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Month: January 2026

Jewish Federation of the Berkshires to Host Author Talk on Jan. 29

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Daily News

PITTSFIELD — On Thursday, Jan. 29 at 7 p.m., the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires will welcome award-winning British-Iranian journalist Jonathan Harounoff, who now serves as Israel’s international spokesperson to the United Nations. He will discuss his book, Unveiled: Inside Iran’s #WomanLifeFreedom Revolt, with Robyn Rosen, professor of History and Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies at Marist University.

This program, part of “Jewish Literary Voices: A Federation Series in Collaboration with the Jewish Book Council,” will be presented via Zoom. Click here to register.

In September 2022, 22-year-old Kurdish-Iranian woman Mahsa Jina Amini was killed by Iran’s morality police in Tehran for allegedly wearing her hijab too loosely. Outrage triggered nationwide protests. Women ripped off their headscarves, setting them afire. Others cut their hair in open defiance. Key industries were brought to a standstill, and once-revered banners of the country’s supreme leader were incinerated.

It was the greatest challenge to the Islamic Republic of Iran in its 46-year history and came not from a foreign adversary, but from Iran’s own freedom-seeking women. Women and girls, perhaps for the first time in the history of the modern Middle East, took center stage in a nationwide uprising, clamoring for a freer Iran and chanting the now-viral battle cry of “woman, life, freedom.”

Harounoff will demystify the context leading up to these historic protests inside Iran and abroad and examine the potential future ramifications. With much of the global spotlight focused on the Islamic Republic’s dangerous foreign policy agenda, Unveiled: Inside Iran’s #WomanLifeFreedom Revolt pays tribute to the people of Iran who have paid the ultimate price for freedom.

Zonta Club’s Period Project Seeks Hygiene Products

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Daily News

BELCHERTOWN — The Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley, a nonprofit organization, has begun its annual Period Project collection. This fundraising and supply-drive program purchases and collects women’s hygiene supplies for packaging and distribution to shelters, food pantries, schools, and organizations serving women and teens in need.

Feminine hygiene products are considered non-essential by the federal government, so they are not covered by SNAP and WIC programs. The project seeks donations of sealed boxes of individually wrapped pads and tampons, cleansing wipes, hand sanitizers or soap, and panty liners. Also in need are toiletries like hair products and lotions.

Find addresses and maps for drop-off locations throughout Hampden and Hampshire counties, and a link to an Amazon wish list, at www.zontaqv.org/period. Cash to purchase items in short supply are also accepted. Checks can be made to Zonta and sent to P.O. Box 1034, Belchertown, MA 01007.

Period Project kits will be assembled on Saturday, Feb. 21 beginning at 10 a.m. at Venture Way Collaborative, 200 Venture Way, Hadley. The public and organizations needing these products are encouraged to join. Call Mary Knight, chair of the Period Project committee, at (413) 219-8260 for any questions about donations or pickup.

“When many of us think about giving donations and goods to local organizations that assist families, the first items that come to mind are things like clothes, shoes, and food,” according to the Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley. “Many of us don’t think about the other items that people with periods are in need of on a regular basis. It is our hope that you will contribute now and share this message in the new year and beyond.”

Clinical & Support Options Welcomes Yaw Gyebi Jr.

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Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — Local nonprofit community behavioral health agency Clinical & Support Options (CSO) announced the appointment of Yaw Gyebi Jr. as the agency’s internal general counsel.

Gyebi is a graduate of Connecticut College and Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. He has more than 20 years of experience as an attorney and executive leader across state and federal agencies. Most recently, he served as district director at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, overseeing complex investigations, litigation decisions, and large, multi-disciplinary teams. His background also includes senior leadership and general counsel roles in Massachusetts regulatory and enforcement agencies, with deep expertise in compliance, risk management, and dispute resolution.

Holyoke Mall Releases Annual Community Report

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Mall released its 2025 Community Report, highlighting the results of the center’s collaboration with Western Mass. nonprofit community organizations over the past year. The Community Report is now available by clicking here.

In 2025, Holyoke Mall hosted more than 150 nonprofit events and partnered with many different local organizations that utilized the center for fundraising, awareness campaigns, and other events.

In December, Holyoke Mall received the Melha Shriners Commitment to the Community Service Award, recognizing its strong partnership and dedication to community engagement, helping the Shriners connect with hundreds of supporters and raise substantial funds for outreach and philanthropic initiatives.

“Community partnership has always been a core part of who we are,” said Kristen Hinckley, Marketing director at Holyoke Mall. “We are proud to work alongside so many dedicated nonprofit organizations and are grateful for the opportunity to support the important work they do throughout our community.”

Holyoke Mall is pleased to work with nonprofit organizations seeking opportunities for tabling, fundraising and awareness campaigns, or larger-scale events in the common area. The center remains committed to being a valuable resource for the Western Mass. community.

Holyoke Mall event space and community rooms are free for nonprofit use. Groups are asked to fill out and submit the required paperwork to be granted access. For more information, visit www.holyokemall.com/community.

Mayor John Vieau to Honor America’s 250th at Chicopee Inaugural Ball on Jan. 30

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Daily News

CHICOPEE — Traditionally, a mayor’s inaugural ball is held after elections are over and elected public officials take their oaths of office. Chicopee Mayor Vieau decided that, this year, coinciding with the nation’s 250th birthday, the start of a new two years of leadership called for a special celebration.

The mayor and the city of Chicopee invite residents, community leaders, businesses, and guests from the city and across the region to attend the Chicopee Inaugural Ball on Friday, Jan. 30 at 6 p.m. at the Castle of Knights, 1599 Memorial Dr.

The theme “America 250,” commemorating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the U.S., will celebrate the importance of working together; honoring the public service of elected officials, residents, and community leaders; and a shared commitment to Chicopee’s future. The evening will celebrate patriotism, civic pride, public service, and the collaborative spirit that continues to move Chicopee forward.

Guests will gather for a night of reflection, unity, and optimism as the community looks ahead to the future of both the city of Chicopee and the nation. A large video screen will include photos and images of the city’s history, past and current landmarks, historical achievements, and the people who have contributed to the community’s success. Formal attire is requested.

Tickets are available for $75 per person (Eventbrite fees may apply). Tickets may be purchased online by clicking here, or through the official event website at chicopeeball.com.

In addition, businesses, organizations, and individuals are invited to participate by purchasing an advertisement in the 2026 Inaugural Ball Ad Book. Ad submissions will be accepted through today, Jan. 19. More information is available at chicopeeball.com.

Monson Complex Presents Challenges, Opportunities

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Jeff Daley at one of the ‘T-bones’ on the MDC campus.
Commercial Real Estate Cover Story Special Coverage

Vision Quest

Jeff Daley at one of the ‘T-bones’ on the MDC campus.

Jeff Daley at one of the ‘T-bones’ on the MDC campus.

Jeff Daley stopped his pickup truck at a building known affectionately as one of the ‘T-bones,’ or ‘dog bones,’ because that’s what they’re shaped like.

It wasn’t the structure he wanted to comment on, necessarily — one of dozens of nondescript, red-brick buildings on the Monson Developmental Center (MDC) campus, this one a residential hall — but rather the view from it, of downtown Palmer and the mountains framing it.

“You don’t get many views better than that,” said Daley, president and CEO of Westmass Area Development Corp., which now owns a significant portion of the campus and is charged with redeveloping it, adding that he envisions this section at the high point of the sprawling complex to be ideal for estate lots of maybe five to 10 acres.

“Maybe a dozen or so could go right here,” he said, referring to an area with several T-bones, which, like almost all of the more than 40 buildings on the campus, are in an advanced state of decay and will be demolished.

“No matter how good you are, I really don’t think you can develop a vision of what this is going to be until these buildings are out of the way and we have a more permanent solution.”

And while he can imagine a large home with a bay window looking out on that view of the surrounding countryside, Daley said that it probably won’t be until all the buildings are down that Westmass and the developers it will likely partner with in this ambitious undertaking can fully understand what they have to work with — and what uses might emerge for this intriguing property.

“No matter how good you are, I really don’t think you can develop a vision of what this is going to be until these buildings are out of the way and we have a more permanent solution,” he noted. “But maybe by this fall we can start talking to developers, have them out, and see what they think.”

As he offered BusinessWest a tour of the rolling campus, Daley drove and talked about what might come next and the many hurdles to be cleared during what will likely be a 10- to 20-year project to transform the landscape into what will be known as the Village at Sawmill Brook and fill in a canvas that few residents of the 413 have seen.

Most of the buildings at the MDC are in an advanced state of decay and must be demolished.

Most of the buildings at the MDC are in an advanced state of decay and must be demolished.

As he did so, he used the word ‘challenging’ repeatedly, in reference to everything from demolition of the buildings, which are loaded with asbestos in the walls, floors, ceilings, and slate roofs, to finding new uses for the property — built on the side of a mountain — that will mesh with Monson’s decidedly rural character and slow, as in very slow, pace of residential growth and new building.

“When you only have 8,000 residents, you can’t plunk down something that won’t fit the community, and that’s something we’re sensitive to when we’re looking at this type of development,” he said. It’s all going to be market-driven; whatever the market dictates and zoning — that’s what we’ll manage.”

For this issue and its focus on commercial real estate, BusinessWest visited the MDC campus to get the lay of the land, if you will, and talk with Daley about the next, and quite intriguing, addition to the Westmass portfolio.

 

Peaking Their Interest

Daley said the buildings on the campus have deteriorated quickly since the center shut down officially more than a dozen years ago.

And it’s mostly the elements that have been responsible for the highly visible damage to many of the structures, he noted, adding that there has been little vandalism on the closely patrolled campus and few people willing to ignore the myriad ‘no trespassing’ signs posted on every building, save for the occasional ghost hunters.

“When you only have 8,000 residents, you can’t plunk down something that won’t fit the community, and that’s something we’re sensitive to when we’re looking at this type of development.”

“They come in with their infrared cameras and sound machines,” said Daley, adding that they’ve come out more in the summer months, and there’s no word if they’ve found anything.

Given the history of the MDC, there just might be a few ghosts to be found there.

An aerial view of the MDC campus shows the rolling topography.

An aerial view of the MDC campus shows the rolling topography.

Established nearly a decade before the start of the Civil War, it was first a state almshouse for the poor and eventually evolved into a primary school for poor children and then the Massachusetts House for Epileptics in 1895, and later the Monson State Hospital, housing people with epilepsy and developmental disabilities. The campus grew significantly in the early 20th century — with the complex expanding to more than 70 buildings across 600 acres and the population peaking at about 1,700 residents in 1968 — but faced declining populations with deinstitutionalization.

Redevelopment of the 108-acre main campus will be similar in many respects to reuse initiatives at Northampton State Hospital and the Belchertown State School, also large campuses once owned and operated by the state, said Daley, but each initiative has its own personality, with MDC’s still to be determined, obviously.

While Northampton State Hospital became a mostly residential development — more than 400 homes geared to all income levels have been built at Village Hill — along with a large manufacturing facility, the Belchertown State School property, now known as Carriage Grove, is becoming more of a mixed-use property, with plans for everything from housing to a community center in the old administration building.

The MDC will likely be more like the latter, said Daley, adding that the pattern of reuse will ultimately be shaped by the town and the development community. He said Westmass plans to advance a zoning bylaw to a town meeting vote this spring; the proposed zoning would create a mixed-use district to support long-term development of the property.

“There are a lot of folks around Monson and Palmer who raised families in big farmhouses, and now they’re getting to the point where they don’t need the big farmhouse anymore. But there’s limited housing available to move into; whether it’s a single person or an aging couple, there’s really no housing for them.”

Housing of several different types may emerge as options, he said, listing everything from three- and four-story apartment buildings to multi-family homes to cottages and those aforementioned estate lots. Other permitted uses could include small-scale commercial and office facilities, light industrial, and civic uses compatible with the neighborhood character.

The first step in the redevelopment process is clearing the site and demolition of all but a few of the 42 buildings on the main campus, 18 of which (the larger brick structures) will be mitigated by Westmass, with the state responsible for the rest.

“Unfortunately, the buildings are not savable,” said Daley, adding that preliminary cleaning and demolition work — on buildings as well as several underground and above-ground tunnels to convey steam — is expected to commence within the next few months. Bids are currently being sought, with the goal of clearing the site by the fall of 2027.

Demolition work is expected to cost roughly $16 million, and after this phase is done, there is considerable infrastructure work to be undertaken — everything from new roads and utilities to a new, wider bridge over Sawmill Brook, which runs through the middle of the property, to work to repair and upgrade the water tower on the campus (there is no pumping station that can supply water to the higher portions of the campus).

As these pieces fall into place, development efforts can move to the next stages.

Demolition of dozens of buildings at the MDC is slated to start later this year and be completed in 2027.

Demolition of dozens of buildings at the MDC is slated to start later this year and be completed in 2027.

“Our goal is to be done with the cleaning and demolition by 2027, and between now and then, we’re going to be working on getting a full design of where the infrastructure — water, sewer, power — will go,” Daley explained. “Then, we can do a road development study and figure out where roads will go and to what part of the development. And at that time, hopefully, some of the easier development pieces can be developed or sold to generate revenues to offset the investment we’re going to have to make on the capital side on the infrastructure.”

 

Grounds for Optimism

While most of the buildings on the campus will come down, a few can be reused, said Daley, who pointed to a structure known, coincidentally, as the Daley Building, a recreation center with a theater on its upper floor as well as a basketball court and a decaying bowling alley.

“Our hope is that we can provide this as a community center for Monson and Palmer,” he explained. “It’s a great hall, and there’s a big gymnasium; we’re not sure how it will all work out, but we’re hoping to keep it for that purpose.”

Meanwhile, Brookside Hall, another residential facility, could be salvaged and converted into senior or veteran housing.

“We’d like to do a veterans housing project — there’s definitely a need for one in this area — but projects like that take four or five years to develop,” he noted, adding that, overall, there is a need for many different kinds of housing, especially affordable options for an aging population.

Indeed, the Commonwealth officially conveyed the property to Westmass as part of larger efforts to utilize properties under its control to address an ongoing housing crisis that is impacting every corner of the state.

“There are a lot of folks around Monson and Palmer who raised families in big farmhouses, and now they’re getting to the point where they don’t need the big farmhouse anymore,” he said. “But there’s limited housing available to move into; whether it’s a single person or an aging couple, there’s really no housing for them.”

Whatever comes of the site from a development standpoint, it will have to mesh with the town’s rural character and not dramatically change the dynamic in a community that hasn’t seen much, if any, residential growth in recent years.

“I think they’ve built something like 12 houses in the last 20 years,” said Daley, who didn’t know the exact figure but did know it wasn’t a big number.

And that statistic represents just one of the many challenges involved with a project that will unfold over the next decade or two and change the landscape of that area — literally and figuratively.

Ayanna Crawford, President, AC Consulting Media & Public Relations Firm: Educating, Elevating, and Inspiring

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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 250: January 19, 2026

Joe Bednar talks with Ayanna Crawford, President, AC Consulting Media & Public Relations Firm

Much of Ayanna Crawford’s work has been built on the importance of education, from her public school teaching days to her creation of the youth public speaking initiative called Take the Mic; from the growth of the Parent Villages nonprofit to her new role on the Springfield School Committee — and more. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Ayanna sits down with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar for a wide-ranging discussion about all this, plus her consulting business, her community advocacy as chief of staff for a state representative, her experience being named one of BusinessWest’s Women of Impact, and why it’s important to prioritize self-care in order to keep making an impact in the world. It’s must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest over both audio and video platforms, and sponsored by Greenfield Cooperative Bank.

