 Hazelwood Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Jade McClenahan
Seller: Scott Lennart Peterson
Date: 06/17/26

330 Merriweather Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $728,500
Buyer: Tiare Spector
Seller: Perry, Blair L., (Estate)
Date: 06/08/26

34 Tennyson Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $1,550,000
Buyer: Jacob A. Dubois
Seller: Laura C. Murphy
Date: 06/18/26

186 Viscount Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Saurab Bither
Seller: Wesley A. Bryon
Date: 06/09/26

LUDLOW

130 Arnold St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Alpaslan Turan
Seller: Hedwig M. Miller
Date: 06/09/26

Avelino Way, Lot 1
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Pierre Baiyee
Seller: Pauldin LLC
Date: 06/12/26

16 Booth St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Dusty Dog LLC
Seller: Kevin J. Martins
Date: 06/11/26

50-52 Booth St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $384,000
Buyer: Nicholas Lakata
Seller: Antonio A. Coelho
Date: 06/09/26

1252 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Robert Damian Modzelewski
Seller: Hemlock Ridge LLC
Date: 06/09/26

22 Essex St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Eric W. Flowers
Seller: Bruce Properties LLC
Date: 06/18/26

37 Franklin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Miguel Maria
Seller: Rcaf Acquisition TR
Date: 06/09/26

139 Hubbard St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $985,000
Buyer: Onstar Properties LLC
Seller: HP Rum LLC
Date: 06/12/26

140 Kirkland Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $456,000
Buyer: Dallas J. Webb
Seller: Ali Ozdemir
Date: 06/10/26

10 Laroche St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Donna Lee Scott
Seller: Damaris Rivera
Date: 06/18/26

3 Letendre Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $330,500
Buyer: Daniel Ladue
Seller: Ronald R. Beaulieu
Date: 06/09/26

130 Loopley St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: BP LLC
Seller: Nicholas Walter O. Chelo
Date: 06/08/26

43 Motyka St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Haskell Holdings LLC
Seller: Goncalves, Antonio, (Estate)
Date: 06/12/26

35 Richmond Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Andrew J. Loin
Seller: Patrice Bednarczyk
Date: 06/16/26

128 Williams St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $413,000
Buyer: James M. Lage
Seller: Jordan A. Liszka
Date: 06/17/26

MONSON

84 Bethany Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Erin Tatro
Seller: Senior Homebuyers LLC
Date: 06/17/26

22 Country Club Dr.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Christian Magill
Seller: Laurie Palatino
Date: 06/12/26

33 Nieske Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Shannon Wesson
Seller: Marc L. Razza
Date: 06/12/26

Off Reimers Roaed, Lot 1
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Town Of Monson
Seller: James A. Richmond
Date: 06/17/26

PALMER

14 Beech St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Tan Huynh
Seller: Michael David Laventure
Date: 06/17/26

136 Flynt St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Joseph Kology
Seller: Benjamin Bubar
Date: 06/09/26

61 Fuller Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $399,900
Buyer: Ori Klibansky
Seller: James E. MacDonald
Date: 06/18/26

Lawrence St., Lot 62
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $157,500
Buyer: Usman Y. Sheikh
Seller: J. Lizak Indenture Of RET
Date: 06/12/26

Lawrence St., Lot 64
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $157,500
Buyer: Usman Y. Sheikh
Seller: J. Lizak Indenture Of RET
Date: 06/12/26

Lawrence St., Lot 65
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $157,500
Buyer: Usman Y. Sheikh
Seller: J. Lizak Indenture Of RET
Date: 06/12/26

Lawrence St., Lot 66
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $157,500
Buyer: Usman Y. Sheikh
Seller: J. Lizak Indenture Of RET
Date: 06/12/26

Lawrence St., Lot 67
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $157,500
Buyer: Usman Y. Sheikh
Seller: J. Lizak Indenture Of RET
Date: 06/12/26

Lawrence St., Lot 68
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $157,500
Buyer: Usman Y. Sheikh
Seller: J. Lizak Indenture Of RET
Date: 06/12/26

Lawrence St., Lot 69
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $157,500
Buyer: Usman Y. Sheikh
Seller: J. Lizak Indenture Of RET
Date: 06/12/26

Lawrence St., Lot 85
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $157,500
Buyer: Usman Y. Sheikh
Seller: J. Lizak Indenture Of RET
Date: 06/12/26

Lawrence St., Lot 87
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $157,500
Buyer: Usman Y. Sheikh
Seller: J. Lizak Indenture Of RET
Date: 06/12/26

Lawrence St., Lot 89
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $157,500
Buyer: Usman Y. Sheikh
Seller: J. Lizak Indenture Of RET
Date: 06/12/26

Lawrence St., Lot 91
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $157,500
Buyer: Usman Y. Sheikh
Seller: J. Lizak Indenture Of RET
Date: 06/12/26

69-71 North St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $215,100
Buyer: Bho Realty LLC
Seller: Andrea Lopez
Date: 06/17/26

3055 Pine St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Dnepro Properties LLC
Seller: Sonya C. Penoyer
Date: 06/15/26

4013-A-D Pine St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Robert Manelski
Seller: 4030 Pine St. LLC
Date: 06/12/26

374 Rondeau Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Orlando Santos Morales
Seller: Naples Home Buyers Inc.
Date: 06/12/26

16 Second St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: New Method Real Estate LLC
Seller: 16 Second Street RT
Date: 06/08/26

41 Smith St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $635,000
Buyer: Brent Terrell
Seller: John T. Lefave
Date: 06/08/26

1086 South Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Alex Lanier
Seller: Megan Crafts
Date: 06/08/26

359 Springfield St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $595,000
Buyer: Joseph Eugene Conroy
Seller: Elisabete M. Jusko
Date: 06/08/26

RUSSELL

87 Highland Ave.
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $347,000
Buyer: Riley Heeter
Seller: Patricia M. Hebert
Date: 06/18/26

SPRINGFIELD

119 Acrebrook Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Waletxis Ortiz Rodriguez
Seller: Carlos A. C. Cintron
Date: 06/17/26

47 Arbutus St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Arolka J. Mercado-Casillas
Seller: Bryant, Pamela E., (Estate)
Date: 06/17/26

30 Bangor St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Alanis M. Perez-Cruzado
Seller: Nigel D. Greaves
Date: 06/15/26

1220 Bay St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $529,000
Buyer: Shakina Perry
Seller: Kobe J. Givans
Date: 06/18/26

19-21 Beechwood Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $549,000
Buyer: Pedro Fontanilles
Seller: Mohammad Sadegh Raghfar
Date: 06/12/26

172 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Elizabeth Cruz
Seller: Cioccolate RT
Date: 06/15/26

100 Belvidere St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $317,000
Buyer: Lani Nga Nguyen
Seller: Farah Liz Rodriguez
Date: 06/15/26

215-219 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Tomasa Gladis Henriquez
Seller: 215-219 Berkshire Inc.
Date: 06/18/26

824 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: North Adams Realty LLC
Seller: Hedge Hog Industries Corp.
Date: 06/11/26

878 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Andrew Brisport
Seller: Timothy J. Martin
Date: 06/17/26

91 Braddock St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $276,000
Buyer: Coriann R. Willingham
Seller: Brendan C. McCarthy
Date: 06/16/26

89 Bristol St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Junaid Khan
Seller: P&R Investments LLC
Date: 06/12/26

153 Bristol St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Keichla Santiago
Seller: Almonte Real Estate Inc.
Date: 06/12/26

11 Carpenter Court
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Favian Luis Mercado
Seller: Laura Marilia Bettencourt
Date: 06/09/26

129 Chalmers St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $402,000
Buyer: Rachel Wein
Seller: Richard E. Friedman
Date: 06/12/26

145 Chalmers St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Adina Edgett
Seller: Kenneth B. Haney
Date: 06/10/26

167 Chapin Ter.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Family & Developments LLC
Seller: Qiaofeng Wang
Date: 06/11/26

21 Chester St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Julianies Cruz Hernandez
Seller: Nelida Rivera Negron
Date: 06/18/26

122 Chestnut St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $14,250,000
Buyer: Chestnut Residences LLC
Seller: 3 Chestnut LLC
Date: 06/08/26

93 Cooper St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Breanna Spradley-James
Seller: AJ Capital Inc.
Date: 06/12/26

51 Cornflower St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Jake D. Roulston
Seller: Cornflower Partners LLC
Date: 06/11/26

15 Crestmont St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Narilys Rosario-Rodriguez
Seller: Dnepro Properties LLC
Date: 06/09/26

59 Daviston St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Damian Dunkelly
Seller: Michael A. Lopez
Date: 06/11/26

77 Dorset St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Michael Debidart
Seller: My Girls RT
Date: 06/18/26

33 Druid Hill Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $368,000
Buyer: Angela Espeseth
Seller: Thomas R. Ohno
Date: 06/12/26

28 Drumlin Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Gary R. Payton
Seller: Jason T. Labeau
Date: 06/10/26

1584 Dwight St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $505,000
Buyer: Mynor Lopez Mendez
Seller: 1584 Dwight Street RT
Date: 06/10/26

44-46 Edgewood St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Richard De La Rosa Rojas
Seller: Genevieve Construction Development Group Inc.
Date: 06/11/26

23 Eldert St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Joshua Rios
Seller: S. & M. Holdings LLC
Date: 06/12/26

285 Ellendale Circle
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Gianni J. Cofer-Smith
Seller: David C. Coburn
Date: 06/09/26

83 Ellsworth Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Joenielle Rosado Claudio
Seller: Christopher J. Williams
Date: 06/12/26

41 Euclid Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Kimberly Peterson
Seller: Gina Brengi
Date: 06/18/26

64-66 Ferris St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Joel Thomas
Seller: Maynard Hamre Investors LLC
Date: 06/17/26

130 Fieldston St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Jessica Lindsey
Seller: Migdalia Figueroa Rosa
Date: 06/09/26

3 Fordham St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Melissa Rena Lacapra
Seller: Yezenia Mantilla
Date: 06/18/26

10 Frederic St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $267,000
Buyer: 10 Frederic Street LLC
Seller: Jason M. Sisko
Date: 06/12/26

Fremont St.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Springfield Spirit LLC
Seller: Harriet R. Cohen RET
Date: 06/17/26

77 Fresno St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $332,500
Buyer: Allison Riffenburg
Seller: Donna L. Tetreault
Date: 06/12/26

23 Gilman St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Chan Dao
Seller: Michelle M. Grasso
Date: 06/08/26

14 Greenleaf St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Prime State Realty LLC
Seller: Jonathan Faust
Date: 06/11/26

20 Hawthorne St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Elite Real Estate Investment Group Inc.
Seller: Walker, Arline M., (Estate)
Date: 06/16/26

59 Hillside Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $207,000
Buyer: Citizens Bank
Seller: Uriel Burgos
Date: 06/18/26

309 Island Pond Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Gabriel Wigington
Seller: Hebert, Leon F., (Estate)
Date: 06/11/26

24 Jasper St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Luis Espada-Sanchez
Seller: Alicia V. Salmon-Plummer
Date: 06/10/26

4 Jean Dr.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Briana Jimenez
Seller: Leland Joseph Zak
Date: 06/18/26

39 Kings Lane
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Gilbert Ocasio
Seller: Brickhouse Homes LLC
Date: 06/17/26

