Home 2026

Year: 2026

Car Makers, Dealers Motivated to Shake Off Slow Start to 2026

By
Autos

Gearing Up

It’s called a ‘20 Group.’

It’s a collection of 20 non-competing auto dealers with similar business models who gather several times a year to exchange ideas and share best practices.

Carla Cozenzi, president of the Hadley-based TommyCar Auto Group, attended a session recently in Cedar Rapids, Idaho. And before that, she was at another conference, ASOTU CON (Automotive State of the Union) in Baltimore. There were packed agendas in both cases, she said, with discussions on everything from AI and how the industry is using it and can use it (see related story on page 15) to the somewhat sluggish start to the year for the auto industry — and the reasons behind it.

And those reasons are many, including everything from a brutal winter in many regions, including New England, to global tensions and economic uncertainty; from the high cost of new cars, trucks, and SUVs — the average sticker price is now close to $50,000 — to soaring gas prices.

Collectively, these factors contributed to a flat start, a few percentage points off last year’s pace and what was projected for this year, and some minor shifts within the market — from a slight uptick in car sales (although SUVs still reign supreme), in a nod to those soaring gas prices, to continued high demand for used cars, a response to those high prices for new models.

Carla Cosenzi says that, unlike the industry as a whole, TommyCar Auto Group is off to a solid start in 2026.

“Overall, automotive is down slightly from last year,” said Cosenzi, adding quickly that her group is bucking that trend, up a few points. “And there are many reasons why … the overall state of the economy, what’s happening in the world, all the talk on tariffs, the cost of vehicles, and the rising cost of living.”

As the calendar turns to June and the sales season heads into high gear, pun intended, dealers are optimistic that this year will get back on track, especially as manufacturers respond with attractive incentives designed to move hesitant consumers to action.

Ford is leading the way with the return of employee pricing for May and June, a strategy deployed by various manufacturers during other slow times. It’s an attractive incentive that is already moving the needle, said Mike Marcotte, president of Marcotte Ford in Holyoke.

“It’s a substantial saving for the customer,” he said, adding that the program covers almost the full lineup, including trucks and transits, and was designed as a way to mark the nation’s 250th birthday. “The message has been out there, and it’s created more online traffic and more traffic in the dealership, especially with the nicer weather.”

Meanwhile, other makers are introducing less splashy, but still effective incentives, including attractive lease deals and lower financing rates, designed to make monthly payments more palatable.

“Overall, automotive is down slightly from last year. And there are many reasons why … the overall state of the economy, what’s happening in the world, all the talk on tariffs, the cost of vehicles, and the rising cost of living.”

“Employee pricing is basically the best you can get,” said Alex Balise, director of Corporate Strategy for the Balise Auto Group, which includes a few Ford dealerships. “Most of the manufacturers, though, are taking a targeted approach, offering different incentives based on supply and demand. They’re not just tossing incentives out there … they’re being strategic and going model by model, which makes sense.

“Depending on the model, it might be a low APR or a special rebate,” she went on. “They’re doing what they can do address the needs of each model — which makes it a good time for customers.”

Overall, summer is generally a good time for the industry, between the better weather, longer sales days, people with time on their hands, and sometimes the need to ramp up and get into something new for the family road trip vacation. And with initiatives in place to drive sales and leases, those we spoke with are projecting that the industry’s overall performance should move into a higher gear over the coming months.

“We’re optimistic, based on the last few months, that things will stay steady through the summer,” said Balise, adding that, after a solid May, the company is on roughly the same pace it was last year.

Driving Forces

As he talked about the start to the year and the outlook for the second half of 2026, Marcotte said it seems that dealers are always

Mike Marcotte says Ford’s employee pricing offer during the months
of May and June has already had an impact on sales.

coping with different challenges, many of which are unforeseen.

In his case, it’s slightly lower inventories for the popular Ford F-150 pickup due to supply issues impacting manufacturing. But the dealership is plowing through, he said, moving that model at a faster pace than last year. Meanwhile, SUV sales have remained strong, despite the higher gas prices, and commercial sales have followed up a strong end to 2025 with continued solid performance.

Still, affordability is an issue with many consumers, he said, adding, as others did, that employee pricing and other incentives are designed to make the lift somewhat lighter for consumers.

And in the meantime, cost-conscious consumers are looking at more affordable options, including everything from longer financing terms — up to 84 months, in some cases, to keep the monthly payment affordable — to traditional cars, which have certainly taken a back seat in recent years to the SUV.

“They’re selling now because of the cost and gas prices,” Balise said. “There aren’t many [models] left, but the ones that are there are selling. If you’re looking for a lower price point for a new vehicle, that’s where to find them.”

This explains improved sales of Camrys and Corollas at the group’s Toyota stores, she said, adding that it’s the same with other makers still offering cars.

But SUV sales remain solid, especially those vehicles at the smaller end of the spectrum, those that get better gas mileage, those with hybrid options, and those that offer a lower price point, said Cosenzi, adding that, across the board, car makers are motivated to help consumers get into new vehicles.

“They’re not just tossing incentives out there … they’re being strategic and going model by model, which makes sense.”

“Manufacturers are stepping up in a really big way to make vehicles more affordable for customers again,” she told BusinessWest. “We’re seeing some of the most aggressive incentives and APR offers that we’ve seen in a very long time.

“That’s helped us bridge that gap,” she added, noting that the incentives have helped push consumers over the top when it comes to a decision on buying or leasing something new. “We’ve reached out to customers and put them in better positions and educated them on how we can help them.”

Elaborating, she said these incentives, many of which have been in place for months, have helped TommyCar move ahead of the sales pace set last year at most of its dealerships.

“Our Hyundai store is up more than 8%, our Nissan store is flat, Genesis is up 16%, and our Volkswagen store is up just slightly,” she noted. “So, overall, as a group, we’re up.”

She attributes this to several factors, but especially close customer connections — letting them know about new incentives, vehicles they might be interested in, programs to purchase their used vehicle, and more — that create opportunities.

And there remains strong interest in used cars, especially with the high prices of new vehicles, Cosenzi said, adding that dealerships are looking for cars in what would be called the ‘affordable’ category — quality used cars in the $25,000 to $30,000 range that provide an attractive option to new — and target people with them, to both secure more inventory in that column and put their previous owners into something new.

“That’s a customer life cycle that has made us so successful in the first half of 2026,” she said, adding that such strategies address consumers in both categories.

Fueling Speculation

Meanwhile, the higher gas prices are prompting some movement, or at least some looking, in directions other than the mid-size and large SUVs that have captured the attention of the buying public.

“Gas prices are impacting some of what people are looking for,” Balise said, adding that the surge at the pump has prompted immediate discussion about changes in buying habits, if not immediate action.

“It’s on their mind,” she went on. “People are thinking, ‘am I going to get a truck or an SUV? What’s the gas mileage on it? Is there a hybrid option?’”

Cosenzi agreed. “Our customers have become accustomed to and feel safe having an SUV,” she told BusinessWest. “However, as soon as we see that gas threshold increase to what we’re seeing now, we do see interest in EVs and compact and subcompact SUVs, and we see demand for those vehicles increase.”

Balise said there is a still a strong market for electric vehicles, despite an end to federal incentives, with manufacturers offering their own rebates to move inventory off the lots.

“The people who want EVs are still coming in for EVs,” she noted. “The people who were on the fence … with rebates not being as strong, they’re more likely to consider hybrids. People are still buying EVs, and it helps that the OEMs are offering their own rebates to offset the loss of federal incentives.”

Overall, inventories of vehicles in nearly every category are much improved over just a few years ago, although they’re still not back to pre-COVID levels in many cases, area dealers report.

“It’s a healthier supply-to-demand ratio,” Balise said, adding that, for the most part, there aren’t too many cars on the lot, just a good number that mostly eliminates the need for customers to wait for what they want or settle for less.

“There are multiple options available — it’s not getting on the list for the next one that comes in, necessarily,” she noted, adding that this is yet another reason why it’s a good time to be buying or leasing.

Looking ahead, those we spoke with said the second half of the year — and especially Q4 — is typically better than the first half, and they are expecting that trend to continue in 2026, as various driving forces collaborate to prompt consumers to act.

It should make for some interesting talking points at the next 20 Group meeting. 

Auto Dealers Are Finding New, Creative Uses for AI

By
Autos

 

Driving Change

As he talked about artificial intelligence (AI) and how it’s being used by the auto sales industry, Rob Pion chose to first discuss consumers — and the modern shopping
experience — in general.

“It’s a 24/7 world — we’re an immediate society; people don’t want to wait for the next business day for anything,” noted Pion, president of Bob Pion Buick GMC in Chicopee, the dealership started by his grandfather. “It’s 2 in the morning, you wake up and say, ‘shoot, I forgot to order ‘X,’ you jump on Amazon, order it, and it’s there before you wake up in the morning or the next day.

Rob Pion says AI has helped auto dealers better serve customers in a 24/7 world.

“People expect that out of everything,” he went on, adding that this includes cars, trucks, a part, or a service appointment. In short, customers are looking for information and insight — and in many, if not most, cases, they don’t want to wait until the next day for the answers.

And that’s one way dealers are using AI, Pion said — to chat with customers, answer questions, and collect some leads at all hours of the day.

“At least we have someone, or something, responding 24/7 to customer inquiries and concerns,” he explained, choosing those words carefully and then noting that AI is a way for dealers to meet consumers where they are, on their schedule.

But providing answers to questions on lease rates at midnight is just one of the ways auto dealers are putting AI technology to work. Others include everything from finding answers for technicians in the service bay to slicing through the remarks in customer reviews to find common threads, to finding holes in service schedules — and filling them.

“We always read through reviews, but you don’t always catch the themes as they come in,” said Alex Balise, director of Corporate Strategy for Balise Auto Group. “I’ve been using AI to read our reviews for the past three months and tell us key themes so we know what customers appreciate and where we can improve. A one-off review doesn’t necessarily tell you what the real experience is, but, looking at the themes, you can see that wait times have become an issue at this store or they really like the muffins at Balise Subaru in Hadley, so we should keep those. AI can tell us that.”

And it can do many other things, such as providing help with pricing to analyzing inventory to helping make sure the dealerships are carrying the right mixes of vehicles, said Carla Cosenzi, president of TommyCar Auto Group, noting, as others did, that the technology is certainly not intended to replace the human interaction that has marked this industry from the very beginning, or replace people.

“We want to use AI to make us a better resource for the customer and make sure we don’t lose that human interaction that we pride ourselves on here.”

“We use AI a lot,” she explained. “We’re a very customer-centric and community-focused dealer group, so we want to use AI to make us a better resource for the customer and make sure we don’t lose that human interaction that we pride ourselves on here.”

For this issue and its focus on auto sales, we look at the various ways AI is being used today, and how it might be used in the years to come.

Speed Thrills

Like most other industries, the auto sales and service business is really only beginning to tap into AI and its vast potential.

Indeed, those we spoke with said that, while many different uses have been found for the technology, there are many others still in the developmental stages, with testing ongoing. But already, individual dealers and larger groups have been successful in developing strategies for using AI in everything from sales to marketing to service and using the technology for what it was designed to do — creating efficiencies while allowing employees to do what they do better and make more efficient use of their time.

And in many cases, time is what is being saved — for those working at the dealership, and for customers as well.

“AI gives customers really quick, personalized, and smarter responses with transparent pricing, and it gives them a quicker transaction time,” said Cosenzi, citing the example of a customer looking for information online. 

“If a customer wanted a price on leasing a Nissan Rogue and sent in a quote to our internet department … before, our internet department would have to go to the sales managers and get information from them to properly quote the vehicle if they wanted a lease or different financing options,” she explained.

“But we have new software and AI that enable us to get right back to a customer in under five minutes and give them a completely transparent quote that gives them all the options they need, whether that’s purchasing, financing, options for different money down, for different financing institutions — all in less than five or 10 minutes. Before AI, it might have been 20 or 30 minutes.”

Balise agreed, and offered another example, this one in the service bay.

“A lot of the manufacturers have added AI support,” she explained. “So when a technician is working on something and has a question, their AI guide can help finish the repair sooner than if they had to call a support line and wait for an answer. That’s been a big help with making a repair time faster; AI can read their whole manual, which could be hundreds of pages, and spit back the specific instruction needed for that repair.”

Using AI to sift through customer reviews also saves time, Balise said, noting that employees would spend hours reading through the responses looking for common themes and issues to address. “AI can do it five minutes and give us action items that can make a real difference in the customer experience.”

Beyond saving time, AI is also helping dealerships be more efficient with everything from how they market their products and services to how they shape their inventories, Cosenzi noted, adding that new uses for the technology are continually being explored.

“It’s a 24/7 world — we’re an immediate society; people don’t want to wait for the next business day for anything.”

“We use it to match the right vehicle to the customer for their situation to help meet their goals and accomplish what they’re looking for, which saves them time,” she said. “We use it to price our vehicles in the market to make sure we’re the most aggressive and our customers are getting transparent, upfront, live-market pricing; we’re using it to help customers schedule appointments with us smarter and faster; and we use it to analyze our inventory so we’re carrying the right mix of what our customers are searching for.”

People Power

The overriding strategy is to put AI to work in ways that will enable employees to save time and put their energies in other directions, not put them out of work, said those we spoke with.

“We’re looking for where AI can make our teams more efficient so they can spend their time doing the human things we need them to do — connecting with customers,” Balise said. “AI should be an extra tool for our team. It’s not replacing people; it’s making them more effective in their jobs.”

Pion agreed. “We’re a ways from AI replacing people, especially in our business,” he said. “It’s a personal experience when you’re spending this kind of money, and people want to deal with people. I see AI as a way to communicate with people overnight, when I can’t expect someone to be doing that on my behalf. But there’s no replacing human interaction in a business such as ours.”

While AI is making its mark in the auto sales industry, those in the business say that, in many ways, dealers are only scratching the surface when it comes to this technology, what it can tell them, and how it can make their operations more efficient.

Right down to the muffins at the Subaru dealership. 

PV Squared Partners with HCC on Hands-on Student Training

By
Building Trades

 

Outside the Classroom

What does a career in solar energy actually look like?

That question moved from abstract to tangible when a group of Holyoke Community College students in HCC’s clean energy training program visited PV Squared Solar’s headquarters and warehouse in Greenfield for an evening of hands-on learning and career exploration in the solar industry.

The visit was designed to give students a practical look at what working in solar actually entails, from installation work and electrical systems to team dynamics and long-term career pathways.

PV Squared offered HCC students exposure to the roof mock-ups used to simulate solar installations.

Students heard from PV Squared team members, including Pablo Revelo, master electrician; Alex Peterkin, president of the board of directors; and Kate Carter, team manager, who shared insights into the skills, training, and mindset needed to build a career in the trades.

“This kind of experience is where everything starts to click,” Carter said. “Students can see the tools, the systems, and the teamwork involved, and begin to picture themselves in those roles.”

The evening’s agenda included a walkthrough of the company’s warehouse and training areas, where students explored electrical training setups and system components, roof mock-ups used to simulate real installations, the tools and equipment used daily by solar crews, and the layout and function of installation trucks and warehouse operations. Demonstrations included safe ladder setup, equipment handling, and a look inside the box trucks that crews rely on in the field.

“This kind of experience is where everything starts to click. Students can see the tools, the systems, and the teamwork involved, and begin to picture themselves in those roles.”

Revelo, who works closely with installation teams, emphasized the importance of connecting technical training with real-world application.

“There’s a lot that goes into a solar installation that people don’t always see,” he said. “It’s physical work, it’s technical work, and it’s collaborative. But it’s also incredibly rewarding to build something that lasts and contributes to clean energy.”

For one evening, the students’ classroom extended into a working environment. Tools, trucks, electrical systems, and team dynamics all became part of the learning experience.

Programs like HCC’s clean energy training initiative are essential to building the future workforce, but classroom learning alone can only go so far, PV Squared’s leaders noted. This visit was designed to bridge that gap.

This visit is part of a growing relationship between PV Squared and Holyoke Community College, focused on creating clear, accessible pathways into the clean energy workforce. As demand for solar continues to grow across Western Mass., workforce development is becoming just as important as project development, Carter said.

“Workforce development doesn’t happen in a classroom alone. It happens when students can step into a real environment, ask questions, and see what the work actually looks like day to day. That’s how confidence is built, and how pathways into the trades become real.”

 “It’s physical work, it’s technical work, and it’s collaborative. But it’s also incredibly rewarding to build something that lasts and contributes to clean energy.”

During the visit, students also learned that careers in clean energy extend beyond installation alone. The solar industry includes a wide range of roles, including electrical and installation trades; system design and engineering; project management and operations; and sales, customer experience, and administrative support. This broader view helps students understand not just how to enter the field, but how to grow within it.

Students explored a wide range of hands-on activities, from equipment to how installation trucks are laid out.

During the visit, students also learned about what PV Squared looks for in employees, including curiosity, reliability, teamwork, and a willingness to learn, as well as the benefits of working within a 100% worker-owned cooperative.

 

For many students, this was also their first exposure to a structure where ownership is shared among employees, meaning the people designing, installing, and maintaining systems are also invested in the long-term success of the company.

“Worker-owned cooperatives are a powerful force for good in our communities,” Peterkin said. “They create meaningful jobs, build local accountability, and keep the benefits of clean energy rooted right here in the places we live. That’s exactly the kind of foundation we need for the green future we’re working toward.”

He added that, for students considering long-term careers, that structure offers appealing elements, including stability, shared responsibility, and a direct connection between work and impact.

“As the clean energy economy continues to expand, partnerships between educational institutions and local employers are playing an increasingly important role in building a skilled and resilient workforce across Western Massachusetts.”  

Experts Warn Against Six Common Insurance Mistakes

By
Insurance

 

Reinforcing the Safety Net

Beth Pearson understands insurance isn’t anyone’s favorite topic.

“Insurance is something people don’t love to talk about, but it’s so key,” she said — and she speaks not only as president of Pearson Wallace Insurance in Amherst and Pittsfield, but from personal experience.

“I was in a car accident — I was hit head on,” she said, but she was able to sleep at night knowing she had the protection she needed.

“Insurance is a financial tool, and sometimes people forget that,” Pearson noted, adding that policies are dense and complicated, and people don’t always want to read them or have tough conversations with their agents, or they just take out policies with direct writers online and don’t worry about it — until they have reason to worry, anyway.

Beth Pearson

“Everything has gotten incredibly expensive lately. And people think they can save on their insurance — but skimping on insurance, or having a strategy of bare minimum coverage, can really backfire when a loss occurs.”

For this issue’s focus on insurance, we spoke with four local insurance experts on the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to insurance coverage and claims. Most of what they had to say fell into one of six categories.

1. Not Covering Full Replacement Cost

Pearson has heard plenty of questions regarding why clients need so much coverage on their home, and in this economy, she gets it.

“Everything has gotten incredibly expensive lately. And people think they can save on their insurance — but skimping on insurance, or having a strategy of bare minimum coverage, can really backfire when a loss occurs,” she said. “Your biggest investment is your home. So you don’t want to compromise on the coverage.”

And that means insuring not for the assessed value of a home, but the potential cost of replacing it — and everything in it — in the event of a total loss, Pearson explained.

“Someone might say, ‘my house was only appraised at $550,000; why do I want insurance for a million dollars?’ Well, it’s because you want the full replacement cost. And the elements that make up the replacement cost valuation include the cost of construction, the cost to meet all the new green standards, the cost of materials, and the time it takes to rebuild,” she went on, noting that even a current circumstance like the Strait of Hormuz disruptions could cause supply delays.

Meanwhile, fire, smoke, and water damage can wipe out almost all one’s possessions — and items like furniture, clothing, and others are more expensive to replace these days, she added. “If you’re only getting the cash value instead of the replacement cost, you don’t have the ability to recreate your home as it was before the fire.”

Christine Bey, Personal Lines manager at Encharter Insurance in Amherst, agreed.

“Most companies like to insure a home to replacement cost value — not what you purchased it for, not what you think the value of it is, but what it would cost to rebuild that home from the ground up at today’s building costs,” she explained. But there are other costs to consider as well.

“We can add other bits and pieces to a policy, like loss of use. So if you can’t stay in your home because of a covered claim, they will pay for you to stay in another home or rent a hotel. Loss of use includes coverage for all of your belongings in your home, too. Then there’s liability on top of it. There’s so much that goes into the policy above just insuring to the value of the home.”

Christine Bey

“Most companies like to insure a home to replacement cost value — not what you purchased it for, not what you think the value of it is, but what it would cost to rebuild that home from the ground up at today’s building costs.”

2. Not Including Specific Coverages

“Do you have a dog? What kind of dog do you have?” asked Michael Long, CEO of the AXiA Group in West Springfield. Those are important questions, he added.

“Some insurance companies exclude certain types of dog, and some require you to tell them if you’ve got a dog — and if you don’t, they might not pay the claim. And the average dog bite claim is over $50,000.”

Or take e-bikes, which have become very popular, selling in the seven figures annually.

“Most insurance companies do not cover liability that’s created on an e-bike,” Long said. “So if you’re driving down the road and you take a right and cause a car to smash into another car and somebody’s injured, you have no coverage. If you’re on a bike path and you hit somebody and they fall down and bang their head, you have no coverage.

“That’s a big problem — and, unfortunately, it’s not talked about very often,” he continued. “Some insurance companies say they will cover it, but if I read their policy, it’s not clear. So you’ve got to get something from your agent in writing that they’re covering that. I don’t care about the $3,000 for the bike. I mean, that’s important. But the $100,000 lawsuit, the $1 million lawsuit, that’s more important.”

On the commercial insurance side, there are a host of considerations businesses might not consider, some of them involving leases, Long said.

For example, “we’ve seen cases where there’s damage to a strip mall. Our customer is on the end — no damage on his property. The city comes in and says, ‘building law says, since half of this building is destroyed, we have to tear it down.’ The guy on the end, whose building did not have any damage, goes to turn a claim in, and the insurance company says, ‘where’s your damage? The fire didn’t cause any damage to your place. No coverage.’”

Pearson brought up a few specific commercial insurance products worth having, including employment practices liability insurance, which protects against worker claims that their legal rights have been violated; hired and non-owned auto coverage, which applies when, for example, a manager runs to the store for supplies and gets into an accident; and business interruption and extra expense coverage, which kicks in if, say, a fire shuts down a restaurant for five months.

“The property coverage kicks in as you start to rebuild the exterior and the interior, but you still have bills, you still have key employees that you want to keep, you need to pay yourself, maybe you have credit card debt,” Pearson said. “With business interruption coverage, the carrier pays the costs to maintain the business while you’re rebuilding.”

And it should be adequate coverage, she added. “If you have $2 to $3 million in sales, but your business interruption coverage is $100,000 and you’re paying the rest out of the pocket, that can go very quickly.”

3. Underinsuring for Personal Liability

Speaking of adequate coverage limits, personal liability in an accident — whether at home, at work, or on the road — is an extremely critical component of insurance, Bey said.

“Choosing price over coverage is probably the biggest mistake we see. We like to tell people that price isn’t always as important as that coverage. For example, the state requires you to have $35,000 worth of property damage on an auto policy. In reality, increasing that coverage is minimal in pricing. We always tell people, ‘if you go up to that larger limit, that $250,000, you’re only going pay maybe $50 more a year.

“It’s the same with a homeowner’s insurance policy. Liability is really important,” Bey added. “I feel like, these days, everyone is a little sue happy. We see a lot more liability claims coming through — dog bites, people being injured on someone else’s property, things like that. So if you have $500,000 worth of coverage on your policy, to increase that to a million, it’s only about $30 more a year.”

Pearson agreed. “If you’re putting on minimum liability, it’s easily exhausted by a serious accident. If somebody’s injured on your property, or if you cause a major, multi-car accident, the medical bills and legal fees can skyrocket way past your limits.”

And that applies to circumstances people might not even think about, she added.

“If somebody’s overserved at a party and goes out and kills someone, you’re liable. If you have teenagers, you might say, ‘hey, they’re 18 years old; they’re very responsible,’ and go to Aruba for a week. And the teenager has a massive party, and someone dives into the pool and breaks their neck — you’re liable. I tell people, ‘these are not just fictional events — they can happen.’”

4. Not Taking Simple Risk Mitigation Steps

The policy and premium comprise just the start of a good insurance strategy, the experts we spoke with said. Equally important are the steps a customer can take to reduce the risk of an incident in the first place.