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Group Looks to Turn Back Clock at Wilbraham’s Lakeside

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From left: Joe Sullivan, Jordan Healy, Marc Murphy, Mike Rogers, and John Sullivan.
Features Special Coverage

Landmark Decision

From left: Joe Sullivan, Jordan Healy, Marc Murphy, Mike Rogers, and John Sullivan.

From left: Joe Sullivan, Jordan Healy, Marc Murphy, Mike Rogers, and John Sullivan.

Joe Sullivan says he and business partner John Sullivan (no relation) were “looking to hedge our bets and diversify.”

It was the height of the pandemic; the restaurant they co-owned, Nathan Bill’s, was forced to close; and, like most all business owners navigating those difficult and unprecedented times, they didn’t know what was to come next.

“We were looking for real estate purchases and maybe another business opportunity,” said Joe Sullivan, adding that the two would buy a package store and then the plaza in which Nathan Bill’s was located, among other transactions. “And as we were doing all that, someone mentioned this spot to us and said it would be good for a restaurant.

“We already had three restaurants and said, ‘we don’t really want another restaurant, but it looks interesting,’” he went on. “We did our due diligence and realized that we could do something different and really special here.”

That was the genesis of one of the more intriguing development initiatives in the region — work to turn back the clock on the Wilbraham landmark known as the Lakeside.

Once a popular inn and restaurant, the property on Nine Mile Pond, most recently home to a transportation company, had fallen into disuse. John and Joe Sullivan have become partners with the principals at West Springfield-based Lock and Key Realty in an ambitious effort to revive the property and create a 15-room boutique hotel and restaurant, with outdoor dining and lake access.

“We already had three restaurants and said, ‘we don’t really want another restaurant, but it looks interesting.’ We did our due diligence and realized that we could do something different and really special here.”

The project has certainly captured the attention — and affection — of Wilbraham officials (members of the Planning Board are said to have cheered when the project was proposed), as well as the legions of fans of the Lakeside restaurant, often involving several generations of families.

“The community support has been overwhelming — social media has been huge, and we’ve gotten letters from people praising what we’re doing,” John Sullivan said. “Every time I’m out working on the yard, I’ve got people in kayaks thanking us and congratulating us.”

An early ad for the Lakeside Inn.

An early ad for the Lakeside Inn.

Such sentiments were repeated among the five main principals in this venture, who spoke with BusinessWest at the Lakeside recently. Collectively, they talked about how, while this is a solid real estate investment, the endeavor also blends history, tradition, and community, and these attributes bring ample amounts of pride and enthusiasm for what is being undertaken.

“It’s a property the community truly cares about, and with the right vision and redevelopment strategy, it has the ability to become a destination that drives economic activity and sustained local value,” said Jordan Healy, a partner at Lock and Key Realty. “For us, it’s more than a single project—it’s a chance to help reshape a landmark in a way that benefits the region for decades.”

Mike Rogers, another principal with Lock and Key Realty, agreed. “It seems that everyone who comes in has some family that had some experiences here, whether it was recently or decades ago,” he said. “So the appeal of renovating this property and trying to maintain some of that historic charm, like with the gazebo, while also modernizing it, is a huge draw for us and the community, and it’s really something that’s driving excitement in this project.”

As for the business aspects of this venture, the principals say that, while construction has not officially begun, they’re already hearing from people looking to book rooms — from couples planning to get married at the nearby GreatHorse country club to officials and participants involved with the Brimfield antique shows staged three times each year.

Meanwhile, the redevelopment of the former Eastfield Mall into a retail destination promises to bring more traffic to the Route 20 corridor and to businesses like the new Lakeside, said John Sullivan, adding that the new shopping center, coupled with the Lakeside project, is likely to spur new activity along that throughfare and activate currently idle real estate.

“There will be a ripple effect where there will be more investment opportunities and redevelopment along Boston Road,” he said, adding that there are several vacant or underutilized properties that could be reimagined.

For this issue, BusinessWest talked with the principals involved with the Lakeside project about the many aspects of this endeavor, from its history to the way it might well become a catalyst for more development on Boston Road.

On the Waterfront

For Joe Sullivan, the Lakeside project evokes a different time — for both Wilbraham and his family.

Indeed, his grandfather, Barton Sullivan, owned and operated the Auto Inn, an automobile-era lodging establishment, farther north on Route 20 and on the opposite side of Nine Mile Pond from where the Lakeside sits.

“It’s a property the community truly cares about, and with the right vision and redevelopment strategy, it has the ability to become a destination that drives economic activity and sustained local value.”

There were several establishments of that type on or near Route 20, he said, adding that, during the stagecoach era, there was one every 10 or 15 miles.

As for the Lakeside, it opened its doors in the early 1940s and quickly became a popular destination, with a restaurant, a club with bands, a banquet hall, and a few rooms for rent.

“There’s a lot of history here,” Sullivan said, noting an intriguing bit involving the name of the establishment and the body of water it fronts.

“This is called the Lakeside Inn, but this is Nine Mile Pond,” he said, noting that this name connotes how far the pond is from the center of Springfield. “At some point in the ’50s or ’60s, they changed the name of the body of water to Lake Machonish; the Lakeside owners just decided to do that because they wanted to advertise it as a lake. It didn’t catch on.

“We may try that again,” he said with a laugh, noting that it was partly out of a desire to turn back the clock, while making more business history on Boston Road, that prompted him to take a hard look at the Lakeside property. A serial entrepreneur, he and John Sullivan had become involved with several hospitality ventures, including Nathan Bill’s on Boston Road in Springfield, East Village Tavern in East Longmeadow, the Boulevard Bar on Page Boulevard in Springfield, and others.

The Auto Inn, owned and operated by Joe Sullivan’s grandfather, provided some inspiration for the Lakeside project.

The Auto Inn, owned and operated by Joe Sullivan’s grandfather, provided some inspiration for the Lakeside project.

As noted earlier, redevelopment of the property represented not merely a real estate investment, but a unique opportunity to revive what many would consider a landmark.

“Through talking to the architect and talking to the town, we figured out there was an opportunity to build a small boutique hotel and still have a restaurant on the first floor,” Joe Sullivan said. “Everything fit into place and worked out to look like a really successful plan.”

That plan was further solidified by the emergence of a partnership between John Sullivan, Joe Sullivan, and the principals of Lock and Key Realty — Healy, Rogers, and Marc Murphy — who, collectively and individually, have become involved with several business and real estate ventures in the 413, including Shaker Bowl in East Longmeadow and All American Masonry in Indian Orchard, as well as the redevelopment of several fire stations and other properties.

Healy said those at Lock and Key are always looking for real estate opportunities, and the Lakeside made sense on many levels.

“There’s so much history behind it … it just felt like a project where we could reutilize, revitalize, and restore something, make it pretty again — and it’s right in line with what we do,” he noted. “If we can bring some redevelopment back to Wilbraham, it’s a home run for everyone.”

Elaborating, he said there is considerable synergy between the two partnership entities, with Joe and John Sullivan bringing experience in hospitality, and Lock and Key thriving in the redevelopment realm.

Murphy agreed. “Partnering with the Sullivan Group was a natural fit. They have deep experience in hospitality, creating successful restaurant and bar concepts that consistently serve the community at a high level. Together, we blend hospitality vision with market insight to ensure the Lakeside project becomes both a vibrant destination and a strong, long-term asset for the region.”

Joe and John Sullivan officially acquired the Lakeside last August, but talks about the property and the creation of a plan for its redevelopment had been ongoing for a few years prior, Joe said.

“The timing is right because the community is ready for this property to be brought back to life.”

“I wanted to make sure the town approved of what we wanted to do before we bought the property,” he explained, adding that the partners obtained a special permit to create an inn there.

Shore Thing

As for the reimagining of the property, the partners said this will be a major undertaking, with projections for the overall cost to approach or exceed $3 million.

Indeed, while the work falls into the categories of renovation and restoration, it will be much more like new construction, said Joe, adding that, while the property still has good bones, it is no longer suited for either a restaurant or an inn.

“It’s going to be a major construction project — raising the roof, literally,” he told BusinessWest. “The major appeal is that this is waterfront property — they don’t make any more of that. It’s a beautiful spot; even the gazebo needs a little fixing up, but it adds to that picturesque appeal.”

Work is expected to start within the next few months, said John Sullivan, adding that the goal is be finished in perhaps a year to 18 months. The partners are planning a 15-room hotel and a 100-seat restaurant (to be managed by a third party), and they’re already seeing great anticipation for both.

Indeed, John said that, between parents of students at nearby Wilbraham & Monson Academy, wedding parties at GreatHorse, and visitors to the Brimfield shows, there will be strong demand for the inn’s rooms.

“A family from Scotland has asked to rent out the whole place for two weeks for a wedding, and the organizers of the Brimfield fair wanted it block it off for a whole month,” he told BusinessWest, adding that there have been many inquiries about both the inn and restaurant.

And the surge in traffic from the new retail center taking shape a few down the road at the former Eastfield Mall is expected to bring more people to the property, said the partners, noting that, given all they’ve seen and heard, from the Planning Board and kayakers alike, this certainly seems like a sound business investment.

But it has always been more than that, they stressed, noting the attachment the community has to this property and the memories it has created for generations of area residents.

“It’s a good investment opportunity, but it’s a community-focused project as well,” Healy said. “And for a lot of us, that brings a level of excitement that we normally wouldn’t have. You can build 20 houses, and you never get any notoriety from those 20 houses; you do a project like this, and the community gets excited.”

Rogers agreed. “The Lakeside project represents a turning point. It shows what’s possible when investment, vision, and community pride come together,” he said. “Projects like this attract new interest, encourage surrounding revitalization, and help establish the region as a place where people want to live, invest, and build.

“The timing is right because the community is ready for this property to be brought back to life, and market conditions support redevelopment that adds both lifestyle and economic value,” he went on, adding, as others did, that this project will being rewards — for the partners involved and the community as a whole — on many levels.

Enfield Development Projects Remain on Track

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Aaron Marcavitch says Enfield residents tend to take a wait-and-see approach to development, but they’ll soon be seeing some shovels in the ground.
Opinion

Community Spotlight

Aaron Marcavitch says Enfield residents tend to take a wait-and-see approach to development, but they’ll soon be seeing some shovels in the ground.

Aaron Marcavitch says Enfield residents tend to take a wait-and-see approach to development, but they’ll soon be seeing some shovels in the ground.

Development projects — whether for much-needed housing, a transportation hub, or the reimagining of a long-dormant retail center — aren’t done in a day, or a year. That’s certainly true in Enfield, Conn., which is looking forward to all of that and more. The good news is, progress in evident across the board.

“Enfield is kind of ‘we’ll believe it when we see it.’ There’s always a little bit of hesitancy to celebrate something until they see a shovel in the ground,” said Aaron Marcavitch, the city’s Economic & Community Development director.

“These projects are either in their permit process, or they’re moving through different gyrations. But the redevelopment of the mall is still moving ahead, the North River Street project is still moving ahead, and the MassMutual site is still moving ahead,” he added, referring to three projects that all involve new residential units. “They’ve not stopped for any reason — they’re just moving through their process.”

“The redevelopment of the mall is still moving ahead, the North River Street project is still moving ahead, and the MassMutual site is still moving ahead.”

In 2024, most of the Enfield Square property — one of the region’s most notable dead malls — was purchased by Woodsonia Acquisitions, which proposed a $250 million project that will feature retail and restaurant businesses and 465 residential units. Site work on what will be called Enfield Marketplace could begin this spring.

Woodsonia will serve as the project’s master developer and seek other developers for the various components. “There’s a set design to the overall layout, and they’ll come in with each piece — the housing piece, the retail piece, the outparcel pieces — over time. So that will take some time,” Marcavitch explained.

“The overall concept has not changed dramatically,” he added. “They did a market study and found that a hotel really wasn’t going to work. So that’s the biggest dropout from the plan. And then they ran into a few issues with agreements that already existed on the property between other tenants that are staying, so that caused them to move the design around a little bit. But the overall concept of a housing component, a retail component, and an outparcel component still remains the same.”

The former MassMutual site on Bright Meadow Road is being redeveloped for hundreds of residential units along with some commercial space.

The former MassMutual site on Bright Meadow Road is being redeveloped for hundreds of residential units along with some commercial space.

For this issue’s Community Spotlight, we update not just that project, but several others in various phases of progress, most emphasizing a key priority for many towns these days: new housing.

 

Home Sweet Home

The wait-and-see mindset of many in Enfield is why Marcavitch is especially excited about a project on North River Street that will add 140 units of housing, perhaps with more to come.

“They’re expecting to put shovels into the ground in quarter one — soon. So people will say, ‘oh, there is actually something happening in Thompsonville right now. People have shovels in the ground.’”

The project is being developed by HGRE Ventures, a partnership between Avon-based Honeycomb Real Estate Partners and GRAVA Properties of West Hartford. HGRE plans a $100 million, two-phase project that could eventually bring more than 300 units to the riverfront section of Thompsonville, near the much larger Bigelow Commons apartment complex.

Meanwhile, South River Realty, which owns a series of parcels on South River Street, has proposed a 160-unit residential building there, while MB Financial Group is looking to develop a 464-unit housing project, with some commercial space, at the former MassMutual site on Bright Meadow Road.

The housing element is especially intriguing at a time when most cities and towns in the region need more of it. At the same time, Enfield officials are eager to see more progress at the train stop project taking shape in the Thompsonville neighborhood, not far from the North River Street development.

The Enfield train station aims to connect the town to Springfield, Hartford, New Haven, and beyond. The $45 million project includes Main Street bridge work and new track, and ties into broader revitalization efforts for the riverfront and other areas of town. The station is expected to be more than a metro stop, bringing locals to work; it will also be a larger Amtrak hub for more distant destinations, while a planned spur off the Windsor Locks stop will bring people to and from Bradley International Airport.

Late in 2023, the Connecticut Department of Transportation attached dates to the project, including the summer of 2024 for the final design to be completed, the winter of 2025 for the construction bid to be awarded, the spring of 2027 for accompanying rail and bridge work to be completed, and the fall of 2027 for completion of the station and platform. But those dates have shifted — more than once.

“We had some recent meetings with the folks at DOT. And the train station is still on track — those are the only words that ever come to my head when I think of it,” Marcavitch said with a laugh. “They were saying maybe the end of ’28, but now they’re somewhere in ’29 for being finished.

Enfield at a Glance

Year Incorporated: 1683
Population: 42,141
Area: 34.2 square miles
County: Hartford
Residential Tax Rate: $31.50
Commercial Tax Rate: $31.50
Median Household Income: $67,402
Median Family Income: $77,554
Type of Government: Town Council, Town Manager
Largest Employers: Empower Retirement LLC, Town of Enfield, Advance Auto Parts Distribution Center, Eppendorf Manufacturing
* Latest information available

“I don’t think we were surprised by that in any way; that’s sort of standard for these types of projects,” he added. “Seeing how long it’s taken to finish the Windsor Locks station, I have a feeling it may even shift another couple of months, but that’s just the way it goes.”

A few components have added to the complexity, including creating a service road from Route 5 to the station, determining a new spot for commuter bus service, and altering an undersized Main Street underpass at the train station, Marcavitch explained.

“But it’s continued to move. They’re done with their design process, and they hope to go out to bid sometime soon for the construction part of this. So in theory, we’re going to see shovels in the ground sometime in 2026.”