53 Leatherleaf Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Corey Palm
Seller: Robin F. Palm
Date: 06/18/26

41 Loretta St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Nathan Luis Massa
Seller: Nick Zaporozhchenko
Date: 06/18/26

106 Maebeth St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Dominic Beck
Seller: Christopher J. Senecal
Date: 06/17/26

82 Malden St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $580,000
Buyer: 346 Britton Street LLC
Seller: Binh T. Nguyen
Date: 06/12/26

65-67 Mansfield St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $555,000
Buyer: 65-67 Mansfield St. LLC
Seller: Rivera Springfield Homes LLC
Date: 06/17/26

94-96 Melrose St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Alban Medina
Seller: Levalle FT
Date: 06/09/26

106 Merida St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $253,000
Buyer: Teressa Williams
Seller: Crisinati, Thomas J., (Estate)
Date: 06/08/26

74-76 Mooreland St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Jeffrey F. Avelino-Mejia
Seller: Pedro Martinez
Date: 06/10/26

24 Morrell St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Sharon Long Young
Seller: Deluca Development Corp.
Date: 06/08/26

500 Newbury St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Alixan Eugenio
Seller: David W. Kelley
Date: 06/16/26

70 Norman St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Ana Elvia Llanos
Seller: Jenny Santana-Molin
Date: 06/12/26

301 Parkerview St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Saklaa RT
Seller: Sandro Frattura
Date: 06/10/26

309 Parkerview St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Saklaa RT
Seller: Sandro Frattura
Date: 06/09/26

24 Parkwood St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Thomas Fotiathis
Seller: Glenda D. Stitt
Date: 06/17/26

178 Penrose St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $266,500
Buyer: Earl Watson
Seller: Manchester Enterprises LLC
Date: 06/11/26

22 Pheasant Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Adrian Acevedo
Seller: Eduardo Infante
Date: 06/18/26

78 Prospect St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Miguel Angel Rivera
Seller: Diaz FT
Date: 06/15/26

22 Rosedale Ave.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $397,500
Buyer: Melissa Tartt
Seller: Levonne B. Wilson
Date: 06/15/26

23 Schley St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: Barose Projects LLC
Seller: Ronald J. McCain
Date: 06/09/26

35 Shefford St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $635,000
Buyer: Sarah A. Fefer
Seller: Timothy Fitzemeyer
Date: 06/16/26

878-880 St. James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: James M. Ferris RET
Seller: Selpan Holdings LLC
Date: 06/17/26

31-33 Suffolk St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: De Jesus Property Group LLC
Seller: John L. Irving
Date: 06/18/26

118 Surrey Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Tania Hernandez Morales
Seller: Cedar Investment Group LLC
Date: 06/18/26

18-20 Talcott St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Pierre Families Property LLC
Seller: Vargas-Dalmau, G., (Estate)
Date: 06/16/26

16 Teakwood Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $364,000
Buyer: Erica Ware
Seller: Nevins, Mark William, (Estate)
Date: 06/17/26

31 Trinity Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Darnel Alouidor
Seller: Ghedi-Ehrlich, Diane E., (Estate)
Date: 06/11/26

88 Tyler St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Ariana Dymnicki
Seller: Eli Camanae M. Rivas
Date: 06/17/26

650 Union St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Green Piranhas LLC
Seller: Ismael Rivera
Date: 06/11/26

45 Vail St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Nicholas Zaccaro
Seller: Kozaczka, Thomas J., (Estate)
Date: 06/12/26

39 Wallace St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $429,900
Buyer: Derek D. Boateng
Seller: Viktor Savonin
Date: 06/18/26

105 Wilber St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $313,000
Buyer: Drew Curto
Seller: 105 Wilber Street NT
Date: 06/12/26

164-166 Woodlawn St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Michael Joseph
Seller: Robert Monegro
Date: 06/11/26

SOUTHWICK

1 Brayton Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Christina Francoeur
Seller: Betty L. Lempke RET
Date: 06/16/26

368 Granville Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Timothy A. Rucki
Seller: Ihi Wave LLC
Date: 06/12/26

5 Pauline Circle
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $485,600
Buyer: Dominica L. Rice
Seller: Aleksandr Ptseinikov
Date: 06/17/26

7 Salem Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Eduardo Arango
Seller: Kathleen L. Keefe
Date: 06/12/26

24 Shore Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $619,900
Buyer: Hedwig M. Miller
Seller: Andrew D. LeBlanc
Date: 06/18/26

18 Vining Hill Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Gary L. Gossett
Seller: William H. Strain
Date: 06/10/26

TOLLAND

630 Colebrook River Road
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: William N. Magni
Seller: John A. Alia
Date: 06/15/26

WALES

16 Holland Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Red Collar Properties LLC
Seller: C. & K. Holland LLC
Date: 06/15/26

WEST SPRINGFIELD

241 Belmont Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $444,750
Buyer: Amir M. A. Hamedabou-Aitah
Seller: Donald V. Bourcier
Date: 06/12/26

300 Circle Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Stefan Schneider
Seller: Gary A. Moller
Date: 06/16/26

98 Clarence St.
West Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: George Sayegh
Seller: Colin M. Dinnie IRT
Date: 06/08/26

76 Edgewood Road
West Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Nathaniel A. Martin
Seller: Richard L. Ladendecker
Date: 06/17/26

182 Ely Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $338,000
Buyer: Desiree Pelletier
Seller: Desiree Law
Date: 06/18/26

15 Granger Place
West Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Wafaa Hasan Roumieh
Seller: Jill Lachapelle-Yanginski
Date: 06/16/26

69 Hazel St.
West Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $389,500
Buyer: David Graziano
Seller: Francis E. Labrie
Date: 05/22/26

9 Jennifer Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $467,500
Buyer: Brian A. Cashin
Seller: Denise Hannoush
Date: 06/17/26

71 Jennifer Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Kathleen Sundgren
Seller: Dube, Johanna M., (Estate)
Date: 06/12/26

36 Maple Ter.
West Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Tejada Properties LLC
Seller: Naples Home Buyers Inc.
Date: 06/12/26

25 Piper Cross Road
West Springfield, MA 01001
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Ethan Sousa
Seller: Lindblad, Joan Annette, (Estate)
Date: 06/08/26

101 Sibley Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $329,000
Buyer: Michael James Kelly
Seller: John A. Crocker FT
Date: 06/09/26

62 Westfield St.
West Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Bianca Buildings LLC
Seller: Jag Investments LLC
Date: 06/15/26

WESTFIELD

25 Coolidge Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Jackson J. Lambert
Seller: Thomas, Aprille A., (Estate)
Date: 06/11/26

7 Exchange St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $276,000
Buyer: Charles Bonatakis
Seller: Roseann Bonatakis
Date: 06/10/26

85 Granville Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Carla Therese Gillespie
Seller: Frankie Cortes
Date: 06/12/26

21 Green Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Mejias LLC
Seller: Henry L. Dubay
Date: 06/16/26

289 Holyoke Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Jonathan James Lepper
Seller: Greg J. Heath
Date: 06/08/26

25 King St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $322,000
Buyer: Gina M. Crossetti
Seller: Karen E. Eaton
Date: 06/15/26

29 Llewellyn Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Stephanie N. Nguyen-Moon
Seller: Georgina C. Reyes
Date: 06/11/26

68 Mainline Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $1,200,000
Buyer: 175 Progress LLC
Seller: 68 Mainline Dr. LLC
Date: 06/16/26

65 Old Farm Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Kenneth Silk
Seller: Peter G. Asselin
Date: 06/11/26

134 Russellville Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $735,000
Buyer: Brandon Schechter
Seller: 134 Russellville RT
Date: 06/18/26

191 Servistar Industrial Way
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $865,000
Buyer: Anvil Rock LLC
Seller: Servistar Industrial Way Pro
Date: 06/18/26

7 Washington St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Walter J. Tomala
Seller: Lal Darji
Date: 06/08/26

27 Washington St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $3,325,000
Buyer: Park Ave. Holdings LLC
Seller: Michael Schmerling
Date: 06/16/26

11 West School St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Luba Alkazwini
Seller: Vantage Home Buyers LLC
Date: 06/17/26

74 Woodcliff Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $545,000
Buyer: Jonathan Huntley
Seller: Sean P. Ritter
Date: 06/11/26

74 Woodcliff Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $282,000
Buyer: Sean P. Ritter
Seller: Stutz, Janet A., (Estate)
Date: 06/10/26

88 Woodmont St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Steven Sullivan
Seller: Viktorian Estate LLC
Date: 06/18/26

WILBRAHAM

8 Bittersweet Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $685,000
Buyer: Ryan P. Barnes
Seller: Katherine A. Shea
Date: 06/10/26

6 Brooklawn Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Sarah N. Wentworth
Seller: Lorraine M. Adamz
Date: 06/11/26

3 Red Gap Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $895,000
Buyer: Thomas J. Kennedy
Seller: Paul L. Tassinari
Date: 06/10/26

20 Red Gap Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $910,000
Buyer: Elizabeth Anne Greaney
Seller: Shawn N. Pace
Date: 06/15/26

76 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Gray Bae Group LLC
Seller: David N. Kravchuk
Date: 06/18/26

236 Three Rivers Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Deanna Laffan
Seller: Susan L. Robinson RET
Date: 06/16/26

1072 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Horacio Castrejon
Seller: Thomas J. Medeiros
Date: 06/11/26

11 Wellfleet Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Kelly C. Clarke
Seller: US HUD
Date: 06/12/26

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

1360 Bay Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $499,000
Buyer: Jennifer Barry
Seller: Anna Jaysane-Darr
Date: 06/12/26

560 Middle St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $734,000
Buyer: Whitney Kite
Seller: Hashemi FT
Date: 06/15/26

43 Morgan Circle
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $725,000
Buyer: Shemon Salam
Seller: Gus A. Sayer
Date: 06/11/26

390 Shays St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $472,000
Buyer: Jose B. Padilla
Seller: Daniel Cookson
Date: 06/09/26

916 South East St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Tyler Madison
Seller: Heatehr M. Roose
Date: 06/15/26

180 Summer St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $598,000
Buyer: Jillian Menkes
Seller: Debra R. Kolodny
Date: 06/15/26

12 White Pine Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $1,025,000
Buyer: Nicholas Fanton
Seller: Kimberly A. Misra
Date: 06/15/26

BELCHERTOWN

34 Allen Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $449,000
Buyer: Rick J. Joniec
Seller: Pamela Hussey
Date: 06/11/26

84 Allen Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $499,000
Buyer: Nicholas Clement
Seller: Thomas M. Upton
Date: 06/10/26

440 Chauncey Walker St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Zachary Finne
Seller: Cheri Ann Ulrich
Date: 06/09/26

292 Gold St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Sarah Elmes
Seller: Leslie Champoux
Date: 06/08/26

16 Juckett Hill Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $336,000
Buyer: Joseph Marc Desrosiers
Seller: Terwin Mortgage TR
Date: 06/15/26

2 Newton St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Casey Biagiotti
Seller: Hilary M. Murnane
Date: 06/16/26

7 Terry Lane
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Jennifer Stoles
Seller: Gina Damato
Date: 06/12/26

17 Woodland Lane
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $690,000
Buyer: Brittany Walas
Seller: Andrey Korchevskiy
Date: 06/10/26

CHESTERFIELD

316 Main Road
Chesterfield, MA 01096
Amount: $169,700
Buyer: 413Group LLC
Seller: Finance Of America Reserve LLC
Date: 06/12/26