“Anytime we write a new policy or we go over a renewal with a customer, we want to talk about all the options that companies have out there when it comes to discounts — and a lot of those discounts are related to mitigation of losses,” Bey said.

For example, “companies are giving better pricing to people who have newer roofs, or who have water leak detection, or a burglar and central fire alarm. There are discounts for all of that — and some of those discounts are pretty substantial.”

Michael Long

“Some insurance companies exclude certain types of dog, and some require you to tell them if you’ve got a dog — and if you don’t, they might not pay the claim. And the average dog bite claim is over $50,000.”

Long also noted the importance of automatic water shutoffs.

“The average water damage claim is over $100,000. But there are water sensors, and some insurance companies offer a reasonable discount for water damage coverage if you have them,” he said. “And most fires are created by electrical problems — not by lightning, not by discarding smoking materials, but electrical. And there are companies right now that are offering discounts for systems that examine your wiring by plugging something in, testing the wiring throughout your house.”

Pearson said people sometimes neglect easy fixes — such as an automatic water shutoff valve or Wi-Fi leak sensors by the washing machine and water heater — because there’s a little cost and set-up time involved. “But the impact can be huge. If you’re catching a leak early, it transforms a major mold remediation nightmare into a simple plumbing fix.”

On the commercial side, “you really should have a lawyer look over your contracts, and you should have safety meetings with your employees. Those are really big, and are going to help everybody be on the same page,” said Linda Eichstaedt, Commercial Lines manager at Encharter. “And document everything — keeping really good records is so important.”

She told BusinessWest she just had a conversation with a client about cyber coverage for a business. “They were asking, ‘why would we really need cyber coverage?’ We have tons of educational material, and I sent them examples of things that can happen if you don’t have it.”

The general consensus in the industry these days is that it’s not only big companies that are targets of cybercrime; anyone can be.

“Phishing attacks are going out all the time to all kinds of people. They don’t really distinguish between what type of business you have,” Eichstaedt said, which is why businesses should not only have a cyber policy, but takes steps to train staff to avoid becoming the reason a hack gets through, from multi-factor authentication to training on phishing emails. “So many businesses are working online, and with so much online presence, they don’t always realize the risk.”

5. Filing Too Many Small Claims

And when it’s time to file a claim … well, it might make more financial sense not to.

“Another thing people do too much is filing small claims,” Bey said. “Especially on a home policy, when you have a claim on your file, your insurance premium is going to go through the roof.

Linda Eichstaedt

“Phishing attacks are going out all the time to all kinds of people. They don’t really distinguish between what type of business you have.” 

“So when insured calls us and asks, ‘do I have coverage for this tree that just fell?’ we’ll have the discussion that ‘yes, you do have the coverage, but you have this deductible on your policy. And then on top of that deductible, if you do file a claim, you’re going to see a surcharge on your insurance the next couple of years,” she explained.
“So sometimes, it’s just not worth it to file a claim that’s under, say, $5,000 because, in the long run, you’re going to end up paying more in your premium.”

The idea behind avoiding smaller claims, Bey added, is that insurance is mainly for large losses, when a policyholder really needs the payout.

“If somebody has two losses, chances are the insurance company is going to non-renew them. And if you’re non-renewed, chances are nobody’s going to take you in the standard market, and you can expect somewhere between a 50% and 100% increase for three years,” Long said, laying out the actual impact of too many small claims.

“So if you’re paying $1,500 for your insurance policy, which is probably a reasonable average, and you have a $3,000 loss that you put in, and then you have somebody steal something, so you put in another $2,000 claim in, you’re going to be canceled, and your premium will double for the next three years at least — so you’ve lost money. It’s going to penalize you in the end.”

So if a customer calls to report the theft of a couple bikes worth $1,500 and has a deductible of $500 or $1,000, Long said, “I’m going to say, ‘you’d be crazy to turn in a claim.’”

6. Not Adjusting Coverage as Circumstances Change

The local insurance experts we spoke with all emphasized the importance of the client-agent relationship, and one time when it comes in handy is when life circumstances change.

“If you improve the value of your house by 5% — you put a deck on, or you put a sunroom on — and you don’t notify your insurance company, you’ve actually voided some of your coverage,” Long said.

Other changes that warrant a talk with the agent, Bey said, are a teenager getting a driver’s license (they should be put on the parents’ policy); the purchase of jewelry, art, or other items of high value; or brining home a motorcycle or boat.

“Some people buy a new toy, and maybe it’s not super valuable, but at the same time, you want to make sure you’re carrying that liability coverage in case someone gets injured while you’re using it,” she explained. “You may not want the collision coverage for it, but you’re going to want the liability.”

At the end of the day, it’s about clear communication, Pearson said, not only on the personal lines side, but for business clients.

“I’m big on sitting down with a commercial client once a year, or more, to do a review. ‘What are your goals? What are you planning for next year? What were the challenges this year?’ Insurance is an important financial safety tool. It’s incredibly important to your success.

“A great insurance expert is not just someone who sells the policy and disappears, but who acts as a chief risk officer for you,” she added. “It’s not just a piece of paper; it’s a promise to help clients, to give our expertise, and to make sure you’re actually covered when the worst case scenario might happen.”

Alzheimer’s Disease Drug Development Pipeline Is Growing

By
Health Care Healthcare News

Reasons for Hope

Compared to a decade ago, there are substantially more drugs (a 35% increase) being tested for Alzheimer’s disease in more clinical trials (a 40% increase), targeting a greater number of aspects of the disease, according to a new analysis of Alzheimer’s disease drug development as reflected in clinical trials registered on clinicaltrials.gov.

“The current drug development pipeline provides the basis for optimism regarding the emergence of new therapies for patients with Alzheimer’s. There are a robust number of trials, and agents in trials target a variety of disease processes,” said Dr. Jeffrey Cummings, Joy Chambers-Grundy professor of Brain Science in the Department of Brain Health at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and lead author of the paper. “This reflects our improved understanding of the biology of Alzheimer’s and the success of developing disease targeted therapies — starting with the anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies.

“Alzheimer’s is no longer an untreatable disease. It is now a disease with treatments that successfully interfere in the disease process,” Cummings added. “Progress is also evident in clinical trial design, integration of biomarkers into trials, and emergence of promising candidate therapies. Biomarkers are increasingly used for trial eligibility as well as being integrated as trial outcomes.”

“Alzheimer’s Disease Drug Development Pipeline: 2026” was recently published by Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions, a journal of the Alzheimer’s Assoc. Cummings and colleagues’ annual review of the Alzheimer’s drug development pipeline began in 2016.

Dr. Jeffrey Cummings

“Alzheimer’s is no longer an untreatable disease. It is now a disease with treatments that successfully interfere in the disease process.”

Looking at the most active areas of drug development revealed that the Alzheimer’s drug pipeline has become significantly more diverse. For example, over the last 10 years, the percentage of the pipeline devoted to:

• Inflammation/immune dysfunction has increased from 6% to approximately 20%.

• Tau targeted agents have increased from 6% to approximately 20%.

• Amyloid targeted agents have decreased from 33% to approximately 20%.

“It is clear that Alzheimer’s is a complex disease with many contributing elements,” Cummings said. “Inflammation is consistently present in the brain of Alzheimer’s patients, and reducing the inflammatory response promises to slow the disease process. Researchers are seeking ways to complement the anti-amyloid therapies, and there are proportionately fewer amyloid drugs in the pipeline.”

The researchers identified 192 clinical trials for Alzheimer’s, assessing 158 drugs. This included 54 trials assessing 36 drugs in phase 3, 89 trials assessing 84 drugs in phase 2, and 49 trials assessing 45 drugs in phase 1. The 192 clinical trials and 158 novel agents in 2026 expand on the 182 clinical trials assessing 138 drugs in the 2025 pipeline.

Disease-targeting therapies (DTTs) account for 73% of agents in trials. Cognition-enhancing symptom-targeted therapies contribute 18%, and drugs targeting neuropsychiatric symptoms comprise 10%.

Furthermore, 2026 may be an exciting and busy year for Alzheimer’s drug news as eight phase 3 trials will reach their
primary completion date, and 29 phase 2 clinical trials will be completed.

Not only are there more drugs and more trials, but a varied and comprehensive array of Alzheimer’s disease processes is being addressed by investigational drugs. The researchers identified 17 aspects of Alzheimer’s impact on the brain that are targeted by at least one drug in current clinical trials.

Repurposed agents approved for non-Alzheimer’s indications include 56 drugs and 73 currently active trials. Repurposing plays an important role in Alzheimer’s drug development, and repurposed agents comprise almost half of phase 2 drugs. The benefits of investigating drugs that are already approved for other indications include significantly reduced development time, lower development costs, higher probability of success, and a well-known safety profile.

Addressing an Unmet Need

“While the current FDA-approved treatments for early Alzheimer’s are a game-changing breakthrough, there is still a great, unmet need for drug development to address the needs of the growing population of individuals with Alzheimer’s in all communities and across all stages of the disease,” said Maria Carrillo, chief science officer and medical affairs lead for the Alzheimer’s Assoc.

For example, according to the Alzheimer’s & Dementia paper, there are no DTTs approved for pre-clinical Alzheimer’s disease or for moderate to severe Alzheimer’s dementia; no new classes of cognition-enhancing agents have been approved since 2004; and there are no approved treatments for symptoms such as Alzheimer’s-related psychosis, depression, or apathy.

Maria Carrillo

“Compounds for people who show early biological signs of Alzheimer’s but have no detectable clinical symptoms are now in clinical trials. If these studies are positive, that could quickly change how the disease is managed.”

The Alzheimer’s Assoc., through its Part the Cloud program, is advancing Alzheimer’s treatments by providing critical funding for early-phase clinical trials that bridge the gap between laboratory research and final-stage human trials. Part the Cloud has funded 83 research projects with more than $90 million to support diverse, high-risk, high-reward approaches aimed at stopping or slowing the disease.

Recently, Part the Cloud announced more than $11 million in new investments, focusing on tauopathy therapeutics, improving synaptic connectivity, and combination therapies. The association funds studies on neuroinflammation, metabolism, and immune response to target the disease from multiple angles.

Alzheimer’s Network for Treatment and Diagnostics (ALZ-NET) is a voluntary, nationwide network sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Assoc. that collects real-world clinical, safety, and imaging data from patients receiving new FDA-approved Alzheimer’s therapies. It aims to improve treatment, monitor long-term outcomes, and enhance care. ALZ-NET is enrolling clinical sites across the country.

Meanwhile, the Alzheimer’s Assoc. is leading a pivotal shift in early detection and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, from responding to symptoms after they appear to identifying risk of cognitive decline, quick and accurate diagnosis, and much earlier intervention.

“Treatments that slow progression of early Alzheimer’s and offer meaningful benefits have been approved by the FDA and other agencies around the world,” Carrillo said. “At the same time, compounds for people who show early biological signs of Alzheimer’s but have no detectable clinical symptoms are now in clinical trials. If these studies are positive, that could quickly change how the disease is managed.

“Plus, we are at a turning point in what we know about brain health,” she added. “The results from the Alzheimer’s Association U.S. POINTER trial demonstrate with confidence that engaging in a structured, multi-component healthy lifestyle program can protect brain health and improve cognition for many people at risk for dementia in the U.S.”

Continued Investment

The growth of the Alzheimer’s drug development pipeline reflects the impact of sustained federal investment in Alzheimer’s and dementia research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which the Alzheimer’s Assoc. has championed alongside bipartisan leaders in Congress.

To continue the scientific momentum reflected in this year’s pipeline, the association is working to secure the NIH director’s professional judgment budget request of a $187.21 million increase for Alzheimer’s and dementia research at NIH in FY 2027. 

Greenfield Savings Bank Celebrates Grand Opening of Easthampton Branch

By
Daily News

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Savings Bank (GSB) celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of its new Easthampton branch on June 8, strengthening the bank’s presence and long-term commitment to the community.

Located at 1 Sierra Vista Blvd., the new Easthampton 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.

“With so many of our customers already living and working in Easthampton, it became clear that a brick-and-mortar presence was necessary,” said Peter Albero, president and CEO of Greenfield Savings Bank. “We’ve supported nonprofits and community organizations here for years, and opening a branch allows us to better serve those relationships, deepen existing ones, and continue growing alongside the community.”

Designed to feel open, welcoming, and distinctly local, the Easthampton branch reflects GSB’s relationship-driven approach to banking. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a custom wall mural created by local artist Jesse Morgan, featuring recognizable local landmarks. Just beyond the entry is the bank’s signature ‘faces and places’ wall, showcasing community members, scenes, and moments that capture the character of Easthampton.

“That sense of belonging was important to us from the very beginning,” Albero said. “We wanted the space to feel thoughtful, welcoming, and connected to the community around it.”

Leading the Easthampton branch is Branch Manager Melvin Coleman, who has spent the past several months building relationships with residents, business owners, and nonprofit leaders throughout the city.

“I’ve been out listening and learning — understanding what matters to people here and what they need from their bank,” Coleman said. “I’m genuinely excited to open our doors and begin serving Easthampton from a space that was built with the community in mind.”

The Easthampton branch strengthens Greenfield Savings Bank’s presence in Hampshire County, where the bank already serves hundreds of customers and supports numerous local nonprofit organizations and initiatives. The new location is intended as a place for conversation, guidance, and long-term financial partnerships, whether customers are opening their first account, financing a home, growing a business, or planning for the future.

The grand opening and ribbon cutting brought together local officials, members of the Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce, community partners, residents, and GSB leadership to celebrate the milestone.

bankESB’s Bozena Dabek Elected to CBERA Board of Directors

By
Daily News

Bozena Dabek

EASTHAMPTON — Bozena Dabek, executive vice president, chief administrative officer at bankESB, has been elected to the board of directors of the Cooperative Banks Employees Retirement Assoc. (CBERA).

CBERA was established in 1946 to administer pension programs for employees of the Massachusetts cooperative banking industry. Today, the organization serves not only pensions for cooperative banks, but 401(k) plans for financial institutions across the region. CBERA’s mission is to support the retirement needs of member employers and their employees through sound and affordable administration of pension plans, prudent investment of retirement funds held in trust, and guidance that helps participants and human resources professionals achieve desired retirement outcomes.

In her role on the board, Dabek will contribute her extensive financial and operational expertise to help advance CBERA’s mission and ensure the continued strength and sustainability of its retirement programs.

Dabek assumed her current role at bankESB in 2015 after serving as executive vice president, chief financial officer beginning in 2010. She now leads human resources, learning and development, and executive administration, bringing more than three decades of experience in finance and banking, including leadership roles at JPMorgan Chase, MassMutual Financial Group, and United Bank. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated deep expertise in financial management, strategic planning, and organizational leadership.

Dabek holds an MBA in finance and international business from NYU’s Stern School of Business and a bachelor of business administration degree in accounting from Pace University’s Lubin School of Business. She also completed advanced professional studies at the New England School of Financial Studies.

Her election to the CBERA board reflects her longstanding commitment to sound financial stewardship and to supporting organizations and employees in achieving long-term retirement security.

Berkshire Bounty’s Spring Campaign Addresses Pressing Community Needs

By
Daily News

GREAT BARRINGTON — Berkshire Bounty, a 501(c)(3) food access organization, will conduct a crowdfunding campaign on June 9-15 to raise funds and address urgent and growing community needs.

“With cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and increasing food costs, food insecurity rates continue to rise in Berkshire County. We get calls almost every day for more food,” said Morgan Ovitsky, executive director.

The “Spring Forward for Food Security” campaign aims to raise $75,000 for Berkshire Bounty. According to the Greater Boston Food Bank’s statewide food access survey and report, 39% of households in Berkshire County reported food insecurity in 2024, comparable to more than one in three households across Massachusetts.

While donations support day-to-day operations, Berkshire Bounty is focused on helping to fund these programs:

• Food Box Project: a collaboration with the Southern Berkshire and Berkshire Hills regional school districts and Berkshire County Head Start. These partners participate in the Food Box Project because the number of people in their service areas who face barriers to accessing feeding assistance programs is increasing.

• Farm to Food Access (F2FA): a partnership with Berkshire Grown to purchase and distribute food from local farmers designated as ‘socially disadvantaged’ to feeding assistance programs. Berkshire Bounty made a commitment to additional fundraising for F2FA, following the cessation of federal support for it.

“We’ve seen significant increases in the volume of participants in our programs,” said Mark Lefenfeld and Jay Weintraub, co-founders and board members. “Our fundraising allows us to serve our community.”

“Spring Forward for Food Security” is aided by the Donald C. McGraw Foundation, the Black Rock Foundation, and the Gilson Family Foundation, offering a $30,000 match, as well as a donation from Warrior Trading.

Donations can be made online by clicking here. For more information or to inquire about making a donation, email Sara Haimowitz, Berkshire Bounty’s director of Development, at [email protected].

Amherst Restaurant Week Kicks Off

By
Daily News

AMHERST — The Amherst Business Improvement District (BID) has kicked off Amherst Restaurant Week, which takes place 7-13. This year’s event features 16 restaurants and eateries across downtown Amherst, offering an opportunity for residents, families, and visitors to explore the area’s vibrant dining scene.

From globally inspired kitchens to beloved local favorites, participating establishments will offer a range of special promotions throughout the week, including prix fixe menus, exclusive deals, and specially featured dishes that highlight the eclectic and diverse flavors downtown Amherst has to offer.

This year, diners can also take part in a giveaway running throughout the week. The more restaurants visited, the more chances there are to win gift cards to participating downtown eateries. Check-ins can be logged through the Brightr app or via a printed map, available for pickup at the Amherst Visitor Information Center.

Restaurant Week arrives at a natural pause in the Amherst calendar, just after the energy of commencement season, making it the perfect moment to rediscover downtown at a more relaxed pace. Whether one is a longtime local or new to the neighborhood, Restaurant Week is an ideal time to try somewhere new, revisit an old favorite, or simply enjoy a meal in the heart of the community.

“Downtown Amherst is home to an incredible array of restaurants representing flavors from around the world, and Restaurant Week is our invitation to come explore all of it,” said John Page, executive director of the Amherst BID. “Whether you’re in the mood for something familiar or ready to try something new, there’s a seat at the table for everyone.”

A full list of participating restaurants and their featured offerings is available at amherstdowntown.com/restaurantweek and on the Amherst BID’s social media channels.

BusinessTalk with Jennifer Core, Executive Director, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture: Experts in Their Field

By Ryan Leary
Business Talk Podcast Special Coverage

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 258: June 8, 2026

George O’Brien talks with Jennifer Core, Executive Director, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture: Experts in Their Field

Agriculture has always been a large and important part of the region’s economy, even it is often overlooked. But this sector faces many stern challenges, everything from the rising cost of everything to issues with succession at family farms; from weather extremes like the current drought to workforce shortages. Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) works to strengthen area farms and engages the community to build the local food economy. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Jennifer Core, CISA’s executive director, talks with BusinessWest contributing writer George O’Brien about the agency’s broad mission and specific initiatives, such as its Senior Farmshare program, which serves more than 800 seniors in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties. 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.

Sponsored by:

GCB ONLY logo stacked - transparent color-01

Also Available On

Square One CEO Issues Statement on Union Negotiations

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — As Square One leaders continue to negotiate with the union representing the nonprofit agency’s teachers, drivers, and food service workers, President and CEO Dawn DiStefano has issued a statement:

“As we continue to navigate the challenges presented by our current labor strike, I want to take a moment to update our community on this important matter. First and foremost, Square One remains steadfast in our mission to ensure that all children and their families are positioned for long-term success. This has been our promise since 1883 and will continue be the commitment that drives us going forward,” DiStefano began.

“I am deeply grateful to our team of educators, administrators, and support staff who have stepped up to ensure that we continue to provide care for our children, enabling their parents and caregivers to go to work, during this challenging time. We are encouraged by the support and patience demonstrated by the hundreds of families who continue to entrust us with the care of their beautiful children.

“We have the utmost respect for the work that our teachers, drivers, and food service providers do each and every day. They are beloved by our children and families and cherished by myself, my fellow leaders, board of directors, staff, and volunteers.

“The needs of our children continue to evolve in ways that require a highly trained team of childcare experts. We have a responsibility on our part to ensure that our teachers have the education and resources needed to respond to every child’s social, emotional, and developmental needs, ensuring they are building a foundation for long-term success. This requires more than a high school diploma.

“With this in mind, our teachers have been offered a wage increase that compensates them above the level of their public school counterparts with similar levels of education: 9% increases in year one, followed by 3% in year two and 3% in year three. It is also important to note that the last contract, which expired on July 1, 2025, included wage increases of 29%. During that time, employee health insurance premiums increased by nearly 30%. Through careful budgeting and tireless fundraising, none of that cost was passed onto our employees.

“Under the terms of Square One’s current contract offer, our highest-paid union staff members who hold a high school diploma would earn $31.18/hour, following the immediate 9% increase. On July 1, 2026, that salary grows to $32.12/hour. By comparison, their public school counterparts with the same level of education are earning $26.34/hour. Likewise, our entry-level positions for high school students and recent high school graduates will grow to $20.60/hour immediately and again to $21.22/hour on July 1, 2026, while their public school counterparts are earning $19.67/hour.

“Our current offer also provides our staff with the opportunity to obtain a college degree and thus move into a higher pay scale — at no cost to them. We have offered to flex their schedules so that they can attend classes without compromising their income. In fact, we have built in cash incentives for those who are pursuing higher education. We feel this is critical for the long-term success of the children in our care, as well the success of our individual employees.

“As a nonprofit organization that relies on government contracts and philanthropic support, we have a responsibility to be good stewards of these funds to best serve our current clients and protect Square One’s future in order to ensure that our community will continue to benefit from our work for years to come.

“We are eager to see our children reunite with their beloved teachers,” DiStefano concluded. “We recognize the stress that this situation has brought to our Square One families and remain hopeful that a peaceful resolution that fairly compensates our staff while protecting the financial stability of the agency will be soon be reached.”

STCC Student Awarded Scholarship from Massachusetts Society of CPAs

By
Daily News

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants (MassCPAs) announced that Anais Jones was awarded the Lisa Russell, CPA, Memorial Scholarship through the MassCPAs Educational Foundation’s 2026 Scholarship Program.

Jones, a student at Springfield Technical Community College (STCC), was one of 50 students selected to receive a scholarship. The students were honored for their awards at MassCPAs’ annual, member-wide networking event, Connect 2026, on May 13.

“It’s truly inspiring to see the talent and drive of this year’s scholarship winners,” said Zach Donah, president and CEO of MassCPAs. “Their commitment to excellence gives us great confidence that the accounting profession in Massachusetts will continue to thrive under their leadership. We are honored to play a role in their success and extend our deepest gratitude to the donors and volunteers who make this investment in our future possible.”

Scholarships are funded 100% through donations to the MassCPAs Educational Foundation. The mission of the foundation is to inspire and support the next generation of CPAs in Massachusetts. Since the program’s inception in 2006, the foundation has awarded 500 scholarships to aspiring CPAs, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 and totaling more than $2.25 million. MassCPAs scholarships are available for both undergraduate and graduate accounting students who are attending a college or university in Massachusetts or attending a college or university out-of-state with a permanent residence in Massachusetts. Scholarship funds are issued directly to the students and can be used for tuition, books, interviewing expenses, or other needs.

“Empowering students through these scholarships is at the heart of our mission to build a robust and resilient accounting workforce,” said Allie Orlando, director of Academic and Career Development at MassCPAs. “We are thrilled to celebrate this year’s recipients and look forward to seeing the significant contributions they will make to the profession.”

Current Events Seminar with Steven Rubin Returns for Summer

By
Daily News

PITTSFIELD — On Thursday, June 11 at 10:45 a.m., the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires will present the first 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 will suggest readings, introduce relevant topics, and offer discussion questions. The seminar will be conducted 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. Following the program, the conversation will continue with a home-cooked lunch around the community table.

All are welcome. Advance lunch reservations are required and can be made by calling (413) 442-2200 before 9 a.m. on the day before the program (June 10). The suggested donation is $3 for adults over age 60 and $7 for all others.

Additional seminars will be held on July 16 and Aug. 20. Rubin is professor emeritus and former dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Adelphi University in Garden City, N.Y.