He said the combination of more public transit and more housing should create more mobility and economic opportunities for people in town. “People who may be working in Hartford, or working in Springfield, and taking the train to those locations — they’re not going to need a vehicle as much. Maybe they only need one car; maybe one person is working from home, and the other person is taking the train.

“So it’s going to be important for us to not only have that, but then also have our own local bus connections that somebody could pick up at the train station and take to the mall, take to Costco. And we have to work on our bike connections so that people can use their bikes to do that. We want to try to reduce car dependency for folks who live in that area,” he added. “It really is going to be beneficial in that way. Once we start to get some momentum, that’ll be really good.”

 

Setting Down Roots

The town has been making progress on other fronts as well, from an Amazon distribution facility moving ahead on Bacon Road to continued streetscaping in North Thompsonville.

Efforts like the latter, Marcavitch said, “aren’t huge projects, but they’re really going to impact how people perceive Enfield as a place they want to bring their business to. And we’re going to continue to work with commercial retail and food options in town to make sure we’re bringing in stuff that people in the town want.

“We’re very driven, in many ways, by the traffic on 91, where people are coming off the highway, grab food quickly, and jump back on the highway and head off to Vermont or wherever they’re going,” he noted. “We tend to be a very good rest stop in that way, but we also want to make sure we’ve got diverse retail and diverse food options for people in town.”

He said town officials appreciate that travelers and residents of local communities are coming to Enfield to use its services and enjoy its restaurant and shopping offerings. But he wants it to be seen as more than a drive-through community; after all, more than 42,000 people live there.

“If we’re going to have businesses moving in, we need to make sure that they’ve got the services and the experiences they need to stay. We want to keep them here. We’re going have new people moving into the community with these apartments. What kind of activities are there for them? So I think the natural next step is a big conversation about that. We’ve got to make sure we’ve got community amenities.”

Colleges Help Students Overcome Barriers to Staying in School

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Renee Tastad says HCC’s vision centers around helping students overcome barriers to success.
Education Special Coverage

More Than Food for Thought

Renee Tastad says HCC’s vision centers around helping students overcome barriers to success.

Renee Tastad says HCC’s vision centers around helping students overcome barriers to success.

 

Renee Tastad says Holyoke Community College (HCC) takes it seriously when a student withdraws from classes, whether for a semester or permanently.

But the conversations that followed those withdrawals, over the years, have helped many more students avoid that path.

“I think it comes down to our vision, which is to be a college of academic excellence known for helping students overcome barriers to success,” said Tastad, assistant vice president of Student Affairs and dean of Enrollment Management at HCC. “So we’ve called those students to find out, ‘what prevented you from being successful? And how can we get you back on track?’

“Primarily, their concerns were childcare, transportation, cost of living expenses — ‘I had to take on extra hours at work that prevented me from committing all of my time to my studies,’” she went on. “With the help of the HCC Foundation, which has been really tremendous, we’ve been able to say, ‘OK, what can we assist with? What are things that we can reasonably do to help lessen the burden on the student to have to work those extra hours, which takes them away from their studies?’”

What has emerged from those conversations is an evolving array of student supports at HCC, from the Thrive Center food pantry to the Itsy Bitsy Child Watch service to the President’s Student Emergency Fund, which helps students with unexpected expenses.

“We’ve called those students to find out, ‘what prevented you from being successful? And how can we get you back on track?’”

“If a student’s car breaks down, that expense could derail them — they have to determine, ‘am I going to put the rent money that I had set aside toward this car repair so I can get to class? Then I’m going to be behind on rent,’” Tastad said. “So the emergency fund is one of those ways to bridge that gap for these unexpected situations that could derail their progress in school.”

American International College (AIC) in Springfield also maintains an emergency fund for students to access in times of unexpected need.

Melisa Loa says AIC leaders don’t want students going to class hungry and unable to focus on learning.

Melisa Loa says AIC leaders don’t want students going to class hungry and unable to focus on learning.

“Students may request funds for emergency situations or unanticipated circumstances that make it difficult to continue in school,” said Melisa Loa, dean of students and director of Residence Life. “They’re able to request anywhere from $100 to $1,000, depending on need. We just ask that they’re currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student. We review those on an ongoing basis, and we’re able to help students through that fund.”

AIC maintains numerous other non-academic student supports, from its recently opened Buzz Stop food pantry to a program called the CARE Team (the acronym stands for Concerns, Assessment, Referral, and Education) that reviews concerns around mental health and helps students struggling with such issues to access the help they need to address them.

“It’s a robust team that does a lot of great work,” Loa said. “We’re following up with students to make sure they have appropriate resources, both on and off campus. We work really hard to make sure students’ mental health concerns are addressed in a timely manner.”

Just down the road, the Center for Access Services (CAS) at Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) provides students with a broad range of non-academic supports, helping them overcome barriers that stand in the way of self-sufficiency, allowing them to succeed and stay in school.

Specifically, the CAS office houses a variety of services and initiatives, including free school supplies and the RAM Mini Mart, which provides groceries and meals to students facing food insecurity. CAS staff also connect students to on-campus resources and provides referrals to community agencies that assist with financial challenges, food insecurity, homelessness, substance abuse, and various state and federal benefits.

“STCC is a contemporary community college in that there are so many non-academic supports that we provide students,” the college notes. “These range from an on-campus food pantry and food lockers to housing agreements with Elms College and AIC, a mental health counseling partnership with Uwill, and a long-standing, federally funded TRIO program investing in first-generation college students.”

“We’re following up with students to make sure they have appropriate resources, both on and off campus. We work really hard to make sure students’ mental health concerns are addressed in a timely manner.”

In short, colleges are invested in student success, and that begins with making sure they stay in school, and have the resources they need to do just that.

 

Hunger to Learn

At a time when food insecurity has been in the news, the food pantries available on area campuses take on greater importance. HCC and AIC both have partnerships with the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, which provides many staples. HCC’s Thrive pantry also receives funding from Stop & Shop for food and personal care items, and the campus community has been generous in donating as well, Tastad said.

“We give out thousands of pounds of food every month to any students, faculty, or staff who has a food need. You don’t have to demonstrate your need; you just have to say, ‘I need some food today.’ And we got an earmark in last year’s budget to purchase refrigerated lockers outside Thrive, for non-perishable food. That’s really helpful because a student or anybody can put their order in, and our pantry staff will fill the order and put it in the refrigerated locker, and they can pick it up anytime the building is open, not just during the hours the pantry is open. That’s been really fabulous.”

At AIC, the Buzz Stop also provides perishable and non-perishable food as well as self-care items, which can be accessed outside normal pantry hours, Loa explained. “If a student needs an item in the middle of the night, they can contact the campus police, and the police will open it for them.”

“Their primary identifier is not necessarily a student — they’re a parent, they’re an employee, or they’re a caregiver, something other than a student. So we want to make sure that we’re respecting the time that they have here on campus.”

Like HCC, supplies from the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts have been supplemented by numerous monetary donations at AIC. “That’s really helpful to keep the pantry going, especially for items we’re not able to get from the Food Bank.”

Loa emphasized the importance of this simple service.

“We don’t want students going to class thinking about where their next meal is coming from, whether they’re residential or commuter. We want students to be happy, healthy, and fed, and able to focus on their academics. We want their basic needs to be met. That’s what these resources are for — to meet those needs so they can come to school and focus on their academics.”

Many students have become regular users of the Buzz Stop, she added, and many off-campus students who are food-insecure have said other community pantries don’t always offer the same amount of food.

“In the last couple of months, with things happening with SNAP, we’ve been very thankful that we’re able to provide food, and they’re really thankful and appreciative that this is a resource on campus.”

At HCC, the Thrive Center also helps students access housing in the area, Tastad told BusinessWest, partnering with AIC and Elms College to have students live on those campuses, and maintaining housing agreements with the Holyoke Housing Authority, with vouchers reserved just for HCC students to access Section 8 housing, among other options, including housing available through Gándara Center and at Westfield State University under a state homeless youth initiative.

Meanwhile, HCC recently expanded its Itsy Bitsy Child Watch Center, doubling its capacity. The center is a free, drop-in service for student parents who need short-term child care while they attend classes, study, or meet with tutors and advisers. It opened as a pilot program in fall 2022 after a $100,000 state allocation, and expanded with the help of a $600,000 grant from the Davis Foundation in late 2023.

The Itsy Bitsy Child Watch Center is now located next to the HCC Parent Learning Center, a study lounge and play area for parents and their children, and the Marieb Adult Learner Success Center, a support program for student parents and students ages 24 and older.

“So the students, when they’re in class, can drop their kids off at the child watch, but when they’re not in class, they sometimes go over to the Parent Learning Center because they can be in that space with their kids,” Tastad explained.

 

Springboard to Success

The throughline in all these efforts, again, is identifying what might derail a student from completing their degree, and then filling those gaps, Tastad said, all with the understanding that many students aren’t traditional, full-time attendees, but older part-time students with families, jobs, and other responsibilities to juggle.

“Their primary identifier is not necessarily a student — they’re a parent, they’re an employee, or they’re a caregiver, something other than a student. So we want to make sure that we’re respecting the time that they have here on campus.”

And make sure their studies continue — which not only helps the college and the student, but a regional economy that, in many cases, is struggling to recruit skilled talent in many fields.

“We take it seriously,” Tastad said. “We are a part of the Greater Holyoke community, and everything we can do to support the students and create that network is going to help everyone prosper. Student success is built into our strategic plan. We’ve put it out there that this is what we are known for, and it’s true.”

Banks, Credit Unions Leverage Evolving Technology

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Marco Bernasconi says Country Bank’s adoption of new technology must be done smartly, with the needs of customers in mind.
Banking and Financial Services Special Coverage

Tools of the Trade

Marco Bernasconi says Country Bank’s adoption of new technology must be done smartly, with the needs of customers in mind.

Marco Bernasconi says Country Bank’s adoption of new technology must be done smartly, with the needs of customers in mind.

It’s no secret, Marco Bernasconi said, that all banks use similar technology. The difference lies in how they deploy it, and which services they emphasize.

“It’s not just about getting bigger, or being involved in more technology; it’s about operating with intelligence and leveraging efficiency and automation to drive sustainable growth,” said Bernasconi, chief Operating and Innovation officer at Country Bank. “For us, it’s about being smart and determining how to serve the needs of customers.”

Glenn Welch, president of Freedom Credit Union, agreed.

“A lot of us use services provided through a third-party provider. So if you go to our websites, they’re fairly similar — different colors, but the same tools,” he said. “So a lot of it comes down to service. You have to have the tools on the websites, but customers have to like you, too. You have to provide good service to the members.”

Both were speaking to a reality shared by all banks and credit unions these days — at a time when fewer customers actually visit a branch to do business, instead conducting most of it online, institutions need to ensure that those digital tools are robust, easy to use, and, especially, secure.

At the same time, though, there will always be a need for a physical branch presence for the business that people like to conduct there — opening accounts, loan applications, and, for some, normal deposits and withdrawals — so banks can’t afford to neglect that side of their business while they focus on developing and evolving their digital platform.

“We’re modernizing digital channels and continuing to leverage digital investing and marketing tools, and constantly reassessing different technologies to keep customers secure. But we also need to be equipped to train the team when people come in for traditional transactions,” said Bernasconi, noting that Country’s branch strategy includes its first branch in Springfield, opening this year.

“We’re modernizing digital channels and continuing to leverage digital investing and marketing tools, and constantly reassessing different technologies to keep customers secure. But we also need to be equipped to train the team when people come in for traditional transactions.”

The volume of branch visitors has changed from the time he was a teller, he added, “but they’re coming in with more difficult problems, and we’re spending more time with them on education, explaining different products, helping move their financial lives forward. So we certainly need traditional transactions at branches.”

A balance between high-tech and high-touch resources is important to commercial customers as well, said Aleda De Maria, executive vice president and chief operating officer at PeoplesBank.

“A lot of our small business owners are all things to their users — CEO, CFO, HR person, day-to-day manager. So we want to make sure we’re offering services through technology to make their lives easier,” she explained.

Aleda De Maria says PeoplesBank has bolstered its internal fraud detection tools to protect customers.

Aleda De Maria says PeoplesBank has bolstered its internal fraud detection tools to protect customers.

For example, “last year, we implemented some smaller balance lending that our customers can apply for 100% digitally and get answers from us within days, in some cases. We’d like to push that in 2026, optimize that to bring it to a wider audience. That’s something I’m super excited about.”

Last year, PeoplesBank underwent a core conversion of its technology and systems, building on the early growth of its digital brand, ZYNLO Bank, which it launched in 2020 in partnership with Nymbus.

“We didn’t just do the conversion to say we did it. We did it to continually evolve what we offer customers,” De Maria said, adding that the focus was on both back-end technology and front-end interface.

“We are constantly focused on the front end. That’s the window into PeoplesBank. If the customer opens an account and we’re not seeing them after that, what are they doing? They’re online and mobile,” she went on. “Because of the conversion, we have more control over the customer experience and can be more aggressive in updating user experiences — and to ask ourselves what services are available, how can we improve, and what we can add to that.”

Bernasconi said banks must decide whether to crawl, walk, or run toward new technology, but all are asking similar questions — how to deal with the rise of AI, from both a technical and governance perspective; how to help customers access new business products; and, through all of it, how to ensure a crisp customer experience.

“We’re competing with the Apples and Amazons, the fintechs now; it’s not competing only with banks and credit unions anymore,” he added. “The world has changed.”

 

Battling Back

All the area financial leaders who spoke with BusinessWest said fraud prevention — and the increasingly powerful tools that enable it — are critical to any institution’s technology strategy.

“One of the biggest things we’re talking about is fraud detection,” De Maria said. “I recently read an article saying financial scams are an industry now, and one of the things the scammers have going for them is the use of AI. So we’re having internal conversations about how to leverage new technology to detect and prevent these scammers from getting a foot in the door or gaining access to customer accounts — the concept of how to fight AI with AI, using different fraud detection tools.”

Last year, PeoplesBank launched a new fraud detection module developed through ZYNLO.

“We saw some success immediately in detecting fraud specific to account-to-account activity,” she noted. “We’re looking to expand that and get into other areas like mobile deposits, and also things like devices; the technology that we’re dealing with can look at a device somebody’s on and better detect whether that’s your device or not because of how they interact with the screen, where normally they’d spend three seconds on a screen, and they’re now spending 10 because it’s not as familiar to them.

“From a customer perspective, those things may not sound exciting — unless you’ve been the victim of fraud — but it’s certainly something we are extremely excited about as a bank, to be able to step up our game in this industry that has been created around fraud and scams.”

“From a customer perspective, those things may not sound exciting — unless you’ve been the victim of fraud — but it’s certainly something we are extremely excited about as a bank, to be able to step up our game in this industry that has been created around fraud and scams. So we’ll be looking this quarter at deploying more of those fraud technologies at PeoplesBank.”

Such efforts are critical, De Maria added, at a time when many people do the majority of their banking online.

“We still see a significant amount of accounts open in person — those are still greater than the accounts we open online — but after that, we may not see those customers often; they’re relying on the bank’s investment in technology. There is an expectation that, if they use that technology, they’re going to be safe; they’re going to be protected. I think customers should have the expectation that banks are investing in technology to make things safer and more secure.”

Welch said Freedom has also developed a robust set of fraud prevention tools on the back end, which can detect transactions that are unusual to an account at any given time. The same goes for wire fraud or other types of social engineering attacks designed to separate customers from their money.

“At times, I think we have annoyed members by asking them too many questions, but we want to keep them safe. And we’ve stopped a lot of fraud up front by just knowing our members, knowing what their normal transactions are, reaching out to them, and making sure that is something they want to do.”