CUMMINGTON

50 Potash Hill Road
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Revive & Rise LLC
Seller: Robert Martin
Date: 06/12/26

EASTHAMPTON

7 Dragon Circle
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Louie Cardasis
Seller: Ellen Ginsburg
Date: 06/11/26

59 East St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Rosio S. Yunga
Seller: Samuel Lev
Date: 06/08/26

10 First Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $510,000
Buyer: Daniel L. Holmes
Seller: Charles H. Meyers
Date: 06/09/26

12 Fox Run
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $850,000
Buyer: Meadows Joint LT
Seller: Margrette Twardowski
Date: 06/15/26

14 Gaugh St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Nancy Gregory
Seller: Stephanie Marie K. Orion
Date: 06/16/26

36 Holly Circle
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $1,299,000
Buyer: James L. Cuomo
Seller: Alexander J. Castergini
Date: 06/18/26

158 Park St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $805,000
Buyer: Devin Desmarais
Seller: James H. Douglass
Date: 06/11/26

12 Ranch Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Marion Rose Eckl
Seller: Kelly M. Holbert
Date: 06/12/26

38 Ward Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Frank Padellaro
Seller: Robert J. Craig RET
Date: 06/11/26

GOSHEN

250 South Chesterfield Road
Goshen, MA 01096
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Lauren Katz
Seller: Alison H. Bowen
Date: 06/18/26

GRANBY

253 Carver St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $227,500
Buyer: Michael Breault
Seller: Michael J. Breault
Date: 06/18/26

253 Carver St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $216,250
Buyer: Michael J. Breault
Seller: Michael J. Breault
Date: 06/18/26

317 Chicopee St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Matthew Wanat
Seller: Wayne Gaudrault
Date: 06/15/26

6 Griswold Circle
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Robert C. Murphy
Seller: Leighann M. Novotney
Date: 06/10/26

27 Lyman St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Todd Flick
Seller: Margaret R. Slate
Date: 06/17/26

81 South St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $192,500
Buyer: Robert R. Chauvin
Seller: Doreen A. Beard
Date: 06/12/26

HADLEY

Roosevelt St., Lot 3
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Devine Brothers LLC
Seller: Zalot, Edward F., (Estate)
Date: 06/17/26

HATFIELD

34 Gore Ave.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $786,000
Buyer: Bryan Aloisi
Seller: A&S RT
Date: 06/10/26

26 Scotland Road
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $923,500
Buyer: Erica L. Bring
Seller: Matthew S. Crocker
Date: 06/18/26

7 South St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $142,050
Buyer: Brent T. Williams
Seller: Jordan A. Williams
Date: 06/12/26

259 Straits Road
Hatfield, MA 01066
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Jordan A. Williams
Seller: Gary P. Dazelle
Date: 06/15/26

HADLEY

3 Grand Oak Farm Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $695,000
Buyer: Michael Fenster
Seller: Guojin He
Date: 06/12/26

86 North Maple St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $439,000
Buyer: William J. Milliken
Seller: Susan W. Hall
Date: 06/08/26

111 West St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $825,000
Buyer: Karen White
Seller: Mark J. Krause
Date: 06/12/26

HUNTINGTON

10 Crescent St.
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Bethzaida Rivera
Seller: Kevin Charlton
Date: 06/16/26

1 Searle Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Lori Schaffer
Seller: Kellam RT
Date: 06/18/26

MIDDLEFIELD

West Hill Road
Middlefield, MA 01243
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Nicola Lightner
Seller: Rickey J. Beckett
Date: 06/17/26

NORTHAMPTON

296 Elm St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $820,000
Buyer: Elm Bkcc LLC
Seller: Elizabeth J. Lombard
Date: 06/18/26

15 Evergreen Road
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $771,500
Buyer: Elizabeth L. Garrett
Seller: Levay FT
Date: 06/12/26

17 Fairview Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $875,000
Buyer: Julian Marinus
Seller: David R. Potter
Date: 06/12/26

78 Forbes Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $652,000
Buyer: Elizabeth Volkmann
Seller: John Patinson
Date: 06/12/26

63 Lilly St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $419,200
Buyer: Logan Cate
Seller: Rood, Steven A., (Estate)
Date: 06/17/26

61 Old South St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $433,000
Buyer: Old South LLC
Seller: Kenneth T. McKown TR
Date: 06/12/26

54 Ryan Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Maples Home Buyers Inc.
Seller: Tracey A. Scalzo
Date: 06/17/26

81 Sandy Hill Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: James T. Murphy
Seller: Sean Clawson
Date: 06/17/26

110 Turkey Hill Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $995,000
Buyer: Sarah Conant
Seller: Myra J. Avedon
Date: 06/09/26

11 Vernon St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $540,000
Buyer: Andrew Semler S. Vinard
Seller: Augustus H. Muller
Date: 06/10/26

94 Vernon St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $1,110,000
Buyer: Bryan Sverchek
Seller: Cheryl A. Butler
Date: 06/17/26

20 Winslow Ave.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $448,500
Buyer: Shannon Coskran
Seller: Patricia Powers
Date: 06/16/26

PELHAM

11 Gulf Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $586,000
Buyer: Jack E. Schneider
Seller: John F. Ahern 2021 TR
Date: 06/16/26

Shutesbury Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Town Of Amherst
Seller: Aron, James S., (Estate)
Date: 06/18/26

SOUTH HADLEY

35 Carew St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Ihi Wave LLC
Seller: Town Of South Hadley
Date: 06/10/26

35 Chestnut Hill
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $510,724
Buyer: Nicholas Bain
Seller: Kelly Richardson
Date: 06/18/26

96 College St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Jennings Hoffman FT
Seller: Susan R. Carson
Date: 06/18/26

45-47 High St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Nicholas J. Bova
Seller: Elizabeth A. Montemagni
Date: 06/17/26

39 Hillside Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $399,900
Buyer: Jennifer Gallant
Seller: Brittney M. Stedman
Date: 06/15/26

107 Lyman St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Maura Cassells
Seller: Andrew A. Carney
Date: 06/16/26

293 Morgan St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Adam M. Lutz
Seller: Scott Family Properties LLC
Date: 06/15/26

36 Noel St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Katherine Batten
Seller: Margaret E. Perri
Date: 06/18/26

30 Parkview Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Michael Hopkins
Seller: Neil T. Heymanns
Date: 06/11/26

14 Susan Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Cody Welch
Seller: Joel L. Sullivan
Date: 06/12/26

74 Woodbridge St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $657,000
Buyer: Evelyn L. Wright
Seller: Susan L. Perry
Date: 06/11/26

SOUTHAMPTON

152 County Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Gordon Richards
Seller: Matthew Cole
Date: 06/16/26

115 Crooked Ledge Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Taylor Larese
Seller: Daniel G. Fanion
Date: 06/10/26

308 Fomer Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Erica Menard-Johnston
Seller: Erin Menard-Johnston
Date: 06/08/26

30 Gunn Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Cassandra Grady
Seller: Ryan Nulph
Date: 06/08/26

215-A Pomeroy Meadow Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Refined Design Homes Inc.
Seller: David Dellatorre
Date: 06/18/26

WARE

43 Cherry St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Wheres Ware LLC
Seller: Mt. Pleasant RT
Date: 06/15/26

414 Palmer Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Jonathan Adams
Seller: Alex Lanier
Date: 06/08/26

22 Waterbrook Village
Ware, MA 01069
Amount: $250,050
Buyer: Melissa Auvine
Seller: Naples Home Buyers Inc.
Date: 06/12/26

WESTHAMPTON

71 Mine Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $999,950
Buyer: Angelique Labonte
Seller: Donald R. Kelley
Date: 06/15/26

Spruce Hill Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Hilltown Land Trust
Seller: Elizabeth J. Lombard
Date: 06/09/26

1804 Tob Hill Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $905,000
Buyer: Town Of Westhampton
Seller: Ma Audubon Society Inc.
Date: 06/17/26

Picture This

By BusinessWest Staff July 17, 2026

Picture This

Community Giving Initiative

Monson Savings Bank (MSB) recently donated $2,500 to the Springfield Ballers and $2,000 to Monson Free Library as part of its 2026 Community Giving Initiative, a program driven by community participation. Pictured below, from left: Monson Savings Bank’s Dina Merwin and President and CEO Dan Moriarty, Lien Baker and James Gee from the Springfield Ballers, and MSB’s Michael Rouette and Carla Carnevale. Pictured at right: Moriarty and Rouette with Hope Bodwell (second from left), Monson Free Library director, and Kim Golinski of the library’s board of directors.

A Bed for Every Child

For the fourth year, Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. (MBK) partnered with A Bed for Every Child, based out of Lynn. Unlike previous years, PeoplesBank joined the initiative and co-hosted the event with MBK. Spearheaded by Chelsea Russell from MBK and Thomas Borek from PeoplesBank, the businesses were paired together for a collaborative build and networking event. Collectively, the two businesses pledged to build 20 beds for children in Western Mass. Throughout the event, teams worked side by side building beds from scratch.

Bikes Fight Cancer

More than 600 cyclists and 125 volunteers gathered at Tree House Brewing Co. in South Deerfield for Bikes Fight Cancer’s seventh annual Charity Ride. Through rider fundraising, sponsorships, and community support, the event generated more than $425,000, including more than $290,000 raised directly by participants. Funds raised support Mass General Cancer Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Cancer Connection, CHD Cancer House of Hope, and Camp Rising Sun. Since its founding, Bikes Fight Cancer has generated more than $800,000. (Photo by Bob Zemba of Simple Truth Imaging)

Grand Opening

Greenfield Savings Bank celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of its new Easthampton branch on June 8. Located at 1 Sierra Vista Blvd., the new branch is the bank’s ninth location and its southern headquarters, offering full-service personal and business banking, along with wealth management and trust services, residential and commercial lending, and cash management. Pictured: Greenfield Savings Bank President and CEO Peter Albero and Pamela Stobierski, the bank’s board chair, cut the ribbon to officially open the branch.

Patient Experience Award

Holyoke Medical Center was recently named the winner of the 2026 Swaay.Health Patient Experience Program of the Year Award at the annual Swaay.Health LIVE event in Foxboro. The Swaay.Health Awards celebrate the achievements, excellence, and creativity of healthcare marketers, PR professionals, communications leaders, and patient experience advocates nationwide. Holyoke Medical Center was recognized specifically for the hospital’s mobile pre-check process, which allows patients to provide their personal registration information directly and securely through cell phone, computer, in-office kiosk, or iPad.

Funding Their Futures

bankESB is celebrating the success of its Funding Their Futures program, a community-driven initiative that supports local education while helping to strengthen the communities it serves. In 2025, the program raised more than $8,000, benefiting 13 local schools, school systems, and educational foundations. Pictured: Easthampton Mayor Salem Derby (fourth from left) with, from left, bankESB’s Audrey Chechile, Robyn Michaud, President and CEO Matthew Sosik, Jessica West, and Gary Turku.