As It Turns 100, Rocky’s Continues to Grow, Adapt

By
Building Trades Cover Story

Marking a Milestone

Johnny Falcone (left) and Rocco Falcone

For the Rocky’s Ace Hardware chain, there are many numbers of significance to consider.

Let’s start with 100. That’s the round-number anniversary the family business that started in downtown Springfield is celebrating this year.

But there’s also 52 — the number of stores in the chain. (It was 50 before two recent additions in Kennebunk, Maine and Manchester, Conn.) And also nine, the number of states in which you will now find the Rocky’s chain — five of the New England states (there are none in Vermont) as well as Ohio (which boasts 10 stores), New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida.

There’s also the number four, connoting the number of generations of the Falcone family that have been involved with managing the chain, with the fourth being led by John ‘Johnny’ Falcone, who carries the all-encompassing title of ‘director of growth.’

“In our industry, there are a lot of senior folks like myself who don’t have families ready, willing, or able to take on the family business.”

Indeed, quite a bit goes with that designation, especially the numbers just mentioned and what they will be in five, 10, or 20 years.

There has been a wave of consolidation in the hardware business over the past few decades as the small, independent store that almost every city or town could boast has given way to larger chains, especially as Baby Boomers, many with no succession plans in place, moved into retirement, a process accelerated, in many cases, by COVID.

Instead of cutting a ribbon, officials chainsawed a board to mark the opening of the Rocky’s in Manchester, Conn, one of the latest additions to the chain.

“In our industry, there are a lot of senior folks like myself who don’t have families ready, willing, or able to take on the family business,” said Rocco Falcone II, third-generation owner of Rocky’s and the one who has been instrumental in much of the company’s expansion, even if he didn’t take the same title as his son. “So we’re still seeing opportunities for acquisitions for that reason.”

Beyond growth in the number of stores, the company is looking ahead to the next 100 years, with an eye toward anticipating and embracing change, and keeping its focus where it has always been: on the consumer.

“Every decision we want to make is with the consumer in mind,” Johnny said. “We think about our customers and the options they have when they want to buy. When we look at growth for this business, it has a lot to do with allowing the customer to choose the method with which they want to buy that item or help them with their project — whether that’s buying in store, online, on a mobile app, through third parties like DoorDash, or other apps that are out there — and then meeting them in the method they want to receive that product, whether it’s picking it up themselves, having someone deliver it, or having someone assemble it for them.

“It’s really reinventing what convenience means,” he went on. “Fifteen or 20 years ago, convenience meant a neighborhood hardware store; today, convenience means so much more when it comes to technology, especially with how consumer behavior has changed. So for us, every one of our decisions is made with the customer in mind; we’re working hard at redefining what convenience looks like in the digital world.”

“Every one of our decisions is made with the customer in mind; we’re working hard at redefining what convenience looks like in the digital world.”

For this issue, we take an in-depth look at the first century in the history of the Rocky’s chain and what will come next for what can only be called a retail institution — in this region and now far beyond it.

Changing with the Times

For those not familiar with the Rocky’s story — and by now, most are — it begins in 1926, when Rocco’s grandfather (also named Rocco), who saved some money while selling newspapers in front of the Paramount Theater and, later, working at Zundel’s Hardware in downtown Springfield, decided to go into business for himself.

Equipment and tool rentals were a big part of the Rocky’s success formula for decades.

He started with a small hardware and tool rental business, with the latter half thriving because, at that time, many people could not afford to own equipment.

The company remained on Main Street for decades, but as the population moved out from downtown (and in many cases out from Springfield), the company went with it, eventually adding hardware and rental locations in other parts of the city, such as Breckwood Boulevard, before moving its headquarters and flagship hardware store into a former sawmill on Island Pond Road in the ‘60s. 

In the ‘70s, the company, now under the leadership of Rocco’s father, Jim, expanded to a seven-store chain and joined the Ace Hardware cooperative to leverage national buying power. It also eventually eased out of the rental business while also adding paint and wallpaper, and transitioning into home centers, with lumber, building materials, kitchens, baths, doors, and windows — and larger stores to accommodate all that.

With the arrival in the ‘90s of Home Depot, which took much of that business, the company, now with Rocco at the helm, transitioned again, to maintenance and repair as well as lawn and garden supplies — and smaller stores, with the outside lumber yards on Island Pond Road and the Agawam store converted to garden centers.

“People will shop at Rocky’s not for price, but for value, and the combination of the national brands that we feature and the service, knowledge, and advice we can give. That’s a value that brings people back.”

This evolutionary process has continued, as has expansion of the chain across this state and into other states, with more of the same projected in the years to come as new opportunities continue to arise.

Rocco Falcone noted that there are still smaller, independent stores doing business, but far fewer than a few decades ago, especially in this region, which has seen many familiar names disappear from the landscape, with Manchester Hardware in Easthampton, which closed in 2021 after being in operation for 125 years, being one of the latest.

There are more independent stores in other regions and other states, he said, adding that Rocky’s will get calls on a steady basis gauging interest in acquisitions, and the company has let it be known that it’s interested in further expansion — if the fit is right.

“A good source of referrals are the owners of the stores we’ve bought,” he said. “That’s how we ended up with the store in New Jersey; a fellow from Pennsylvania said, ‘my buddy in New Jersey, who’s only 20 minutes away even though it’s in a different state, is ready to sell.’”

And while there are a few acquisition opportunities remaining in the 413, most of them are in other markets, Rocco said, citing those recent additions in Maine and New Jersey as examples of where growth is happening for this company.

“We want to fill in the map,” he told BusinessWest, referring to both gaps between states and gaps between stores in states where there is already a presence. “Between New Jersey and Pennsylvania and up the Connecticut coast is a great place to look; the I-91 corridor would be nice.

“There are still more opportunities in Worcester … we just can’t find good locations,” he went on, adding that the company’s longer-term goal is to cluster stores in the Worcester market, as it has in the 413, with locations in Springfield (two), East Longmeadow, Agawam, Westfield, South Hadley, and Ludlow. “We could have eight stores in that [Worcester] market, but we only have one or two now. And then we can move up the coast of Maine and into New Hampshire; there’s a lot of opportunity there.”

What’s in Store?

Johnny Falcone says Rocky’s continues to adapt to a changing retail landscape and “reinvent what convenience means.”

Continued growth makes sense for many reasons, especially the economies of scale that come with larger numbers, Rocco said, adding that, as with banks, insurance agencies, and other types of businesses, size is certainly an advantage.

Meanwhile, the company continues to adjust and react to that need to continually reinvent convenience, as Johnny Falcone described it.

That includes growth of the company’s online business, which includes the DoorDash option for smaller items and company-coordinated delivery of larger products like grills, serving as an effective complement to the brick-and-mortar stores, which will always be needed in this business.

“The retail space is not going away,” Rocco said. “The online component just brings the product closer to the customer rather than being in an Amazon warehouse 500 miles away.”

While coping with changes on the retail spectrum, Rocky’s, like all businesses, is adapting to a new workforce landscape as well. Indeed, while many young people are still landing their first or second jobs with the chain, many of those patrolling the aisles have gray hair, said Rocco, noting that this has been the trend over the past several years, especially at the company’s Florida stores, but also in other markets, including this one.

It’s a reflection of changing demographics — fewer young people — but also a desire among many seniors to stay active and remain in the workforce, often on a part-time basis.

“They don’t want to work full-time, they want a purpose, they want to come in and be helpful, which is one of our core values,” Rocco said, adding that these older staff members serve as mentors to the younger men and women learning the hardware business.

And many of those young people are staying with the company, he said, noting that, with 52 stores and growing, there are ample opportunities to advance and move into management positions.

 As for those core values, they are being re-emphasized and reinforced — such as at the company’s recent Leadership Summit at the Marriott in downtown Springfield — as Rocky’s turns 100. Other values, Johnny said, include ‘helpful,’ ‘responsible,’ ‘caring,’ ‘excellence,’ and ‘fun.’

That’s not an acronym, but rather an operating philosophy, he said, and one that separates the company from its competitors, especially the large, big-box variety.

“We all focus on ‘helpful,’ especially the customer-facing employees, as the most important value, because that’s really what sets us apart from our competition,” he told BusinessWest. “People will shop at Rocky’s not for price, but for value, and the combination of the national brands that we feature and the service, knowledge, and advice we can give. That’s a value that brings people back.”

As for the 100th anniversary, the company will be marking that milestone in many different ways, from a kickoff at the Leadership Summit to several ‘hometown days’ events coinciding with holidays this spring and summer, as well as a larger celebration in October, including promotional sales.

Mostly though, Rocky’s will be doing what it’s been doing for the last century — changing, adapting, growing, and, well… being helpful.

What’s Behind bankESB’s Pending Name Change to TruNorth Bank

By
Features Special Coverage

All Together Now

Dig into the term ‘true north,’ and you’re bound to find multiple definitions — at least when used metaphorically.

The phrase can refer to finding a sense of purpose, or pursuing an important goal, or even adhering to one’s true values.

All of that resonates with the leadership team at Hometown Financial Group that chose the name TruNorth Bank — which, later this year, will be the new name of Hometown’s family of banks.

It is, in fact, the name above the door (and on the checks) at the former North Shore Bank and Abington Bank, two Hometown acquisitions in Eastern Mass.; later this year, bankESB and bankHometown will undergo the same name change, casting a single identity across Hometown Financial’s network of 55 branches.

Matthew Sosik, president and CEO of bankESB and CEO of Hometown Financial Group, said the multi-name approach wasn’t sustainable, so the holding company set out to find a new identity, which it did last year, applying it first to the aforementioned pair of Eastern Mass. banks and eventually moving to convert all of them.

“It’s a lot of work to find a brand that works for you, but we were fortunate to come up with the TruNorth brand,” he told BusinessWest.

“Here we are in little Easthampton, sleepy Easthampton, with a $7 billion company, one of the largest banks in the region, one of the most successful banks in the region. I think our financials speak for themselves.”

This month, bankESB will begin talking to customers about what the bank is doing and why, and what the transaction will look like, Sosik said, adding that the data conversion — moving from separate databases of customers at each bank to one central database — will follow.

“When we’re done with this entire project, the combined company, with the new TruNorth brand, is going to be headquartered here,” Sosik said, before stressing the significance of a Western Mass.-based bank with that kind of reach and scale.

“At $7 billion or so, we’re probably top 200 in the country, while regionally, we’re easily one of the top 10. Here we are in little Easthampton, sleepy Easthampton, with a $7 billion company, one of the largest banks in the region, one of the most successful banks in the region. I think our financials speak for themselves. And regionally, we’re one of the largest employers — all based right here in Easthampton. I think that’s a cool story.”

Sosik said the official transaction is slated for Aug. 21 if everything goes smoothly.

“Obviously, we have separate bank boards, and communicating the rationale to our bank boards and then ultimately our staff, communicating what our strategy was, was all a big part of that. But now we have the green light.

“You might have seen the public notice of our application to merge the banks and rebrand as TruNorth,” he added. “That’s still pending with the two regulatory bodies, the Division of Banks and the Federal Reserve, but we’re not anticipating any issues with that. It’s an internal merger; it’s not something that would particularly catch their attention. So we expect approvals from them within a reasonable time.”

Sosik said he understands that people get nervous about name changes over bank doors. “They go, ‘wait, who’s buying whom?’ Obviously, there’s none of that here, but still people get anxious about it. In fact, it’s a converse story to that — we are pulling this company together, from Boston to Easthampton, and keeping it right here in Easthampton.”

Changes will be minimal for customers, he noted. “Obviously, there will be a new sign over the door and a new debit card with the TruNorth logo. The logo looks similar to bankESB’s and Hometown’s, just with that new TruNorth name. And the mobile app will have a new look to it. But other than that, it’s the same places, same people, new name over the door.”

“This rebrand, while it’s a name change over the door, also represents a significant nod to our history and the combined many hundreds of years of legacies within our company. We didn’t want to — and we don’t want to — forget that. We’re carrying that forward into the future with something that’s aspirational.”

And the idea is to make the transition as seamless as possible for those customers, he added.

“We have an unbelievable team that pulls everything together each time we do one of these. So this one will be no different — except this one’s a lot easier because it’s all internal,” he said.

Meanwhile, from that internal perspective, operating under one brand and one database will make the company easier to manage, he added. “We have been happy to run our multi-bank company, but this company will be a simpler day-to-day operation for us.”

Steady On

As for the TruNorth name, Sosik is grateful the team wound up with a name he considers apt and meaningful.

“Branding is important. And the reality is, in today’s world, in this day and age, unless you’re just going to pick a bunch of consonants and run them together, everything’s pretty much been used or taken in some fashion or form. At the onset of a project like this, a huge governor of where you can go is simply what’s available,” he explained.

“That said, we didn’t want just a word or a name that doesn’t have meaning to our present customers and our prospective customers. So we went through an exhaustive process, and when we landed on TruNorth, it was all about what that connotes to somebody who’s viewing our company, not just from an image perspective, but what do we stand for?”

What emerged was the idea of the true north directional signifying moving forward — in business growth and in the community — and expressing that idea succinctly.

“In marketing, you can’t have five-word name — you want something bite-sized, but that really does mean something and represents what this company is all about, legacy-wise, and speaks to both that legacy and a wide-open future,” Sosik went on. “So when we landed on TruNorth, that’s what it was all about for us. It just means something.

“It’ll be a change, of course. But as I said, this rebrand, while it’s a name change over the door, also represents a significant nod to our history and the combined many hundreds of years of legacies within our company,” he added. “We didn’t want to — and we don’t want to — forget that. We’re carrying that forward into the future with something that’s aspirational.”

With that, he came back to the importance of community connections in a bank’s legacy.

“Think of a vibrant New England community that is really economically successful, that does not have a community bank in it. It’s a small number, if there’s any.”

“One thing that these towns` need — and I say these towns very generically, not Easthampton only by any stretch, but every town that we’re in — they need a community bank,” Sosik said, with everything that definition entails, from the financial services business to how the institution supports local nonprofits and other organizations.

bankESB has done so consistently through its Giving Tree initiative, which distributed more than $716,000 in 2025 and more than $4.4 million over the past 10 years, with a focus on basic needs, financial literacy, economic development, youth and education, and the arts across the region.

“When we think about fulfilling those needs, we don’t think about our business like, ‘are we going to open tomorrow?’ We think about it in much larger chunks of time; at least I do, and our board does,” he added. So when the company makes a big change like the rebrand to TruNorth, “it’s all to ensure our long-term viability and relevance in every single market, Easthampton included, so that we can be here 10 years and 20 years and decades from now. That perspective really drives some of what people see as robust growth — and some might call aggressive growth. To us, it’s absolutely necessary if our goal is to be here for the long term for our communities.

“So, sometimes it takes rebrands and things like this to ensure all that. It’s all in the name of serving the very long-term needs of communities,” Sosik went on. “Think of a vibrant New England community that is really economically successful, that does not have a community bank in it. It’s a small number, if there’s any. So these community banks are super important to the success of communities in general. And, again, our goal is to be committed long-term to these communities. It takes some bold strategies and some difficult decisions, but we’re happy to do it.”

Looking Forward

After growing through multiple acquisitions, Sosik said bankESB — well, TruNorth — isn’t done, though no news of that nature is expected over the next several months.

“We obviously have a full plate of stuff here; you have a certain level of capacity, and you respect that; you don’t stretch it too far, so 2026 is spoken for. But we are working on other projects that will continue to grow us in size and footprint. We’ll have some really cool stuff going on for 2027.”

And that growth is necessary, he said, to provide the kind of scale necessary to be profitable in what he described as a low-margin business. The latest move to the TruNorth name is simply a way to become more efficient as well.

“Our multi-bank holding company strategy served us really well; it’s allowed us to to attract like-minded independent bankers. And now is the time to put it all together, to gain the rest of those cost efficiencies, so we’re getting that,” Sosik explained. “This gives us a jumping-off point to continue to grow, and, as I said, we have some really interesting projects heading into 2027 that’ll allow us to do that. So there’s lots of bright sunshine ahead in our news feed.”  

Northampton Builds Connection Through Arts

By
Community Spotlight Community Spotlight Features Special Coverage

Northampton at a glance

Year Incorporated: 1883
Population: 29,571
Area: 35.8 square miles
County: Hampshire
Residential Tax Rate: $13.67
Commercial Tax Rate: $13.67
Median Household Income: $56,999
Median Family Income: $80,179
Type of Government: Mayor, City Council
Largest Employers: Cooley Dickinson Hospital;
ServiceNet Inc.; Smith College; L-3 KEO

* Latest information available

Having been with CLICK Workspace for more than a decade, Mary Yun has seen ebbs and flows in its business, the most notable decline being during the pandemic.
“Like all businesses, we took a huge dip. But by the summer of ’24, we were almost back to our pre-pandemic numbers,” she recalled.
But in the fall of 2024, another drop in numbers began — actually, “a really steep nosedive,” as Yun characterized it. “There were a few reasons. That fall, there were some tech layoffs that affected us. The interest rate dropped a tiny bit in the fall of ’24, and three members were able to get into homes, and had rooms in their homes for home offices. And with the election, there was so much uncertainty about business.”
Now, as CLICK is celebrating 10 years in its current space on Market Street in downtown Northampton — it will host a reception,featuring an art exhibit and live jazz music, to mark the occasion on Friday, June 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. — not all of that business has come back, said Yun, executive director of the facility.
“Co-working spaces are ever-changing, and our membership had a big shift. Before the pandemic, it was predictable: about a third of the membership were consultants, about a third had their own small businesses, and another third were true remote workers, with parent companies that supported their membership. Since the pandemic, it’s less predictable. And with AI coming on, businesses aren’t able to plan as easily, and a lot of businesses that went remote have started to go hybrid. There’s so much uncertainty with the way people are working.”

“We opened not just a co-working space, but a place where people could celebrate their arts and have community activities — and we’ve continued to do that.”

That said, one thing that has not wavered at CLICK is its commitment to connecting the space to the local arts scene. The facility frequently hosts art openings by local and regional artists on Arts Night Out, on the second Friday of each month, complete with live jazz musicians, food, and beverages. Also featured are performance groups from Northampton High School and the Community Music Center. Arts organizations, such as the Northampton Jazz Festival, and music teachers from the area regularly rent the first-floor gallery space for live music concerts and student recitals.

CLICK Workspace has regularly hosted music recitals, art exhibitions (like the one pictured here), and other events.

“We opened not just a co-working space, but a place where people could celebrate their arts and have community activities — and we’ve continued to do that,” Yun said. “Co-workspaces are doing as robust business as they used to be. We’re trying to get support from the community so we can continue to do these events.
“I never thought this space would be just about co-working. I believe it has to have another mission,” she added. “We are mission-driven; we’re a nonprofit, and the arts have always been a part of the mission. We have a wall of art, gallery space, that’s integral to the design of the physical space itself. I always saw the space as bringing art to people, so our membership gets exposed to art. It really is a little microcosm of what Northampton is all about.”

Art and Commerce

Amanda Shafii, owner of the CopyCat commercial print shop in Northampton and president of the Downtown Northampton Assoc. (DNA), agrees that the arts are integral to the city’s identity.
“Northampton is a very special place. We have super unique businesses and a huge concentration of arts and culture,” she told BusinessWest. “Also, Northampton is a lot about relationships — about collaboration and networking and community coming together.”
Meanwhile, she said, the DNA aims to support businesses downtown, and create conditions for businesses to succeed throughout Northampton, through events, marketing partnerships, and other means to draw people downtown.
For example, the Ice Art Festival in January saw a lot of foot traffic, with visitors coming in from as far away as Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Eastern Mass., and even New York, Shafii said. “It brought in a lot of people, and that really sums up one goal of the DNA: to create fun events for people to attend.”
She’s especially looking forward to Taste of Northampton on the weekend of Sept. 12-13, and said the monthly Arts Night Out has become a highlight in the city.
“Where there’s success downtown, everyone benefits,” Shafii said of the DNA’s impact on the entire city. “If you have a thriving, vibrant downtown, whether it’s retail, restaurant, or service businesses, it has an impact on everyone.
“One of the really special things the DNA does is, we host a downtown business owners forum, a space for downtown business owners to get together and discuss things in a safe setting, talk about how last month went, or about upcoming events we should be aware of. Like, if Smith College is having a big event, maybe the downtown restaurants could have more staff to accommodate more foot traffic. We’re keeping everyone in the loop.”
As for music, the Northampton Jazz Festival is slated for Sept. 26-27, with Friday featuring the Downtown Jazz Strut, with jazz emsembles playing at breweries, bars, and restaurants across town, and Saturday featuring a free lineup of performances throughout the day followed by a ticketed evening concert with Lakevia Benjamin at the Academy of Music.
Meanwhile, the Iron Horse Music Hall continues to thrive two years after its reopening, having presented hundreds of shows and generated, according to economic models, more than $2.4 million in annual impact on Northampton’s broader economy.

“Northampton is a very special place. We have super unique businesses and a huge concentration of arts and culture. Also, Northampton is a lot about relationships — about collaboration and networking and community coming together.”

The Parlor Room Collective, the nonprofit that purchased and renovated the historic venue on Center Street, is currently operating an $800,000 “Playing It Forward” campaign to pay off construction debt, build reserve funds, and support free programming, among other goals.

Music to Her Ears

Meanwhile, over on Market Street, Yun is grateful for the opportunity to host the arts, especially the young people who use the space.
“In the school districts, art has been on the chopping block for years now. And no matter what kind of business you’re in — whether it’s tech, industry, financial, not just artistic professionals — it’s so integral to our culture, how we understand the world,” she said.
“Our mission here is to bring art to a nice environment. And when the community comes in and joins together, art and music can be a part of everyday life. The spirit of CLICK is all about making a community.” 

The Reality of Dementia Can Be Overwhelming for Families

By
Features Healthcare News Special Coverage

Overcoming the Stigma

When Michele Anstett recently attended an Alzheimer’s Assoc. leadership luncheon called the Power of Now, speakers talked about how so many people with dementia are not identified as such because of a persistent fear of talking to a doctor — or even family members — and the general stigma that exists around those discussions.

It all hit home for Anstett, president of the home care agency Visiting Angels West Springfield, because her father, who lived in Florida and had dementia, recently passed.

“They talked about how people with Alzheimer’s hide it. And that’s exactly what my father did. But I knew. I tried to get him some help. He wouldn’t do it,” she said. “When you’re older, and you’re afraid of losing your independence, when your memory is going, a lot of people are going to try to stuff it away and be the same person they’ve always been.

“They’re scared of losing their independence, that their family members may find out and just stuff them away somewhere, and they’re afraid of losing their entire mind and not being able to recognize people. They’re scared to death.”

“It was frustrating for me, watching him go through each stage, and yet he still wasn’t fessing up to anybody. Even the VA didn’t know he had dementia. I got him to do the very first test, and they said there’s a probability of a memory issue, and we were supposed to go to a neurologist. But he knew, and he wouldn’t go any further because it would be like opening Pandora’s box.”

Mary-Anne Schelb, regional director of JGS Lifecare in Longmeadow, has encountered this reluctance to talk about dementia on numerous occasions.

“One family comes to mind immediately. Their father had passed away a few months earlier, and what they later realized was that he had quietly been compensating for their mother’s cognitive decline for quite some time. Once he was gone, the cracks began to show — but not right away,” she recalled.

The woman was living alone, and on the surface, everything appeared fine, Schelb said; the family visited weekly, prepared meals for her refrigerator, filled her pill boxes, and checked in by phone. Their mother was always well-dressed and could hold a pleasant conversation.

“To them, she seemed independent — until she wasn’t,” Schelb continued, explaining that a urinary tract infection — and resulting hospitalization — left her weak, dehydrated, confused, and no longer functioning at her baseline, and it eventually became clear she likely needed a secure memory-care setting. But even the family resisted that recommendation.

That is, until they learned from a neighbor that their mom had been feeding stray cats with the meals the family prepared, watering her plants instead of drinking enough fluids herself, and had a shoebox overflowing with untouched medications.

Mary-Anne Schelb

“We helped them understand that mom was not being difficult or stubborn intentionally. Her brain was changing.”

Today, she lives within the secure memory-care neighborhood at Ruth’s House Assisted Living at JGS Lifecare, and the family often visits. “They tell us they have never seen her happier. She participates in activities, engages socially, laughs, and has meaningful friendships. In many ways, she regained a quality of life the family did not even realize she had lost.”