Along with its wide array of digital banking tools, Country Bank also hosts numerous online financial literacy and fraud prevention resources, in addition to community outreaches like its Credit for Life fairs at area high schools.

Glenn Welch says people became more comfortable during the pandemic conducting basic transactions online, but many were relieved to return to face-to-face interactions.

Glenn Welch says people became more comfortable during the pandemic conducting basic transactions online, but many were relieved to return to face-to-face interactions.

“It’s extremely important that we spend a lot of time in our community and with the high schools, educating them in financial literacy and credit reports and how to manage budgets,” Bernasconi said, noting that it’s in the bank’s interest to engage young adults. “We spend a lot of time understanding the needs of younger generations. We’ve got to cater to the customers that we have, but also onboard the next generation and be astute to their needs as well.”

 

Face to Face

One way banks and credit unions have melded high tech with high touch is with interactive teller machines, or ITMs, which offer the functions of a traditional ATM with some enhanced services, such as making loan payments, cashing large checks, opening accounts, and, most notably, speaking live with a teller over a video feed.

“We launched our first ITMs in 2019. I like to say we had a crystal ball before COVID hit,” De Maria said. “Our ITM fleet is pretty significant — we have ITMs at every banking center, and also standalone remote locations throughout Western Mass. And we’re seeing, on average, about 25% of our in-person transactions occurring through the ITMs. At some banking centers, it’s as much as 35% to 40%.”

And it’s not just personal lines — about one-quarter of PeoplesBank’s commercial clients have used an ITM at least once. “We’re really seeing a good adoption of the ITM technology,” she said, noting that they operate seven days a week. “They’re what I would consider the next generation of drive-up teller, essentially.”

Country Bank has a fleet of ITMs as well, and while Freedom Credit Union offers one at its Springfield main office — and has the technology ready to deploy at other branches — Welch said questions remain about whether customers are clamoring for more.

“People are using it a lot like an ATM. We might need it more at remote sites because, if the branch is open, customers like to see people,” he explained. “These were perfect during COVID; we couldn’t let people in, or they had to wait in a long line. But now, I think if people travel to the branch, if they want the convenience of a drive-up ATM, they do that, but if they want to talk over transactions, we find they’re coming inside.

“We’ve stopped a lot of fraud up front by just knowing our members, knowing what their normal transactions are, reaching out to them, and making sure that is something they want to do.”

“So we’re going to turn on the remote one that we have in Ludlow to see if that makes a difference,” he went on. “If it’s not attached to a building or a branch in a remote area, and they have transactions they want to discuss with someone, they might get more out of it. So that’s part of our strategy this year — we’re going to test it in Ludlow and see how that goes.”

Part of any institution’s strategy, Welch added, has to be how to engage multiple generations, which is why all this technology is important.

“The younger generation doesn’t necessarily want to come in to do transactions. If they want to do an auto loan, they may not want to do it online, and definitely for mortgages, they want to be walked through the process and talk to people,” he said, adding that Freedom also has a secure video call platform where people can engage in these conversations from home and even download documents.

But since the pandemic, he added, “I think a lot of people got more comfortable doing basic transactions online.”

Across the industry, that’s especially true of younger customers, so Freedom — whose average customer age is around 50, a number Welch would like to see creep into the 30s — will, like all financial institutions, continue to evolve its digital platforms and other high-tech offerings in order to strike that generational balance and meet customer needs.

“When people age out of here, we need to have new members filling in the pipeline,” he said. “And we need to keep them here.”

Picture This

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Pictured: Sullivan and family members at the retirement celebration.
Picture This

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

 

Celebrating a Legacy

Regional business and municipal leaders, colleagues, friends, and family gathered at MGM Springfield last month to honor Rick Sullivan, retiring president and CEO of the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council (EDC). During Sullivan’s 11-year tenure, the EDC has grown, programming has expanded, membership has doubled, and progress has been made developing new business sectors, such as food science, clean energy, and cybersecurity. At the start of 2026, Aaron Vega, former director of the Office of Planning and Economic Development in Holyoke, stepped into that role. 

Pictured: Sullivan and family members at the retirement celebration.

Pictured: Sullivan and family members at the retirement celebration.

 

Community Support

Monson Savings Bank recently donated $2,500 to the Springfield Jewish Community Center (JCC) to benefit programming for Springfield youth, reflecting the bank’s ongoing commitment to supporting organizations that enrich the lives of local families and children. Monson Savings Bank President and CEO Dan Moriarty (left) and Heather Arbour, vice president, BSA/Fraud officer and Compliance manager (right), presented the donation to the JCC’s Mechilia “Chile” Salazar, chief Development officer. The Springfield JCC offers a wide range of programs designed to inspire and empower young people, promoting learning, creativity, and connection within the community.

Monson Savings Bank President and CEO Dan Moriarty (left) and Heather Arbour, vice president, BSA/Fraud officer and Compliance manager (right),

Monson Savings Bank President and CEO Dan Moriarty (left) and Heather Arbour, vice president, BSA/Fraud officer and Compliance manager (right),

 

Insuring Against Hunger

In response to the recent food crisis, the AXiA Charitable Fund provided support to local organizations serving families in need. AXiA donated more than 300 pounds of food to Open Pantry Community Services in Springfield and contributed more than $5,000 each to Lorraine’s Food Pantry in Chicopee and Parish Cupboard in West Springfield. These contributions were made in addition to AXiA’s ongoing charitable giving, as part of its commitment to helping the community during times of greatest need. 

Pictured: the West Springfield AXiA team with food donations for Open Pantry Community Services.

Pictured: the West Springfield AXiA team with food donations for Open Pantry Community Services.

 

Helping Families in Need

Westfield Bank recently celebrated the success of a food drive as well as a toy drive. 

Pictured: from Oct. 20 through Nov. 17, all Westfield Bank branches collected non-perishable food items and monetary donations. Food items included those needed for Thanksgiving dinners as well as other staples to keep shelves stocked throughout the holiday season. Each branch donated to a food pantry or community kitchen local to their service area.

Pictured: from Oct. 20 through Nov. 17, all Westfield Bank branches collected non-perishable food items and monetary donations. Food items included those needed for Thanksgiving dinners as well as other staples to keep shelves stocked throughout the holiday season. Each branch donated to a food pantry or community kitchen local to their service area.

 

Pictured: from Dec. 1 to 15, all Westfield Bank branches collected new, unwrapped toys and books. Each branch donated to an organization or charity local to their service area, including the Gray House, Bloomfield’s Social & Youth Services Department, the Southwick Civic Fund, the Salvation Army, and the Springfield United Toy Drive.

Pictured: from Dec. 1 to 15, all Westfield Bank branches collected new, unwrapped toys and books. Each branch donated to an organization or charity local to their service area, including the Gray House, Bloomfield’s Social & Youth Services Department, the Southwick Civic Fund, the Salvation Army, and the Springfield United Toy Drive.

 

Small Business Spotlight

UMassFive College Credit Union announced Amherst Cinema as the grand prize winner of its second annual Small Business Spotlight contest. Nominated by the community, the winner was revealed at the final UMass football home game of the season at McGuirk Alumni Stadium on Nov. 25, ahead of Small Business Saturday. Amherst Cinema will receive a $10,000 UMass Athletics advertising package, featuring exposure across digital displays, radio reads, email campaigns, and tabling opportunities at the Mullins Center during UMass basketball and hockey home games for the remainder of the season. Two secondary winners — Masuda’s Cafe and InfinityEd — were awarded $500 cash prizes to support their ongoing community efforts.

UMassFive College Credit Union announced Amherst Cinema as the grand prize winner of its second annual Small Business Spotlight contest

UMassFive College Credit Union announced Amherst Cinema as the grand prize winner of its second annual Small Business Spotlight contest

 

 

Haulin’ 4 Hunger

Throughout December, Advantage Truck Group (ATG) employees, customers, and business partners delivered thousands of meals to food pantry organizations near its locations across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont, continuing its year-round effort to fight food insecurity in its communities through its Haulin’ 4 Hunger program. Employees from Advantage Truck Group in Westfield delivered non-perishable meals of canned chicken, ramen noodles, stuffing, canned peas, and cookies to Our Community Table Westfield Soup Kitchen. Since its inception in 2012, ATG’s Haulin’ 4 Hunger program has provided more than 98,000 meals to help those in need.

Employees from Advantage Truck Group in Westfield delivered non-perishable meals of canned chicken, ramen noodles, stuffing, canned peas, and cookies to Our Community Table Westfield Soup Kitchen

Employees from Advantage Truck Group in Westfield delivered non-perishable meals of canned chicken, ramen noodles, stuffing, canned peas, and cookies to Our Community Table Westfield Soup Kitchen

People on the Move

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People on the Move
Joseph Hartman

Joseph Hartman

The board of trustees of Western New England University (WNE) announced the appointment of Joseph Hartman as the university’s seventh president. Hartman will assume the role on June 1. Hartman currently serves as provost and vice chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs at UMass Lowell, where he has led Academic Affairs since 2019. In his current role, he oversees academic strategy, faculty affairs, and student success initiatives across the institution of nearly 17,000 students and 600 faculty. Under his leadership, UMass Lowell integrated academic and student affairs to better support the student experience, opened the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, developed new degrees in data science and engineering physics with the Faculty Senate, and initiated an Early College program in collaboration with the UMass system for aspiring high school students. Prior to becoming provost, he served as dean of the Francis College of Engineering at UMass Lowell, where he oversaw nearly 4,000 students and more than 115 full-time faculty. During his tenure, the college hired 54 full-time faculty; nearly tripled research expenditures; launched new degree programs in biomedical, environmental, and industrial engineering, as well as engineering management; expanded professional co-op and interdisciplinary senior design opportunities; and increased both the size and diversity of the faculty and student body. An industrial and systems engineer by training, Hartman’s research focuses on engineering economic decision analysis and applied optimization. He has published more than 100 scholarly papers and is the author of Engineering Economy and the Decision-Making Process. His research has been supported by the National Science Foundation, including a CAREER Award; the Office of Naval Research; and numerous industry partners. Hartman previously served as professor and chair of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University of Florida and held faculty and leadership appointments at Lehigh University, including the George N. Kledaras ’87 Endowed Chair. He has also held visiting academic positions at the University of Edinburgh and the University of Dortmund. A native of the Chicago area, Hartman earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and his master’s and doctoral degrees from Georgia Institute of Technology.

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Eric Nakajima

Eric Nakajima

Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia appointed Eric Nakajima to head the Holyoke Office of Planning and Economic Development. Nakajima succeeds Aaron Vega, who has been appointed president and CEO of the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council. Nakajima, 59, is an economic development consultant. He has held policy and innovation positions with the state’s Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development and is the former director of the Massachusetts Broadband Institute. From 2020 to 2024, he was director of Government Relations for the Massachusetts Teachers Assoc. Nakajima earned a bachelor’s degree, cum laude, in political science from UMass Amherst and a master’s degree in city planning from the University of California, Berkeley. He held a year-long fellowship for working professionals at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge. The mission of Holyoke’s Office of Planning and Economic Development is business recruitment and retention, short- and long-range planning, and providing staff support to the Planning Board, Redevelopment Authority, Economic Development Industrial Corp., Licensing Board, and Tourism Advisory Committee, among other boards and commissions.

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Meghann Arnold

Meghann Arnold

Greylock Federal Credit Union announced the hiring of Vice President, Controller Meghann Arnold. As part of the Finance team, she will ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting principles and regulatory requirements, and as a strategic leader in the credit union, she will play a critical role in budgeting, financial planning, asset-liability committee participation, internal controls, audit coordination, and process improvement. Arnold, a certified public accountant (CPA), brings more than 15 years of progressive leadership in finance, accounting, and audit across both public and private sectors. She most recently served as a senior audit associate in PwC’s Asset and Wealth Management division, where she led complex, multi-entity audit engagements and advised executive teams on complex technical accounting matters, internal controls, and regulatory compliance. Arnold’s background spans investments, insurance, and banking, giving her a deep understanding of the financial services landscape.

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Vicki Baldyga

Vicki Baldyga

James Hagan, president and CEO of Westfield Bank, announced the appointment of Vicki Baldyga as retail banking officer and branch manager at its Ware office, located at 350 Palmer Road. Baldyga joins the bank with more than 25 years of banking experience. In her new role, she will be responsible for leading and managing the branch, including customer service, retail and business product sales, employee development, and overseeing general branch operations, as well as business and community development within the Ware market. Since joining the banking industry in 1999, she has held various management positions at other community banks across the local area. She holds several diplomas and certificates from the Center for Financial Training and is a 2024 graduate of the New England School for Financial Studies, completing an intensive two-year program for banking professionals. Active in the community, Baldyga is the treasurer and board member of the Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce and has served in past roles for Big Brothers Big Sisters, United Way of Hampshire County, and Crossway Clothing Outreach.

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Country Bank announced the addition of Victoria Scott and Tony Marini as retail banking officers. Each brings extensive industry experience, strong leadership qualities, and a deep commitment to customer service and community involvement. Scott brings 12 years of financial industry experience, including roles in customer service, private client banking, and wealth management. She holds advanced degrees in organizational leadership and business management as well as FINRA and insurance licensing. She is passionate about building relationships and helping customers achieve their financial goals. She has been involved with organizations including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the United Way, and the American Heart Assoc. She looks forward to engaging with the Belchertown community. Marini joins Country Bank with 20 years of banking experience, progressing from customer service to branch leadership roles at regional institutions. He is known for his team-oriented leadership style and commitment to delivering exceptional customer experience. He is a board member of the South-Central Chamber of Commerce and was recognized with a 2020 CORE Award for exceeding customer expectations. He also contributed to community recovery efforts following the 2011 tornado, reflecting his long-standing dedication to service.

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Drew Dawson has joined the team at Eastern States Exposition (ESE) as Hooplandia general manager. In this role, he will oversee overall operations for the event and strategize leading up to festival weekend. Dawson holds bachelor’s degrees in economics and business as well as English from Lafayette College in Easton, Penn. He earned his master’s degree in sports management from East Stroudsburg (Penn.) University, and an executive certificate of completion in foundations of business planning from the University of Hartford Entrepreneurial Studies program in West Hartford, Conn. In college, he played NCAA Division I basketball for Lafayette College. He was inducted into the school’s Athletics Hall of Fame as a member of the 2000 NCAA Tournament team. Dawson’s past roles include lead assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at both Lafayette College and the University of Hartford, formerly a member of the America East Conference. He is currently an adjunct faculty member and head prep coach at Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, Conn., and founder of 3×360 Sports, a basketball-based event management and brand activation platform dedicated exclusively to the growth of FIBA 3×3 basketball. He is also a FIBA-certified coach and member of the Ireland U20 National Team coaching staff. The U20 Irish National Team advanced to the Elite Eight while finishing seventh at the 2025 EuroBasket Championships in Armenia. His other relevant experience include director of Development and program advisor with the Global Sports Academy in West Chester, Penn., and contributor to College Chalktalk through Fox Sports Digital. Hooplandia takes place June 19-21 this year, and registration is open now at hooplandia.com.