Company Notebook

By BusinessWest Staff July 17, 2026

Company Notebook

Leap into Law Creates Pathways into Legal Careers

SPRINGFIELD — Leap into Law, a new workforce development initiative designed to expand access to careers in the legal field, officially launched in Springfield and is currently underway with its first cohort of 15 participants. The program supports residents seeking stable, living-wage career opportunities within the legal services sector. The initiative, funded by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development and the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation, is led by Springfield WORKS, a workforce development effort of the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council. Developed in partnership with Katie Manzi McDonough, partner at the law firm Hinckley Allen, Leap into Law responds directly to the growing demand for entry-level and early-career legal talent. The program creates a clear and accessible pathway into the legal field through structured training and direct employer engagement. Leap into Law prepares participants for in-demand legal support roles while helping employers build a stronger, more diverse talent pipeline. Program components include contextual training and hands-on skill development; digital literacy instruction; professional readiness and wraparound support; exposure to legal career pathways, including legal assistant and paralegal roles; employer engagement opportunities, including experiential activities and job shadowing; and support for notary public applications. Participants receive individualized support throughout the program to ensure readiness for employment and long-term career success.

Creators Campus Opens at Former Gateway City Arts Site

HOLYOKE — Two years after LightWorks Collective took ownership of the former Gateway City Arts property, the organization is opening the campus more broadly to young people across the region through Creators Campus Holyoke, a summer program built around real tools, real venues, real skills, and real audiences. The program invites teens ages 13-19 into the working spaces of the LightWorks campus, including the De la Luz Soundstage, Divine Theater, commercial kitchen, studios, classrooms, and maker spaces. Instead of simulated projects or traditional summer camp activities, students will use professional equipment and public-facing spaces to make, perform, cook, print, record, design, and build. Youth musicians will not just rehearse in a classroom; they will play on a real stage with real sound and lights. Students in the culinary programs will work in a real commercial kitchen, earn their Serv-Safe credential, and prepare and sell food at a real event. Students in visual arts and design will create work that can be exhibited, sold, worn, or shared. Students exploring music, media, glass, AI, screenprinting, and making will have access to the kinds of spaces and tools usually reserved for adult professionals. Creators Campus builds on more than a decade of project-based education at LightHouse Holyoke, the relationship-driven middle and high school operated by LightWorks Collective. The summer program expands that approach beyond enrolled LightHouse students and opens the campus to youth from surrounding communities. The program is running from June 22 through Aug. 14, with half-day and full-day offerings in arts, making, culinary, media, music, creative technology, and performance.

Window World of Western Mass. Announces 22 Certifications

BELCHERTOWN — Window World of Western Massachusetts announced that 22 members of its team have successfully completed the InstallationMasters certification program, making the company one of the most highly credentialed exterior remodeling teams in the region. The certification program covers critical areas of the building envelope, including advanced water management, structural integrity, flashing systems, and thermal performance — all essential components for protecting homes in the demanding New England climate. The InstallationMasters program is a nationwide training and credentialing initiative developed by the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance. The program is designed to ensure installers are trained in current industry best practices and national installation standards for windows and doors in both remodeling and new construction applications.

Garvey Communication Celebrates 35 Years in Business

SPRINGFIELD — This month, Garvey Communication Associates Inc. (GCAi) marks 35 years in business — a run that traces the arc of modern communications itself, from retail politics to the dawn of the web to the AI-driven answer engines reshaping public relations today. Founder John Garvey launched GCAi in 1991, fresh off a short stint as a legislative aide to the vice chairman of the Massachusetts House Ways and Means Committee. Political consulting proved a fast way to gain broad experience, but Garvey soon turned toward the private sector; early on, he became the first marketing consultant Tom Burton hired for Hampden Savings Bank and the first marketing and PR consultant Sam Hanmer brought on for his insurance network, then known as Field Eddy & Bulkley. GCAi’s edge was an unusual one for a PR firm: Garvey knew computer programming and had worked in a computer center, and technology never frightened him; the firm was building websites in 1996, before most companies knew what a website was. Banking and insurance became a core focus, but over the years, the firm has worked across nearly every vertical, from healthcare and transportation to accounting, legal, and grocery. The firm’s get-there-first instinct still defines its work today, such as applying answer engine optimization and generative engine optimization to PR, shaping how AI tools like ChatGPT and Google’s answer engines understand, describe, and cite the brands it represents. Giving back has been part of GCAi from the start; with attorney Scott Foster, Garvey helped develop permanent funding for Valley Venture Mentors, and he spent years as a mentor and PR and digital marketing instructor for MassChallenge. Organizations the firm has helped more recently include Tech Foundry, Square One, Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services, Revitalize CDC, and a Garvey favorite, the Gray House.

Eastern States Exposition Donates $351,742 to West Springfield

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Each year, Eastern States Exposition (ESE) donates 1% of its annual gross operating revenue to the town of West Springfield to continue the Eastern States Exposition-West Springfield Trust. On June 25, ESE President and CEO Gene Cassidy and members of the wider team visited Mayor William Reichelt at West Springfield Town Hall to present a check for $351,742 to the trust. Cassidy, Reichelt, and attorney Mary Paier Powers are all on the board for the trust and were present at the press conference and check presentation. This executive body reviews grant applications and awards a percentage of the donations to applicants. The allotted donation benefits education, youth, athletics, and the elderly, as well as combating food insecurity in West Springfield, among other assistance. The remainder accrues with each donation. As a not-for-profit entity, ESE does not receive federal support, state support, or funding from local taxes. This sets the Big E, which has grown to be the fourth-largest fair in North America, and the broader organization apart from most fairs. To express appreciation to the populace that continues to support its mission faithfully, ESE partnered with the town to create the Eastern States Exposition-West Springfield Trust. Since it was first founded in 1995, ESE has contributed $6.1 million to West Springfield through the trust.

STCC Earns Second Place in National Innovation Challenge

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) students earned second place in the 2026 Community College Innovation Challenge (CCIC), a prestigious national competition sponsored by the American Assoc. of Community Colleges (AACC) in partnership with the National Science Foundation (NSF). STCC was one of only 12 community colleges nationwide selected as finalists and the only community college in Massachusetts to advance to the competition’s final round. The student team presented its innovative project, HydroShield, during a poster session on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on June 9 before congressional leaders, including U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, STEM leaders, and a panel of judges. HydroShield is a replaceable washing machine filter designed to capture microplastic fibers before they enter waterways. The low-cost system uses a specialized coated textile layer and a sensor that alerts users when the filter needs replacement. The innovation aims to reduce microplastic pollution, improve water quality, and address long-term environmental health concerns. The STCC team consisted of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society students Shahmeer Ali, Vincent Githiri, and Sophia Landrau, who graduated in May with an associate degree in biology. The team worked under the guidance of Associate Professor of Biological Sciences and PTK advisor Reena Randhir.

AIC Launches LIFT Center to Address Student Basic Needs

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) has expanded its student support services through the LIFT Center (Linking Individuals to Fundamental Tools), a new resource hub that connects students with essential resources and assistance. The initiative is supported by $85,000 in grant funding, including a $34,000 award from the Beveridge Family Foundation and a $51,000 grant from an anonymous foundation supporting student success. Located in the James J. Shea Sr. Memorial Library, the LIFT Center connects students with resources addressing food insecurity, housing instability, transportation, childcare, public benefits, and other essential needs. The LIFT Center serves as a central point of access for student support and referrals. Services include food pantry access, meal vouchers, emergency financial assistance, housing referrals, public benefits enrollment support, childcare resources, legal aid referrals, financial counseling, and transportation assistance. Students may access services directly or be referred by faculty, advisors, and campus partners. Support is offered in a confidential, welcoming environment designed to help students navigate challenges and remain focused on their educational goals.

Westfield State University to Add Two Varsity Sports

WESTFIELD — Westfield State University will add two varsity sports teams for the 2027-28 academic year, with the Owls starting women’s flag football and men’s swimming and diving. Westfield will become the first school in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference to sponsor flag football at the varsity level. It is anticipated that the Westfield will play as a club sport in the spring of 2027 and at the varsity level in the spring of 2028. In late May, the NCAA Committee on Access, Opportunity and Impact voted to recommend Divisions I, II, and III sponsor legislation to add a national collegiate flag football championship. The committee oversees the Emerging Sports for Women program, which aims to grow participation and competitive opportunities for women’s sports across the NCAA. Its first championship is projected to occur in spring 2028.

Springfield College Announces Launch of New Major in 2027

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield College announced the fall 2027 launch of its communications and creative media major, an innovative academic program designed to prepare students for leadership and creative careers in today’s rapidly evolving media and technological landscape. The communications and creative media program offers students hands-on experience and industry-focused training in communication strategy, social media marketing, content production, and digital design. Specifically, students will develop social media content and create and produce podcasts, radio broadcasts, television shows, short-form content, and more. The program will prepare students for careers in fields such as marketing, public relations, social media strategy, and, more broadly, roles in communication, creative content, and strategic brand messaging. Through collaborative projects, multimedia production opportunities, and real-world communication experiences, students will develop professional portfolios while learning from experienced faculty and industry professionals. Students will complete a substantive internship experience and graduate with a polished professional portfolio.

HCC President, Board of Trustees Selected for National Collaborative

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College President George Timmons and the HCC board of trustees have been selected to join the second cohort of the Aspen Presidents & Trustees Collaborative. This year-long initiative, led by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program, brings together colleges nationwide to strengthen alignment between boards and presidential leadership and advance long-term student success. Through this collaboration, Timmons and HCC trustees will engage with national experts and peer institutions, learning from best practices of Aspen Prize-winning colleges and leveraging Aspen’s Trustee Framework. The goal is to build sustainable governance practices that drive meaningful reforms in student success.

NBT Bank Earns Two Awards for Small Business Banking

NORWICH, N.Y. — NBT Bank has been recognized with two 2026 Coalition Greenwich Awards in Small Business Banking. In the U.S. Small Business Banking category, based on more than 11,000 interviews with businesses with annual sales of $1 million to $10 million across the U.S., NBT earned the following designations Best Bank – Satisfaction with Relationship Manager for Small Business Banking in the U.S. (Northeast); and Best Bank – Satisfaction in Cash Management for Small Business Banking in the U.S. (Northeast). NBT’s Cash Management team works in close coordination with relationship managers to help businesses maintain control over cash flow, reduce risk, and operate more efficiently. Through tailored solutions for payments, collections, liquidity visibility, and fraud prevention, the team helps customers streamline operations and focus on running and growing their businesses.

MountainOne Ranks 17th on Best Places to Work List

NORTH ADAMS — MountainOne announced it ranked 17th in the Medium Company category (100-249 employees) on the Boston Business Journal’s 2026 Best Places to Work list. This recognition marks the second consecutive year MountainOne has been honored and reflects an improvement from its 21st-place ranking in 2025. The annual Best Places to Work awards recognize Massachusetts employers that have created exceptional workplace cultures and employee experiences. Rankings are determined through confidential employee surveys conducted by Quantum Workplace, which measure areas such as workplace satisfaction, leadership, communication, professional development, compensation, benefits, and overall employee engagement. The Boston Business Journal honored 90 Massachusetts companies across a variety of industries during an awards celebration held June 11 at the Westin Copley Place in Boston. MountainOne employees who accepted the award on the company’s behalf included Peter Barrow, Kevin Carpenter, Ethan Coe, Erin Galvin, Erik Ray, and Devon Stone.