They also expressed gratitude that the team there took the time to educate them — not only about memory care itself, but about dementia as a disease process, Schelb said. “We helped them understand that mom was not being difficult or stubborn intentionally. Her brain was changing.”

And that gets to the heart of what people with emerging dementia — and their families — fear when they’re avoiding those tough conversations.

“They’re scared of losing their independence, that their family members may find out and just stuff them away somewhere,” Anstett said. “And they’re afraid of losing their entire mind and not being able to recognize people. They’re scared to death.”

Accepting the Truth

For many families, the signs of dementia do not appear all at once. They emerge quietly — missed medications, forgotten meals, confusion disguised as normal aging, or subtle changes hidden behind familiar routines. Often, families are doing everything they can to support a loved one while still hoping life can continue as it always has.

“Accepting that a loved one has dementia can be one of the most emotional and difficult experiences a family will ever face,” said Kathy Walker, executive director of Ruth’s House Assisted Living. “Frequently, families are trying to balance what they are seeing with the hope that things have not truly changed. Many families wait until they are emotionally or physically exhausted before seeking outside support, and by that point, they are often carrying tremendous stress and uncertainty.”

When they seek help, Walker explained, many families initially focus on traditional assisted living rather than a memory support neighborhood because they are trying to preserve a sense of normalcy for as long as possible.

“There is often fear surrounding memory care because families are unsure what it will look like for their loved one. Part of our role is helping families understand that memory care is not about limiting independence — it is about supporting quality of life in a safe and meaningful way,” she said. “A large part of our role is helping families recognize the cognitive changes their loved one is experiencing while also educating them on how the right environment can do far more than simply keep someone safe — it can help them truly thrive.”

Families often struggle to accept these recommendations, said Stacy Kenworthy, Admissions director of the Jewish Nursing Home at JGS Lifecare — but that’s understandable.

“Dementia is complicated and deeply emotional. Families are often processing grief, denial, fear, and exhaustion all at once,” she explained. “Sometimes families become upset when we recommend a secure unit. Occasionally they tell us they no longer want admission. But many times, after speaking with other facilities or after difficult experiences elsewhere, they come back and realize we were trying to guide them toward the level of care their loved one truly needed.”

Kenworthy added that families sometimes think a secure memory care setting means someone is being restricted, when in reality it is about protection, supervision, and specialized support.

“Memory care units have higher staffing ratios, specialized programming, and activities designed specifically for residents living with cognitive impairment. These environments are created to reduce confusion, anxiety, wandering risks, and unsafe situations.”

Schelb said the team at JGS Lifecare understands families’ concerns and anxieties, and even empathizes with them.

“Families need patience, understanding, and grace — especially for themselves,” she told BusinessWest. “Almost every family experiences guilt. They say things like, ‘we should have known,’ or ‘how did we miss the signs?’ Sometimes siblings blame one another. One child may live closer and feel responsible, while another wonders why something wasn’t noticed sooner.

“But the truth is, families are not healthcare professionals,” she went on. “Dementia can be incredibly subtle in the beginning. Many individuals become experts at masking symptoms. A parent may still appear polished, conversational, and independent in public while internally struggling with confusion, medication management, nutrition, or safety concerns.”

Schelb noted that families also don’t always realize how much routine and muscle memory can compensate for cognitive decline. Someone may function well within the familiarity of their own home because they have repeated the same routines for years. But when they are suddenly hospitalized or moved into a rehabilitation setting, that familiarity disappears, which is often when families first witness behaviors such as increased confusion and wandering.

“We also spend time educating families about sundowning, which can be difficult to recognize if visits typically happen earlier in the day,” she said. “Many families tell us, ‘mom just gets tired early,’ without realizing that increased confusion, anxiety, agitation, or restlessness later in the afternoon and evening can be very common in individuals living with dementia.”

But importantly, she added, “we spend a great deal of time reassuring families that they should not blame themselves.”

Let’s Talk

The Alzheimer’s Assoc. luncheon got Anstett thinking about breast cancer 20 or more years ago, and how far that topic has come.

“I remember when nobody talked about breast cancer. Everyone was hush-hush about it,” she recalled. “And then suddenly, awareness was brought out, and the benefits of being aware and getting checked. Lives were saved, and that stigma was erased. Now, people want to make sure they get that diagnosis immediately while they can do something about it.

“That’s where we need to be with dementia. People now are afraid to get the diagnosis,” she went on, and one of the reasons is an image they have of what a memory care unit looks and feels like — not realizing that the model has come a long way, and there are many more options for care than there used to be.

“There are so many opportunities to keep this at bay and then, maybe in our lifetime, eradicate it,” she said, and in the meantime, it’s going to take a lot of people working together to create a climate in which people seek help earlier and wind up with longer life and better quality of life — not only for themselves, but for their family members.

Kathy Walker

“Frequently, families are trying to balance what they are seeing with the hope that things have not truly changed. Many families wait until they are emotionally or physically exhausted before seeking outside support, and by that point, they are often carrying tremendous stress and uncertainty.”

One of the luncheon speakers, Anstett recalled, was a man in his 50s who wound up with an early dementia diagnosis.

“He was telling us he’s going to fight this thing. He’s going to do every single thing he can do. I love his attitude. So, how can we switch the mindset? How can we do some kind of publicity campaign to say, ‘hey, we see you, we get you are scared to death. However, it is a better solution to tackle it head on right away.’”

After all, she added, “breast cancer was considered a death sentence, and now, how many people survive because women don’t hide it and disappear?”

As the average age of the U.S. population continues to creep up, dementia will only increase in prevalence, barring a cure, Anstett noted. “I don’t believe there’s a person who doesn’t know a person who’s been affected by this.”

And when they seek help? Walker said one of the biggest changes families notice is relief — for both themselves and their loved one.

“Families often tell us they finally feel at peace knowing their loved one is safe, socially engaged, and supported by people who understand dementia care. They are able to step back from the exhausting role of caregiver and return to simply being family again,” she said. “That emotional shift can be incredibly powerful.” 

Bacon Wilson, P.C. Announces Promotions of John Chavis, Alayna Anderson

By
Daily News

John Chavis

SPRINGFIELD — Bacon Wilson, P.C. announced that John Chavis has been elevated from systems administrator to director of information technology, and Alayna Anderson has been elevated from marketing coordinator to marketing manager.

Alayna Anderson

Chavis recently celebrated his 21st anniversary with Bacon Wilson in March. Over the past two decades, he has played an integral role in supporting and advancing the firm’s technology infrastructure, helping ensure that its attorneys and staff have the tools they need to serve clients effectively.

Anderson celebrated four years with the firm in May. Since joining Bacon Wilson, she has made a significant impact on the firm’s marketing and social media efforts, strengthening its brand presence and supporting initiatives that connect the firm with clients and communities throughout the region.

Peace Development Fund Awards $50,000 for Local Grassroots Organizing

By
Daily News

AMHERST — The Peace Development Fund (PDF) announced its annual grant awards to 42 organizations across the country, including seven in Western Mass., as well as Haiti and Mexico.

This year, the organization had a total of 300 applications, the largest number of applicants in its history. This included $50,000 in grants through the Western Massachusetts Transformation Fund (WMTF) to seven social justice organizations in Western Mass. — more than triple the amount funded last year, representing increased needs.

PDF accepted applications for its three competitive grant funds, the Seeding the Movement Fund, Braiding New Worlds Fund, and WMTF, in late January. The Braiding New Worlds Fund supports youth-led and youth-focused organizations around the country to the build the capacity of future social justice leaders, while the Seeding the Movement Fund resources grassroots organizations across the nation as well as in Mexico and Haiti. The Western Massachusetts Transformation Fund supports local organizing efforts in Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties that are challenging injustice, shifting power, building social movements, and creating new community structures anchored in social justice.

These annual grants are made possible through the support of individual contributors. The grant award decisions are made through a participatory process that includes community members, building the expertise of local leaders and drawing upon their community experience.

The 2026 WMTF grant awardees include Decarcerate WMass Bailout Project, No Loose Braids, Roots & Dreams and Mustard Seeds Inc., Pioneer Valley Worker’s Center, Seeing Rainbows, Wildflower Roots, and a group that wishes to remain anonymous because of the current political climate.

“We continue to be in a precarious time for grassroots organizations working for social justice, with many facing funding losses and political backlash,” said Lora Wondolowski, director of Advancement and Communications. “To provide some stability in this climate, we are proud that three of our seven local grantees are returning partners. By prioritizing these sustained relationships, we are working to cultivate a culture of community-led resilience through care and interdependence.”

HCS Head Start Celebrates Team Members, Volunteers, Leaders

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield (HCS) Head Start recently gathered team members from across the organization for a Professional Development Day held at the Castle of Knights in Chicopee. The event served as an opportunity to celebrate the dedication, leadership, and impact of individuals who continue to make a difference in the lives of children and families throughout Western Mass.

As part of the celebration, HCS Head Start presented three Head Start Hero Awards recognizing extraordinary service and commitment to the organization’s mission.

One of the honorees was Sandra Zieminski, a long-time volunteer who has supported numerous initiatives throughout the years. Among her many contributions, Zieminski has played a significant role in supporting the organization’s “All I Want for Christmas” campaign, helping bring joy and support to families during the holiday season.

Also recognized was Christina Compton, site director for the Parkside Early Learning Center in Ludlow, Westover Early Learning Center in Chicopee, and Robinson Gardens Early Learning Center in Springfield. Compton is retiring after a 25-year career with HCS Head Start. Her passion for this work began years ago while living in West Berlin, Germany, on an Army post after the birth of her son. Being far from family and navigating life without childcare support gave her a deep understanding of the importance of early childhood services and family support systems. A graduate of Cambridge College, she has spent her career supporting children, families, and educators across multiple communities.

Juana Santiago, a teacher retiring from HCS Head Start, was also honored. Santiago began her career with the organization in 1995 as a teacher assistant and has dedicated nearly three decades to supporting young learners. When asked what she has loved and will miss most about her career, her answer was simple and heartfelt: “the children.”

The organization also announced the recipient of the 2026 Janis Santos Scholarship, an annual scholarship created to support current HCS staff, parents, and Head Start alumni pursuing education in the early childhood field. This year’s scholarship recipient is Diana Learned, a teacher at the Parkside Early Learning Center. She is currently pursuing her education at Bay Path University with the long-term goal of entering the field of special education. Her connection to HCS Head Start spans generations and experiences. She was once a Head Start student herself and later became a Head Start parent, both at the Parkside center where she now works. Learned joined HCS Head Start in October 2012 and previously served as chair of the organization’s policy council before joining the staff team.

“HCS Head Start has always been powered by passionate people who care deeply about children, families, and one another,” CEO Nicole Blais said. “These recognitions reflect the heart of our organization and the incredible dedication of our staff, volunteers, and community supporters.”

In addition to the Professional Development Day recognitions, HCS Head Start is also celebrating two additional accomplishments from members of its leadership team.

Alisha Durocher recently graduated from the Springfield Regional Chamber Leadership Institute, a 12-week leadership development program through Western New England University designed to strengthen skills in communication, strategic thinking, innovation, and leadership in today’s evolving business environment.

Meanwhile, Blais was recently honored at the Human Services Leadership Summit with the Human Services Innovation Award. The recognition celebrates leaders across Massachusetts who are making a meaningful impact within the human services field through innovation, leadership, and commitment to community.

Wilbraham Fundraiser Brings in Nearly $7,000 to Support Local Veterans

By
Daily News

WILBRAHAM — Two family‑owned Wilbraham businesses came together on May 20 to host a community fundraiser supporting local veterans, raising nearly $7,000 in a single evening. The event drew an enthusiastic crowd of residents and supporters, far exceeding expectations for its inaugural year.

The fundraiser, co‑hosted by ECI and Route 20, was created to provide short-term financial assistance to veterans and their dependents for food, utility expenses, and transportation, offering critical support during difficult times. Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed food, celebrity bartenders (including Bax at Rock 102 and Leah Rantz at Lazer 99.3), raffles, live music, and opportunities to connect with local veterans. Organizers said the event’s success has already sparked interest in making the fundraiser an annual tradition.

MCLA to Host Gathering in Memory of Jarvis Rockwell on June 6

By
Daily News

NORTH ADAMS — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) invites the community to a gathering in memory of Jarvis Waring Rockwell (Sept. 3, 1931 – April 25, 2026) on Saturday, June 6 from 4 to 6 p.m. at MCLA’s Gallery 51, 51 Main St., North Adams. The event is free and open to the public.

Rockwell, eldest son of American illustrator Norman Rockwell, forged a singular artistic path over more than six decades, one wholly his own. A visionary draftsman and assemblage artist, he was known for large-scale structural drawings, toy-figure pyramids inspired by Hindu temples, and works that explored material culture, spiritual impermanence, and the mysteries of human longing. He made North Adams his home for many years, working from a storefront studio and contributing to the artistic life of the Berkshires.

MCLA holds three of Jarvis’s large-scale drawings and assemblage works in its permanent collection in Bowman Hall. These pieces stand as an enduring testament to his presence in the community and his generosity toward the college. The gathering will offer a chance to share memories, reflect on his legacy, and celebrate a life lived with extraordinary creative vision.

Holyoke Community College Offers Introductory Golf Lessons

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Interested in learning to play golf but don’t know where to start? Holyoke Community College is offering weekly introductory golf lessons at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow, led by LPGA teaching pro Marissa Kulig Crow.

For flexibility and convenience, each five-week lesson series runs on either Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays, with different start dates and times. Wednesday sessions meet from 10 to 11 a.m. June 17 through July 15. Thursday sessions meet from 6 to 7 p.m. June 18 through July 16. Saturday sessions meet from 10 to 11 a.m. June 20 through July 25 (no class on July 4). To register for one of the series, visit hcc.edu/golf.

These introductory golf classes are designed for beginners. In five one-hour sessions, Kulig Crow — an LPGA professional and director of instruction at Twin Hills — will teach new golfers everything they need to know to play their first round of golf. Classes will cover the basics of the golf swing, putting, short game techniques, rules, and etiquette. Golf clubs will be provided at the course, and Kulig Crow will make equipment recommendations for players who want to buy their own. The cost for each five-week series is $199, which includes a golf workbook and reference guide.

In accordance with golf course etiquette, men should wear collared shirts, pants, or golf shorts. Cargo shorts, cutoff shorts, and jeans are not allowed. Women should wear pants, skirts, or golf shorts. Jeans, leggings, racer back or tube tops, short shorts, and short skirts are not allowed.

Lenox Chamber of Commerce Announces the Lenox Garden Party on June 20

By
Daily News

LENOX — The Lenox Chamber of Commerce and local business owners announced the return of the Lenox Garden Party, a premier retail experience taking place on Saturday, June 20 from noon to 5 p.m. This community-wide celebration invites residents and visitors to “shop, dine, and unwind” while enjoying an afternoon in full bloom across the historic Lenox Village.

The event, created and organized by Sam and Tracy Haupt, owners of Concepts of Art and Sugar & Thyme, features a curated menu of experiences at more than 20 participating locations, offering complimentary cocktails and gourmet bites to shoppers. From millionaire pasta salad and pomegranate summer spritzers to artisanal cheese pairings and local spirits, the Garden Party showcases the culinary and creative heart of Lenox. In addition to the refreshments, visitors will receive a special free garden gift with purchase at every participating stop.

“This is about thanking locals and celebrating the summer by local businesses supporting you while you support them — a real party by those who make Lenox a destination,” Sam Haupt said.

The celebration spans downtown Lenox, featuring beloved local institutions including Concepts of Art, Sugar & Thyme, Glad Rags, the Gifted Child, MacKimmie & Co, Oliva!, Sohn Fine Art, Hado Gallery, Trillium & Brava, Sugar Magnolia, the Wit Gallery, Lykke Living, and Hoadley Gallery, all on Church Street; What a Gift, Nejaime’s Wine Cellar, Home on Main, and the Book Nook (Lenox Public Library), all on Main Street; and Art & Chocolate, Dare Bottle Shop, and Club Aloysius, on Housatonic and Walker streets.

“Your presence helps sustain the small businesses that bring heart, creativity, and character to our community,” the Lenox Chamber of Commerce noted. “We are honored to celebrate with you and hope you enjoy every moment and every local touch.”

Attendees can pick up a physical copy of the menu at any participating location to plan their route through the festivities.

Agenda

By
Agenda

Lenox Spring Art Walk

June 6-7: The town of Lenox will host the 2026 Spring Art Walk, a collaboration between the Lenox Chamber of Commerce, the Lenox Cultural District, and Gordon Fine Arts, on June 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and June 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Lenox Art Walk has become one of the Berkshires’ premier outdoor arts festivals. The curated event features juried artists and artisans showcasing their work throughout downtown Lenox, with artist tents lining Main Street sidewalks and extending into Lilac Park. Visitors can browse more than 50 booths featuring fine arts and fine crafts across a wide range of media, including painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, fiber arts, wood, metal, glass, mixed media, clothing, and handmade artisan goods. Downtown galleries and local merchants will also participate throughout the weekend, creating an expanded, gallery-style experience in the heart of Lenox. In addition to the artist exhibits, attendees can enjoy live music performances and culinary offerings from local restaurants throughout the weekend. Visitors are encouraged to stroll downtown, meet the artists, explore the Church Street galleries and shops, and experience the vibrant arts and culture scene that defines Lenox. The Lenox Spring Art Walk is free and open to the public. The event will take place rain or shine. For more information, contact the Lenox Chamber of Commerce at (413) 637-3646 or visit lenox.org.

40 Under Forty

June 11: BusinessWest will celebrate the 20th annual class of its 40 Under Forty awards, the region’s most prestigious recognition program honoring outstanding young professionals who are shaping the future of Western Mass. This year’s honorees are profiled in the April 27 issue of BusinessWest and at businesswest.com. The awards gala will take place at 5 p.m. at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, at which time this year’s 40 honorees will be celebrated, and the Alumni Achievement Award (AAA) winner will be revealed. This year’s AAA finalists are profiled in the May 25 issue of BusinessWest and at businesswest.com. This event is sold out. The 20th annual 40 Under Forty program is presented by PeoplesBank and sponsored by the Dowd Agencies, Mercedes-Benz of Springfield, and the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst. The AAA program is sponsored by Baystate Health/Health New England.

Monson Savings Shred Day

June 13: Monson Savings Bank invites the community to take an important step toward protecting their personal information by attending its free Community Shred Day from 9 a.m. to noon. at the bank’s 146 Main St., Monson branch. This annual event provides a convenient and secure way for residents to safely dispose of sensitive documents. Monson Savings Bank is once again partnering with PROSHRED of Wilbraham, a trusted professional shredding service, to ensure all materials are destroyed securely and on site. Community members are encouraged to bring documents that contain personal or financial information, including old tax returns, bank and credit card statements, medical records, bills, and other confidential materials. The event is open to everyone, regardless of whether they are a Monson Savings Bank customer.

bankESB Shred Day

June 13: bankESB invites customers and members of the community to a free Shred Day at the bank’s Easthampton office, located at 241 Northampton St. Local residents can reduce their risk of identity theft by bringing old mail, receipts, statements and bills, canceled checks, pay stubs, medical records, or any other unwanted paper documents containing personal or confidential information, and shredding them safely and securely for free. Valley Green Shredding, a professional document destruction company, will be on site in the bank’s parking lot and can accept up to two boxes of documents per car. No appointment is necessary.

Bingo and Brews with the Queens

June 14: Back by popular demand is Bingo and Brews with the Queens, taking place from noon to 3 p.m. at Fort Hill Brewery in Easthampton. Presented by Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) and House of Hors, the afternoon festivities will feature rounds of bingo, craft beers, and an opportunity to win prizes, as well as meeting and interacting with the queer community. The event will be emceed by Western Mass. drag queens Tytannia Lockhart and Fanny Midnight Lockhart. Tickets cost $30 per person. To purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/40NiUid. GSHFH is dedicated to strengthening communities by empowering low-income families to change their lives through homeownership and home preservation opportunities. House of Hors is a Western Mass.-based company focused on curating fun and accessible events that highlight queer entertainers.

Celebrate Juneteenth at Wistariahurst Museum

June 19: Wistariahurst Museum and Genuine Culture welcome guests to the Wistariahurst gardens for Celebrate Juneteenth. This annual event commemorates freedom and the country’s second independence day through community and celebration. Wistariahurst and Genuine Culture are collaborating for the fourth year to bring back this celebration for the Holyoke community and beyond. Attendees will enjoy activities throughout Wistariahurst’s grounds, including playing games in the gardens, getting creative with hands-on art projects, and more activities for people of all ages. This event will feature performances including Voices of Praise, storyteller Eshu Bumpus, and DJ Pzo Pete. Local food vendors will also be selling food and drinks for guests to enjoy, including Souper Sweet, White Lion Brewing Co., and Thai Chili Street Food. Other performers and food vendors will be announced. Black-owned businesses, makers, and artists will be selling a variety of locally made items. Local organizations will also have tables at the event, sharing information about their initiatives and the work they’re doing in the community. Admission to this celebration is completely free and open to the public. The event is sponsored by the Adams Foundation of South Hadley.

STCC’s College for Kids

June 22 to Aug. 14: Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) announced the return of College for Kids, a summer program offering engaging, week-long academic experiences for students ages 11 to 16. College for Kids provides hands-on enrichment opportunities in science, technology, engineering, arts, business, and leadership, all within a supportive college campus environment. Programs run Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Organized by STCC’s Division of Workforce Development, the program introduces students to college-level subjects while encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and skill development. Visit the College for Kids page on at stcc.io/cfk to view the full schedule and course descriptions, and complete the registration. Tuition costs $260 per week.

‘Unlock the Potential of Your Property’

June 23: An informative seminar, “Unlock the Potential of Your Property with ADUs,” will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Lattitude Restaurant, located at 1338 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. The event is hosted by the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley. The seminar will focus on how accessory dwelling units (ADUs) can fit into one’s future plans, generate rental income, and provide flexible living space. Topics include zoning regulations, financing options, and design considerations. Expert presenters include attorney Christine Webster, Rana Morton of Goosehead Insurance, Tim Riley of Back Yard ADUs, and Oneida Fuentes of MassHousing. The seminar is open to the public but limited to 100 attendees. Complimentary appetizers will be served. The event is sponsored by Country Bank and PeoplesBank. To register, RAPV members can sign up online at rapv.com/membership/member-portal. Non-members can contact Laura Herring at laura@rapv.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Bacon Wilson to Integrate Resnic, Beauregard, Waite and Driscoll

HOLYOKE — Bacon Wilson, P.C. announced the collaboration and integration of Resnic, Beauregard, Waite and Driscoll, Attorneys at Law, into the firm. For nearly a century, Resnic, Beauregard, Waite and Driscoll has been recognized throughout Western Mass. for civil litigation, estates and probate, real estate, and municipal law. Established in 1929, the firm built a distinguished reputation not only for its legal expertise, but also for its deep commitment to the communities it served. The firm’s legacy includes notable legal and civic leadership. George Beauregard joined Samuel Resnic following his service in World War II and later became a senior partner of the firm. In 1958, he was appointed special justice of the Holyoke District Court, becoming the youngest judge in Massachusetts at just 33 years old. In addition to their professional accomplishments, the attorneys of Resnic, Beauregard, Waite and Driscoll have long been admired for their philanthropic and civic involvement. The firm maintained a strong presence within the community, with its partners serving in numerous leadership and volunteer roles, including with the local Boys and Girls Club and the Hampden County and Hampshire County bar associations. Bacon Wilson, P.C. provides comprehensive legal services to individuals, families, businesses, and municipalities throughout the region. With roots dating back more than 130 years, the firm remains committed to delivering exceptional legal counsel and community-focused service across the Pioneer Valley.

The Hive Collective Opens in Downtown Amherst

AMHERST — On May 29, the Hive Collective — a new, multi-functional creative hub dedicated to increasing arts participation and cultural access in downtown Amherst — officially opened its doors at 49 Boltwood Walk with a grand opening celebration. Bringing together an arts market, gallery, and maker space under one roof, the Hive Collective is designed to be a place where local artists, makers, and educators can connect, create, and share their work with the community. A collaboration between the Amherst Business Improvement District (BID), Amherst Innovative Living, and the Amherst Center Cultural District, the space will be open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 2 to 8 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Hive Collective is seeking local artisans and makers of all crafts, including woodworking, painting, pottery, knitwear, and more, to join the collective ahead of opening day. For more information or if interested in getting involved, email Andrews at [email protected].