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Ted Hebert

Ted Hebert

Kathleen Bronner

Kathleen Bronner

David Rudder

David Rudder

HCC Foundation Inc., the nonprofit fundraising arm of Holyoke Community College, recently welcomed three new members to its board of directors, including two alumni. Ted Hebert, owner of Teddy Bear Pools and Spas and a 1971 HCC alumnus; Kathleen Bronner, a retired fundraising professional and a 1977 HCC graduate; and David Rudder, dean of the Division of Professional Studies at Regis College in Weston, were appointed at the HCC Foundation’s annual meeting on Dec. 9. Hebert recently completed two terms on the HCC board of trustees and has served for the past 10 years as the trustees’ representative on the foundation board. Through the foundation, he and his wife, Barbara, set up the Ted and Barbara Hebert Teddy Bear Pools Scholarship for Working Students, reflecting their passion for supporting working students who balance education and employment. Retired from full-time work in 2021, Bronner is now a fundraising consultant for small nonprofit missions both in Western Mass. and the Cape Cod area. During her career, she worked for 25 years on behalf of her alma mater, Mount Holyoke College, and also for a short time at HCC before being recruited into the healthcare field with leadership roles at the Cape Cod Healthcare and Baystate Health foundations. Rudder holds a PhD in urban affairs and public policy from the University of Delaware and brings more than 20 years of higher education leadership experience to the HCC Foundation board. At Regis College, he oversees workforce development initiatives and has secured significant grants, including a $268,000 Donnelly Workforce Development award. Previously, he spent more than a decade at Springfield College in various leadership roles, including chair of the Human Services Department and associate dean, where he led the development of the college’s first online degree programs and expanded student support services.

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Judy Nevarez

Judy Nevarez

Judy Nevarez was officially installed as the 2026 president of the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley (RAPV), a nonprofit trade association representing more than 1,800 real estate professionals throughout Western Mass. She has more than 22 years of experience as a Realtor and is licensed in both Massachusetts and Connecticut. She is highly active in the community, serving on the board of directors for Western Massachusetts CYO and as a co-founder and advisory board member of Save Our Youth Inc. In 2025, Nevarez was recognized by the National Assoc. of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) as one of the Top 250 Latino Agents nationwide and ranked among the Top 100 Latino Agents in the Northeast. Within RAPV, she has served on the board of directors since 2023 and has been an active member of several committees, including scholarship, professional development, and finance. The following individuals were installed as 2026 RAPV officers: Nikki Serafino, Keller Williams Realty, president-elect; Don Thompson, NextHome Elite Realty, treasurer; and Sue Drumm, Coldwell Banker Realty, immediate past president.

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Jeremy Casey

Jeremy Casey

SR Commercial announced that Broker/President Jeremy Casey has earned the SIOR designation, one of the most selective and respected credentials in the commercial real estate industry. SIOR, the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors, recognizes top-performing brokers who meet rigorous production standards, demonstrate strong ethical practices, and receive peer recommendations from established industry leaders. Fewer than 3,300 professionals worldwide currently hold the designation. Casey’s SIOR membership provides immediate strategic advantages for SR Commercial’s clients, including access to a global network of vetted, high-performing brokers; faster connections and collaboration on complex assignments; strengthened credibility in negotiations with institutional groups, national companies, and out-of-market partners; and validated production standards that place Casey among the region’s top performers. SR Commercial is a boutique commercial real estate brokerage based in West Springfield, serving Western Mass. and Northern Conn. The firm specializes in industrial, retail, office, and investment properties.

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Great Barrington Public Theater (GB Public) announced that Associate Artistic Director Judy Braha will join Jim Frangione at the helm as artistic director. Braha joined the GB Public artistic leadership team in 2023 as associate artistic director after two years directing for the company. She has since then been collaborating with Frangione on the selection of new work for readings and full productions in the summer season. Her impressive portfolio of credits and accomplishments strengthened GB Public’s creative programming and offered new perspectives to the body of works and events produced each year. Braha has been a career director, actor, teacher, and artist for social justice for more than four decades, with directorial credits in theaters and universities throughout New England. She is well known for having led the master of fine arts directing program at Boston University’s School of Theater, retiring in 2022 after 29 years of service at BU. Her work frequently takes on issues of human rights, with titles including To Kill a Mockingbird; Emilie, La Marquise du Chatelet Defends Her Life Tonight; Othello; I Am Lear, a devised piece on aging; and Golda’s Balcony. She also is a longtime member of the Society of Directors and Choreographers and a founding board member of Stage Source, a New England theater resource that was committed to connecting theaters, artists, and their communities.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

MountainOne Insurance Acquires Amy R. Morey Insurance Agency

NORTH ADAMS — MountainOne Insurance Agency, a subsidiary of MountainOne Bank, announced its expansion into Greenfield, effective Jan. 1, through the acquisition of the Amy R. Morey Insurance Agency (ARM). In a relatively short period of time, the independent insurance agency has established a strong presence in the Greenfield area, earning a loyal client base through personalized insurance solutions and a high level of customer service. Owner Amy R. Morey and Account Manager Noelle Laprade will continue to serve clients from the Greenfield office at 91 Main St., which will soon operate under the MountainOne Insurance brand. The acquisition will provide ARM clients with access to an expanded range of insurance products and a broader network of insurance carriers, offering more coverage options at competitive rates while maintaining the local service they value. This acquisition marks MountainOne Insurance’s third expansion in the Pioneer Valley in recent years, following the acquisitions of G.W. Morisi Insurance in Longmeadow and McClure Insurance Agency in West Springfield and Wilbraham, reflecting the organization’s continued growth across the region.

 

Bousquet Mountain Parters with McNinch Restaurant Group

PITTSFIELD —Bousquet Mountain recently announced a new management agreement with the McNinch Restaurant Group to operate all food and beverage services at the mountain. These two Berkshire-based organizations aim to create a refreshed dining experience that reflects the energy and spirit of Bousquet — approachable, flavorful, and distinctly local. The collaboration builds on Bousquet Mountain’s continued transformation under the ownership of Mill Town Capital, whose ongoing investments in the mountain and the Greater Pittsfield area reflect a long-term commitment to revitalizing recreation and community spaces across the Berkshires. John and Tucker McNinch oversee all on-site dining, including Drifters, the mountain’s full-service base lodge restaurant and bar, as well as the first-floor quick-service window — a convenient, cafeteria-style grab-and-go option for fast, casual bites and snacks.

 

Second Chance Composting Launches Program in Lenox

LENOX — Second Chance Composting launched its Residential Community Composting Program in Lenox on Jan. 1. Memberships are now open for the new drop-off location at the Barefoot Gardener, 36 Pittsfield Road, Lenox. The program operates year-round, through all four seasons. Memberships start at $9.99 per month with an annual fee and include unlimited drop-off of household food scraps. Members collect food scraps at home and drop them off at their convenience at the Barefoot Gardener, a partner location. Members can visit as often — or as little — as needed each month. All food scraps are accepted, including meat, fish, dairy, bones, and shells. Additional membership options are available for those who would like to receive finished compost in return. In addition to Lenox, Second Chance Composting operates nine other drop-off locations across the Berkshires, including Pittsfield, North Adams, Williamstown, Adams, Lanesborough, and Savoy. Membership sign-ups are open year-round at all locations. Food scraps are collected weekly and transported to Second Chance Composting’s MassDEP-certified facility in Savoy, where they are turned into nutrient-rich compost. The finished compost is then returned to the community to help grow food, flowers, plants, and trees. To learn more or sign up for a membership, visit www.secondchancecomposting.com.

 

Eversource Named Among Most Responsible Companies

BOSTON — For the seventh consecutive year, Eversource Energy has been recognized by Newsweek and Statista Inc. among America’s Most Responsible Companies for 2026 — one of the top-performing utilities on the annual list. This national award celebrates U.S. companies that demonstrate an exemplary commitment to corporate social responsibility and reflects Eversource’s continued achievements in advancing sustainability throughout its business operations. The ranking focuses on a holistic view of corporate responsibility, evaluating the top 2,000 public companies headquartered in the U.S. across 30 key performance indicators, as well as an independent survey of 18,000 U.S. residents. The ranking represents the 600 companies with the highest overall corporate social responsibility scores across 14 industries. Since the annual ranking was introduced in 2019, Eversource has appeared in every edition of the list.

 

U-Haul Partners with Devon Self Storage Springfield

SPRINGFIELD — U-Haul Co. of Massachusetts and Ohio Inc. announced that Devon Self Storage Springfield signed on as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer to serve the Springfield community. Devon Self Storage Springfield, located at 2155 East Columbus Ave. and owned by Chuck Gamm, will offer essential services like U-Haul trucks and moving supplies. U-Haul has teamed with independent dealers to offer rental equipment to do-it-yourself movers since 1945. During these challenging times for small businesses, more than 21,000 dealers across the U.S. and Canada are generating supplemental income through their U-Haul affiliation. When customers rent from a U-Haul dealer, they are directly supporting an independent small business in their community. Because no financial investment is required to be a dealer, these local affiliates are not U-Haul franchises; they are simply small businesses that have committed a portion of their lot space for U-Haul equipment and a portion of their time to help meet the mobility needs of their neighbors. Learn more about the dealer program and how to join by visiting uhaul.com/dealer.

Brick Marketing Launches Chamber of Commerce Discount

BOSTON — Brick Marketing announced its Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Discount Program, an initiative that makes senior level digital marketing easier to access for organizations across the Commonwealth. Effective immediately, any current member of any chamber of commerce located in Massachusetts will receive a 20% discount on all Brick Marketing digital marketing and AI marketing services. The program reflects Brick Marketing’s belief that strong local partnerships create stronger results. The agency serves clients nationwide while investing deeply in Massachusetts through mentoring, community support, and active participation in leading business associations. Local teams benefit from faster collaboration, on-site strategy sessions, and market specific insight that reflects the realities of doing business in the Commonwealth. For Massachusetts companies, the advantage is proximity and responsiveness, and for national brands, it is a seasoned team with the reach to scale. Eligibility is simple. Any current member of any chamber of commerce in Massachusetts qualifies for the 20% savings. Businesses can confirm eligibility by mentioning their chamber affiliation when contacting Brick Marketing so the discount can be applied to a proposal. If a company is not yet a member, it can join a local chamber to support the community and unlock the 20% savings on all digital marketing services with Brick Marketing. For more information, visit www.brickmarketing.com/chamber-discount-program.

 

Area Nonprofits Benefit from HCC Giving Tree Campaign

I — For the 24th year, Holyoke Community College (HCC) students, staff, and faculty collected hundreds of holiday gifts for consumers at local agencies through its annual Giving Tree campaign. On Dec. 17, representatives from the five groups — Homework House, the Massachusetts Veterans Home at Holyoke (formerly the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home), Access Care Partners (formerly WestMass ElderCare), the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC), and the Itsy Bitsy Child Watch Center at HCC — attended a closing celebration where 320 gifts were distributed. Each year during the annual campaign, Giving Trees are set up in designated areas around campus. Participants choose tags from one of the nonprofit agencies based on the age of the recipient and their wish for a gift. The wrapped gifts are then piled on tables for the closing celebration, when HCC faculty, staff, and students join with representatives from the agencies to share food and stories.

 

Rick’s Place Receives $25,000 from Community Foundation

I — Rick’s Place Inc. has been awarded a $25,000 Flexible Funding grant from the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts. Flexible Funding grants are awarded through a highly competitive process designed to support organizations whose work aligns with the foundation’s strategic focus areas and regional priorities. The grant will provide general operating support to advance the 2026 priorities of Rick’s Place, with a primary focus on relocating to a larger space to meet the growing demand for grief support services. A new location will enable Rick’s Place to serve more families, expand peer grief support programming, and offer a welcoming environment that fosters caring connection and community. Grant funding will also support targeted outreach to help ensure families across the region know where to turn for grief support. Grief can have a profound impact on youth and families, influencing emotional well-being, learning, behavior, and family dynamics. Access to consistent, age-appropriate grief support helps reduce isolation and strengthen coping and resilience for both youth and caregivers, underscoring the importance of continued investment in services like those provided by Rick’s Place.

 

Health New England Awards $176,000 to 49 Nonprofits

I — Health New England recently awarded $176,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations that are creating more inclusive, accessible, and supportive communities across Western and Central Mass. The company’s Community Benefits Mini-Grants went to 49 organizations in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, and Worcester counties, all working to help people reach higher levels of health and well-being. Health New England Community Benefits Mini-Grants are part of the company’s commitment to improving community health by addressing disparities in health outcomes, access, and experience. Alongside its parent company, Baystate Health, and with collaboration from local community partners, Health New England supports programs that open doors to better health for all. This year’s grants focus on initiatives that address at least one social factor known to impact health, such as access to nutritious food, education, safe housing, healthcare, transportation, and opportunities for connection and belonging. By investing in these areas, Health New England aims to help ensure that everyone has the resources and support needed to live healthy, fulfilling lives. Now in its sixth year, the Health New England Community Benefits Mini-Grants program has awarded $595,000 to local nonprofits addressing health equity in Western and Central Mass.

Incorporations

By
Incorporations

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

AGAWAM

K&A Grill Inc., 67 Springfield St., Agawam, MA 01001. Jose Diaz, 210 Wells Road, East Windsor, CT 06088. Provision of prepared meals and beverage services for the general public.

AMHERST

Waldman and Waldman, P.C., 90 Fearing St., Amherst, MA 01002. Oliver Waldman, same. Law practice.

BARRE

Reconnecting with Your Conscience Corp., 33 Nelson St., Barre, MA 01005. Muhammad Sahin, same. Aims to inspire individuals to actively engage in the process of reconnecting with their moral compass, enabling them to make more thoughtful decisions and find peace with their choices.

CHICOPEE

NE Projects Inc., 40 Celestine St., Chicopee, MA 01013. Daniel Govor, same. Home improvement services.

SJ Media Inc., 6 Laskowski St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Sarah Mailhott, same. Graphic design.

EASTHAMPTON

The Creative Technologist Group Inc., 234 Hendrick Street, Easthampton, MA 01027. Kyle Morris, same. Professional event coordinator.

HOLYOKE

The Journey Riding Club Inc., 421 Tokeneke Road, Holyoke, MA 01040. Jose Luis Rosado-Morales, same. Social riding club.

LEEDS

Stratton Holdings Corp., 76 Reservoir Road, Leeds, MA 01053. Nicholas Zayac, same. Purchases, sells, leases, develops, and manages real estate.

NORTHAMPTON

Northampton Orthodox Minyan Inc., 80 Market St., Northampton, MA 01060. Joseph Morse, 194 Jackson St. Northampton, MA 01060. Provides Orthodox Jewish synagogue and related religious services to the Jewish residents of Northampton and surrounding areas.

PITTSFIELD

American Yoga Council Inc., 106 Wendell Ave., Suite 2C, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Andrew Tanner, same. Yoga teaching accreditation and registration, online yoga directory, and other services.

Boyette Energy Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Darien Boyette, same. Energy solutions provider focused on delivering innovative, sustainable, and cost-effective energy technologies, specializing in renewable energy systems, energy storage, and smart grid solutions.

Collabify Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Christina Torres, same. IT consulting.

HTF Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Aakash Shah, same. Develops, manufactures, and distributes food.

Massachusetts Rowing Assoc., Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Brandon Furey Burns, 103 Salem St., Haverhill, MA 01835. Establishes, stimulates, and fosters interest in the sport of rowing among amateur athletes; provides guidance and support to the UMass men’s rowing team and its members; owns and maintains a boathouse; and promotes interest in rowing through competition and regattas.

Radiant Embassy Inc., 163 Linden St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Lazarus Chinaka, same. Organized to empower, uplift, and support underserved individuals and families through holistic services.

Riverdale Construction Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Mary Jo DaSilva, same. Property preservation and landscaping.

Talking Toy Labs Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Sam Pevsner, same. Consumer technology company building an artificial intelligence voice agent for children.