FirstLight Sustains Program Announces Grant Recipients

BURLINGTON — FirstLight, a leading clean power producer, developer, and energy storage company, announced that 17 organizations will receive funding through the company’s FirstLight Sustains competitive grant program. This program has awarded more than $310,000 to nearly 70 organizations over the last four years to support schools, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations that promote community building and sustainability in areas where FirstLight operates across Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. The five 2026 FirstLight Sustains grant recipients in Massachusetts include the Montague Police Department, which will procure specialized water rescue and safety equipment, including 14 river-capable personal flotation devices and 14 rescue throw bags; Northfield EMS, which will purchase equipment and training materials to support educational programs in community settings; the town of Gill, which will expand its historic municipal common with the addition of a third Veteran’s Memorial monument covering military actions from the Vietnam War to the present; the Turners Falls Fire Department, which will replace water rescue dry suits, rope, rigging equipment, flotation devices, and a rescue boat; and the Western Massachusetts Climbers Coalition, which will secure permanent public access to the iconic Farley Ledges climbing area and support the formal establishment of conservation restrictions on a newly acquired adjacent parcel.

Springfield JCC Awarded $100,000 Grant from Davis Foundation

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Jewish Community Center (JCC) announced it has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation to launch a comprehensive early literacy development initiative within its Early Learning Center (ELC). The grant will support an innovative, evidence-based literacy program serving approximately 85 children from birth to age 5, strengthening early language development, vocabulary growth, phonological awareness, and school readiness skills during the most critical years of child development. At the heart of the initiative is the addition of a part-time early literacy specialist who will work directly with children, coach teachers, and engage families in literacy-rich learning experiences. The specialist will help create language- and print-rich classroom environments, expand diverse and developmentally appropriate classroom libraries, and integrate literacy into daily activities through interactive read-alouds, storytelling, phonological awareness exercises, and emergent writing opportunities. The initiative will also provide ongoing professional development and coaching for educators. Families will be engaged through workshops, literacy events, and take-home resources designed to reinforce language and reading development at home. In additionk, an intergenerational literacy mentoring model will connect students from the JCC’s KidSpace afterschool program with younger children to foster a love of reading and learning across age groups.

Berkshire Innovation Center to Receive $120,000 MassCEC Grant

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) announced more than $2 million in awards through its Innovation Ecosystem Program (IEP) to 10 entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs) in six communities across the state, including one in Western Mass.; Berkshire Innovation Center in Pittsfield will receive $120,000. The funding will help accelerators, incubators, universities, and other business development organizations expand hands-on programming that moves early-stage climate tech startups from idea to market, strengthening business readiness, sharpening commercialization pathways, and accelerating growth within Massachusetts’ innovation ecosystem. The other nine awardees are InnoVenture Labs in Beverly ($60,000); Leading Cities ($100,000), MassChallenge ($120,000), and MassRobotics ($110,000) in Boston; Activate Global ($120,000 plus $600,000 in fellowship funding) and the Engine ($120,000) in Cambridge; UMass Lowell ($120,000); and FORGE ($120,000) and Greentown Labs ($120,000 plus $300,000 in fellowship funding) in Somerville.

BFAIR in Bloom Raises $40,000

NORTH ADAMS — BFAIR announced the success of its annual BFAIR in Bloom signature fundraising event, held on June 4 at the Proprietor’s Lodge. The evening raised $40,000 in support of BFAIR’s programs and services for individuals with disabilities and their families throughout the Berkshire region. The event brought together community members, business leaders, and supporters for a curated evening filled with craft tastings, desserts, live music, and floral arrangements. Guests enjoyed tastings from Antimony Brewing, Berkshire Brewing Co., M.S. Walker, and Village Garage Distillery, alongside desserts by Berkshire Cannoli. The Flower Lab Bouquet Bar transformed the venue with a floral design, while Patrick Gray provided the evening’s musical backdrop. Event photography was captured by Jessica Ann Photography.

Community Action Pioneer Valley Opens New WIC Office in Hadley

HADLEY — On June 25, Community Action Pioneer Valley opened a new office of the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program at 4 Bay Road in Hadley. A formal opening and ribbon cutting is planned for early September. The new site boasts a few advantages over previous sites, including location and expanded office space to serve an increased number of participants. WIC is a supplemental nutrition program for people who are pregnant or have children under age 5. Participants are given a WIC EBT card that can be used at many local grocery stores on specific items such as milk, cheese, and yogurt; whole grains such as bread, oatmeal, and quinoa; fresh fruits and vegetables; and more. WIC provides breast/chest feeding support from the first prenatal visit forward and offers additional support when needed. Families participating in WIC meet regularly with WIC staff and a nutritionist to check their children’s growth and development, ask questions, and get nutrition information. WIC staff also connect families with many other helpful resources.

Tighe & Bond Relocates Providence Office

WESTFIELD — Tighe & Bond, a leading engineering, environmental, planning, and design consulting firm focused on serving the Northeast, announced it has relocated its Providence, R.I. office to the Foundry complex at 235 Promenade St., Suite 500. The new location offers the firm additional square footage as it continues to strengthen its presence in Rhode Island, providing convenient access to clients, project partners, and communities throughout the Greater Providence area and beyond. Tighe & Bond has provided engineering, environmental, planning, and design services in Rhode Island for decades since opening its first Providence office in 2018, partnering with municipalities, utilities, state agencies, institutions, and private-sector organizations to advance infrastructure, environmental, resiliency, and built environment projects.

The Courthouse Saga Continues

By BusinessWest Staff July 17, 2026

Opinion

The region’s quest for a replacement for the troubled Roderick L. Ireland Courthouse has been a lengthy saga with many twists and turns. And now, the road has become even more winding.

Indeed, just days after the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) picked a team to redevelop 125 Liberty St. into a new regional justice center, two losing bidders have teamed up to overturn the agency’s decision, citing the involvement of Convention Center Authority Director John Barros in the winning bid.

The next chapter in this ongoing saga will play out in Berkshire County Superior Court, as bidders Jeb Balise and Dinesh Patel seek a court order to vacate the lease award and a declaration that DCAMM violated fairness requirements in the procurement process.

The lawsuit provides just the latest talking point in this intriguing, long-running movie that brings with it some potentially high stakes for the region and especially Springfield.

The $600 million project has been described using terms not usually associated with courthouses, such as ‘game-changing’ and ‘transformational.’ At least that’s what city officials say they want from the new facility.

And many local leaders have expressed concern that the Liberty Street proposal can’t live up to those adjectives. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno slammed DCAMM’s decision, noting that local developers were shunned and that a proposal he favors — one to build a new courthouse on the riverfront in the North End, which would have had housing and office components as well as a marina — was not chosen.

Meanwhile, other officials and business leaders maintain that the chosen location is too far from downtown to have a positive impact there (see story on page 32).

And we agree.

The site is, to borrow a phrase, on the wrong side of the railroad tracks. It is just 300 yards from another proposed site, the former W.F. Young building and adjoining properties off Dwight Street (proposed by a team led by Balise), and 350 yards from still another proposed site, the former Mardi Gras building. But it’s separated from those sites and the rest of downtown by the railroad bridge, which has proven to be a barrier historically. Can a new courthouse prompt people to cross that barrier? Maybe, but that’s being optimistic.

The Liberty Arts site does come with some benefits, including excellent access and substantial cost savings, which is good news for taxpayers. There will be hundreds of construction jobs created, obviously. Also, Union Station, which is across Dwight Street from the site, could certainly benefit and might see some additional development and office rentals, meaning it might become more self-sustaining and less reliant on public subsidies. And the North Blocks area, which has seen very little development and new business in recent decades, may get a boost from the facility and the 1,000 people that visit it each day.

But these benefits pale in comparison to the impact of a courthouse in or much closer to a downtown that is being hurt by remote work and is desperate for a spark that might accelerate developments, like the new restaurants open, or soon to open, on Worthington Street.

Optimists might look at the selection of the Liberty Junction proposal and note that the city could get two, three, or perhaps four or more development projects in sites not chosen for the courthouse, such as the former W.F. Young property, Tower Square Park, the existing courthouse, the Mardi Gras building, and the riverfront site in the North End.

Perhaps, but these sites had gone undeveloped for years, or decades in some cases, for a reason — it’s very difficult to repurpose them. Housing is certainly needed, but it’s a stern challenge to make a housing project pencil in this part of the state as construction costs continue to rise. New office space? There’s already plenty of vacant space downtown, and there will be more as the trend toward remote work and hybrid schedules accelerates. Retail? That sector is being clobbered by Amazon and likely won’t be making any kind of comeback.

Realistically, the best hope for redevelopment of these properties is with a can’t-miss, 40-year contract from the state for a new courthouse that would generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue over the life of that contract.

As debate about the merits of the Liberty Street proposal continue, there is a chance they become moot as the lawsuit plays out. And if the plaintiffs prevail, who knows how long the project will be further delayed?

As we said, the saga continues.

Incorporations

By BusinessWest Staff July 17, 2026

Incorporations

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

AGAWAM

Olena’s Bridal Boutique Inc., 430 Main St., Suite 209, Agawam, MA 01001. Yelena Williams, same. Bridal shop.

BELCHERTOWN

Gun Sense Nonsense Corp., 203 Packardville Road, Belchertown, MA 01007. Michael Weisser, same. Nonprofit public advocacy organization for more effective gun control laws and procedures.

CHICOPEE

Bay State Sparkle Cleaning Inc., 547 Front St., Apt. 3, Chicopee, MA 01013. Anderson Prata Bertolace, same. General cleaning services and maintenance.

EASTHAMPTON

Pleno Wealth Inc., 116 Pleasant St., Suite 450, Easthampton, MA 01027. Christine Osterwalder, same. Financial planning.

FLORENCE

Rainbow Contra Dance of Western Massachusetts Inc., 476 Burts Pit Road, Florence, MA 01062. Riley Geistmann, 165 Ferry St., Easthampton, MA 01027. Promotes and supports gender-free traditional dancing (contra, square English, country, and folk) primarily, but not exclusively, for LGBTQIA+ folk and friends.

GREENFIELD

Warming Homeless Hearts Inc., 8 Standish Court, Apt. B, Greenfield, MA 01301. Heather Carmichael, same. Donates sleepings bags for the homeless.

HOLYOKE

Jeliyah Towing & Recovery Co., 16 Cabot St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Juan Pacheco, same. Auto towing and recovery.

INDIAN ORCHARD

Indian Orchard Elementary Parent Teacher Organization Inc., 141 Moxon St., Indian Orchard MA, 01151. Shahonna Anderson, same. Nonprofit organization whose purpose is to support and enrich the educational experience of all students at Indian Orchard Elementary School by strengthening family engagement, promoting volunteerism, and creating meaningful connections between home and school.

LONGMEADOW

Pharos Defense Inc., 128 Laurel St., Longmeadow, MA 01106. Jake Evans Bullock, same. Technology development in the defense and aerospace industry.

LUDLOW

Thoxa Elm Inc., 681 West St., Ludlow, MA 01056. John Stefanidis, same. Fast casual franchise.

MONTAGUE

Parental Pathways Inc., 1 Randall Wood Dr., Montague, MA 01351. Jennifer Padilla, same. Promotes equitable access to legal, advocacy, and educational resources for parents navigating family law systems; advances awareness of parental rights and family stability; and supports programs that strengthen child well-being and family unity.