BBBSWM Wins National Award

SPRINGFIELD — Brothers Big Sisters of Western Massachusetts (BBBSWM) has been recognized as a Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) Platinum Award Winner for program excellence in 2025. Every year, the BBBSA Nationwide Leadership Council, made up of local agency leaders and board members, selects agencies for excellence in the organization’s signature one-to-one youth mentoring program. Out of more than 230 agencies across the country, BBBSWM is one of 13 organizations to receive this top honor. This award recognizes the top agencies that meet requirements for both the Growth and Impact awards — meaning they have shown remarkable achievements in retaining the number of mentors (‘bigs’) and youth (‘littles’) matched through the program consistently from year to year and have exhibited exceptional growth in their local programs. In the past year, BBBSWM has served over 150 new youth and started several new programs in schools in Berkshire, Franklin, and Hampden counties.

Country Bank Wins Chamber Legacy Award

WARE — Country Bank received the Chamber Legacy Award at the 2026 QHMA Choice Awards hosted by the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce. This award recognizes organizations that have made a lasting impact through leadership, service, and continued commitment to the local community. This recognition comes on the heels of Country Bank’s 175th anniversary celebration last year, further highlighting the bank’s longstanding dedication to supporting the communities it serves throughout Central and Western Mass. Country Bank was also honored to receive official citations from the Massachusetts Senate and House of Representatives recognizing this achievement.

Beacon Bank Invests Nearly $600,000 in Nonprofits in Q1

PITTSFIELD — Beacon Bank and the bank’s foundation invested nearly $600,000 in its communities through charitable giving and sponsorships involving more than 130 nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Vermont from January to March. Examples of nonprofits that received funding in the first quarter include Berkshire Community College Foundation, Blackshires Community Empowerment Foundation, Community Access to the Arts Inc., Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center Inc., and Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires Inc. Beacon Bank invests in the success and vibrancy of its local communities by supporting programs and organizations that focus on one of three areas: neighborhood revitalization and preservation, education, and critical services.

MCLA to Participate in Gardner Institute Program

NORTH ADAMS — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) has been selected to join a national cohort of more than 35 colleges and universities participating in Advancing Student Success: Strategic Prioritization for Student Success, an initiative led by the John N. Gardner Institute for Excellence in Higher Education, in partnership with the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges and supported by the Gates Foundation. Participation gives MCLA access to a structured, evidence-based process designed to help campus leaders set priorities, strengthen academic pathways, and improve student learning, persistence, and completion. As part of the initiative, institutions receive customized reports, facilitated sense-making sessions, a strategic prioritization plan, and an implementation roadmap aligned with the Gardner Institute’s Six Transformation Principles. The initiative is delivered in partnership with the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges, which serves as a key partner in advancing and supporting this work.

Eversource Recognized with 5 Star Employer Award

BOSTON — In recognition of its year-round dedication to prioritizing veterans in the workplace, Eversource has been named one of the nation’s top veteran employers by VETS Indexes for the third year in a row. This year, the energy company has been honored with VETS Indexes’ prestigious 5 Star Employer Award — the highest award level offered by the organization. This distinction highlights Eversource’s unwavering commitment to veteran employment and achievements in recruiting, retaining, and developing both veterans and the military-connected community. Eversource employs more than 830 veterans, representing all branches of the U.S. military.

Cigna Recognizes NBT Bank with Healthy Workforce Designation

NORWICH, N.Y. — Cigna Healthcare selected NBT Bank as a recipient of its 2025 gold level Healthy Workforce Designation for demonstrating a strong commitment to improving the health and vitality of its employees through a workplace well-being program. NBT is committed to supporting employees’ overall health and well-being by providing tools and resources that educate, engage, and empower them, including an employee assistance program and financial wellness support. The company also fosters connection and inclusion through initiatives like Wellness Champions, NBT Communities, and the Inclusion Roundtable, helping create a more engaged and supportive workplace. The Cigna Healthy Workforce Designation evaluates organizations based on the core components of their well-being program, including workforce insights, strategy and culture, health equity and social determinants of health, dimensions of vitality, and engagement and experience.

AIC Introduces New Degrees

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) has introduced new programs focused on preparing the next generation of public service leaders, including undergraduate degrees in fire science and emergency services and a fully online master of public administration (MPA). Offered through the School of Business, Arts, and Sciences, the bachelor of science in fire science and emergency services blends science, strategy, and service through coursework that integrates fire behavior and protection systems with training in leadership, administration, and community risk reduction. The program also offers an associate of science degree option. AIC’s master of public administration program prepares professionals to lead across government, nonprofit, public safety, education, and healthcare sectors. Delivered fully online in an accelerated format, the program emphasizes strategic management, data-informed decision making, ethical leadership, and effective communication. The fire science and emergency services programs align with the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education model developed by the U.S. Fire Administration and prepare graduates for careers in fire service, inspection, investigation, emergency planning, and disaster response. Bachelor’s degree graduates are also positioned for supervisory and administrative roles. The MPA program offers concentrations in fire science and emergency services, emergency management, and criminal justice leadership and administration, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific areas of public service. The fire science and emergency services programs will be offered on campus, with online options available through AIC’s Online Degree Completion program. Students may enroll in the fully online MPA program on a rolling basis through seven-week modules, with the next session beginning July 5.

Monson Savings, Country Bank Contributes to YWCA Campaign

MONSON — Monson Savings Bank and Country Bank both announced their support of the YWCA of Western Massachusetts’ “Shifting the Paradigm” campaign, an initiative focused on expanding violence prevention programs, supporting survivors, and strengthening critical services across the region. Each bank committed to a $100,000 contribution. The campaign aims to secure the long-term future of the YWCA, which has served Western Mass. for nearly 160 years by providing vital programs such as domestic violence shelter and advocacy, sexual assault counseling, youth education, housing support, and a 24/7 confidential crisis hotline that assists more than 6,500 individuals annually. The organization reaches more than 12,000 people each year, offering not just immediate support, but pathways toward healing, independence, and long-term stability.

MountainOne Named Among Best Places to Work

NORTH ADAMS — MountainOne has been named among the 2026 Best Places to Work by the Boston Business Journal in the Medium Business category (100-249 employees), marking the second consecutive year the organization has earned this recognition. The Boston Business Journal’s annual ranking showcases Massachusetts companies that have built outstanding work environments for their employees. The 90 companies honored in 2026 represent a range of industries, including financial services, technology, retail, and healthcare. Businesses participated in employee-engagement surveys distributed by Boston Business Journal partner Quantum Workplace. Employees were asked to rate their work environment, work-life balance, job satisfaction, advancement opportunities, management, compensation, and benefits. Based on the results of those surveys, businesses were assigned a total score and overall ranking by Quantum.

UMassFive Earns Two Recognitions

HADLEY — UMassFive College Federal Credit Union recently received national recognition through the Diamond Awards, an annual competition hosted by America’s Credit Unions Marketing, PR & Development Council that recognizes excellence in credit union marketing and communications. The credit union was honored in the Brand Storytelling & Purpose Video category for its Member Stories Campaign, which features real members — local individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations — sharing how UMassFive has supported them and their financial goals. This year’s competition drew a record 1,481 submissions from credit unions across the country, with 181 organizations from 42 states selected as winners. UMassFive was also recently named Best Credit Union for the 20th consecutive year in the Valley Advocate’s Best of the Valley Readers’ Poll. UMassFive was also recognized as Best Financial Services during the first year this category was introduced to voters, as well as a finalist for Best Local Bank and Best Place to Work.

Celtics Shamrock Foundation Donates to Square One

BOSTON — The Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation (BCSF) announced that it will be awarding $2 million through the Fast Break Fund, naming Horizons for Homeless Children and Square One as the inaugural recipients of grants exceeding $1.2 million cumulatively to support education-focused initiatives across their communities. In addition to the two selected organizations receiving grants, $670,000 will be distributed across an additional nine nonprofits in support of their outreach programs. The Fast Break Fund is a newly established funding initiative through BCSF as part of the organization’s ongoing commitment to help children and families in New England. Square One provides a comprehensive range of education and family support services designed to meet the evolving needs of children and families. Its programming spans early education and care, youth workforce development, home-visiting initiatives, and broader family services, helping to build a strong foundation for long-term growth and well-being. This grant will support the expansion of a clinical team specializing in early childhood education for youth who have experienced significant trauma.

Beacon Bank Offers Support to Visually Impaired Customers

BOSTON — On the eve of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Beacon Bank announced free access at all branches to an on-demand service that connects visually impaired users to live, real-time guides who provide assistance through an app using the camera and microphone on the user’s mobile phone. The Aira Explorer service is available at the bank’s 145 branches, as well as for those who require additional assistance to access visual information in online banking and the bank’s mobile app. Among other things, it provides support navigating branches, reading statements, using ATMs, making transactions, and accessing online and mobile banking. Every call is picked up by a professional visual interpreter who signs a confidentiality agreement and has rigorous training in privacy and security. Aira Explorer offers a number of minutes-based subscription plans, but the service is available at no cost for anyone with a free or paid account while visiting any Beacon Bank branch or using the bank’s online or mobile banking.

UMassFive Highlights Down Payment Assistance

HADLEY — UMassFive College Federal Credit Union and Member Advantage Mortgage (MAM), in partnership with MassHousing, recently hosted an informational event focused on affordable homeownership programs, drawing 25 attendees interested in learning more about down payment assistance and mortgage resources available across Massachusetts. The event, led by MAM Mortgage Consultant Gary Talbot and MassHousing Relationship Manager Oneida Fuentes, provided an overview of financing options designed to help eligible borrowers overcome one of the most common barriers to homeownership — upfront costs. Attendees were also informed of an expanded statewide MassHousing Down Payment Assistance (DPA) program, available now through July 31. Eligible borrowers may qualify for up to $25,000 in assistance, offered at a 0% interest rate with a deferred payment. Repayment is not required until the home is sold or refinanced, or the mortgage is paid in full. The program is part of MassHousing’s broader effort to expand access to sustainable homeownership for Massachusetts residents.

Bulkley Richardson Continues Annual YMCA Camp Cleanup

SPRINGFIELD — Bulkley Richardson returned to the YMCA’s Stony Brook Acres Day Camp in Wilbraham on May 1 for the firm’s annual day dedicated to preparing the grounds for campers to arrive next month. With 46 attorneys and staff coming out to the camp, the firm was able to make a major impact through projects such as painting picnic tables, mulching nature trails, power washing changing rooms, and doing necessary yard work on the 20-acre property. “In 2024, we chose the YMCA as a firmwide community project to honor the legacy of our partner, Jeff Poindexter,” said Dan Finnegan, Bulkley Richardson’s managing partner. “His longtime commitment to the YMCA and giving back to the community has inspired us to continue this project, turning into an annual philanthropic event that we look forward to each spring.”

Forest Park Zoo Hosts Summit to Boost Wildlife Collaboration

SPRINGFIELD — The Zoo in Forest Park hosted its inaugural Wildlife Summit on March 27, bringing together nearly 100 wildlife professionals from across Massachusetts and Connecticut for a day of collaboration, networking, and professional development. The half-day conference was designed specifically for licensed wildlife rehabilitators and other wildlife professionals. Attendees participated in a variety of roundtable discussions covering key topics such as conservation methods, bird strike prevention, reptile care, carnivore care, and an ‘ask a vet’ session. The day also included a behind-the-scenes zoo tour, offering insight into the zoo’s animal care practices, as well as a ‘swap shop’ where rehabilitators could exchange supplies to support their work. The conference reflects the zoo’s ongoing commitment to supporting displaced wildlife through safe, permanent placement after an injured or orphaned animal is no longer considered a candidate for release back into the wild. Because of this tenet of its mission, the zoo works closely with wildlife experts, making the summit a natural extension of its role as both a resource and a partner in the wildlife community. The Wildlife Summit was free for participants thanks to a grant from the Christopher and Susan Mastroianni Foundation.

Incorporations

By
Incorporations

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

ASHFIELD

Sanderson Academy PTO Inc., 808 Cape St., Ashfield, MA 01330. Margaret Burrington, 422 Old Stage Road, Ashfield, MA 01330. The purpose of the PTO is to enhance and support the educational experience at Sanderson Academy, develop a closer connection between school and home by encouraging parental involvement, and improve the environment at Sanderson Academy through volunteer and financial support for the benefit of all members and students.

CHICOPEE

Donna M. Merrill, LICSW, P.C., 155B Grove St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Donna Merrill, same. Clinical therapy.

Wildflower Roots Inc., 591T Memorial Dr., #1020, Chicopee, MA 01020. Sera Davidow, same. Develops and operates peer-support harm reduction programs which offer support for broader communities and people who have been impacted by psychiatric diagnosis, trauma, extreme states, homelessness, problems with substances, and other life-interrupting challenges.

GREENFIELD

Happy Pickleball Inc., 83 Silver St., Greenfield, MA 01301. Genevieve Garanin, 39 Petty Plain Road, Greenfield, MA 01301. Nonprofit promoting public health and community well-being through free and low-cost pickleball instruction, inclusive open-play sessions, clinics, and outreach for youth, seniors, and underserved groups, as well as providing safety education and loaner equipment and organizing community events that foster social inclusion and healthy recreation.

HAMPDEN

Broussard Construction Services Inc., 27 Stony Hill Road, Hampden, MA 01036. Joseth Broussard, same. Construction services.

HOLYOKE

Set to Serve Inc., 51 Longwood Ave., Holyoke, MA 01040. Radames Camacho, same. Celebrates the achievements of prominent Puerto Ricans and highlights the rich history of Puerto Rican volleyball and Puerto Ricans in sports, while fostering community engagement and increasing foot traffic in the local community.

LENOX

Lenox Memorial Middle & High School Parent Teacher Organization Inc., 197 East St., Lenox, MA 01240. Jeremiah Ames, same. The purpose of the PTO is to enhance and support and enrich the educational experiences of all students at LMMHS; fostering collaborations between parents, guardians, faculty and administration; and raising funds and providing resources that enhance academic, cultural, and social opportunities.

LONGMEADOW

NRK Dental, P.C., 23 Cheshire Dr., Longmeadow, MA 01106. Nam Kim, same. Dental practice.

LUDLOW

Thoxa Springfield Co., 681 West St., Ludlow, MA 01056. John Stefanidis, same. Fast casual food.

NORTH ADAMS

Christo’s Famous Pizza Inc., 20 Holden St., North Adams, MA 01247. Duncan Russell, same. Restaurant.

NORTHAMPTON

Commonwealth Legacy Foundation Inc., 141 Damon Road, Northampton, MA 01060. Patrick Macwilliams, 385 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Nonprofit organization providing tickets and opportunities for youth groups and community organizations to attend University of Massachusetts athletic events, thereby introducing and developing the next generation of UMass fans, fostering community engagement, and promoting education, teamwork, and school spirit through collegiate athletics.

PITTSFIELD

Bessmar Corp., 550 South Mountain Road, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Michele Bessette, same. Consulting and sales.

Enlighten Holdings Corp., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Zac Makin, 2801 North Thanksgiving Way, Suite 170, Lehi, UT 84043. Education services.

Lumina Strategy Group Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Jessica Hinkson, same. Engages in management consulting, program and project management services, leadership coaching, and related lawful business.

OB Maintenance Inc., 105 Dalton Ave., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Jermaine Sistrunk Sr, same. Landscaping services, including grass cutting, weed whacking, blowing off clippings, fall cleanup, and snow plowing and sanding.

Red Bird Saga Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Sharna Pearson, same. Nonprofit organization founded to bridge the gap between nourishment, empowerment, and spiritual connection.

SOUTH HADLEY

A Legacy Inc., 615 Newton St., South Hadley, MA 01075. Chloe Laduke, same. Business of owning, acquiring, leasing, managing, developing, maintaining, and operating residential, commercial, and mixed-use real estate properties, and providing related property management services, including but not limited to tenant relations, rent collection, repairs and maintenance coordination, and financial reporting.

SPRINGFIELD

Be Young Wellness Inc., 136 Woodmont St., Springfield, MA 01104. Peter Elias, same. Health and wellness clinic.

Central Girls Wrestling Booster Club Inc., 1840 Roosevelt Ave., Springfield, MA 01109. Carlos Cruz, 40 Amore Road, Springfield, MA 01109. Nonprofit organization supporting the youth athletes, parents, coaches, and staff of the Springfield Central High School girls wrestling program through fundraising, recruiting volunteers, and conducting events.

Maa Gayatri Krupa Inc., 1116 Saint James Ave., Springfield, MA 01104. Prince Patel, same. Packaging and shipping, office supplies, and services (Pak Mail).

Serie 56 Auto Sales & Services Inc., 480 Central St., Springfield, MA 01105. Gregory Quiroz, same. Auto sales and services.

WARE

Ware Built Management Group Inc., 19 Sheehy Road, Ware, MA 01082. Kyle Moulton, same. Residential and commercial construction, including but not limited to wood framing.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Moviendo Montanas Regalos con Propositos Corp., Enid Ramos Gines, 117 Park Ave., Suite 301, West Springfield, MA 01089. Enid Ramos Gines, same. Programs to assist the community with domestic violence, children with necessity, referrals to assist community homeless prevention, drug prevention, and consultation.

WILBRAHAM

Rooted Through Growth Therapy Inc., 8 Karen Dr., Wilbraham, MA 01095. Amy Diaz, same. Mental health therapy and social work.

WILLIAMSTOWN

Roam Africa Conservation Corp., 16 Water St., Williamstown, MA 01267. Chrystina Parks, 193 Chestnut St., Williamstown, MA 01267. Nonprofit organization established to support, advance, and implement wildlife conservation and ecological research initiatives across African countries.

Picture This

By
Picture This

Historic Restoration

Greenfield Savings Bank recently celebrated the grand opening of the newly restored Leavitt-Hovey House. Hosted in partnership with the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, the ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the completion of the bank’s nearly $7 million restoration of the historic 1797 property at 402 Main St. The restored property will house the bank’s Trust & Wealth Management Division, as well as its Residential Lending and Cash Management departments. Retail banking services in Greenfield will continue to operate at the 400 Main St. branch. Pictured: President and CEO Peter Albero and Pamela Stobierski, board chair, cut the ribbon at the event.

Gone to the Dogs

The Foundation for TJO Animals held its annual Jack Rome Memorial 5K & Fun Walk on May 2, raising more than $58,000 to benefit animals at the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center. The foundation’s signature event brought in a record-breaking 373 registered participants alongside their families and pets to honor the animals who have changed their lives, and to support those still waiting for care and compassion. Patrons enjoyed music, raffles, vendors, food trucks, inflatable games, and superhero-themed activities. Now in its fourth year, the Jack Rome Memorial 5K & Fun Walk has raised more than $190,000 for the foundation’s mission.

Catching the Vision

The Greenfield Business Association (GBA) is celebrating a new phase of growth, investment, and fundraising. Local business owner Merrill Gagne’s $25,000 challenge gift early in 2025 helped catalyze a broader wave of support for the organization’s vision. The challenge was met by area philanthropists and business owners and inspired a successful event at JaDuke Theater in February that raised $31,477. Pictured, from left: Natty Hussey, Nick Waynelovich, Samantha Myburgh,  Mike Audet, Kim Williams, Hannah Rechtschaffen, Daniel Piasecki, Bill Baker, and Mik Muller.

Children’s Book Drive

Holyoke Credit Union (HCU) announced the successful completion of its 2026 Children’s Book Drive. Through donations collected throughout the campaign, HCU gathered a total of 534 children’s books valued at more than $4,100. In addition to books donated by employees and members, HCU also committed additional monetary contributions, including the purchase of an additional $1,000 worth of children’s books from a local small business member in West Springfield. Book donations collected through the drive are being distributed to local schools and students across the Pioneer Valley.

Community College Innovation Challenge

Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) has been selected as one of only 12 finalist teams nationwide in the 2026 Community College Innovation Challenge, a prestigious competition hosted by the American Assoc. of Community Colleges (AACC) in partnership with the National Science Foundation. STCC’s finalist project, HydroShield, is a replaceable washing machine filter designed to capture microplastic fibers before they enter waterways. Pictured, from left: UMass graduate student Miro Leeb with three STCC students who worked on the HydroShield project: Sophia Landrau, Vincent Githiri, and Shahmeer Ali.

HCC Foundation Scholarships

The Holyoke Community College (HCC) Foundation awarded $405,000 in scholarships to students for the 2026-27 academic year. The foundation awarded 438 scholarships to 422 incoming, current, and transferring HCC students. Some students received multiple scholarship awards. Individual awards range from $500 to $5,000. HCC celebrated this year’s recipients and donors at a scholarship reception on May 14. Pictured: HCC student Araba Murray-Adoboe celebrates her scholarship award with her family and HCC President George Timmons.

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

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

Ayers Racing Images 
Ayers, Richard Donald
Ayers, Nancy J.
a/k/a Ayers, Nancy K.
33 River Park Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036-9530
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/24/2026

Belisle, Donald
41 Court St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Date: 04/27/2026

Blake, Jolene N.
PO Box 387
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/29/2026

Brunelle, Sarai
a/k/a Moran, Sarai
193 Sycamore St.
Holyoke, MA 01040-3135
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/30/2026

Cayo, Kenneth
Cayo, Trina
101 Brooklyn St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 13
Date: 04/21/2026

Coughlin, Marcy L.
160 Point Grace Road, Apt. 31
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/22/2026

Crespo, Giovanni I.
Crespo, Jasmine A.
126 Benton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/24/2026

Cunningham, Kathleen J.
2 Pleasant Ter.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/16/2026

Diaz, Luis E.
273 Dorset St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/29/2026

Fanning, Murray B.
Fanning, Alexis K.
a/k/a Simmons, Alexis
a/k/a Lemieux, Alexis K.
60 James St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/28/2026

Feliciano, Edwin J.
19 Elm Circle
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/23/2026

Felton, Eric C.
35 Forest Hill Road
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 13
Date: 04/16/2026

Fisher, Dimond Tia
a/k/a Hubbs, Diamond Tia
45 Lombard St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/28/2026

Goodrich, Quentin Thomas
Goodrich, Lori Ann
51 Monson Turnpike Road, Trailer 1010
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/21/2026

Greaney, Brian J.
48 Westbrook Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/29/2026

Guilbe, Yaritza
153 Farnum Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/29/2026

Hunt, Shaneika M.
38 Wells Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Date: 04/17/2026

Janiga, Deanna M.
35 Adams Road, Apt. B15
Williamstown, MA 01267
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/21/2026

Joseph, Sarah Beth
90 Pheasant Hill Dr., Apt. A
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/28/2026

Kelly, Kathlene Karen
65 Beacon Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/17/2026

Kendrick, Corinne D.
16 Wenzel Ter.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/27/2026

Kosciolek, Michal P.
126 Ridgecrest Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Date: 04/28/2026

Leahey, Martin Joseph
259 Williams St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Date: 04/29/2026

Mahmoud, Cherrie L.
287 Fountain St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/24/2026

Martinez Montalvo, Mayra A.
875 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/29/2026

Maynard, Jill Ann
20 Colony Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Date: 04/18/2026

Michalski, Mary
9 Florence Road
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 13
Date: 04/29/2026

Morton, Susan L.
44 Lamb St., Apt. C
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/30/2026

Pasternak, Jennifer
a/k/a Shumate, Jennifer
64 Longwood Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/30/2026

Perez Pessina, Julio
Marin, Veronica Virginia
38 Fairview St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/30/2026

Pignatare-Warner, Rachael
42 Valier Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/25/2026

Powers, Joshua James
36 Chase St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/28/2026

Prestigious one LLC
1883 Main St., #5392
Springfield, MA 01101
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/23/2026

Restrepo, Sebastian
789 North Branch Pkwy.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/17/2026

Ringle, Rebecca Ann
51 North East St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/21/2026

Rivera, Chrissy A.
50 Spruceland Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/24/2026

Rodriguez, Magdalena
38 Newland St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/30/2026

Scirocco, Franco
154 Ashley Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/17/2026

Slowik, Martha Ann
31 Coronet Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Date: 04/21/2026

Soto, Ariany Lee
114 Brandon Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/30/2026

Spaulding, Brittney M.
23 Thomas Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/24/2026

St. Francis, Sean Michael
4 Union St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/23/2026

Sullivan, Sheana K.
a/k/a Paredes, Sheana K.
47 Blanchwood Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/24/2026

Thompson, Samantha
109 Clantoy St.
Springfield, MA 01104-2447
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/29/2026

Veliz, Coraly
37 Phoenix St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/18/2026

Wedegartner, Richard Taylor
Wedegartner, Roxann Davis
85 Hastings St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/24/2026

Welcome, Michael Anthony
537 Front St., Apt. 2
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/28/2026

Mental Health Requires More Than AI

By Contributor
Opinion

By Elaine Campbell, PsyD

When it comes to seeking mental health information, online searches and chats with artificial intelligence (AI) can help us sift through data, read about others’ experiences and opinions, and begin to make sense of what we’ve been feeling. It can also lead us to local resources, reviews of clinics and clinicians, and to info on who has the shortest and longest wait times.