SPRINGFIELD

Alto Daycare Inc., 17 Kenwood Terrace, Springfield, MA 01108. Madina Aden, same. Day care services.

Discovery Polybotz Inc., 1350 Main St., Suite 1600, Springfield, MA 01103. Lauren Jefferson, 9 Pebblestone Circle,Suffield, CT 06078. Operates and supports youth-focused programs that educate and inspire students in Springfield in the areas of science and technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics.

GDLM Incorporated, 386 Hermitage Dr., Springfield, MA 01129. Gregorio Diaz, 114 Wilcox St., Springfield, MA 01104. Holding company engaged in the ownership, acquisition, and management of operating businesses, including but not limited to precision manufacturing and industrial services.

Prestige Builders 413 Inc., 28 Drumlin Road, Springfield, MA 01108. Danielle Webster, same. Commercial and residential construction.

Sentinel Pest Control Inc., 60 Massreco St., Springfield, MA 01109. Jesus Bruno, same. Pest control company specializing in identifying, eliminating, and preventing infestations of unwanted pests in and around homes and businesses.

WENDELL

Zanmi Zanmi Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Wendell, MA 01201. Laura Grattan, 4 Sunnyside St. Jamaica Plain, MA 02130. Nonprofit organization offering multi-lingual education and information in service of maternal and childhood social, emotional, physical, and moral health, with an emphasis on free and public birth, postpartum, and early childhood education that empowers mothers and small children in diverse languages.

WESTFIELD

Built Right Homes Co., 529 North Road, Westfield, MA 01085. Eduard Lapsov, same. Residential home construction.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

New England Revival Movement Inc., 900 Riverdale St., Suite 172, West Springfield, MA 01089. Renny Mathew, same. Conducts an annual conference that brings together Pentecostals and other charismatic groups of the New England region for fellowship, spiritual renewal, and youth engagement.

WILLIAMSTOWN

Jericho Valley Co-Op Inc., 2422 Hancock Road, Williamstown, MA 01267. Kaitlyn Hunt, 140 Church St., Pownal, VT 05261. Nonprofit corporation operating a co-operative to support home-school families with educational programs designed to supplement a child’s home-school curriculum and foster the development of essential literacy, numeracy, and other critical foundation skills, with an emphasis on outdoor learning and exploration, hands-on projects, collaborative discussions, and inquiry-based learning.

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates

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

 

AMHERST

Amherst Ultimate Invitational
103 Concord Way
John Hoover, Amy Martin

Miller’s Falls, MA Zion Korean Church of the Nazarene
1193 North Pleasant St.
Seekyung Pak

Montague Psychological Associates
622 East Pleasant St.
Roger Jones, Saralyn Steingiser

Sena’s Home Care
97 Pondview Dr.
Auriza Wright

Valley Transporter
479 West St., Suite 5
Angel Woolley

Your Cozy Nook
428 Henry St.
Stephanie Hanley

BELCHERTOWN

Cold Spring Antiques and More
17 Main St.
Steven Stoia

DJ Grail Enterprise
1 Stadler St.
Emmanuel Nwabunor

Green Light Bicycle Shop
5 North Main St.
Sean Donovan

Joseph Conkey Logging
86 Munsell St.
Joseph Conkey

Just Me Landscaping
195 Jensen St.
John McNeaney

Leverett Foundations
500 Warren Wright St.
Megan Hession

Mosquito Joe of Amherst-Charlton
37 State St.
Lynn Hatch

Pride #607
165 State St.
Pride Operating LLC

Ragaey M. Gobrial
209 Federal St.
Ragaey Gobrial

River Ledge Farm LLC
298 Cold Spring Road
Lydia Lajoie

HADLEY

Allard’s Farm
41 South Maple St.
Wayne Goulet

Esselon Café
99 Russell St.
Esselon Coffee Roasting Co. Inc.

Exotic Auto Service and Sales
12 Russell St.
Paul Narus

Fort River Farm
102 Mill Valley Road
Gordon Smith

Liquors 44
458 Russell St.
Halimit Raval

The Massage School
231 Russell St.
Andrew Nesi

Norwottock CrossFit
220 Russell St.
GymRob LLC

Shooting Star
P.O. Box 248
Shaun Jenks

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

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

Altun, Mehmet
207 Granby Road, Apt. 21
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/01/2025

Atea, Ali Y.
a/k/a Alatea, Ali Y.
106 Medford St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Date: 12/02/2025

Bryant, William J.
Bryant, Jody P.
425 East Mountain Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Date: 12/03/2025

Buchanan, Elizabeth M.
a/k/a Whitehead, Elizabeth M.
43 Boutin St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/03/2025

Cronin, Richard W.
45 Newport St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/13/2025

Dean, Rebecca S.
146 Jones Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/01/2025

Falcetti, Marie E.
28 Summer Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 13
Date: 12/10/2025

Frates, Happy
a/k/a Montague, Happy
61 Chesterfield Road
Westhampton, MA 01027-9632
Chapter: 13
Date: 12/09/2025

Gassnola, Beth Marie
15 Ashmont St., Floor 2
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Date: 12/01/2025

Gentile, Christopher
a/k/a Morales, Christopher
Gentile, Heather M.
a/k/a Morales, Heather M.
748 Morgan Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Date: 12/12/2025

Goodell, Ashley R.
222 Mohawk Forest Blvd.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/13/2025

Hughes, Joshua
Hughes, Rachael E.
a/k/a Pope, Rachael E.
82 Madison St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/05/2025

Landry, Greg G.
99 Corey Colonial
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 13
Date: 12/01/2025

Lapinski, Kelsey May
140 Housatonic St., Apt. 8
Lenox, MA 01240
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/15/2025

Lavigne, Deanna L.
P.O. Box 423
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/10/2025

Leigner, Amy
47 Nonotuck Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/10/2025

Martin, Thomas J.
421 Cottage St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/01/2025

Michelson, Kevin B.
P.O. Box 290
Hadley, MA 01035
Chapter: 13
Date: 12/02/2025

Morin, Faith M.
44 Quentin Road
Springfield, MA 01129-1726
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/03/2025

Orcutt, Bonnie Jean
1251 Saint James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/08/2025

Petticoffer, Jenna
a/k/a Casale, Jenna
72 Berkshire Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 13
Date: 12/03/2025

Roberto, Ruben Orlando
1929 Allen St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/08/2025

Roy, Shannon L.
20 Gerald St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/06/2025

Santiago, Gregory J.
218 Beekman Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/08/2025

Scott, Brian Elvin
19 Fletcher St., Apt. 19D
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/07/2025

Stetson-Adams, Kelly R.
96 Newell Pond Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 13
Date: 12/09/2025

Szarek, Joanne M.
84 Shaw Park Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/08/2025

Vega-Mata, Yoana Padua
a/k/a Mata, Yoana
52 Breckwood Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/05/2025

Real Estate Transactions

By
Real Estate

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY

BERNARDSTON

180 Bald Mountain Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Samuel J. Trudeau
Seller: Jacob Tokarz
Date: 12/19/25

COLRAIN

271 Thompson Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Steven P. Coburn
Seller: Paula J. Perrotti-Flanagan
Date: 12/10/25

DEERFIELD

Mountain Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Gordon E. Cranston
Seller: Peter A. Burakiewicz
Date: 12/15/25

7 Stage Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Marybeth Hayes
Seller: Donald Swicker Funding TR
Date: 12/10/25

GILL

5 Cove View Lane
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: John Mitchell
Seller: Michael F. Hastings
Date: 12/15/25

ERVING

25 Old State Road
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $182,500
Buyer: Western Mass. Climbers Coalition
Seller: 25 Old State Road LLC
Date: 12/12/25

GREENFIELD

79 Burnham Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Andrew K. Smith
Seller: Norwood, Jonathan Juhl, (Estate)
Date: 12/12/25

Colrain Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Kyle A. Bostrom
Seller: Helen K. Renfrew RET
Date: 12/19/25

254 Davis St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $347,553
Buyer: Michelle A. Dedischew
Seller: Mary Chicoine
Date: 12/19/25

298 Deerfield St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Julian K. Von Wodtke
Seller: Trevor D. Woodworth
Date: 12/17/25

58 Lincoln St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $137,000
Buyer: Troy Santerre
Seller: Shaun M. Coughlin
Date: 12/15/25

75 Phillips St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: John F. Day
Seller: Brendan M. Cialek
Date: 12/15/25

35-37 Shattuck St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $342,500
Buyer: Harlin J. Glovacki
Seller: Douglas A. Pratt
Date: 12/19/25

10 Tulip Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Ruth S. Charney
Seller: Harold F. Green
Date: 12/12/25

192 Wells St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $294,000
Buyer: James P. Younger
Seller: Maria Z. Agudelo
Date: 12/19/25

LEVERETT

73 Depot Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $799,000
Buyer: Xiaoqian Gong
Seller: Jeremy Ober
Date: 12/10/25

Lawton Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $121,000
Buyer: Steven D. Morgan RET
Seller: Juels, Helen Rhoda, (Estate)
Date: 12/11/25

259 Long Plain Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $519,900
Buyer: Jangrae Jo
Seller: Craig Nelson
Date: 12/08/25

MONTAGUE

15 Crescent St.
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $339,000
Buyer: Samuel T. Guerin
Seller: Morris, Athena M., (Estate)
Date: 12/09/25

38 Randall Wood Dr.
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Mark A. Fresco
Seller: Brad A. Farner
Date: 12/12/25

NORTHFIELD

529 South Mountain Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Miles Young-Palmer
Seller: Deborah Guillotte
Date: 12/11/25

ORANGE

Creamery Hill Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Channel Z. Seismometry Inc.
Seller: Myra J. Lyne
Date: 12/18/25

121 Pleasant St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Colleen Taylor
Seller: Diana L. MacKinnon
Date: 12/10/25

257 South Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Isabella Keith
Seller: Daniel Stevens
Date: 12/19/25

SHELBURNE

163 Zerah Fiske Road
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Beth M. Vettori
Seller: Ojala INT
Date: 12/11/25

SHUTESBURY

207 Leverett Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Mary C. Sheehan
Seller: Spring Associates Inc.
Date: 12/16/25

23 Pelham Hill Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Meghan Jacokes
Seller: Douglas M. Wilson
Date: 12/18/25

42 Weatherwood Road
Shutesbury, MA 01002
Amount: $357,000
Buyer: Linh Tran
Seller: Walter J. Mahoney
Date: 12/09/25

SUNDERLAND

134 Montague Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $585,000
Buyer: Nicole Rayne
Seller: Edward C. Warner RET
Date: 12/15/25

North Mountain Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Niranjan Carr-Mal
Seller: Robert O. Williams
Date: 12/08/25

106 South Silver Lane
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Kitchen Garden Farm LLC
Seller: Kitchen Garden LLC
Date: 12/18/25

WENDELL

West St.
Wendell, MA 01379
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Commonwealth Of Mass.
Seller: Sara C. Hsiang
Date: 12/17/25

WHATELY

22 Eastwood Lane
Whately, MA 01373
Amount: $870,000
Buyer: David A. Jemison
Seller: Andrew Szkiladz
Date: 12/10/25

32 Swamp Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $484,500
Buyer: Mishka Murad
Seller: Robert Beede
Date: 12/19/25

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

141 Barry St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Daniel A. Gerfin
Seller: Paul A. Jubinville
Date: 12/19/25

36 Cottonwood Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Giovanni M. Russo
Seller: Dennis Stempel
Date: 12/18/25

111 Cottonwood Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Kiana Stowell
Seller: Karen L. Withee
Date: 12/08/25

15 Forest Ridge Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $457,000
Buyer: James P. Gastringer
Seller: Robert N. Dunn
Date: 12/08/25

869-871 Main St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $561,000
Buyer: Michael J. Serra
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 12/12/25

134 Mallard Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Lindsey M. Kiniry
Seller: Mary R. Sitek
Date: 12/11/25

51 Merrill Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Miles Simpson
Seller: Sharon L. Dematteo
Date: 12/19/25

691 Mill St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Ryan P. Todesco
Seller: Samantha Sanocki
Date: 12/10/25

719 North West St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Ali Nasir
Seller: James Russell
Date: 12/19/25

431 Springfield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Pro Olive LLC
Seller: Grimaldi FT
Date: 12/19/25

56 Taft St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Meliha Gizli
Seller: Wodell, Robert J., (Estate)
Date: 12/12/25

18 Wildflower Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $655,000
Buyer: Raja Shahabuddin
Seller: Dinesh B. Patel
Date: 12/18/25

64 Woodside Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Michael A. Nigro
Seller: Robert D. Taupier
Date: 12/12/25

BLANDFORD

Chester Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $571,225
Buyer: Mass. Commission for Conservation & Recreation
Seller: Nature Conservancy
Date: 12/19/25

BRIMFIELD

243 Brookfield Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Andrew Briand
Seller: Christine A. Byrne
Date: 12/19/25

54 Little Alum Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: David Labonte
Seller: Arpc LLC
Date: 12/19/25

CHESTER

104 Middlefield Road
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Jacqueline Winkler
Seller: Eileen D. Duane
Date: 12/17/25

CHICOPEE

24 Blanchard St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $269,900
Buyer: Rachael L. Hardy
Seller: Joseph Frasco
Date: 12/09/25

528 Broadway St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Arturo J. Garcia-Lugo
Seller: Emtay Inc.
Date: 12/12/25

17 Chateaugay St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: Pedro C. Martinez
Seller: Annie A. Miltus
Date: 12/12/25

34 Deslauriers St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Shane Sowa
Seller: Joanellys Rodriguez
Date: 12/17/25

910 Granby Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Hurricane Properties LLC
Seller: Michael T. Loudon
Date: 12/15/25

3 Henry St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Abigail Claudio
Seller: Maxine J. Clark
Date: 12/15/25

24 Hilton St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Hassle Free LLC
Seller: Saluk, Thomas W., (Estate)
Date: 12/19/25

37 Kimball St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Bruny A. Rivera
Seller: JoeJoe Properties LLC
Date: 12/11/25

17 Labelle Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $469,000
Buyer: Donna Toupin
Seller: Custom Home Development Group LLC
Date: 12/08/25

68 Seventh Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Viriyeak Prak
Seller: Priscilla L. Welch
Date: 12/15/25

1 Stockbridge St.
Chicopee, MA 01103
Amount: $535,000
Buyer: Wilton Dasilva
Seller: Waycon Inc.
Date: 12/19/25

16 Victoria Park
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $545,000
Buyer: Drew Nalewanski
Seller: Shawn P. Peabody
Date: 12/12/25

23 White Birch Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Kiara I. Pagan-Ortiz
Seller: Patrick K. Asselin
Date: 12/19/25

EAST LONGMEADOW

85 Brookhaven Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $545,000
Buyer: Evan Donermeyer
Seller: Sandra M. Turgeon
Date: 12/12/25

115 Fernwood Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Riccardo G. Albano
Seller: Thomas J. Mazza
Date: 12/18/25

80 Pease Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $745,000
Buyer: William Ngaruiya
Seller: Dark Star RT
Date: 12/17/25

260 Porter Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Aleksandr Chuduk
Seller: David Chapdelaine
Date: 12/10/25

265 Vineland Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $368,000
Buyer: C. A. Izzo FT
Seller: Loretta M. White
Date: 12/15/25

GRANVILLE

30 Granby Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Frank Grillo
Seller: Michael E. Flarida
Date: 12/15/25

388 South Lane
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $399,000
Buyer: Michael Coache
Seller: Garrett Purdy
Date: 12/19/25

HAMPDEN

319 Main St.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Markopolous FT
Seller: Sareen Properties LLC
Date: 12/12/25