NORTHAMPTON

Dunkz Deliveries Inc., 90 Conz St., Suite 219Q, Northampton, MA 01060. Michael Edwards, 1850 Washington St., Roxbury, MA 02118. Courier delivery.
URJA Holistic Skin Care Inc., 64 North St., Apt. A, Northampton, MA 01060. Sarah St. Germain, same. Facials, body treatments, waxing, and Reiki and intuitive energy healing.

PITTSFIELD

Advanced Coalition for Technology Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Yehea Ismail, same. Promotes a high-tech economy in developing countries with emphasis on Africa.

Deeper Image Films Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Genevieve Hayward, 10 Mall Road, Suite 301, Burlington, MA 01803. Documentary films.

Global Alliant Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Rajan Natarajan, same. IT and business management consulting services.

N Algorithm Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Syed Ali, 61 Princeton St., Apt. 2, New Bedford, MA 02745. Provides marketing and automation services, artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions, web and mobile application development, and technology support and maintenance services.

Sheps Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Lenaia Shepard, 48 Amory St., Apt. 308, Boston, MA 02119. Men’s homeless shelter.

Spark Tech Foundation Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. China Paden, same. Nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance education in digital literacy, computer science, robotics, artificial intelligence, and related technology and workforce readiness skills for students, educators, and communities.

Xcelligen Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Lakshmi Veera, 13873 Park Center Road, Suite 55M, Herndon, VA 20171. Information technology services.

SPRINGFIELD

Buscando Almas Para Cristo Ministry Inc., 110 Methuen St., Springfield, MA 01119. Maria Cruz, same. Ministry whose purpose is to spread the word of God, hope, and faith.

Living Waters Pathway to Healing Inc., Michelle George, 125 Moxon St., Springfield, MA 01151. Michelle George, same. Provides holistic support, resources, education, advocacy, and community-based services that promote healing, stability, wellness, and self-sufficiency for individuals and families, including but not limited to those impacted by homelessness, trauma, poverty, and related social challenges.

Vault Rise Inc., 134 Catharine St., Springfield, MA 01109. Johnnie Grimes, same. Management.

TURNERS FALLS

Happy Tree Works Inc., 4 Roosevelt St., Apt. 2, Turners Falls, MA 01376. David Argy, same. Woodworking, painting, HVAC, landscaping, and handyman services.

WESTFIELD

Star Inc., 286 Southampton Road, Westfield, MA 01085. Abdulmannan Butt, same. Convenience store.

WILLIAMSTOWN

Mt. Greylock Girls Lacrosse Booster Club Inc., 96 Lindley Terr., Williamstown, MA 01267. Robert Adams, 78 Woodlawn Dr., Williamstown, MA 01267. Supports the Mount Greylock Regional High School girls’ lacrosse program through fundraising, volunteer coordination, and activities that benefit student athletes.

WORTHINGTON

Highland Stewardship Inc., 113 Ridge Road, Worthington, MA 01098. Helen Pollard, same. Nonprofit organization that preserves rural space from development pressures.

Peter Pan Bus Lines Voted Best Bus Service in America

By BusinessWest Staff July 16, 2026

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Peter Pan Bus Lines announced it has been named the #1 Best Bus Service in America in the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

The award recognizes Peter Pan Bus Lines as the nation’s top-ranked bus service following a nationwide public vote. Nominees were selected by a panel of travel experts and USA TODAY 10Best editors before being submitted to readers across the country for voting.

“We are incredibly honored to be recognized as the best bus service in the country,” said Peter Picknelly, chairman and CEO of Peter Pan Bus Lines. “This award reflects the trust our passengers place in us every day and the dedication of our employees, who work tirelessly to provide safe, reliable, comfortable, and affordable transportation throughout the Northeast and beyond.”

For more than 90 years, Peter Pan Bus Lines has connected travelers to major cities, universities, airports, and destinations throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. As a fourth-generation, family-owned company headquartered in Springfield, Peter Pan continues to invest in modern motorcoaches, innovative technology, customer amenities, and service enhancements designed to provide an exceptional travel experience.

The recognition comes during a milestone year for the company, which recently introduced reserved seating, allowing passengers to choose their seats before boarding, and became the first U.S. intercity bus company to eliminate booking fees on tickets purchased directly through its website and mobile app. Earlier this year, Peter Pan was also recognized as Busbud’s Best of the Best U.S. Bus Company, further reinforcing its commitment to customer satisfaction and industry leadership.

“This recognition belongs to our customers and our team members,” Picknelly said. “We are grateful to everyone who voted for Peter Pan and supported us throughout this competition. We remain committed to delivering the exceptional service that has made Peter Pan a trusted transportation provider for generations.”

Greenfield Cooperative Bank Partners with United Way on School Supply Drive

By BusinessWest Staff July 16, 2026

Daily News

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank is again partnering with United Way’s Women’s Way for its annual Blooming Backpacks school supply donation drive. The Blooming Backpack initiative helps equip students with the tools they need to succeed in the classroom.

“It’s been so rewarding to witness the generosity from our customers and neighbors,” said Greenfield Cooperative Bank Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer Jackie Charron. “These school supplies will help students start the school year off with the resources they need to thrive, and we’re grateful to be a part of it.”

As part of this community effort, donation boxes will be available at all 10 of the bank’s branches until the end of July, making it easy for customers and neighbors to contribute. The Blooming Backpack initiative will directly distribute the backpacks collected to students in need throughout Franklin County. Donated bags should be labeled by age group, broken up by grades K-3, 4-5, and 6-12.

Suggested items include writing utensils such as #2 pencils, markers, colored pencils, and crayons; notebooks; binders; glue sticks; scissors; calculators; and lunchboxes. To learn more about accepted supplies for each age group, visit uw-fh.org/womensway.

Greenfield Cooperative Bank invites customers, community members, and local businesses to participate by donating essential school supplies throughout the month of July. To find the nearest branch, visit www.greenfieldcoopbank.com.

Raise a Glass for Kind Hands Fundraiser to Support Families Living with Dementia

By BusinessWest Staff July 16, 2026

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Kind Hands Adult Social Day Program invites the community to raise a glass for a meaningful cause at Raise a Glass for Kind Hands, a celebrity bartending fundraiser supporting individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and related cognitive impairments. The event will be held on Thursday, Sept. 24 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Nathan Bill’s Bar & Restaurant, 110 Island Pond Road, Springfield.

Hosted in partnership with Nathan Bill’s, the evening will bring neighbors, friends, local leaders, and supporters together in a spirit of compassion, connection, and community action. Guests will enjoy an uplifting night out while helping Kind Hands provide safe, engaging daytime care and essential respite for caregivers navigating the daily realities of memory loss.

Located in Longmeadow, Kind Hands Adult Social Day Program is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a warm, home-like environment where participants feel valued, connected, and supported. Through trained caregivers, meaningful activities, social connection, and family-style meals, the program helps individuals living with Alzheimer’s and dementia experience dignity, purpose, and joy each day.

“When a loved one is living with dementia, the entire family is affected,” said Liz Davila, executive director of Kind Hands Adult Social Day Program. “We created Kind Hands to feel like home — a place filled with laughter, friendship, and purpose for every person who walks through our doors. Our mission is to support not only our participants, but also their caregivers.”

Grace Barone, executive director of the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce (ERC5), added that “this event is about surrounding families with care, understanding, and hope. When we come together as a community, we can help ensure that individuals living with Alzheimer’s and dementia are treated with dignity and that their caregivers receive the support they so deeply deserve.”

Kind Hands operates Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., giving caregivers peace of mind as they balance work, family, and the emotional demands of supporting a loved one. By offering trusted daytime care and meaningful respite, the program helps families find moments of relief, reassurance, and renewed strength.

“At Polish National Credit Union, we believe in the power of community and the importance of supporting families during life’s most challenging moments,” said Mike Sugrue, president and CEO of Polish National Credit Union. “We are proud to partner with Kind Hands and ERC5 on this event to help raise awareness and vital resources for those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia. Together, we can make a meaningful impact by fostering compassion, connection, and support for caregivers and their loved ones.”

Proceeds from the fundraiser will help Kind Hands continue its mission of supporting older adults and families throughout the region with compassionate care, purposeful programming, and a welcoming place to belong.

Monson Savings Bank Donates $3,000 to Magic for Maddie

By BusinessWest Staff July 16, 2026

Daily News

MONSON — Monson Savings Bank is supporting Magic for Maddie with a $3,000 donation as part of its 2026 Community Giving Initiative, a community-driven program dedicated to supporting local nonprofit organizations making a meaningful difference.

Dan Moriarty, president and CEO of Monson Savings Bank, along with Michael Rouette, executive vice president and chief operating officer; Aimee Kohn, Business Development officer; and Paul Shepardson, assistant vice president and Digital Systems officer, recently presented the donation to Nora and Greg Schmidt, founders of Magic for Maddie. The Schmidts visited the Bank’s Loan and Operations Center in Wilbraham to accept the donation.

“We are proud to present this donation to Magic for Maddie on behalf of Monson Savings Bank,” Moriarty said. “The work Magic for Maddie does to support individuals and families in our community is truly inspiring. Through its dedication, compassion, and commitment to making a difference, the organization brings hope and encouragement to those who need it most. We are honored to support its mission and to help further the positive impact it has throughout our region.”

Magic for Maddie is dedicated to honoring the life and legacy of Madeline “Maddie” Schmidt by supporting children and families affected by childhood cancer. Founded following Maddie’s courageous battle with DIPG, a rare and aggressive form of pediatric brain cancer, the organization works to fund critical research, provide assistance to families navigating a childhood cancer diagnosis, and make a meaningful impact throughout the local community.

Through the generosity of donors, volunteers, and community partners, Magic for Maddie continues to bring hope, support, and a little extra sparkle to families facing some of life’s greatest challenges. To learn more about its mission, visit www.magicformaddie.com.

“We are incredibly grateful to Monson Savings Bank and everyone in the community who voted for Magic for Maddie,” Greg Schmidt said. “What began as a way to honor Maddie’s memory has grown into a mission dedicated to supporting local families facing childhood cancer. This generous donation will help us continue providing meaningful assistance and creating moments of hope for those who need it most. We are thankful for partners like Monson Savings Bank whose commitment to community makes a lasting difference.”

Nora Schmidt echoed Greg’s sentiment. “This award reflects the compassion and generosity that make our community so special,” she said. “Every family we serve reminds us why we started this mission in Maddie’s memory. We are deeply grateful to Monson Savings Bank for recognizing our work helping local families battling childhood cancer and investing in local nonprofits. Together, we can continue bringing comfort, support, and a little bit of magic to families throughout our region.”

MountainOne Bank Appoints Lisa Lotano to Lead Pittsfield Branch

By BusinessWest Staff July 16, 2026

Daily News

Lisa Lotano

NORTH ADAMS — MountainOne Bank announced the appointment of Lisa Lotano as Community Banking officer for its Pittsfield branch, located at 111 Silver Lake Blvd.

Bringing 25 years of banking experience, Lotano is expected to be a strong presence in the Pittsfield market for MountainOne. In her role, she is responsible for deposit gathering while delivering exceptional service and personalized financial solutions to customers. She also represents MountainOne throughout the Berkshires community by fostering partnerships with local nonprofit and community organizations.