All of this is good to know. Having AI at our fingertips is like having a compass in our backpack — a valuable tool to give us initial direction in our quest to feel better.

For the journey ahead, however, we’ll need more — because, while AI is impressive, and becoming more so every day, it will never be human. And when we’re struggling with whatever it is we’re struggling with, there’s nothing like sharing that with someone who knows the human condition from the inside out: who helps us better understand ourselves by bringing their compassion and empathy to the discussion. This is the most healing quality professional therapists offer to the people they work with. 

Professional therapists are also knowledgeable about brain science, including the link between mental health and genetic factors. That’s why they pay careful attention to a person’s family history when they first meet with them, just as medical providers do. And family history can explain a lot. 

When people start experiencing psychological symptoms that are uncomfortable or upsetting, they may feel that this is unique to them, or think that they somehow caused it. Yet, nothing could be farther from the truth. And when encouraged to look back through their family tree, they frequently discover a parent, grandparent, or other relation who also had bouts of the blues, or who stayed close to home for fear of panicking in public, or who never graduated high school because they had too much trouble sitting still. 

In the same way that our family medical history can make us more prone to developing arthritis, high blood pressure, or diabetes, so may it increase the likelihood of our experiencing depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges. Knowing more about the impact of brain science and genetics on our mental health can speed up the time it takes to get the help we need and equip us with strategies to help maintain our health over time. 

Sometimes, these genetic links are clear. Other times — especially with regard to mental health — they’re harder to pinpoint because people may have been reluctant to admit they needed help to address the symptoms they were having. Fortunately, we now have more treatment options to offer than ever before, given our increased understanding of how the brain works and the impact this can have on our thoughts. 

While professional therapists are pulling together science, family history, and facts to help someone better understand what they’re going through, they may also call on the expertise of their medical colleagues to explore medication and/or other treatment options. Listening with full attention and care, therapists and providers work together to create space for people to view their present situation with greater clarity and envision the positive potential ahead. 

Face-to-face therapeutic relationships are not something that can ever be branded, packaged, or measured by algorithms alone; they are deeply human and unique to each person and their specific life circumstances. As a therapist myself, I believe that every one of us can benefit from therapy at various points in our lives, when physical and/or psychological symptoms show up, to let us know that it’s time to pay attention. It’s the human condition, after all. And when this happens, how fortunate we are to have support available.  

Dr. Elaine Campbell is senior vice president of Clinical Services for ServiceNet and River Valley Counseling Center.

Doing Business As Certificates

By
DBA Certificates

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

AMHERST

381 Massage Spa
381 College St.
Elias Derby

Andy Ellis
41 Amity Place
Andrew Phillips Parsegian

Castellino Somatics
131 Middle St.
Alison Greene-Barton

Catherine Nagel LMT
441 West St.
Catherine Nagel

Jackal Roofing & Painting
170 East Hadley Road, Apt. 129
Alvaro Ramos-Jaco

Kamins Real Estate
400 Amity St.
Pipeline Properties Management Inc.

Kwench Juice Café
19 North Pleasant St.
Dhairya Patel

Lucidity Vidco Solutions
18 Hickory Lane
Daniel Lawren

Taylor Davis Co.
577 West St.
Taylor Davis Landscape Co. Inc.

BELCHERTOWN

L&J Farm
261 Allen St.
Lisa Hresko, John Hresko

The Massage Worx
134 Boardman St.
Barbara Ann Burgos

Metanoia/Styled to Go
6 Moss Lane
Andrea Stasio-Pikul

Pine Bear Stables
70 Turkey Hill Road
Taylor Partlow

Pioneer Valley Creative
11 Dana Hill
James Worrall-Turgeon

Roberts Handyman Services
131 Old Amherst Road
Robert Rybicki

GREAT BARRINGTON

AmeriGas Propane LP
69 Van Deusenville Road
AmeriGas Partners LP

Antonio Och Televario Landscaping
343 State Road
Antonio Och Televario

Ashley A. Collins, LMT
297 Main St.
Ashley Collins

Berkshire Quantum Health
321 Main St., Suite 315
Willem Van Zon

GB Junk LLC
40A Rosster St.
Jeffrey Becker

JK Custom Furniture & Design
89 Van Deusenville Road
Joshua Kanter

Peggy Reeves Photo
20 Avery Lane
Peggy Reeves

HADLEY

Alpha Vascular & Ultrasound
234 Russell St., Unit 204
Dmitriy Shlemanov

ArxVitae
5 Arrowhead Dr.
Patrick Michalak

Carr’s Ciderhouse
295 River Dr.
Jonathan Carr

Cloudbelly Bodywork LLC
100 Russell St., Unit 1C
Donna-Lee Grant

DTW Construction
9 Chmura Road
Dakota West

Jekanowski Farms LLC
38 Roosevelt St.
Kevin Jekanowski

Judy’s Angels Care LLC
245 Russell St., Suite 21
Estela DeSousa

PowerLab by Serena
195 Russell St.
Serena Bardwell

Warby Parker
325 Russell St., Suite 30
Chris Utecht

HOLYOKE

A Brush Above Painting Co.
4 Scott Hollow Dr.
Alan Tardy

Children & Family Dentistry & Braces
2285 Northampton St.
New England Family Dentistry, P.C.

Chiqui Look & Spa
1312 Dwight St.
Nachaly Torres

Eyebrow Threading
50 Holyoke St., Unit D251
Babita Gurung

Holyoke Medical Center Specialty Pharmacy
242 Beech St., Suite 348
Holyoke Medical Center Inc.

Reliable Computer
8687 Main St.
Daniel Deschaine

Stop & Shop Gas Station #009
28 Lincoln St.
Stop & Shop Supermarket Co. LLC

Stop & Shop Supermarket #009
28 Lincoln St.
Stop & Shop Supermarket Co. LLC

Stop & Shop Gas Station #030
2265 Northampton St.
Stop & Shop Supermarket Co. LLC

Stop & Shop Supermarket #030
2265 Northampton St.
Stop & Shop Supermarket Co. LLC

Wesley Fleming Glass Sculptor
P.O. Box 10667
Wesley Fleming

NORTHAMPTON

180 Wellness
26 Market St., Suite 1
Marie Underwood

Badger’s Flowers & Co.
55 Clark St.
Christine Adams

Big Dog Network
706 Park Hill Road
Gregory Howard

The Ellery Hotel
259 Elm St.
Andrew Cox

Hue’s Barber Shop
128 King St.
Sau Pepin

Joel Russell Associates
16 Armory St., Suite 7
Joel Russell

Mill River Music
135 King St.
Jonathan Aronstein

Noodles Restaurant
257 Main St.
Nuanwan Wongse-Arint

Skytemple LLC
19C Hawley St.
Curtis Hayden

Smooth Current Electrolysis
376 Pleasant St.
Jessica Plant

Subway
180 North King St.
Ravikant Patel

Walgreens #11998
225R King St.
Anika Zima

Building Permits

By
Building Permits

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

CHICOPEE

Thuy Ngoc Cao
1720 Westover Road
$12,500 — Interior demolition

HADLEY

CBR Realty Corp.
195 Russell St.
N/A — Add demising wall, install pocket doors, add egress lighting

Hadley Corner LLC
344 Russell St.
N/A — Install non-illuminated storefront sign

LENOX

North Sandy Brook LLC
29 Church St.
$10,000 — Remove sheetrock

NORTHAMPTON

Cago Enterprises LLC
17 Brewster Court
$12,000 — Install two-hour-rated door

The Day Farm LLC
1095 Florence Road
$20,000 — Renovate second-floor bathroom and first-floor living room

Firefly Properties LLC
155 Industrial Dr.
$8,000 — Demolish non-bearing partitions

Northampton Montessori Society
51 Bates St.
$27,600 — Roofing

People’s Institute
38 Gothic St.
$11,367 — Replace missing shingles

Smith College
7 College Lane
$47,000 — Interior renovation of Brown Hall Fine Arts Center

Smith College
7 College Lane
$18,000 — Replace existing columns

Smith College
96 State St.
$20,000 — Rebuild porch

Unitarian Society of Northampton and Florence
220 Main St.
$18,000 — Insulation upgrades in ceiling

Valley North Maple LLC
16 North Maple St.
$12,000 — Demolish three lower levels due to water damage from sprinkler

Westgate LLC
21 Locust St.
$23,000 — Install new spa equipment, construct half wall

PITTSFIELD

BFG MA RI LLC
901 Crane Ave.
$675,000 — Rooftop solar installation

Cavalier Central Block LLC
75 North St.
$20,000 — Finish outfitting existing office space into med spa

Dan Fox Drive Pittsfield LLC
1 Dan Fox Dr.
$9,370 — Install hood fire suppression system in commercial kitchen

Scarafoni Associates Nominee Trust
100 North St.
$4,600 — Repair exterior door

Sioga Club of Berkshire County Inc.
81 Linden St.
$4,800 — Repair stairs and ramp, and replace four exterior doors

Real Estate Transactions

By
Real Estate

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY

ASHFIELD

240 Beldingville Road
Ashfield, MA 01370
Amount: $1,050,000
Buyer: David Rives Williams
Seller: Ashfield Properties LLC
Date: 05/08/26

BUCKLAND

13 Bray Road
Buckland, MA 01370
Amount: $342,500
Buyer: Eva G. Goldman
Seller: Marc Carcio
Date: 04/27/26

23 Charlemont Road
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Aidan Reynolds
Seller: 107 River St. NT
Date: 05/08/26

79 North St.
Buckland, MA 01370
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Carole D-Mcauliffe Life TR
Seller: Elizabeth F. Morgan
Date: 05/01/26

97 North St.
Buckland, MA 01370
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Sidney C. Anderson INT
Seller: Susan F. Farmer
Date: 04/28/26

DEERFIELD

72 Hillside Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Lian Pitrat
Seller: Carol Bradley
Date: 05/01/26

42 Hoosac Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Eds Enterprises LLC
Seller: Edward A. Johnson
Date: 04/27/26

93 North Main St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Area Sdrfma LLC
Seller: William J. Powers
Date: 04/28/26

26 South Main St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Matthew Joseph Despress
Seller: Ashley Mellon
Date: 05/01/26

18 Stage Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $515,300
Buyer: Jeremy Rosen
Seller: Jill Angela Saybolt
Date: 04/30/26

15 Stillwater Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $497,000
Buyer: Tracy Willard
Seller: Swist IRT
Date: 04/30/26

3 Thayer St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Allykev Thayer LLC
Seller: Olszewski Thayer Realty LLC
Date: 05/06/26

GILL

246 Mountain Road
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Jacob Tokarz
Seller: David R. Staelens
Date: 05/06/26

GREENFIELD

20 Dunnell Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Charles Hobby
Seller: Paul B. Davis
Date: 05/07/26

30 East Cleveland St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Troy Santerre
Seller: Ronald R. Deome
Date: 05/04/26

50 James St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $427,000
Buyer: Olivia M. Ryan
Seller: Julie Rich
Date: 05/08/26

164 Plain Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Sara Breen
Seller: Matthew Joseph Despres
Date: 05/01/26

77 Summer St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $297,000
Buyer: Megan M. Brooks
Seller: Amendiel RT
Date: 05/04/26

HAWLEY

Hunt Road, Lot 3
Hawley, MA 01339
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: J. Bradford Parker
Seller: Hawley Preserve LLC
Date: 05/05/26

LEYDEN

71 George Lamb Road
Leyden, MA 01337
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Allen Freitas RET
Seller: James J. Paolucci
Date: 04/30/26

MONTAGUE

8 Country Club Lane
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: John Waynelovich
Seller: Brian P. McCarthy
Date: 04/30/26

18 Crescent St.
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Zephyr Lorusso
Seller: Felton, Joan A., (Estate)
Date: 04/30/26

23 Sunset Dr.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Ten Ten Investment Group LLC
Seller: Alice M. Wondoloski
Date: 04/28/26

27 West St.
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $616,000
Buyer: 16 Fairfield LLC
Seller: Watroba, Marilyn C., (Estate)
Date: 04/29/26

NORTHFIELD

9 Railroad Station St.
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: James D. Wheeler
Seller: Francis L. Froment
Date: 05/06/26

ORANGE

115 South Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $178,500
Buyer: Laurie L. Chiasson
Seller: Lisa A. Whipps
Date: 05/08/26

ROWE

143 County Road
Rowe, MA 01367
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Jean Bernhardt
Seller: William J. Bernhardt
Date: 04/28/26

112 Ford Hill Road
Rowe, MA 01367
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Kara Young
Seller: Jaynos LLC
Date: 05/06/26

SHELBURNE

30 Main St.
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $415,580
Buyer: Charles H. Cornish
Seller: Wendy Catlin
Date: 05/08/26

SHUTESBURY

84 Lake Dr.
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $685,000
Buyer: Eleanor C. Smith
Seller: Tomasetti, Joan M., (Estate)
Date: 04/28/26

SUNDERLAND

243 Amherst Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $217,000
Buyer: Cornerstone Homebuying LLC
Seller: H2 Asset Solution Inc.
Date: 05/08/26

15 South Plain Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Rousseau LT
Seller: Donald E. Wysocki
Date: 05/07/26

WHATELY

226 State Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Vip Realty Group LLC
Seller: 226 State Road LLC
Date: 05/06/26

HAMPDEN COUNTY

 AGAWAM

238 Elm St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Marie Walalce FT
Seller: Julie Ann LeClair
Date: 04/30/26

138 Elmar Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Murathan Kayan
Seller: Kaylyn M. Reyome
Date: 05/08/26

24-26 Howard St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Jay Scherpa
Seller: Cullin Moore
Date: 05/01/26

18-20 Lincoln St.
Agawam, MA 01089
Amount: $511,000
Buyer: Matthew Hubbard
Seller: Joseph J. Ronca
Date: 05/05/26

19 Logan Place
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $565,000
Buyer: Kaylyn M. Reyome
Seller: Suzanne M. Graziano
Date: 05/08/26

190 Mill St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $510,000
Buyer: Jennifer L. Bixby
Seller: Miguel A. Ortiz
Date: 05/04/26

70 Reed St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Meagan Thibeault
Seller: Giani S. Depalma
Date: 04/30/26

24 Sequoia Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Paul Breveleri
Seller: Elsa M. Rosenak IRT
Date: 05/01/26

127 Valentine St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Alexa Yacteen
Seller: Kara L. Maruca
Date: 04/28/26

86 Willow Brook Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Kristen M. Turcotte
Seller: ML Saleh Holdings Inc.
Date: 04/28/26

23 Zachary Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Tony W. Nascembeni
Seller: Dorian S. Black FT
Date: 04/28/26

BLANDFORD

30 Gore Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Lorraine C. L. Badillo
Seller: Amy Jo Harchelroad
Date: 05/04/26

2 North Blandford Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $342,000
Buyer: Nathan Deslauriers
Seller: Peter Hawes
Date: 05/08/26

BRIMFIELD

Five Bridge Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Latour Property Group LLC
Seller: Nicholas C. Truax
Date: 05/01/26

284 Warren Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $476,000
Buyer: Amber Leigh Boucher
Seller: Kevin Baker
Date: 05/01/26

CHICOPEE

61 Abbey Memorial Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Matthew Burke
Seller: Jennifer L. Bixby
Date: 05/04/26

48 Beeler Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $387,000
Buyer: Jennifer Mandeville-Shea
Seller: Bennett Properties LLC
Date: 05/04/26

24 Billings St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Kelli A. Stockwell
Seller: Fernando A. Mattei
Date: 04/30/26

400 Broadway St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Patrick E. O’Neil
Date: 04/29/26

70 Chateaugay St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $298,000
Buyer: Kristeen Reed
Seller: Edwin W. Juma
Date: 05/06/26

227 Clarendon Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Mark Hortie
Seller: Sharon LeBlanc
Date: 04/29/26

107 Cochran St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Kimberly M. Welc
Seller: Nicholas Brian Rice
Date: 04/29/26

15 Cross St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Katherine Ortiz
Seller: Shawn J. Ganem
Date: 04/30/26

36 Daley St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Abilinda Ortiz Cruz
Seller: Genevieve Construction Development Group Inc.
Date: 05/07/26

26 Dayton St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Michael Adams
Seller: Eduardo L. Figueiredo
Date: 05/07/26

2 Dwight St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $4,250,000
Buyer: Industriae Variae LLC
Seller: Acclaim Properties Inc.
Date: 04/28/26

156 East St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $815,000
Buyer: ZT Properties LLC
Seller: North Harlow 2 LLC
Date: 05/01/26

157 Exchange St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $4,250,000
Buyer: Industriae Variae LLC
Seller: Acclaim Properties Inc.
Date: 04/28/26

156 Farnsworth St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Melvi Perez Lopez
Seller: Edwin R. Beato
Date: 04/28/26

78 Front St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $4,250,000
Buyer: Industriae Variae LLC
Seller: Acclaim Properties Inc.
Date: 04/28/26

55 Fuller St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Modern Homes LLC
Seller: Cascade Funding Mortgage Trust HB13
Date: 05/06/26

1078 Granby Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $168,000
Buyer: David S. Prouty
Seller: Landry, Roger D., (Estate)
Date: 04/30/26

91 Haven Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: KMAK LLC
Seller: Mary Louise Mailloux
Date: 05/08/26

105 Lachine St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Kyla T. Grenier
Seller: David Joseph Gondek
Date: 05/07/26

543 Lafleur Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Cameron Brodeur
Seller: Veronica L. Roy
Date: 05/01/26

46 Maplewood Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Omar Loaiza
Seller: Richard A. Zagranski
Date: 04/27/26

65 Mary St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $331,500
Buyer: Brandon Hughes
Seller: 65 Mary Street NT
Date: 05/08/26

240 McCarthy Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $337,000
Buyer: Stephanie Laplante
Seller: Gagne, Lois Ann, (Estate)Date: 05/08/26

199 Meadow St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $352,500
Buyer: Selpan Holdings LLC
Seller: Richard Hartnett
Date: 04/30/26

85 Orchard St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Corrina King
Seller: Ghaeth Alsamraay
Date: 04/27/26

250 Schoolhouse Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $306,000
Buyer: Christian John Stallman
Seller: Centerbar, Bruce N., (Estate)
Date: 04/30/26

23 Sterling St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Daniel Padilla
Seller: Dorcas RT
Date: 04/30/26

127 Szetela Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Andrew Thornton
Seller: Henry L. Lenart
Date: 05/08/26

1720 Westover Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Thuy N. Cao
Seller: Daniele, Olimpia, (Estate)
Date: 05/07/26

EAST LONGMEADOW

18 Burt Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01118
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Steven Connell Laberge
Seller: Beth Anne Connor
Date: 05/06/26

22 Fairhaven Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: 22 Fairhaven Drive LLC
Seller: West Jam Man LLC
Date: 04/28/26

22 Fairhaven Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: 22 Fairhaven Drive LLC
Seller: West Jam Man LLC
Date: 04/29/26

101 Hampden Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Robert J. Roll
Seller: Claudia J. Reed
Date: 05/01/26

Happy Acres Lane, Lot 10
East Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: China Cat RT
Seller: Happy Acres LLC
Date: 04/29/26

Happy Acres Lane, Lot 22
East Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Cumberland Blues RT
Seller: Happy Acres LLC
Date: 04/29/26

Happy Acres Lane, Lot 2-5
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $690,000
Buyer: Morning Dew RT
Seller: Happy Acres LLC
Date: 04/29/26

6 Happy Acres Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $895,000
Buyer: Jolisa Anne Prakop
Seller: Morning Dew RT
Date: 05/05/26

8 Happy Acres Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $880,000
Buyer: Christopher Cerbone
Seller: Morning Dew RT
Date: 05/05/26

65 Helen Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01020
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Marc Warbington
Seller: Michelle Melanson
Date: 05/05/26

14 Kronvall Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $620,000
Buyer: Mohammad Tahmir
Seller: Richard P. & S. L. Blais IRT
Date: 05/01/26

172 Maple St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Adam Sliwak
Seller: Katelyn Manley
Date: 05/05/26

237 Millbrook Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $667,500
Buyer: Michael Donahue
Seller: Gerard P. Roeder
Date: 04/30/26

118 Parker St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01001
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: James Donald Wheeler
Seller: Austin Shea
Date: 05/01/26

350 Parker St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $775,000
Buyer: Cassidy Tate Cunningham
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 05/08/26

79 Porter Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Richard J. Corsi
Seller: Donald G. Richards
Date: 04/30/26

10 White Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01013
Amount: $640,000
Buyer: F. E. Chichester-Nickolas
Seller: John M. Handzel
Date: 04/29/26

78 Wood Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01040
Amount: $620,000
Buyer: Edwin W. Juma
Seller: Montesino Property Management RT
Date: 05/06/26

GRANVILLE

557 Beech Hill Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Keith D. Gibbs
Seller: Brenda D. Bedford
Date: 05/08/26

HAMPDEN

325 Allen St.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $378,000
Buyer: Chad Skinner
Seller: Jennifer L. Paydos
Date: 05/05/26

130 Stony Hill Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $387,500
Buyer: Michael Handfield
Seller: David S. Whipple
Date: 05/08/26

HOLLAND

178 Brimfield Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Peter Molle
Seller: Amber Boucher
Date: 05/08/26

25 Island Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $555,000
Buyer: 25 Island Road LLC
Seller: Edwin K. Chan
Date: 05/08/26

36-R Stafford Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Greenland Enterprises LLC
Seller: David A. Bell
Date: 05/01/26

HOLYOKE

41 Dartmouth St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Brick City Investors LLC
Seller: Constitution Property LLC
Date: 05/06/26

128 Dartmouth St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: William J. Sanderson
Seller: Brigitte A. Ostrander
Date: 04/28/26

13 Hampshire St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $205,00
Buyer: Jose Reyes
Seller: RCF 2 Acquisition TR
Date: 05/04/26

42 Lawler St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Stephanie L. Friedman
Seller: Burke Katherine W., (Estate)
Date: 05/01/26

60 Lower Westfield Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Heather Tran
Seller: Mason Scott
Date: 04/28/26

40 Madison Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Matthew Ernest Girard
Seller: Matthew Moriarty
Date: 05/04/26

1 Park Slope
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Ruthanne Lee Rutherford
Seller: Danielle Schmidt
Date: 05/08/26

352 Pleasant St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Kristen M. Culver
Seller: Joanne Custance-Smith
Date: 05/04/26

400 Rock Valley Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Joel Rodriguez
Seller: Raymond L. Ortiz
Date: 04/29/26

52-54 Suffolk St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: 58 Suffolk Holyoke LLC
Seller: Whiting Building LLC
Date: 05/01/26

337 Westfield Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $336,000
Buyer: Gregory Zorko
Seller: Alisyn C. Girard
Date: 05/01/26

LONGMEADOW

208 Birch Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Meenakshi Hastings
Seller: Odentz, Robin Seth, (Estate)
Date: 04/27/26

83 Bliss Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Noah Matthew Frigault
Seller: Matthew P. MacDonnell
Date: 04/30/26

64 Brookwood Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Tatiana Lovygina
Seller: Irene P. Scheer
Date: 05/08/26

184 Cambridge Circle
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Jillian Winniman
Seller: Kenneth R. Holt
Date: 05/06/26

55 Dover Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Miguelina Howell
Seller: James P. Polga TR
Date: 05/01/26

58 Englewood Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $815,000
Buyer: Alexander Miles Jenson
Seller: Patrick J. O’Shea
Date: 05/04/26

55 Fernleaf Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $655,000
Buyer: Robert G. Kerlin
Seller: Donna V. Wheeler
Date: 04/27/26

102 Greenacre Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $605,000
Buyer: Trevor Don Long
Seller: Nathan A. Duval
Date: 05/01/26

170 Hopkins Place
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Olivia Clement
Seller: Kathleen Milani
Date: 05/01/26