359 Main St.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $2,500,000
Buyer: Fab Holdings LLC
Seller: White Birch Garden Apt. Inc.
Date: 12/19/25

64 Potash Hill Lane
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Snatch Block Properties LLC
Seller: Mohammed Abdraba
Date: 12/16/25

HOLLAND

9 Chandler Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $289,900
Buyer: David Orszulak
Seller: Pope FT
Date: 12/08/25

HOLYOKE

48 Belvidere Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Angel Hernandez
Seller: Wilkinson, Patricia A., (Estate)
Date: 12/18/25

8 Blackberry Circle
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Allan R. Lafond
Seller: Chamberlain, Kenneth P., (Estate)
Date: 12/10/25

17 Cleveland St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $469,900
Buyer: Kenneth P. Bachand
Seller: Russell J. Mawdsley
Date: 12/12/25

4 Columbia St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Andrea Ciano
Seller: Juan C. Nunez
Date: 12/18/25

75 Elm St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Roland Toussaint
Seller: Josue Colon
Date: 12/12/25

794 Homestead Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Ashley Rodriguez
Seller: Leni-Sarah Boucher
Date: 12/15/25

43 King St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Juliana Olmstead
Seller: Judy M. Keith
Date: 12/09/25

121 Locust St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Tanya Kelley
Seller: Loughrey, Robert F., (Estate)
Date: 12/11/25

120 Middle Water St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $875,000
Buyer: ND Logistics LLC
Seller: WTM-SB LLC
Date: 12/12/25

179-181 Pearl St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Richard Lovely
Seller: Anthony J. Bermudez
Date: 12/18/25

131 Pine St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Archercallan LLC
Seller: Pine Suffolk LLC
Date: 12/16/25

10 Radcliffe St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Janet S. Mazziottio
Seller: Edward B. Lynch
Date: 12/18/25

573 South Canal St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Mjd Realty LLC
Seller: Paul A. Snopek
Date: 12/17/25

66 Taylor St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Daniel H. Soto
Seller: Reneeza Ramdeen LT
Date: 12/15/25

26 Vernon St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: RM Blerman LLC
Seller: Carolyn Gonzalez
Date: 12/16/25

61 West Glen St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $148,500
Buyer: Targaryen RT
Seller: Chung, Michael Y., (Estate)
Date: 12/16/25

102 West Meadowview Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Stephanie Lussier
Seller: Roger J. Fortin TR
Date: 12/19/25

LONGMEADOW

47 Academy Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $705,000
Buyer: Masoud Hashemi
Seller: Jason J. Padaam
Date: 12/19/25

37 Captain Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $476,000
Buyer: Collin M. Mack
Seller: Eileen A. Cavanaugh
Date: 12/09/25

117 Crescent Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $474,900
Buyer: Ryan D. Smith
Seller: Hoa P. Nguyen
Date: 12/08/25

5 Ferncroft St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Huaqing Yang
Seller: Gregor Kowalewski
Date: 12/15/25

120 Inverness Lane
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Rachel Millimet
Seller: Gary A. Popovich
Date: 12/12/25

260 Longmeadow St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Kristina Bazarian
Seller: Kenneth R. Blackmer
Date: 12/15/25

44 Wendover Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $681,750
Buyer: Abdel Al Hamamsy
Seller: Diane L. Teta
Date: 12/19/25

217 Williams St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Clarence H. Linder
Seller: Michael Elfman
Date: 12/09/25

LUDLOW

142 Amherst St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Aline G. Dasilva
Seller: Dorothy Markowski RET
Date: 12/12/25

60 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $910,000
Buyer: V&V Properties LLC
Seller: Kos Realty Inc.
Date: 12/19/25

64-70 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $910,000
Buyer: V&V Properties LLC
Seller: Kos Realty Inc.
Date: 12/19/25

3 Fontaine St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Matthew R. Quinnell
Seller: Matthew T. Bridges
Date: 12/08/25

60 Loopley St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Elizabeth Nawoichik
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 12/18/25

519 Lyon St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Thamara V. Jonathas
Seller: Lorraine Kotelnicki TR
Date: 12/12/25

425 Miller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: 425 Miller LLC
Seller: Michael S. O’Rourke
Date: 12/17/25

334 Munsing St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Larissa M. Hayden
Seller: Mark Frink
Date: 12/17/25

51 Parkview St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Keith Cunningham
Seller: Zaide Soufane
Date: 12/16/25

MONSON

199 Munn Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $520,000
Buyer: Zachary Chaffee
Seller: McClung FT
Date: 12/19/25

Paradise Lake Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Gleb Leiderman
Seller: Clark R. Zelazo
Date: 12/18/25

95 Upper Palmer Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Johnny East LLC
Seller: John M. Arooth
Date: 12/16/25

MONTGOMERY

3 North Road
Montgomery, MA 01085
Amount: $549,000
Buyer: Kristin L. Chaffee
Seller: Western Mass. LLC
Date: 12/09/25

PALMER

71 Beech St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $173,500
Buyer: Mark Smith
Seller: Thomas R. Mega
Date: 12/16/25

1247 Calkins Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $306,000
Buyer: Elanna G. Bellows
Seller: Louise R. Couture-Olsen
Date: 12/19/25

2077 Calkins Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $361,000
Buyer: Sean Powers
Seller: Brian J. Lachance
Date: 12/19/25

44 Converse St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $342,000
Buyer: Stephanie Harry
Seller: Mathew W. Walch
Date: 12/11/25

22 Crawford St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Naples Home Buyers TR
Seller: Kristen Jackson
Date: 12/10/25

4329 High St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Mariely L. De Leon
Seller: Lawrence Jasak
Date: 12/19/25

4560 High St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Brian K. Peltier
Seller: McClosky, Theodore F., (Estate)
Date: 12/16/25

1018-1020 Maple St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Grant C. Irving
Seller: Jeffery K. Florence
Date: 12/15/25

4014 School St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: J&M Premier Properties LLC
Seller: Central Mass. Properties LLC
Date: 12/12/25

RUSSELL

110 Huntington Road
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Christopher D. Boyden
Seller: Emily R. Fecteau
Date: 12/17/25

SPRINGFIELD

20-22 Acushnet Ave.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Seaside Capital LLC
Seller: Felicita Parent
Date: 12/19/25

Adams St.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $8,700,000
Buyer: Northern Heights 2 LP
Seller: Northern Heights LP
Date: 12/19/25

179 Albemarle St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Mario J. Deshazo
Seller: A. L. Candelaria
Date: 12/15/25

Ashmun St.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $8,700,000
Buyer: Northern Heights 2 LP
Seller: Northern Heights LP
Date: 12/19/25

30 Athol St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Luis O. Mazariegos
Seller: Mark G. Lemelin
Date: 12/15/25

877 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Edward D. Martinez
Seller: Bernoulli Louissaint
Date: 12/19/25

906-908 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $322,088
Buyer: North Adams Realty LLC
Seller: Michael L. Dipon
Date: 12/17/25

192 Birchland Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Bho Realty LLC
Seller: Mary C. Falcone
Date: 12/17/25

78 Blaine St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $242,500
Buyer: Nelida Williams
Seller: Frederick Scagliarini
Date: 12/16/25

74 Blanche St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Ramon M. Lopez
Seller: Robert B. Mulcahey
Date: 12/08/25

189 Bowles Park
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $382,500
Buyer: Chrismery Gonzalez
Seller: Joseph A. Cleaveland
Date: 12/10/25

41-43 Bristol St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $271,000
Buyer: Heisy J. Ortega
Seller: Jose B. Ortega
Date: 12/16/25

114 Brookside Circle
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Lorraine Kotelnicki TR
Seller: Holly A. Spedding
Date: 12/15/25

15 Burns Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $326,000
Buyer: Rosemary Lopez
Seller: Sandra Seymour
Date: 12/12/25

Calhoun Place, Lot C
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $635,000
Buyer: Phantom Holdings LLC
Seller: Memorial Square Apartments II LP
Date: 12/08/25

116 Carr St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Sareen Properties LLC
Seller: Nicole E. Gledhill
Date: 12/16/25

Central St.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $8,700,000
Buyer: Northern Heights 2 LP
Seller: Northern Heights LP
Date: 12/19/25

28 Collingwood Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Jacob R. Motyl
Seller: Lisa M. Garcia
Date: 12/12/25

20 Connolly St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Jose Marquez-Vargas
Seller: Taryn B. Smith
Date: 12/08/25

105 Denwall Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Ramona Rodriguez
Seller: Sareen Properties LLC
Date: 12/15/25

100 Derryfield Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Mario Scibelli
Seller: William T. Raleigh
Date: 12/16/25

158 Devens St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Boriken Properties LLC
Seller: Ivor E. Burley
Date: 12/18/25

94 Duryea St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Amanda L. Barrett
Seller: Timothy J. Deuso
Date: 12/10/25

368-370 Eastern Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Juan L. Perez
Seller: Jose L. Mateo-Ortiz
Date: 12/16/25

40 Eldridge St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $272,000
Buyer: Marie A. Joseph
Seller: Anthony J. Daniele
Date: 12/12/25

34 Elsie St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Senior Homebuyers LLC
Seller: Mary V. Jackson
Date: 12/12/25

6 Eton St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Tracy Beauvois
Seller: Andre Denardo
Date: 12/19/25

392 Gifford St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Migdalia Colon
Seller: Omar Silva-Charbonier
Date: 12/19/25

40 Goldenrod St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Nancy E. Cintron
Seller: Carrasquillo Fix Up LLC
Date: 12/19/25

56 Hadley St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $319,000
Buyer: Tyler Bode
Seller: Deely, John H., (Estate)
Date: 12/18/25

26 Harkness Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Dieu N. O’Connell
Seller: Zoraida Bonet
Date: 12/15/25

141 Hartford Ter.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Luis Velez
Seller: Sean Palatino
Date: 12/15/25

122 Hastings St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Arielle Moson
Seller: Xavier J. Rivera
Date: 12/19/25

28 Hazen St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $294,000
Buyer: Faustino Sanchez
Seller: Gretchen Dubbs
Date: 12/12/25

52 Herman St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: Fallah Razzak
Seller: Julio C. Quintero
Date: 12/10/25

25 Ivan St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $228,660
Buyer: Waleska E. Padilla
Seller: John Valin
Date: 12/16/25

177 Johnson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Odalis M. Velez
Seller: Nikolay Dipon
Date: 12/10/25

2718 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Ridge Main LLC
Seller: Memorial Square Apartments II LP
Date: 12/10/25

193 Marmon St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Lizbeth Lopez
Seller: Juliet Florian
Date: 12/15/25

57-59 Martha St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Equity Trust Company
Seller: Silvestre M. Gama
Date: 12/10/25

117 Middle St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Dillon C. Donahue
Seller: Jovany Pinto
Date: 12/17/25

126-128 Miller St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Nanaadom Nyarko
Seller: Mike Krasnov
Date: 12/10/25

49 Mohegan Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Jayla Latham
Seller: Daniel J. Garvey
Date: 12/19/25

15 Mountainview St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Helen Santana
Seller: Feliciano Bonilla
Date: 12/15/25

70 Nagle St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $301,000
Buyer: Jerrytza Cartagena
Seller: Timothy D. Doak
Date: 12/15/25

101 Newhall St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $177,866
Buyer: Garren Cox
Seller: Melody Carter-Walls
Date: 12/09/25

19 Normandy Road
Springfield, MA 01106
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Benjamin G. Shapiro
Seller: Livingwater Capital LLC
Date: 12/09/25

162 Northampton Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: 3Queens LLC
Seller: Ladawn Savage
Date: 12/08/25

242-244 Orange St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $519,900
Buyer: Deivi T. Margarin
Seller: Crops Realty LLC
Date: 12/19/25

292-294 Orange St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: Pierre Families Properties LLC
Seller: Chamber Investment Group LLC
Date: 12/08/25

500 Park Dr.
Springfield, MA 01106
Amount: $1,200,000
Buyer: Peter B. Picknelly
Seller: Steven R. Torres
Date: 12/11/25

188 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $289,900
Buyer: Deveron Plummer
Seller: Michael S. Freitas
Date: 12/19/25

157 Penrose St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $137,000
Buyer: Jjj17 LLC
Seller: Campagnari Construction LLC
Date: 12/09/25

283 Plumtree Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $323,900
Buyer: Maiki Gomez
Seller: Wilfredo Rohena
Date: 12/18/25

42 Redstone Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Amanda Bineault
Seller: Sara L. Brown
Date: 12/10/25

28 Rencelau St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Meaghan E. Cocuzzo
Seller: Jennifer K. Rossmiller
Date: 12/12/25

20-22 Ringgold St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Victor L. Martinez
Seller: Hector L. Martinez
Date: 12/18/25

485 Riverside Road
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Alexis V. Gonzalez
Seller: Nilda M. Colon
Date: 12/12/25

90 Saint James Circle
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Sergio Vicente
Seller: Samara Serrano
Date: 12/19/25

196 Sawmill Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: William Fallon
Seller: Melanson, Karen Ann, (Estate)
Date: 12/19/25

88-90 Somerset St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: M. Delcarmen-Maldonado
Seller: Jose Ramirez
Date: 12/12/25

36 Sunapee St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Nilsa Cintron
Seller: Mirialys E. Hernandez
Date: 12/18/25

43 Sunridge Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $292,400
Buyer: Miguel Jusino
Seller: Joseph Sullivan
Date: 12/18/25

68 Sunrise Ter.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Shaun Kost
Seller: Aldo Properties LLC
Date: 12/08/25

18 Sycamore St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Anthony Angelo
Seller: Naples Home Buyers TR
Date: 12/18/25

33 Taber St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Carlos M. Flores
Seller: Manchester Enterprises LLC
Date: 12/12/25

46-48 Wait St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Damaris Frias
Seller: Sareen Properties LLC
Date: 12/12/25

82 Waldorf St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Danielle R. Walker
Seller: Magda Riley
Date: 12/19/25

66 Walsh St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Bryan Cutshall
Seller: Catherine T. Maciolek
Date: 12/19/25

261 West Allen Ridge Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Tyler Maldonado
Seller: 261 West Allen Ridge Road NT
Date: 12/19/25

163 Westbrook Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Walter Washington
Seller: Patricia A. Nugent
Date: 12/19/25

341-343 White St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $288,700
Buyer: Amenadiel RT
Seller: Raixa S. Figueroa-Rios
Date: 12/12/25

427-433 White St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $738,000
Buyer: Atab LLC
Seller: North Adams Realty LLC
Date: 12/15/25

615 White St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $185,500
Buyer: Healthy Neighborhoods Group LLC
Seller: U. S. A. Veterans Affairs
Date: 12/15/25

190 Whittum Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $293,000
Buyer: Nicholas N. Cotto
Seller: Kiera Kristoffy
Date: 12/19/25

1213 Worcester St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Blythewood Property Management LLC
Seller: Progressive Enterprises LLC
Date: 12/19/25

45 Wrona St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $212,500
Buyer: Tejveer LLC
Seller: Guild Mortgage Co. LLC
Date: 12/19/25

SOUTHWICK

771 College Hwy.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $2,750,000
Buyer: Schnitzler FT
Seller: Mcg Southwick LLC
Date: 12/16/25

2 Gableview Lane
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $1,175,000
Buyer: Shae M. Harrison
Seller: Kurt S. Shea
Date: 12/12/25

16 Grandview St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Rachel Sutherland
Seller: Douglas Wentworth
Date: 12/12/25

82 Hillside Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $594,000
Buyer: Jorge P. Bermejo
Seller: Tammy L. Gerrish
Date: 12/19/25