Throughout her career, Lotano has been active in the community, volunteering with Junior Achievement’s Reality Store program, mentoring adult learners through the Elizabeth Freeman Center, and teaching financial education to students in grades K-12.

“Lisa brings a proven track record of leadership, exceptional service, and strategic relationship management to her role as Community Banking officer,” said Jill Amato, senior vice president, Marketing and Community Banking officer. “Her commitment to customer service, financial education, and the communities we serve makes her a valuable addition to our team and a trusted resource for the customers of our Pittsfield branch.”

Hyundai Motor America to Present $10,000 Donation to HCC Food Pantry

By BusinessWest Staff July 16, 2026

Daily News

HOLYOKE — Representatives from Hyundai Motor America will visit Holyoke Community College (HCC) on Friday, July 17 to deliver a $10,000 check to benefit the college’s food pantry. The check ceremony will be held at 1:30 p.m. in the Thrive Center Food Pantry on the second floor of the Kittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development.

This is the fifth consecutive year Hyundai Motor America has donated to the HCC food pantry through the company’s Hyundai Hopes Initiative. This year, Hyundai is doubling its annual donation to $10,000, bringing its total contributions over five years to $42,500.

“This investment from Hyundai will directly aid students facing food insecurity and unmet essential needs, ensuring they have the stability to focus on their education and build brighter futures,” Hyundai said in a statement.

The annual donation adds to gifts made by local auto dealer Gary Rome, owner of Gary Rome Hyundai and a member of the HCC Foundation board of directors, whose efforts on behalf of HCC brought the Thrive Center and Food Pantry to the attention of the Hyundai corporate offices in California.

Rome will accompany Hyundai officials to the event. Offering brief remarks will be Julie Phillips, HCC’s executive director of Development; Thrive Center Director Ben Ostiguy; and Brandon Ramirez, director of Corporate Responsibility for Hyundai Motor North America.

Hyundai is also making donations to the Greater Holyoke YMCA for STEM education and to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts to help address food insecurity.

The Thrive Center manages the college’s food pantry and provides services, such as food and housing assistance, that help address students’ basic needs.

Late Checkout by V-One Sells Out First Production Run in Under One Month

By BusinessWest Staff July 16, 2026

Daily News

HADLEY — Late Checkout by V-One, the new ultra-premium vodka seltzer from V-One Vodka, has officially sold out its first production run in less than one month, far exceeding expectations. A second batch is already in production and will soon be available to retailers and consumers.

Retailing for $21.99 per eight-pack, Late Checkout is available in Natural Lime and Natural Raspberry flavors and is crafted with the same award-winning V-One Vodka made from 100% organic spelt grain in Poland.

Unlike many canned cocktails, Late Checkout is intentionally made with simple, premium ingredients: V-One Vodka, one gram of organic beet sugar, natural fruit flavors, and lightly carbonated water. Each can contains 96 calories, one gram of sugar, and 4.5% ABV.

“We spent nearly three years perfecting Late Checkout because we believed vodka drinkers deserved something better,” said Paul Kozub, creator of Late Checkout by V-One. “By starting with our ultra-premium Polish spelt vodka, adding just one gram of organic beet sugar (also from Europe), and using natural raspberry and lime flavors, we’ve created a vodka seltzer that truly stands apart. I expected our first batch to last about three months — we sold through it in under one. That’s an incredible response, and we’re grateful to everyone who has made Late Checkout part of their summer.”

The rapid sellout highlights growing demand for premium ready-to-drink cocktails made with recognizable, high-quality ingredients, Kozub added. While the first production run has sold out from the warehouse, limited inventory may still be available at select retailers as the next batch finishes production.

David Sweeney Named Executive Director of Wales Community Pantry

By BusinessWest Staff July 15, 2026

Daily News

David Sweeney

BRIMFIELD — The Wales Community Pantry announced the appointment of David Sweeney as its new executive director. Sweeney brings more than 20 years of experience in strategic communications, nonprofit development, and community outreach to the role.

A longtime resident of the Pioneer Valley with deep roots in Western Mass., Sweeney most recently served as senior director of Communications and Development at Community Healthlink (a UMass Memorial Health behavioral health organization), where he built the communications function from the ground up, secured more than $3 million in competitive grant funding, and strengthened community partnerships. He previously founded and led Viz-Bang Productions, a communications agency serving Fortune 500 clients and nonprofits for more than 18 years.

The Wales Community Pantry provides food assistance to neighbors in Brimfield, Holland, Wales, and surrounding communities, operating with a mission to offer dignified access to healthy food and support for families facing food insecurity. The organization recently relocated to a larger facility in Brimfield to better serve the growing needs of the community.

“I’m honored to join the Wales Community Pantry at such an important time,” Sweeney said. “Food insecurity affects far too many of our neighbors, and I’m committed to strengthening the pantry’s operations, building lasting community partnerships, and ensuring that every family who walks through our doors feels respected and supported. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated staff, volunteers, and board to expand our impact.”

Sweeney’s background in healthcare communications, grant strategy, and mission-driven storytelling aligns closely with the pantry’s goals of community outreach and sustainable growth.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dave to the Wales Community Pantry,” said Annette Farrington, board president. “His leadership experience, deep commitment to community, and proven ability to strengthen organizations make him an excellent fit to lead us forward. We are confident he will help us serve more neighbors with compassion and efficiency.”

Bacon Wilson, P.C. Recognized by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly

By BusinessWest Staff July 15, 2026

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Bacon Wilson, P.C. announced its recognition by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly as one of its 2026 In the Lead: Legacy Law Firms. The annual recognition honors law firms that have not only endured for 25 years or more, but have continued to evolve and thrive while maintaining an unwavering commitment to exceptional client service.

Founded in 1895 by George Bacon, Bacon Wilson has grown from a small Springfield practice into one of the largest and most respected full-service law firms in Western Mass. and Northern Conn. Today, the firm is home to 39 attorneys serving individuals, families, businesses, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations from offices in Springfield, Amherst, Northampton, and Westfield.

The recognition celebrates firms that have successfully navigated generations of economic change, technological innovation, and an evolving legal landscape. For more than 130 years, Bacon Wilson has demonstrated adaptability while remaining true to the values on which the firm was founded.

Throughout its history, the firm has reached numerous milestones that have shaped its continued growth. The 1979 merger of Bacon and Wilson marked a pivotal moment in the firm’s evolution, followed by the acquisition of Ellis Title Co. in the 1980s. The expansion of its Springfield headquarters in 2003, strategic mergers with Northampton and Amherst firms in 2005 and 2006, and, most recently, the 2026 integration of Resnic, Beauregard, Waite & Driscoll have further strengthened the firm’s regional presence and comprehensive legal services.

Under the leadership of Managing Shareholder Jeffrey Fialky, Bacon Wilson has continued to invest in its people, technology, and practice areas while responding to the changing needs of clients throughout the region. The firm’s continued growth is reflected in its financial performance, with significant increased annual revenue and operating margins.

“We are honored to be recognized by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly as one of the Commonwealth’s Legacy Law Firms,” Fialky said. “For more than 130 years, our success has been built on the trust our clients place in us, the dedication of our attorneys and our incredible staff, and our commitment to evolving alongside the communities we serve. While we are proud of our history, we remain focused on the future and on continuing to deliver exceptional legal services for generations to come.”

The In the Lead: Legacy Law Firms recognition highlights firms of all sizes that have demonstrated resilience, longevity, and a sustained commitment to client service despite decades of economic shifts, technological advancements, and changes within the legal profession. Bacon Wilson is honored to be included among this distinguished group of firms shaping the future of law while preserving the values that have defined their success.

Monson Savings Bank Promotes Aimee Kohn, Dorian Guidi, Kylie LaPlante

By BusinessWest Staff July 15, 2026

Daily News

MONSON — Monson Savings Bank announced the promotions of Aimee Kohn, Dorian Guidi, and Kylie LaPlante, recognizing their dedication, leadership, and commitment to delivering exceptional service to customers and communities throughout the region.

Aimee Kohn

Kohn was promoted to Business Development officer. In her role, she works directly with business and municipal customers, supporting all aspects of their banking relationships. She actively develops new business opportunities through networking and community engagement, while coordinating business banking services and supporting branch teams throughout the organization.

Kohn has been with Monson Savings Bank for 12 years. As she advanced through roles of increasing responsibility, she gained experience in multiple areas with the bank, including retail banking, and five years dedicated within the Business Development department assisting business customers. Most recently, she served as the bank’s business relationship manager.

A graduate of Roger Williams University, she earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature with a minor in psychology. She is also a 2025 graduate of the New England School of Financial Studies and completed the New England School of Business “Banking 101” course. Her professional achievements include nominations for the bank’s prestigious President’s Award.

An active community volunteer, Kohn serves as a board member of the Wellspring Cooperative and as treasurer and board member of the Cold Spring School/Swift River Elementary PTO. She is a member of the East of the River Chamber of Commerce, Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce, Springfield Regional Chamber, and Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, and an active participant with the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield.

“I’m honored to receive this promotion and continue growing with Monson Savings Bank. I enjoy contributing to our team’s success,” she said. “I feel truly supported and valued here, and I’m excited to continue strengthening relationships with our customers, listening to their needs, and helping them to achieve their financial goals.”

Dorian Guidi

Guidi was promoted to Commercial Portfolio officer. In his role, he works directly with commercial loan customers assisting and supporting their needs. He is responsible for commercial loan underwriting, administration, and portfolio management, in addition to the coordination of participation loans. He plays an active role in customer engagement, helping identify new commercial lending opportunities while supporting departmental audits and regulatory examinations.

Guidi has more than 11 years of banking experience and has been with the Commercial Loan department at Monson Savings Bank for eight years. He began his career with the bank as an intern and has since advanced through positions of increasing responsibility. Most recently, he served as Commercial Portfolio panager, where he played a key role in supporting the growth and management of the bank’s commercial lending relationships.

He earned a bachelor’s degree from Western New England University, graduating with dual majors in finance and accounting. He is also a 2024 graduate and class valedictorian of the New England School for Financial Studies. Additional accomplishments include completing the Springfield Regional Chamber’s Leadership Institute and the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. School of Commercial Lending.

Guidi is an active and engaged member of the local community, dedicating his time and talents to initiatives that support local nonprofits and strengthen neighborhoods throughout the region. He serves on Monson Savings Bank’s loan review committee and is actively involved with several area business organizations, including the East of the River Chamber of Commerce, Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce, Springfield Regional Chamber, and Chicopee Chamber of Commerce. In addition, he is an active participant in the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield, fostering connections and supporting professional development within the community.

“I am excited to continue to be a part of the growth and success at Monson Savings Bank,” he said. “I look forward to continuing to build meaningful relationships with my colleagues and our customers while helping fulfill their banking needs, as well as support the communities that we operate in and serve.”

Kylie LaPlante

LaPlante was promoted to Deposit Operations officer. In her role, she oversees the bank’s deposit operations, ensuring the efficient administration of customer accounts while maintaining strong internal controls, regulatory compliance, and customer protection.

LaPlante has been with Monson Savings Bank for 15 years, advancing through various roles and gaining experience across multiple areas of banking, including retail banking, business development, operations, and fraud prevention. Most recently, she served as the bank’s Deposit Operations manager and fraud analyst.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in management from Assumption University and is a graduate of the New England School for Financial Studies and the Springfield Regional Chamber Leadership Institute. She has completed Monson Savings Bank’s supervisory skills program, has received nominations for the bank’s President’s Award, and was a 2026 BusinessWest 40 Under Forty recipient.