53 Meadowlark Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Anil Bhatnagar
Seller: Thomas F. Bernatavitz
Date: 05/05/26

95 South Park Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $625,000
Buyer: John E. Laughlin
Seller: Nathan Reynen
Date: 05/01/26

124 Tecumseh Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $545,000
Buyer: Michael Achatz
Seller: June H. Okun
Date: 05/01/26

LUDLOW

676 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $307,100
Buyer: Emma Kearney
Seller: Daniel Joseph Andreas
Date: 05/04/26

30 Circuit Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $322,638
Buyer: CAG National Fund IV LLC
Seller: Albert L. Picard
Date: 04/28/26

1172 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $695,000
Buyer: Bangie Marrero
Seller: Gois, Helena, (Estate)
Date: 05/07/26

75 Grandview Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $625,000
Buyer: Juan Mirabal
Seller: Moltenbrey Builders LLC
Date: 05/01/26

83 Grandview Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $680,000
Buyer: Justin Lee Williford
Seller: Moltenbrey Builders LLC
Date: 05/04/26

15 Hilltop Ter.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $158,500
Buyer: John Rossetti
Seller: Nicoll, Steven D., (Estate)
Date: 05/06/26

23 Karen Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: James A. Barret
Seller: Neftali Gonzalez
Date: 04/30/26

47 Kendall St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $765,000
Buyer: Kelly M. Omasta
Seller: WMass Land Acquisition LLC
Date: 05/06/26

125 Pondview Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $382,000
Buyer: Jorjia Tsilibocos
Seller: Darleen F. Randall
Date: 05/06/26

259 Prospect St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $282,500
Buyer: Cora Lynette Davis
Seller: Lori Cummings
Date: 05/05/26

319 Ventura St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $732,500
Buyer: Ian Premo
Seller: Hemlock Ridge LLC
Date: 05/08/26

208 West St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Shawna Sicotte
Seller: Don Aldo Savoia
Date: 04/27/26

394 West St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $451,000
Buyer: Pamela Jumba
Seller: Daniel J. Whalen
Date: 03/24/26

MONSON

102 Bogan Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $710,000
Buyer: John Rahkonen
Seller: Aaron P. Charette
Date: 04/29/26

9 East Hill Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Drake Smith
Seller: Randy L. Conant
Date: 04/30/26

11 Park Ave.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $260,890
Buyer: Adam Fournier
Seller: Daniel O’Connell
Date: 04/30/26

10 Robbins Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $588,000
Buyer: Empowernest Ventures LLC
Seller: M. & F. Vazquez Home Improvement
Date: 04/27/26

PALMER

11 Christine St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $176,000
Buyer: Senior Home Buyers LLC
Seller: Randall E. Paxton
Date: 05/08/26

264 Flynt St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Chenevert Properties LLC
Seller: Kenneth R. Bousquet
Date: 04/27/26

30 Geraldine St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $219,000
Buyer: Zakery Otto
Seller: 30 Geraldine Street RT
Date: 04/29/26

46 Kelley St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $337,500
Buyer: Shannon Robertson
Seller: Hanan E. Mohamed
Date: 05/01/26

25 Norma St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $276,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Robert Baribeau
Date: 05/01/26

31 Searle St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $162,000
Buyer: Cornerstone Homebuying LLC
Seller: Dubuque, Rosemarie Ann, (Estate)
Date: 05/08/26

SPRINGFIELD

25 Angelica Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $510,000
Buyer: Waynesha Martin
Seller: Bangie Marrero
Date: 05/06/26

93 Balfour Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Cash Solution LLC
Seller: Marth-E LLC
Date: 03/26/26

46 Balis St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Patrick H. Nunes
Seller: Mayson J. Montes
Date: 05/04/26

123 Bay St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Neveita Gayle
Seller: Ezequiel Feliz Charles
Date: 05/05/26

143-147 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $2,800,000
Buyer: SRS Belmont Holdings 3 LLC
Seller: RBT Enterprise LLC
Date: 05/06/26

197-199 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $3,820,000
Buyer: SRS Belmont Holding 2 LLC
Seller: RBT Enterprise LLC
Date: 05/06/26

205 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $3,820,000
Buyer: SRS Belmont Holding 2 LLC
Seller: RBT Enterprise LLC
Date: 05/06/26

270 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Antonio Eliezer Centeno
Seller: Qian Zhu Li
Date: 05/01/26

28 Bristol St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Yahina Caudillo
Seller: NRES LLC
Date: 04/30/26

67 California Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: New Journey Investors LLC
Seller: St. James NT
Date: 03/18/26

145 Cambridge St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Chayan P. Delarosa
Seller: Carmen M. Aviles
Date: 04/28/26

708-710 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Roque Michael Perez
Seller: Eddix O. Charleston
Date: 04/28/26

116 Carr St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Natividad Reyes
Seller: Sareen Properties LLC
Date: 04/30/26

211-213 Chapin Ter.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Varline Valentin
Seller: Darwin G. Rodriguez
Date: 05/07/26

74 Cherry St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Eridania Arias
Seller: Luis Veras
Date: 04/27/26

21-23 Continental St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Michael Kuilan
Seller: Pah DE3 LLC
Date: 05/08/26

43 Cornell St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: JJJ17 LLC
Seller: Woolridge, Jo S., (Estate)
Date: 05/04/26

57 Davenport St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $237,000
Buyer: Luis F. Rubio
Seller: Shelby A. Hughes
Date: 05/08/26

305 Dickinson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Roxanne Roman
Seller: Tavernier Investments LLC
Date: 05/04/26

95 Dickinson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Gesnel Dortilus
Seller: Cedar Investment Group LLC
Date: 05/08/26

246 Dwight Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Marissa Faith Yeager
Seller: William P. Tallarita
Date: 05/04/26

70-72 East Alvord St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Matthew Erridge
Seller: Edgar Omar Nieves
Date: 05/08/26

24 Eddywood St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Javed Shah
Seller: Daniel P. Thorpe
Date: 04/09/26

99 Edgemont St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $314,900
Buyer: Sheena L. Rinehart
Seller: James W. Fiore
Date: 04/30/26

29 Es Timber Lane
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: East Coast Contracting LLC
Seller: Fredette, Jean Ann, (Estate)
Date: 05/06/26

66 Fairfield St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Misael Torres
Seller: Geraldine M. Warton
Date: 05/08/26

34 Flora St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $357,500
Buyer: Richard Cuoco
Seller: Springhouse Property LLC
Date: 05/04/26

41 Florida St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Laeticia F. Israel
Seller: Sariann Figueroa
Date: 05/07/26

322 Gilbert Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $441,000
Buyer: Ashleigh Deleon
Seller: Brittany Washington
Date: 05/04/26

85 Grand St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Marc G. Nelson Dortilus
Seller: Svyatoslav I. Zenchenko
Date: 04/27/26

354 Greenaway Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $336,000
Buyer: Alexis J. Rivera
Seller: Joseph Santaniello
Date: 05/06/26

239 Gresham St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Anoush N. Parris
Seller: Magaly Lopez-Ramos
Date: 04/29/26

142 Hancock St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: JLJ Construction Inc.
Seller: Ellen Boynton LLC
Date: 04/30/26

52 Herman St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Liza S. Parker
Seller: Fallah Razzak
Date: 04/30/26

322 Holcomb Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $341,000
Buyer: Elizana Sierra
Seller: Lisa C. Ladue
Date: 04/30/26

217 Jasper St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Yunzhi Lu Cotton
Seller: Lugy Wan
Date: 04/27/26

49-51 Jefferson Ave.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $539,000
Buyer: Lugy Wan
Seller: Cedar Investment Group LLC
Date: 04/30/26

32 Kent Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: Christine Lemboet
Seller: Federal National Mortgage Assn.
Date: 05/04/26

15 Kingoke Lane
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $309,500
Buyer: Adrianna Gwen Britton
Seller: Matthew J. Papianou
Date: 05/08/26

72 Larkspur St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $308,500
Buyer: Richard F. Williams
Seller: Dnepro Properties LLC
Date: 05/08/26

29 Leete St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $519,000
Buyer: Eridania Arias
Seller: Michael M. Guerrero
Date: 05/01/26

69 Lumae St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $308,000
Buyer: Stephen Crum
Seller: Lumae Street RT
Date: 05/06/26

57 Lyndale St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Jorge Acevedo Betancourt
Seller: Patrice M. Gresham
Date: 04/28/26

69 Lumae St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $308,000
Buyer: Stephen Crum
Seller: Lumae Street RT
Date: 05/06/26

15 Malden St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Patricia Fenelon
Seller: CIG4 LLC
Date: 05/08/26

10 Marengo Park
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $3,820,000
Buyer: SRS Belmont Holding 2 LLC
Seller: RBT Enterprise LLC
Date: 05/06/26

163 Marion St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $202,000
Buyer: Leo Mar Grant
Seller: Rafael A. Reyes
Date: 04/29/26

24 Melha Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Dalia Ortiz Diaz
Seller: Quevia P. A. McCarthy
Date: 05/06/26

21 Merwin St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $540,000
Buyer: Joanna Depena
Seller: Waldemar Torres Diaz
Date: 05/07/26

114 Monrovia St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: John Matos
Seller: Epedicto A. Rodriguez
Date: 05/08/26

191 Monrovia St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Hector Manuel Gonzalez
Seller: Miguel Barranco
Date: 05/08/26

55 Monticello Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Tanya Ellis
Seller: Leandre Lynn Monahan
Date: 04/28/26

43 Moringside Pk
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $401,000
Buyer: Hasina Mungin-Bey
Seller: Carlos A. Otero
Date: 04/30/26

83 Newhall St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Emtay Inc.
Seller: Edward C. Green
Date: 05/01/26

12-14 Noel St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Edwin Daniel G. Ramirez
Seller: Gary C. Richards
Date: 04/28/26

16 North Hood St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Sareen Properties LLC
Seller: Lisa Ann Jaksina
Date: 05/05/26

191 Northampton Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Marisol Nunez
Seller: April B. Robinson
Date: 04/30/26

38 Northway Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Brenda Bartels
Seller: Alyson Marie Clark
Date: 05/08/26

520 Oak St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Hassle Free LLC
Seller: Mitchell, Gloria M., (Estate)
Date: 04/28/26

202 Oakland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $493,000
Buyer: Eridania Arias
Seller: Onstar Properties AA LLC
Date: 04/27/26

Oendleton Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: JLJ Construction Inc.
Seller: Ellen Boynton LLC
Date: 04/30/26

55 Old County Road
Springfield, MA 01082
Amount: $308,000
Buyer: Nicolette L. Slezak
Seller: Mary M. Chiecko
Date: 04/30/26

222-224 Orange St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Muhammad M. Taqi
Seller: Anwar Properties LLC
Date: 04/30/26

50-54 Orchard St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $520,000
Buyer: FM Properties LLC
Seller: Michael Dee
Date: 05/04/26

27 Ormond St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $332,000
Buyer: Eliezer Lugo Martinez
Seller: Posiadlosc LLC
Date: 05/01/26

76 Pasadena St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Ortins Capital Property Group LLC
Seller: Molly Realty LLC
Date: 05/08/26

59 Piedmont St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $302,000
Buyer: Sergio King
Seller: Fumi Realty Inc.
Date: 04/27/26

118 Pilgrim Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Kwame Otuo-Acheampong
Seller: CIG4 LLC
Date: 05/08/26

23 Rachel St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Jonathan L. Meimerstorf
Seller: David A. Barrera
Date: 05/08/26

2408 Roosevelt Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $280,500
Buyer: Anthony J. Asia
Seller: Elizabeth A. Fitzpatrick
Date: 05/07/26

56 Rosemary Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Etny Adon
Seller: Lorraine C. L. Badillo
Date: 05/04/26

21-23 Santa Barbara St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: De Jesus Properties LLC
Seller: David T. Cubi
Date: 05/08/26

88 Senator St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Amy Brousseau
Seller: Kathleen A. Booth
Date: 04/28/26

243 Shady Brook Lane
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Deuces Wild RT
Seller: Kourouvacilis, A., (Estate)
Date: 05/01/26

235 Starling Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Austin Michael Bushway
Seller: Rosa Hernandez
Date: 04/27/26

116 Stockman St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Joanne Wright-Labroad
Seller: Jose A. Munoz
Date: 04/30/26

17 Stuyvesant St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $263,000
Buyer: Joey Morales
Seller: Roy, Diane P., (Estate)
Date: 04/30/26

752-760 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $775,000
Buyer: Deuces Wild RT
Seller: North Adams Realty LLC
Date: 04/30/26

854-856 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $446,000
Buyer: Arnesia Deberry
Seller: Richard F. Williams
Date: 05/01/26

32 Tracy St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Alexander Pineda
Seller: Irma Rodriguez
Date: 04/30/26

447 Trafton Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Alberto Marconi
Seller: Benjamin Devoie
Date: 05/05/26

47 Trafton Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $161,000
Buyer: Mazal Real Estate LLC
Seller: Peter G. Maylor
Date: 05/08/26

294 Tremont St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $297,000
Buyer: Hilary Garcia Dejesus
Seller: KMAK LLC
Date: 05/07/26

52 Vadnais St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Ashley A. Vazquez
Seller: Angie Roman
Date: 05/04/26

118 Wait St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $171,500
Buyer: Master Investment Group LLC
Seller: New Residential Mortgage Loan TR 2019-Rpl3
Date: 04/28/26

121 Wait St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Edwin Kalaf Camacho
Seller: Pauline Calderon-Evans
Date: 05/08/26

112 West Canton Circle
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $331,000
Buyer: Luis Diaz Carrasco
Seller: Maureen A. Johnson
Date: 04/30/26

124-126 Westford Circle
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $344,900
Buyer: Eridania Arias
Seller: Plastoid LLC
Date: 05/01/26

39 Westminster St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $139,000
Buyer: Feliciano Bonilla
Seller: Kelly, Geraldine, (Estate)
Date: 04/27/26

750 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Anthony M. Gillette
Seller: Tao Tran
Date: 04/27/26

157 Wildwood Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Alyson Clark
Seller: Susan J. Cupero
Date: 05/08/26

126 Windemere St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Luis Ortiz
Seller: Senior Homebuyers LLC
Date: 04/28/26

78 Wollaston St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Manchester Enterprises LLC
Seller: Gamblin, Barbara J., (Estate)
Date: 05/01/26

78 Wollaston St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Manchester Enterprises LLC
Seller: Gamblin, Barbara Jean, (Estate)
Date: 05/01/26

148 Yale St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $307,000
Buyer: Katty Vargas
Seller: Emtay Inc.
Date: 04/29/26

SOUTHWICK

40 Berkshire Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $368,000
Buyer: Diane Gendron
Seller: January A. Magni
Date: 04/30/26

26 Grove St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Daniil Gerasimchuk
Seller: Horwatt Jr., Joseph J., (Estate)
Date: 05/07/26

Matthew Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $312,500
Buyer: Wes Properties LLC
Seller: Robert L. Knapp
Date: 05/08/26

31 Pineywood Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Zachary Smith
Seller: Koivisto, William A., (Estate)
Date: 04/28/26

112 Sunnyside Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $271,500
Buyer: Michael Martin
Seller: Kristen N. Livieratos
Date: 05/06/26

WEST SPRINGFIELD

81 Chestnut St.
West Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Aleksander Harrison
Seller: M&G Renovations LLC
Date: 04/30/26

20 East School St.
West Springfield, MA 01001
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Kader Balik
Seller: Haskell Holdings LLC
Date: 04/29/26

27 Hancock St.
West Springfield, MA 01085
Amount: $333,751
Buyer: RCF 2 Acquisition TR
Seller: David J. Larochelle
Date: 05/06/26

28 Larone Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Abdullah Lafta
Seller: Jeffrey Correa
Date: 04/30/26

132 Lincoln St.
West Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Amar Hasan
Seller: Joejoe Properties LLC
Date: 05/01/26

36 Maple Ter.
West Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Naples Home Buyers Inc.
Seller: Charles Ciarametaro
Date: 05/04/26

240 Morton St.
West Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Jidapa Govoni
Seller: Mantoura Wadih Yammine
Date: 04/29/26

66 Penrose Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $567,000
Buyer: Ashlee Rios
Seller: Partridge FT
Date: 05/04/26

294 Piper Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Naples Home Buyers Inc.
Seller: Jillian Madison-Wilson
Date: 05/08/26

146 Union St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Eridania Arias
Seller: Rettura FT
Date: 04/27/26

34 Worthy Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Natasha Lobdell
Seller: Melissa Bertina Kendrick
Date: 05/05/26

WESTFIELD

4 Belmont St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Jessi Peloquin
Seller: Mcdaniel, Marilyn A., (Estate)
Date: 05/08/26

76 Cardinal Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $575,900
Buyer: Allison Line
Seller: Anthony M. Afflitto
Date: 04/27/26

5 Day Lily Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $630,000
Buyer: Olga Botnari
Seller: Denise Remillard
Date: 04/27/26

1768 East Mountain Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Chis-Home LLC
Seller: Magerick LLC
Date: 05/06/26

181 Eastwood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $327,000
Buyer: Paul Koh
Seller: Kathleen E. Wilkerson
Date: 05/06/26

Glenwood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Aleksandr Pozdnyakov
Seller: Maryellen Sullivan
Date: 04/28/26

34 Hawks Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $585,000
Buyer: Jennifer Ciepiela
Seller: Epro LLC
Date: 05/01/26

26 Hayre St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $369,000
Buyer: Richard W. Hynes
Seller: Peter J. Miller
Date: 05/06/26

734 Holyoke Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Noah St. Pierre
Seller: Edward J. Pivirotto
Date: 05/06/26

12 Laro Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Matthew D. Lees
Seller: Jennifer L. Ciepiela
Date: 05/01/26

212 Montgomery Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $605,000
Buyer: Dat Q. Nguyen
Seller: Giberson Construction Inc.
Date: 04/28/26

105 Montgomery St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Mykola Bondaruk
Seller: Boguszewski, Joyce D., (Estate)
Date: 04/30/26

40 Pequot Point Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $289,475
Buyer: Christopher M. Fernandez
Seller: Nancy E. Demers
Date: 05/04/26

261 Ponders Hollow Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $450,000
Seller: Gerald L. Verardo
Date: 04/30/26

357 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $374,000
Buyer: Daniel Andreas
Seller: Andrew T. Dorsey
Date: 04/30/26

14 Sylvan Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $495,000
Buyer: David Coburn
Seller: Edward Hagelstein
Date: 05/05/26

120 Woodcliff Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: Glenn Pittsinger
Seller: Mark A. Dupuis
Date: 05/04/26

 WILBRAHAM

1971 Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Mavis Tire Supply LLC
Seller: Monro Inc.
Date: 04/27/26

5 Edgewood Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Andrew Frappier
Seller: Nicholas M. Lafayette
Date: 04/27/26

356 Springfield St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Dreamwake Homes Inc.
Seller: Cross, Edith S., (Estate)
Date: 04/27/26

592 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Kristopher Barnes
Seller: Karolina M. Kopczynski
Date: 05/06/26

1072 Tinkham Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $328,000
Buyer: Stephanie Wenzel
Seller: Ryan T. Carter
Date: 04/27/26

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

 AMHERST

75 Amity Place
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Brenda Barlow
Seller: Jeffrey David Aliber
Date: 04/29/26

56 Hop Brook Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $1,160,000
Buyer: Timothy John McKeon
Date: 04/30/26

12 Kettle Pond Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $870,000
Buyer: Kimberly A. Misra
Seller: Catherine Atteridge
Date: 05/08/26

BELCHERTOWN

Cold Spring Road, Lot 12
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Proform Construction Inc.
Seller: Valthea McGee Fry RET
Date: 05/06/26

Cold Spring Road, Lot 13
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Proform Construction Inc.
Seller: Valthea McGee Fry RET
Date: 05/06/26

9 Dana Hill
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Kristy McEvoy
Seller: 9 Dana Hill RT
Date: 05/01/26

105 Franklin St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $640,000
Buyer: Quang Trung Tran
Seller: Proform Construction Inc.
Date: 04/30/26

206 Franklin St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Dennis Thomas
Seller: Bradford C. Erdmann
Date: 04/30/26

281 Mill Valley Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $357,000
Buyer: Timothy J. Zych
Seller: Jennifer L. Albury
Date: 05/08/26

268 North Liberty St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Richard Buckley
Seller: Lisa Garceau
Date: 05/05/26

13 Pine Brook Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: John G. Peetz
Seller: Lisa S. Jezisek
Date: 04/29/26

105 Railroad St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Allyson Clark
Seller: Joel J. Harder
Date: 05/06/26

CUMMINGTON

Luther-Shaw Road
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Russell L. Sears
Seller: Roderick D. Rose
Date: 04/28/26

EASTHAMPTON

1 Plain St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $523,500
Buyer: Charlotte Yee
Seller: Ferzet Hodzic
Date: 04/29/26

2 West Park Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $522,500
Buyer: Joy Hermansen
Seller: Shelly J. Nichols
Date: 04/30/26

GRANBY

80-R East St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: John A. Myslinski
Seller: Frank Decaro
Date: 04/30/26

19 New Ludlow Road
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $342,000
Buyer: Santha S. Rathnam
Seller: Vania M. Guzman
Date: 04/30/26

13 Pinebrook Circle
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Elizabeth Price
Seller: Anita J. Price
Date: 05/08/26

HADLEY

Colony Dr., Lot 7
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Bercume Construction LLC
Seller: Mark Krause
Date: 05/04/26

133 Middle St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: John B. Kelly
Seller: Linda Moquin
Date: 04/30/26

121 Rocky Hill Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $566,500
Buyer: Patrick MacDonald
Seller: Roland C. Mandler
Date: 04/30/26

HATFIELD

149 Prospect St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Amy V. Meo
Seller: Gary M. Kuchyt
Date: 04/28/26

MIDDLEFIELD

70 Town Hill Road
Middlefield, MA 01235
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Joann Ruszel-Margeson
Seller: Extremely Clean 2 LLC
Date: 05/01/26

NORTHAMPTON

36 Butler Place
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $935,000
Buyer: Chandra Hartman
Seller: Anne West-Church
Date: 04/30/26

57 Columbus Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Alexandra Sarigianides TR
Seller: Rebecca R. Carey
Date: 05/01/26

33 Eastern Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $899,000
Buyer: Grace Ganssle
Seller: Domenico Mastrangelo
Date: 04/27/26

13 Finn St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $599,000
Buyer: Michael Sugerman
Seller: Tyler E. Boudreau
Date: 05/01/26

28 Harrison Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $1,645,000
Buyer: Kristin Campbell
Seller: Peter Seterdahl
Date: 05/04/26

37 Landy Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $875,000
Buyer: Matthew P. Boyce
Seller: Nu-Way Homes Inc.
Date: 05/01/26

154 North St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Craig George McNeil
Seller: L. R. & Karen K. Tatro JRET
Date: 04/30/26

63 Riverside Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Nu-Way Homes Inc.
Seller: American Legion Post 28 Inc.
Date: 05/07/26

4 School St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $675,000
Buyer: Zachary Serritella
Seller: Tara M. Orzolek
Date: 05/04/26

32 Stilson Ave.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $679,000
Buyer: Tamara Wight
Seller: Jeannie McLane Jones FT
Date: 05/01/26

Terrace Lane, Lot 2
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Lisa L. Sandri
Seller: Daniel Gomez Gonzalez
Date: 05/04/26

139 Water St.
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Mireille Bejjani
Seller: Barbara A. Ahearn
Date: 05/04/26

139 Water St.
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Mireille Bejjani
Seller: Barbara A. Ahearn
Date: 05/05/26

SOUTH HADLEY

67 Boynton Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $510,000
Buyer: Jonathan King
Seller: Raymond H. Fagimski
Date: 05/06/26

120 Camden St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $338,500
Buyer: Kathleen E. A. Broadhurst
Seller: Thomas J. Malek
Date: 04/29/26

127 Camden St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Paul Pao-Hua Lee
Seller: Charles Elfman
Date: 04/30/26

10 Elm St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: 413 Group LLC
Seller: Mary K. Rainaud
Date: 05/07/26

56 Old County Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $603,000
Buyer: Samhita Bhattarai
Seller: Christopher Kleeberg
Date: 04/30/26

75 Pine St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $495,000
Buyer: Eric D. Goldstein
Seller: Peter Giroux
Date: 05/04/26

SOUTHAMPTON

11 Cook Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $594,000
Buyer: Gretchen B. Siegchrist
Seller: Dolores Ann Wolfe RET
Date: 05/01/26

76 High St.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $740,000
Buyer: Elise L. Starr
Seller: Vincent J. Neffinger
Date: 05/01/26

21 Old County Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $675,000
Buyer: Kathleen Doyle Carter
Seller: Jolanta H. Champagne
Date: 04/30/26

Pleasant St.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Matthew Y. Gavrilov
Seller: Alan B. St Martin
Date: 04/30/26

WARE

14 Bellevue Ave.
Ware, MA 01082Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Jessica Gene Laflamme
Seller: John Kingston
Date: 05/07/26

29 Cottage St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: William Luukko
Seller: Ernest J. Warburton
Date: 05/08/26

99 North St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $295,900
Buyer: John Kingston
Seller: Jeffrey A. Begin
Date: 05/07/26

276 Old Gilbertville Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $302,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Yu Ming Li
Date: 05/08/26

201 West St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Solstice Whelan
Seller: Cherles E. Lemaitre
Date: 05/08/26

WESTHAMPTON

87 Southampton Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $991,000
Buyer: Stephen J. Gallant
Seller: Wayne D. Tangel
Date: 04/28/26

People on the Move

By
People on the Move

UMassFive College Federal Credit Union announced that its board of directors unanimously appointed Lauren Duffy, currently executive vice president and chief operating officer, as the next president and CEO, effective June 1. She succeeds current President and CEO Richard Kump, who is preparing to retire following a distinguished career spanning more than 40 years in the credit union industry. Kump will continue to support UMassFive as a senior advisor to Duffy through the end of 2026. Duffy is a 27-year veteran of the credit union industry, including the last 21 years at UMassFive. In her role as executive vice president and chief operating officer, she has played an integral role in shaping the credit union’s strategic direction and enhancing both member and employee experience. She has led numerous major initiatives, including core data processing, credit card, and digital banking upgrades, and also guided the evolution of UMassFive’s mission, values, and long-term vision. Duffy is actively engaged in leadership across the credit union industry and in the communities UMassFive serves. She serves on the board of directors of UMassFive-owned Member Advantage Mortgage, which she has chaired since 2021, and is a trustee of the Cooperative Fund of the Northeast, where she chairs the loan committee. She is also deeply involved in legislative advocacy to promote and protect access to credit unions for all, representing Massachusetts on the Cooperative Credit Union Assoc. advocacy committee and serving as a PAC trustee for America’s Credit Unions. In addition, she contributes at the national level as a member of America’s Credit Unions’ advocacy policy committee. Her community involvement includes engagement with organizations such as Northampton Public Schools, the Mount Holyoke College Alumnae Assoc., and Boston Children’s Hospital. She is a graduate of the UMass Isenberg School of Management MBA program, earning her degree in 2023.

•••••

Shakespeare & Company’s board of directors announced the appointment of Molly Merrihew as the organization’s new executive director, who takes the helm just as the company approaches its 50th anniversary. Merrihew has spent the last decade as an advocate and leader of the Berkshires arts community. Merrihew, most recently managing director of WAM Theatre, has been appointed executive director following a national search. She will partner with Artistic Director Allyn Burrows to guide the organization’s programs and operational work. For Merrihew, the role marks both a return and a continuation. Earlier in her career, she spent eight years at Shakespeare & Company in marketing and public relations before joining WAM Theatre, where she went on to serve as managing director and previously as artistic associate. During her six years in leadership at WAM, Merrihew helped oversee a period of growth that included expanded programming, strengthened governance, and deeper community engagement, while advancing the company’s mission of gender equity through theater. She holds a master’s degree in arts administration from Boston University and an undergraduate degree from SUNY Potsdam, along with a graduate certificate in human resources from Cornell University, and brings more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit theater and the broader arts sector.

•••••

   Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems announced the promotion of Carl Cameron to executive vice president and chief operating officer. Cameron joined Holyoke Medical Center in 2001. His roles have included chief operating officer, vice president of Operations, chief information officer, and director of Information Systems. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in information systems from Western New England University. He also has a certificate in lean healthcare from the University of Michigan and is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

•••••

The board of directors of the YWCA of Western Massachusetts recently elected three new members: Dawn Fleury, Kiana Lowe, and Mollie Sullivan. Fleury, who joins the board as treasurer and will serve on the executive committee, brings more than 35 years of experience in finance. Currently serving as first senior vice president of Corporate Risk at Country Bank, she oversees the bank’s comprehensive risk management programs. Prior to her 14-year tenure at Country Bank, she had a 21-year career with the FDIC as a commissioned senior bank examiner in the Division of Supervision. Lowe brings nearly 10 years of experience in communications and development to the YWCA board. Currently serving as the Marketing & PR manager of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, she creates and manages the communications and content for the Hall of Fame’s overall marketing and public relations, social media, and website. She previously worked as the Communications coordinator as well as senior fan engagement coordinator for ESPN. Sullivan brings 25 years of experience in the human services field, working with a vulnerable population like the residential guests and community-based clients served by the YWCA. She is currently the social services counselor II for Health Care for the Homeless at Mercy Medical Center. In that role, she provides individualized and group behavioral and mental health outreach and direct programmatic services to adolescents and adults. Additionally, she provides counseling, crisis intervention, and support to patients and ensures referrals to care and services.

•••••

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Vice President of Student Affairs Jeannette Smith has been selected to serve on the Massachusetts state team for a new, national initiative focused on holistic student advising and case management. The State Higher Education Executive Officers Assoc. (SHEEO) announced this spring the launch of Holistic Advising for Student Success, a two-year program engaging seven states, including Massachusetts, to strengthen advising systems that support student retention, completion, and success. The initiative, supported by the ECMC Foundation and conducted in partnership with MDRC, will provide state teams with technical assistance, coaching, and peer learning opportunities to develop policy agendas that scale holistic advising statewide. Only seven states nationwide were selected to participate: Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, South Carolina, and Washington.

•••••

The Springfield Thunderbirds announced three additions and promotions to its front office staff. Shae Koharski has been hired as the club’s new Marketing manager, Brianna Carroll has been promoted to account executive, and John McMahon has joined the team as an inside sales specialist. Koharski, a Baylor University alumna, joins the franchise after previously serving as the T-Birds’ manager of Digital and Social Media from 2021 to 2025. Koharski’s work has been recognized at the AHL level with awards for the league’s Marketing Department of the Year and the league’s Most Unique Social Media Content. Carroll joined the T-Birds as an inside sales specialist after graduating in May 2025 from Western New England University, where she played on WNE’s women’s soccer team. McMahon joins the Thunderbirds after graduating from Western New England University, where he played for the school’s football team while majoring in sports management. He also interned with the Thunderbirds throughout the 2025-26 season.

•••••

bankESB announced the promotion of Meagan Barrett to senior vice president, Human Resources, based at the company’s headquarters at 36 Main St. in Easthampton. Barrett brings nearly two decades of dedicated service to bankESB, having joined the bank in 2008 as a human resources assistant. In her new role, she oversees all human resources functions for the organization, including employee engagement, employee relations, talent acquisition, and HR operations such as payroll, benefits, and compensation management. She currently leads a team of 10 HR professionals and plays a critical role in shaping and sustaining the company’s culture. Prior to joining bankESB, Barrett gained more than a decade of experience in human resources and operations, including serving as HR & Operations manager at CompUSA. She holds an associate degree in liberal arts from Holyoke Community College and pursued studies in psychology at Rhode Island College. She also earned her professional in human resources (PHR) certification in 2012 and maintains ongoing professional development. In addition, she holds certifications in employee engagement and Predictive Index. bankESB also announced the promotion of Lauren Tabin to vice president, branch officer, at its 297 King St., Northampton office. In her expanded role, Tabin will continue to lead branch operations while playing a key role in advancing retail strategy, supporting team development, and enhancing the customer experience. She joined bankESB in 2024 as assistant vice president, branch officer, bringing nearly 30 years of retail banking experience. Prior to joining the bank, she served as assistant vice president, Consumer and Business Banking manager at PeoplesBank. During her tenure at bankESB, she has successfully managed both the 170 Sargeant St., Holyoke office and the King Street, Northampton office. Highly engaged in the community, Tabin serves on the board of directors for the Northampton Rotary Club and Realistic Lemonade Inc. She is treasurer of Trees of Love, Friends of Cooley Dickinson Hospital, and an active volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County, Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts, the Sphere Northampton, and the Golf FORE Health Tournament. She is also a BusinessWest 40 Under Forty honoree (class of 2011). 

•••••

Greylock Federal Credit Union announced the promotion of Tara McCluskey to senior vice president, lending officer. She will be accountable for enterprise‑wide lending strategy and growth plans, portfolio performance, regulatory compliance, and leadership development across mortgage lending, consumer lending, asset quality, and community development. She will balance growth, risk management, operational excellence, and mission delivery while fostering collaboration, accountability, and innovation. McCluskey has deep experience in housing and community development, with a focus on expanding access to affordable homeownership. She has led the creation of multiple community development loan programs that remove barriers for low- and moderate-income households and for Black and African-American borrowers, and she spearheaded Greylock’s accessory dwelling unit lending program to help increase local housing supply and support stable neighborhoods. She serves on the board of directors for Elder Services of Berkshire County.

•••••

Dan Moriarty, Monson Savings Bank president and CEO, was elected to the 20-member board of directors of the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. (MBA) at its annual meeting in May. Founded in 1905, the MBA is the only association representing FDIC-insured community, regional, and nationwide banks serving consumer and business clients across the Commonwealth. “I am honored to be elected to the board of directors of the Massachusetts Bankers Association, an organization that has played a vital role in supporting and advancing the banking industry for more than 120 years,” Moriarty said. “At Monson Savings Bank, our mission is rooted in strengthening the financial well-being of our customers and communities. Serving on the MBA board provides an opportunity to share that perspective, contribute to meaningful industry dialogue, and help ensure that community-focused banking continues to thrive across the Commonwealth. I look forward to collaborating with fellow board members to advocate for policies and innovations that support sustainable growth and expand access to financial services for all.”

•••••

Greylock Federal Credit Union announced the promotion of Jodi Rathbun-Briggs to chief growth officer. In her new role, she will serve as executive leader for enterprise growth strategy, helping to drive growth, revenue expansion, and market penetration across lending, deposit, retail, branch, and digital channels. She will oversee business banking, consumer and residential mortgage lending, retail services, digital experience, branch network performance, loan servicing, facilities, and community development portfolios. Rathbun-Briggs began her career with Greylock in 2010. She currently serves as treasurer for Common Capital, a community development financial institution that provides access to loans, and on the 1Berkshire Foundation board of directors.

•••••

On June 4, the Western Massachusetts Council of Scouting America hosted its annual Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. The honorees of this event, who each received a Distinguished Citizen Award as a recognition of their influence and philanthropic efforts within the local community, include Jeb Balise, president of Balise Auto Group; Most Rev. William Byrne, bishop of the Diocese of Springfield; and Deval Patrick, 71st governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (2007-2015). All proceeds from this event directly supported a number of scouting programs across Western Mass., providing youth with hands-on opportunities to build character, leadership skills, and a lifelong dedication to service.

•••••

Carr Hardware is celebrating Lenox Store Manager Patti Parker for being recognized in Hardware & Building Supply Dealer’s Top Women Profile Series, honoring women making a meaningful impact across the hardware industry through leadership, mentorship, and service. Parker’s journey with Carr Hardware began in 2013 as an associate in the Rental Department at the company’s flagship Pittsfield location. Over the years, she expanded her experience across multiple departments, including Rental, Commercial Sales, Paint, and Event Coordination, steadily growing into leadership roles. In 2021, Parker transferred to Carr Hardware’s new Lenox location, where she advanced from key holder to assistant manager, before ultimately becoming store manager. This recognition follows a recent feature in Berkshire Magazine highlighting Parker and Assistant Store Manager Carolyn Hebert, affectionately known as the “Ladies of Lenox,” for their leadership and customer-focused approach. Together, Parker and Hebert bring decades of hardware experience and have cultivated a collaborative leadership style that empowers both their team and the customers they serve, particularly women seeking knowledgeable, welcoming assistance in the hardware industry.

•••••

The Applied Mortgage Team of HMA Mortgage announced that Lindsay Barron LaBonte, branch manager and senior loan officer of the Applied Mortgage team, was honored recently with two awards. She was recognized as one of the Loan Officers of the Year by the Massachusetts Mortgage Bankers Assoc. and Best of the Valley’s Best of 2026 Podcaster. These honors recognize LaBonte’s achievements in the mortgage industry as well as her community impact, highlighting her professionalism and strong work ethic. The Loan Officer of the Year awards recognize outstanding loan officers in the mortgage industry who exemplify excellence in production, professionalism, and partnership. Nominees were evaluated based on their performance in today’s purchase-driven market, year-over-year growth, and a range of key performance criteria. LaBonte’s “Real People, Real Estate” podcast delves into the genuine, real-world experiences of buying, selling, and navigating the real estate journey. She shares authentic stories, expert insights, and creates a welcoming space for listeners to feel supported and understood. The podcast is produced in partnership with Easthampton Media.

•••••

Dakin Humane Society named Samantha Novak associate director of Marketing. Novak will provide overall marketing, communications, and public relations strategy for the organization, with a specific emphasis on fostering and stewarding corporate and local partnerships. She will implement vision, priorities, and standards for all marketing activity, ensuring alignment across content, digital, design, public relations, and development efforts. In addition, she will be responsible for translating organizational goals into integrated, measurable marketing strategies that elevate brand awareness, community engagement, partnerships, and revenue. Prior to joining Dakin, Novak was a senior marketing automation manager for Blackbaud, where she developed targeted nurture engagement programs for fundraising, grantmaking, and data intelligence product audiences; shaped marketing strategy; and executed campaigns. She also served as a marketing specialist for Performance Food Group of Springfield, where she led negotiations with broker/vendor representatives and managed the end-to-end fulfillment process and implemented campaigns. Novak has a certificate of nonprofit board education for corporate employees and is a root cause analysis practitioner. She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Bay Path College.

•••••

The Mount, Edith Wharton Cultural Center announced the appointment of two new members to its board of trustees: bestselling novelist and short story writer Lauren Groff and landscape architect Mark Strieter, principal at Nelson Byrd Woltz. These appointments reflect the Mount’s continued commitment to bringing together outstanding voices in literature, design, and the arts to advance its mission as a vibrant center for intellectual and artistic exchange. Groff is the New York Times bestselling author of the novels The Monsters of Templeton, Arcadia, Fates and Furies, Matrix, and The Vaster Wilds, and the celebrated short story collections Delicate Edible Birds, Florida, and, most recently Brawler. Strieter has focused throughout his career on revitalizing and interpreting complex cultural sites and ecological systems, working at the intersection of landscape, history, and public life. His portfolio spans urban and rural contexts alike.

•••••

The Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) announced the appointment of Dana Sullivan as its new chief financial and operating officer (CFOO). She comes to MHP from the Massachusetts Executive Office for Administration and Finance, where she was chief of Strategy and Operations and acting chief financial officer. She managed the day-to-day financial operations of $6 billion in operating and capital expenses across 12 departments, including human resources, insurance, and local aid. Earlier, Sullivan served as acting undersecretary of Human Services with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, supervising six agencies, including the Department of Developmental Services, the Department of Children and Families, and the Department of Transitional Assistance. In addition to her extensive financial management and operations experience, Sullivan brings to her new position a strong focus on relationships, partnerships, and collaboration.

Monson Savings Bank Appoints Wendy Wakefield VP, Director of Residential Lending

By
Daily News

Wendy Wakefield

MONSON — Monson Savings Bank announced the appointment of Wendy Wakefield as vice president, director of Residential Lending.

“Wendy’s depth of experience in residential lending, combined with her leadership and commitment to customer success, make her an excellent addition to our team,” said Dan Moriarty, president and CEO of Monson Savings Bank. “We are confident that her expertise will further strengthen our mortgage operations and enhance the services we provide to our customers.”

In her new role, Wakefield will oversee the bank’s mortgage department, leading residential lending operations and supporting the bank’s continued commitment to helping individuals and families achieve their homeownership goals.

She brings more than 20 years of experience in banking and financial services, including 13 years specializing in residential lending. She most recently worked at North Brookfield Savings Bank, where she was responsible for lending compliance, project management, and loan servicing. Her extensive background and leadership experience will play a key role in enhancing the bank’s residential lending services.

Wakefield holds a bachelor’s degree in business from New England College of Business and a project management certification from Cornell University. Her educational background supports her strong operational leadership, strategic planning capabilities, and commitment to delivering efficient, customer-focused lending solutions.

Wakefield plays an active leadership role internally at Monson Savings Bank, contributing to the bank’s audit, compliance, and CRA/fair lending committees. In these capacities, she supports key strategic and regulatory initiatives, helping to uphold the bank’s strong commitment to compliance, risk management, and responsible lending practices. Her involvement highlights her dedication to maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence and reinforcing the bank’s mission-driven approach to serving its communities.

Outside of her role at the bank, Wakefield is engaged in her local community as a participant in the Rutland Youth Soccer League. Her community involvement further reflects her dedication to supporting families and strengthening the communities she serves.

Wakefield shared that she was drawn to Monson Savings Bank because of its strong reputation and commitment to the communities it serves. She looks forward to collaborating with her colleagues and contributing to the bank’s continued growth and success.

“I’m excited to join the team at Monson Savings Bank,” she said. “Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about helping individuals and families achieve homeownership, and I look forward to working alongside a group that shares those same values. Together, we will continue delivering trusted guidance and expand the ways we empower individuals and families to reach their homeownership goals.”

Tighe & Bond Welcomes Christopher Bone, Stephen Quigley to Board of Directors

By
Daily News

Christopher Bone

WESTFIELD — Tighe & Bond, a leading engineering, environmental, planning, and design consulting firm focused on serving the Northeast, announced the appointment of Christopher Bone and Stephen Quigley to the firm’s board of directors.

Stephen Quigley

Bone joins the board as an at-large director and currently serves as a vice president and Corporate Design manager. He has delivered some of the firm’s largest multi-disciplinary projects, including water and wastewater infrastructure projects, and served a key role in the statewide biosolids study for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, examining the long-term future of wastewater sludge management. He has also led company-wide initiatives, including communities of practice furthering technical expertise, and previously served as co-chair of the diversity, equity, & inclusion committee.

Quigley was elected to serve as an external board member. A former AEC executive, he currently runs his own management consulting firm, where he advises industry firms on strategic planning, growth strategies, and ownership transition. He has a background in environmental engineering, with experience leading the North American operations within employee-owned AEC firms.

Tighe & Bond extends its thanks to departing board members Lisa Robert (external director) and Environmental Business Line Leader Dan Rukakoski (at-large director) for their years of service and guidance. Both served the maximum two terms.

“We welcome Chris and Steve to our board of directors and are looking forward to their perspectives and expertise,” President and CEO Bob Belitz said. “Chris has played a pivotal role in advancing Tighe & Bond’s technological capabilities, project delivery, and quality standards. Steve’s experience leading multi-disciplinary firms, combined with his broad industry expertise, will be a tremendous asset to support our continued growth.”

United Way of Pioneer Valley Seeks Community Input on Programs, Priorities

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — United Way of Pioneer Valley (UWPV) announced the launch of a community survey designed to gather public input on the organization’s programs, services, and future direction. The survey takes approximately five minutes to complete and is open to all community members.

“Pioneer Valley is at its best when we all look out for one another — and we want to do our part,” said Megan Moynihan, president and CEO for United Way of Pioneer Valley. “But we need to hear from you. We believe community starts here, and we want to get it right.”

The survey invites residents to share their perspectives on what United Way is currently doing well and what it could be doing more of to serve the community. Responses will help guide the organization’s strategic priorities and program investments going forward.

Community members can complete the survey by clicking here. The survey can also be found at www.uwpv.org or through UWPV’s email communications. The survey is brief and accessible to anyone who has been touched by or interested in the work of United Way of Pioneer Valley.

Window World of Western Massachusetts Recognized for Customer Service

By
Daily News

BELCHERTOWN — Window World of Western Massachusetts received the 2026 Guildmaster Award from GuildQuality for demonstrating exceptional customer service within the residential construction industry.

Out of nearly 2,000 eligible applicants, Window World of Western Massachusetts is recognized for consistently delivering superior customer care by achieving a recommendation rate of 90% or above from its customers surveyed by GuildQuality.

“Receiving the 2026 Guildmaster Award is a tremendous honor and a reflection of our team’s unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional service and craftsmanship to every homeowner we serve,” said Tim Drost, owner of Window World of Western Massachusetts. “Customer satisfaction has always been at the heart of our business, and we are proud to be recognized by GuildQuality for consistently exceeding expectations throughout the home improvement experience.”

In determining which businesses receive the 2026 Guildmaster Award, GuildQuality reviewed thousands of survey responses submitted by customers of Guildmaster candidates and considered two primary metrics for each candidate: the percentage of customers stating they would recommend the business to a friend, and the percentage of customers who responded.

Berkshire Money Management Named to Best Financial Advisory Firms List

By
Daily News

DALTON — Berkshire Money Management, a financial advising firm with offices in Dalton, Great Barrington, and Williamstown, has been recognized on USA Today’s list of the Best Financial Advisory Firms 2026. Berkshire Money Management appears to be the only Massachusetts-based firm west of Worcester to be included on this year’s list. This award is presented by USA Today and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The awards list can be viewed at usatoday.com.

The Best Financial Advisory Firms 2026 list awards the top registered investment advisory (RIA) firms in the U.S. based on two dimensions: recommendations from financial advisors, clients, and industry experts, and both short-term (12-month) and long-term (5-year) AUM development analyzed using publicly available data.

“We’re honored to be named to USA Today’s 2026 list of Best Financial Advisory Firms,” said Natalie Wheeler, president and chief operating officer. “This recognition is a credit to the entire Berkshire Money Management team and the thoughtful work they do every day as we strive to provide the best financial guidance and support to our clients.”

To be eligible for the award, firms must be registered as an investment advisory firm (RIA firm) with the SEC and/or at state level for at least one year, maintain a principal office in the U.S., have a clean disciplinary record, provide financial planning or portfolio management services to individuals and/or small businesses, and manage more than $500,000 in AUM.

According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s 2025 Industry Snapshot, there were 32,090 SEC-registered investment advisor firms in 2024. According to the North American Securities Administrators Assoc. 2025 Investment Adviser Section Annual Report, there were 16,575 state-registered investment advisers by home state as of Dec. 31, 2024.

“Our goal was never to be the best local option for Berkshire County — we want to be the best option, period,” said Allen Harris, founder and CEO of Berkshire Money Management. “After 25 years, we’re still continually learning, growing, and evolving to provide modern, highly skilled financial advice and planning services for our clients in the Berkshires and beyond.”

GCC Minimizes Workforce Impact Through Cost-saving Efforts to Balance Budget

By
Daily News

GREENFIELD — After several months of budget review and cost-saving efforts, Greenfield Community College (GCC) has achieved a balanced FY 2027 budget while significantly reducing the number of layoffs than were initially projected.

Earlier projections indicated that more position eliminations might be necessary. However, through extensive collaboration, advocacy, strategic restructuring, operational savings, careful position management, cost-containment efforts, and increased projected state revenues, the college was able to limit the number of positions affected. These efforts reflect GCC’s commitment to balancing fiscal responsibility with its responsibility to students, employees, and the long-term success of the institution amid the ongoing financial pressures facing rural community colleges.

The changes include the elimination of three non-unit management positions prior to the fall 2026 semester. The college has also determined that a small number of vacant positions will remain unfilled. As a part of balancing the projected FY 2027 budget, no currently filled union-represented staff positions are being eliminated.

“This is an extraordinarily difficult decision because of the impact it has on valued colleagues,” President Michelle Schutt said. “Throughout this process, we have worked carefully to reduce the number of layoffs as much as possible while ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of the college.”

Like many rural colleges, GCC continues to face financial pressures related to demographic changes, enrollment trends, and rising operational costs. College leaders said the projected FY 2027 budget reflects ongoing efforts to adapt to those realities while maintaining access to affordable, high-quality education for students in the region.

“Our focus remains firmly on students and on the college’s future,” Schutt said. “These decisions were made thoughtfully and only after significant efforts to identify other savings wherever possible.”

Affected employees will receive transition support, and the college said it will continue working with employee groups as implementation moves forward.