A dedicated community volunteer, LaPlante serves as an ambassador and fund development committee member for the Ludlow Boys & Girls Club, co-treasurer of the Salvation Army Ware Service Unit, and a house captain for Revitalize CDC’s GreenNFit Neighborhood Rebuild. She currently serves on Monson Savings Bank’s employee recognition committee.

“Having been with Monson Savings Bank since 2011, I have grown both professionally and personally, and it has been rewarding to watch the bank grow over the years,” she said. “I am excited to continue being part of MSB’s journey and contributing to its success in the years ahead.”

MCLA Recognized for Commitment to First-generation College Students

By BusinessWest Staff July 15, 2026

Daily News

NORTH ADAMS — FirstGen Forward announced Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) as a new member to the FirstGen Forward Network class of 2026. To be selected as a FirstGen Forward Network member, MCLA displayed a demonstrated commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students.

“As someone who understands firsthand what it means to navigate higher education without a roadmap from home, I know how much this kind of institutional commitment matters,” MCLA President Diana Rogers-Atkinson said. “Making this a priority in service to our students is exactly what MCLA is committed to doing.”

The FirstGen Forward Network provides a three-phase approach — network member, network leader, and network champion — to scaling holistic first-generation student success by engaging and empowering higher education institutions to transform the first-generation student experience, advance academic and co-curricular outcomes, and build more inclusive institutional structures. With the new class, the network includes more than 500 institutions of higher education, including two statewide systems, representing 48 states and the District of Columbia.

“We are excited to welcome Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts to the FirstGen Forward Network,” said Martina Martin, vice president of FirstGen Forward. “Throughout the application process, MCLA demonstrated a clear commitment to advancing success for first-generation students, backed by a willingness to align strategy, data, and campus-wide efforts for long-term impact. Their leadership reflects a meaningful investment in creating the conditions where first-generation students can thrive.”

In this first phase of the network, selected institutions will participate in the FirstGen Forward Network Virtual Kick-off on Thursday, Aug. 20. As a network member, MCLA’s interested faculty and staff are afforded opportunities to engage with peer institutions also working to create environments that improve the experiences and success of first-generation students, and will participate in monthly calls, professional development, goal setting, blog development, annual reporting, and more.

After successful completion of the network member phase, institutions may progress to the second phase, FirstGen Forward network leader, in which institutions receive an evidence-based and research-supported framework of actionable priorities supported through monthly workshops, diagnostic tools providing critical institutional insight, robust data sharing as part of the national Postsecondary Data Partnership, guidance of expert coaches along each step of the experience, and more. Ultimately, all network institutions strive for national leadership as FirstGen Forward network champions.

“There is nothing quite like seeing a new generation of institutions step into this network with purpose and passion,” said Stephanie Bannister, president of FirstGen Forward. “FirstGen Forward exists because we believe institutions are strongest when they learn alongside one another, sharing evidence-based practices, working through challenges together, and advancing first-generation student success at scale. MCLA is joining a community of practitioners doing exactly that, and the class of 2026 represents a remarkable groundswell of energy and commitment. I know MCLA will be a meaningful contributor to what we build together.”

AIC Announces Election of Seven New Members to Board of Trustees

By BusinessWest Staff July 15, 2026

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) welcomed seven new members to its board of trustees, effective July 1.

The newly elected trustees are Jason Corbin, Lee Craig, Kristi Hurley Reale, Matt Farkas, Maroun Hannoush, Kathleen Pittman, and Frank Roberts. Collectively, they represent extensive experience in business, finance, law, investment management, entrepreneurship, and executive leadership.

Corbin is president of J. Edward Staffing LLC, a Springfield-based executive and engineering recruitment firm. He has more than a decade of experience in talent acquisition and financial analytics, with prior roles at Cigna, MassMutual, Health New England, and Yankee Candle. He specializes in executive and engineering recruitment across the healthcare, insurance, and IT sectors, partnering with senior HR and business leaders to develop long-term talent strategies. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Westfield State University.

Craig is senior vice president and chief financial officer at Freedom Credit Union, where he oversees financial planning, lending relationships, and financial reporting. He previously served for 23 years as chief financial officer at MassMutual Federal Credit Union. He is a member of the Credit Union National Assoc., CFO Council, and Compliance Council, and previously served on Fiserv’s user advisory board. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Westfield State University.

Reale is a partner at Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. (MBK), a regional accounting and advisory firm based in Western Mass. since 1948. With more than 30 years of experience in public accounting, including more than two decades with MBK, she has deep expertise in taxation, audit and assurance, technology/IT, and business valuation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Assumption University. Additionally, she serves on the board of the New England Society for Certified Public Accountants and is a member of CPAmerica and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Farkas is senior vice president and head of fixed income at St. Germain Investment Management in Springfield, with 20 years of experience in investment management and portfolio strategy. He previously held positions at Berkshire Bank and Alexandra Dest Capital Management. He joined St. Germain in 2014 and has been a key member of the firm’s investment leadership team since then. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Saint Michael’s College and a master’s degree in investment management from Boston University’s Questrom School of Business and holds the chartered financial analyst (CFA) designation.

Hannoush is CEO of Hannoush Jewelers, where he oversees 11 retail locations within the family’s 48-store regional jewelry organization. He also serves as CEO of Bert Hill Moving & Storage in Westfield. A second-generation business leader, he began his career with Hannoush Jewelers as a diamond specialist and sales representative before being appointed CEO in 2018. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from American International College.

Pittman is a partner at the consulting firm Agile Community Partners, specializing in economic development, primarily through tourism. She most recently supported the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield as a consultant and general counsel. Her legal and leadership career spans private practice, federal regulatory service, international development, and entrepreneurship. She holds a bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, in political science and Spanish from the College of the Holy Cross and a juris doctorate from the University of Chicago Law School, where she served as articles editor of the University of Chicago Legal Forum.

Roberts is president of Roberts Energy LLC, a Springfield-based energy company he founded in 2016. He previously held leadership positions with F.L. Roberts & Co., including controller and director of operations. A great-grandson of the founder of F.L. Roberts & Co., he established Roberts Energy to continue the company’s wholesale fuel operations, supplying motor fuels, heating fuels, and lubricants throughout the region. He earned a degree from Babson College.

In addition, AIC recognized two distinguished former trustees, Frank Colaccino and Gale Kirkwood, by conferring upon them the title of trustee emeritus in recognition of their longstanding service and commitment to the institution. The college also extends its sincere appreciation to retiring trustee John Rousou for his many years of dedicated service.

Greenfield Local Cultural Council Surveys Residents on Priorities for Arts, Culture

By BusinessWest Staff July 15, 2026

Daily News

GREENFIELD — The Greenfield Local Cultural Council (GLCC) is seeking input from residents on their priorities for arts and culture programming in and around Greenfield. The GLCC has launched a public survey, available until July 31. The results will be used to refresh the local priorities the GLCC utilizes to make funding decisions. Click here to access the survey.

The GLCC is one of more than 300 local cultural councils across Massachusetts. In 2026, the GLCC awarded more than $23,000 to artists, scholars, and other creators hosting events in Greenfield and surrounding towns. Applications for the 2027 funding round will open this fall and will be evaluated using an updated set of criteria informed by the survey results.

“The Greenfield Local Cultural Council’s grant program is a vital investment in the artists, cultural organizations, and community groups that make Greenfield such a creative and engaging place to live,” said Tim Fisk, co-chair of the GLCC. “Each year, we are proud to support a wide range of projects that bring people together and make arts and culture more accessible. The high number of proposals we receive also reflects the depth of creative energy in our community and the continuing need for additional resources to help those ideas come to life.”

Jewish Federation of the Berkshires to Host Current Events Seminar on July 16

By BusinessWest Staff July 15, 2026

Daily News

PITTSFIELD — On Thursday, July 16 at 10:45 a.m., the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires will present the second of Steven Rubin’s summer-long current events seminars focusing on the latest world happenings. Participants will have an opportunity to examine and discuss topical and newsworthy national and international issues and problems, as well as possible solutions.

Rubin, professor emeritus and former dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Adelphi University in Garden City, N.Y., will suggest readings, introduce relevant topics, and offer discussion questions. The seminar will be conducted throughout in a collaborative and collegial manner, with all participants encouraged to voice their opinions.

This free program will be presented as part of the federation’s Connecting with Community series at Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield. An additional seminar will be held on Thursday, Aug. 20.

UMassFive Welcomes Kelley Jewell as Community Engagement Coordinator

By BusinessWest Staff July 14, 2026

Daily News

Kelley Jewell

HADLEY — UMassFive College Federal Credit Union recently welcomed Kelley Jewell as its Community Engagement coordinator. This newly created position reflects UMassFive’s continued investment in community engagement and expands the credit union’s ability to deliver financial wellness programs, strengthen community partnerships, and support volunteer efforts throughout the Pioneer Valley.

Jewell will help coordinate financial education programs, community outreach initiatives, events, and partnerships that connect people with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed financial decisions. The addition of the role will allow UMassFive to offer more financial education programs, support more community events, and collaborate with even more organizations throughout the Pioneer Valley.

“We’ve been fortunate to build incredible partnerships throughout the Pioneer Valley over the years, and our community engagement efforts have continued to grow alongside them,” said Cait Murray, Community Engagement manager at UMassFive. “Adding Kelley to our team allows us to build on that momentum. Her enthusiasm, creativity, and collaborative approach will help us expand our impact while creating new opportunities to serve our community.”

A graduate of UMass Amherst, Jewell brings nearly a decade of experience connecting organizations, coordinating community initiatives, and engaging people across both the nonprofit and business sectors. Drawing on her experience in fundraising at Amherst Survival Center, together with her development background with the local business Provisions, she brings a cross-sector perspective and the ability to engage nonprofits, businesses, volunteers, and community members in building impactful partnerships and dynamic community events.

“At UMassFive, supporting our neighbors is a daily practice rooted in our commitment to collective care and collaboration,” Jewell said. “I’m excited to keep building upon longstanding community partnerships and to continue to expand access to resources that truly make a difference across Western Mass.”

Episode 261: July 20, 2026

George O’Brien talks with Ray Berry, Owner and General Manager, White Lion Brewing Co.

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From Idea to Reality

Married to the Idea

Adding It Up

Something to Build On

Grit, Precision, and Passion

Continuing the Conversation

The Landscape Is Shifting

On Guard

AI on AI

Future Shock

Timely Guidance for Individuals, Small Businesses

For Individuals: Start with a Tax Projection

Estimated Taxes and Safe Harbors: Avoiding Penalties

Retirement Contributions: One of the Best Mid-year Levers

Capital Gains and Loss Harvesting: Don’t Wait Until December

Charitable Giving: Timing and Asset Choice Matter

For Small Businesses: Mid-year Planning Is About Cash Flow and Flexibility

Quarterly Estimates and Annualization for Business Owners

Equipment Purchases: Section 179 vs. Bonus Depreciation

Accounting Method Opportunities for Eligible Small Businesses

Choosing the Right Retirement Plan for a Small Business

Owner Compensation and Benefits: Get the Structure Right

Final Thought

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