114 North Longyard Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Eddie Lapinski
Seller: Barbara A. Polverari RET
Date: 12/16/25

3 Pine Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Carney
Seller: Lodola, John P., (Estate)
Date: 12/12/25

7 Sawgrass Lane
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $647,000
Buyer: Gary Popovich
Seller: Denis Ukrainets
Date: 12/12/25

WALES

84 Stafford Holland Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $147,443
Buyer: Vrmtg Asset TR
Seller: James H. Loper
Date: 12/12/25

WEST SPRINGFIELD

64 Apple Ridge Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $542,000
Buyer: Michael Theulen
Seller: Stephen M. Cross
Date: 12/09/25

 

278 Elm St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $399,900
Buyer: Alejandro Marrero
Seller: Paul K. Graves
Date: 12/11/25

43 Exposition Ter.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Kifa TR
Seller: 360 Auto Sales Inc.
Date: 12/16/25

44 Exposition Ter.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Job TR
Seller: PL LLC
Date: 12/16/25

147 Grandview Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $687,450
Buyer: Dori Parkman
Seller: Kenneth A. Gazda
Date: 12/17/25

42 Gregory Lane
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $560,000
Buyer: Siobhan M. Murray
Seller: West Co. Investments LLC
Date: 12/09/25

Hannoush Dr., Ext.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: 5 Hannoush Drive NT
Seller: Joseph A. Hannoush
Date: 12/18/25

54 Hill St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: 54 Hill RT
Seller: 3-D Home Improvement LLC
Date: 12/19/25

42 Janet St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Elizabeth S. Carlson
Seller: Darrin J. Begley
Date: 12/18/25

628 Kings Hwy.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: George Katsoulis
Seller: Katsoulis, Dorothy, (Estate)
Date: 12/10/25

18 Salem St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Hassle Free LLC
Seller: Thivierge, Richard G., (Estate)
Date: 12/12/25

25 Summer St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $620,000
Buyer: Mass Housing LLC
Seller: Hann Realty Berkshire LLC
Date: 12/15/25

139 Upper Beverly Hills
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $339,900
Buyer: Karen A. Pare
Seller: Derek J. Murray
Date: 12/08/25

43 Wishing Well Way
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $540,000
Buyer: William Fontaine
Seller: Michael Theulen
Date: 12/09/25

WESTFIELD

125 Barbara St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Zlata Banar
Seller: Paul M. Rose
Date: 12/16/25

4 Columbia St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $278,100
Buyer: Ghanshyambhai V. Patel
Seller: Linda R. Mazzoni
Date: 12/18/25

286 East Main St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $2,879,984
Buyer: Kingsbridge Vermont LLC
Seller: Pizza Town Holdco LLC
Date: 12/12/25

10 Ethan Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $187,500
Buyer: Dl Homes LLC
Seller: Steglinski, Stanislawa, (Estate)
Date: 12/09/25

Falcon Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $10,000,000
Buyer: NP Falcon Landing LLC
Seller: Target Corp.
Date: 12/19/25

160 Falcon Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $4,000,000
Buyer: Westfield Falcon 160 LLC
Seller: Huse Family Realty LLC
Date: 12/12/25

168 Falcon Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: NP Falcon Landing LLC
Seller: Monica L. Cormier
Date: 12/19/25

184 Falcon Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $1,100,000
Buyer: Falcon Westfield Holding LLC
Seller: Koziar Capital LLC
Date: 12/17/25

40 Heritage Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $491,000
Buyer: Jenna Lee-Guiffre
Seller: Marybeth Hayes
Date: 12/10/25

243 Holyoke Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Eric J. Clarke
Seller: Robert A. Greenleaf
Date: 12/11/25

156 Honey Pot Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $520,000
Buyer: Max Balukonis
Seller: Joanne F. Parker RET
Date: 12/17/25

162 Joseph Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: William D. Dansereau
Seller: Riccardo G. Albano
Date: 12/16/25

444 Loomis St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Lanee N. Sutherland
Seller: Cornerstone Homebuying LLC
Date: 12/09/25

82 Medieros Way
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $576,000
Buyer: 82 Medeiros Way LLC
Seller: R& A Realty Inc.
Date: 12/12/25

North Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $10,000,000
Buyer: NP Falcon Landing LLC
Seller: Target Corp.
Date: 12/19/25

232 Russellville Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $545,000
Buyer: Christopher M. Kunkle
Seller: Sabrina M. Dalia
Date: 12/15/25

76 Shaker Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Colin Fairman
Seller: Norman A. Shink
Date: 12/18/25

229-233 Union St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: J. Sperry Realty LLC
Seller: Mary D. Herzog
Date: 12/10/25

51 Washington St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $419,000
Buyer: Kenneth R. Roque
Seller: Mhi Properties LLC
Date: 12/19/25

70 Yeoman Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $329,900
Buyer: Mary Nahorniak
Seller: David P. Sklarski
Date: 12/19/25

WILBRAHAM

72 Beebe Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Jason Abeid
Seller: Mildred M. Jones LT
Date: 12/16/25

14 Brookdale Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $510,000
Buyer: Kevin S. White
Seller: Timothy E. Poole
Date: 12/12/25

19 Cora St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Zakary Peterson
Seller: David M. Sanders
Date: 12/19/25

8 Glenn Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Todd A. Ely
Seller: Zachary J. Chaffee
Date: 12/19/25

11 Hickory Hill Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Giuseppe R. Demaria
Seller: Laurie E. Barber
Date: 12/19/25

12 Highridge Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $1,113,000
Buyer: Nicolas Rovelli
Seller: JoeJoe Properties LLC
Date: 12/08/25

9 Hunting Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $481,000
Buyer: Phyllis C. Ervin LT
Seller: Otto F. Welker
Date: 12/17/25

4 Lance Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: John M. Sarnacki
Seller: Caitlin A. Garreffi
Date: 12/12/25

344 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Jake Liquori
Seller: Naples Home Buyers TR
Date: 12/17/25

13 Weston St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $555,000
Buyer: Anthony M. Detora
Seller: Manuel F. Esteves
Date: 12/16/25

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

110 Columbia Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Ranju Shahi
Seller: Li Liu
Date: 12/19/25

88 Farview Way
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $538,800
Buyer: P. Bovornkeeratiroj
Seller: Richard Tedeschi
Date: 12/19/25

13 Harlow Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Peter G. Marcus
Seller: Jacobson RT
Date: 12/12/25

630 Main St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $1,150,000
Buyer: Krupalu LLC
Seller: Hilda Grnbaum RET
Date: 12/10/25

11 Sheerman Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: Mingda Qiao
Seller: Virginia L. Kilmer TR
Date: 12/12/25

265 Stanley St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $585,000
Buyer: Ella Tuson
Seller: Astrid David
Date: 12/19/25

BELCHERTOWN

276 Amherst Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Christopher Zenyuch
Seller: Caitlyn G. Cameron
Date: 12/10/25

40 Dana Hill
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Sunandita Sarker
Seller: Robert E. Zuchara
Date: 12/15/25

64 Gold St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: Amaz Cleveland
Seller: Susan R. Coates
Date: 12/11/25

45 Howard St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $374,900
Buyer: Adam A. Grove
Seller: Jon C. Ventulett
Date: 12/11/25

112 North St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $613,000
Buyer: Megan Holder
Seller: Michael Hoffman
Date: 12/16/25

399 North Washington St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Douglas Cameron
Seller: Wilfred N. Auclair
Date: 12/10/25

37 Poole Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $133,450
Buyer: Victor English
Seller: Fsg Realty LLC
Date: 12/12/25

12 Shea Ave.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $625,000
Buyer: Robert Moss
Seller: Cynthia L. Naughton
Date: 12/18/25

15 Terry Lane
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Brendan M. Cialek
Seller: Amanda Dzialo
Date: 12/15/25

149 Turkey Hill Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $421,500
Buyer: Connor Loughman
Seller: Adam Conklin
Date: 12/16/25

245 Ware Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Ryan Potter
Seller: Alexandra M. Foster
Date: 12/08/25

EASTHAMPTON

26 Brook St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $518,000
Buyer: Lee E. Hurter
Seller: Murphy, Thomas J., (Estate)
Date: 12/10/25

4 Coed Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Lindsey Litwak
Seller: Routhier, Eileen S., (Estate)
Date: 12/12/25

13 Golden Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Nicholas R. Pellegrino
Seller: Alkame Projects LLC
Date: 12/19/25

33 Howard Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $236,000
Buyer: Kevin E. Pardee
Seller: Caddick, Donna L., (Estate)
Date: 12/15/25

5 Laurin Lane
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $530,000
Buyer: Daniel Carey
Seller: Patrick A. Foley
Date: 12/12/25

2 Little St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $418,000
Buyer: Michael S. Sargent
Seller: Scout Opatut
Date: 12/15/25

6 Newell St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $351,000
Buyer: Michael C. Reynolds
Seller: Daniel R. Carey
Date: 12/12/25

125 Park St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Emily S. Rothwell
Seller: Douglas L. Wright
Date: 12/17/25

56 Pomeroy St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $761,000
Buyer: Christopher A. Viens
Seller: Kenneth P. Bachand
Date: 12/12/25

38 West St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: 113 Maple Street LLC
Seller: Greene, Doris, (Estate)
Date: 12/15/25

GOSHEN

125 Cape St.
Goshen, MA 01096
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Glenn Gilbert
Seller: Harry, Mark D., (Estate)
Date: 12/08/25

 

GRANBY

93 Carver St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $629,000
Buyer: Jose Colon
Seller: Pierre Jacques
Date: 12/18/25

5 Greystone Ave.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $341,900
Buyer: Vladimir Ferdman
Seller: Sheila L. Webster
Date: 12/09/25

HADLEY

67 Chmura Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $358,000
Buyer: Veteran Stan LLC
Seller: Beverly A. Wolowicz
Date: 12/15/25

80 Knightly Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Debra A. Semensi
Seller: Debra A. Semensi
Date: 12/18/25

16 Rocky Hill Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $854,000
Buyer: Mordecai J. Golin
Seller: Marin Amundson-Graham
Date: 12/12/25

7 Roosevelt St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $635,000
Buyer: Moore Lt
Seller: Maxwell Fish
Date: 12/17/25

HATFIELD

49 North St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $675,000
Buyer: David Sloviter
Seller: James E. Read
Date: 12/10/25

147 Pantry Road
Hatfield, MA 01088
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Crystal M. Hood
Seller: Grant Ft
Date: 12/09/25

NORTHAMPTON

100 Emerson Way
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $1,090,000
Buyer: Patricia A. Drolet
Seller: Harry Greenhouse
Date: 12/08/25

167 Emerson Way
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $1,630,275
Buyer: Gurmeet Singh
Seller: Amy C. McDonough
Date: 12/19/25

25 Munroe St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $860,000
Buyer: Caren Y. Irgang
Seller: Jonathan B. Liebman
Date: 12/10/25

84 North Main St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Susan E. Esquivel
Seller: Konstantinos Sierros
Date: 12/11/25

138 Overlook Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $580,000
Buyer: Jody L. Cutler RET
Seller: Bonnie Gruszecki
Date: 12/15/25

325 Riverside Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $501,000
Buyer: Sally Sweetland
Seller: Christopher J. Cowles
Date: 12/18/25

1010 Ryan Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Wild Flower Farm LLC
Seller: Damon Lane LLC
Date: 12/19/25

384 Spring St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $675,000
Buyer: Owen D. Maguire
Seller: Glenn M. Gilbert
Date: 12/08/25

SOUTH HADLEY

13 Canal St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Halifax Capital LLC
Seller: Green Piranhas LLC
Date: 12/10/25

25 Maple St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Real Estate Victory LLC
Seller: Evan Maryea
Date: 12/16/25

3 Miller Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $355,318
Buyer: Kenneth L. Morgan
Seller: Dolores E. Reid IRT
Date: 12/19/25

284 Newton St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Orion Farm Properties LLC
Seller: Patricia R. Bowen
Date: 12/15/25

62 Old Lyman Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Kimberly M. Malcolm RET
Seller: Christopher Viens
Date: 12/18/25

50 Susan Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Daniel J. Powers
Seller: Andre A. Gagne
Date: 12/08/25

SOUTHAMPTON

14 Eastwood Dr.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $840,000
Buyer: Caleb J. Potvin
Seller: Leslie A. Sullivan
Date: 12/16/25

4 Fitch Farm Way
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: Anita Stepanchuk
Seller: Ryan L. King
Date: 12/17/25

17 Glendale Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $520,000
Buyer: Christopher Hirsch
Seller: Daniel Lavalley
Date: 12/11/25

WARE

54 Cummings Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Robert Hyland
Seller: Richard D. Trombly
Date: 12/18/25

143 Eagle St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Oziel Woodward
Seller: Heather Mancuso
Date: 12/19/25

33 High St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $369,900
Buyer: William Cruz-Baez
Seller: Travis Brown
Date: 12/19/25

21-23 Maple Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Inveniam Viam Aut Faciam
Seller: Wesolowski Family LP
Date: 12/17/25

300 Palmer Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Bho Realty LLC
Seller: Keith J. Kruckas
Date: 12/18/25

35 Pleasant St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $249,000
Buyer: Gary D. Bergeron
Seller: Tericyn J. Loehr
Date: 12/09/25

WESTHAMPTON

91 Montague Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $651,000
Buyer: Joanna K. Katz
Seller: Preston White RET
Date: 12/18/25

91 Southampton Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Ras Properties LLC
Seller: Snickers TR
Date: 12/18/25

WILLIAMSBURG

3 High St.
Williamsburg, MA 01062
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Michael J. Ambs
Seller: Marian G. Cerreta
Date: 12/17/25

16-B Kingsley Ave.
Williamsburg, MA 01060
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Michael J. Ambs
Seller: Marian G. Cerreta
Date: 12/17/25

1 South Main St.
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $287,500
Buyer: Susan Fortgang
Seller: Hampshire Lodge
Date: 12/09/25

 

58 South St.
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Mackyle Bogachoff
Seller: Peter B. Klejna
Date: 12/11/25

WORTHINGTON

476 Dingle Road
Worthington, MA 01026
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Deborah A. Porter
Seller: Wheeler, Elizabeth A., (Estate)
Date: 12/19/25

252 Harvey Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Julian I. Traista
Seller: Watson, David, (Estate)
Date: 12/18/25

527 Old Post Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Sharon Dematteo
Seller: Deborah A. Porter
Date: 12/19/25

32 Williamsburg Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Christina J. Marini
Seller: Steven B. Magargal
Date: 12/12/25

Building Permits

By
Building Permits

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

HADLEY

Valley Building Co. Inc.
101 East St.
N/A — Illuminated monument sign

LENOX

MNH Lenox 445 Holdings LLC
25 Mollie Way
$384,474 — Create 12 smaller units from six larger units; miscellaneous work in several public areas of building

United Church of Christ
169 Main St.
$230,000 — Window and door restoration

NORTHAMPTON

24-26 Orchard LLC
24 Orchard St.
$2,000 — Insulation and weatherization

344 King St. LLC
330 King St.
$9,000 — Ground sign for Burger King

344 King St. LLC
330 King St.
$4,000 — Wall sign for Burger King

518 Pleasant Street LLC
518 Pleasant St.
$20,000 — Reconstruct existing loading dock

Branching Tree Inc.
201 Main St.
$24,426 — Add two egress windows and two smoke detectors in basement

Cago Enterprises LLC
17 Brewster Court
$90,000 — Remove second egress and install new egress with fire escape

CK Charlie LLC
26 Summer St.
$13,000 — Strip and reroof garage

Cooley Dickinson Hospital Inc.
30 Locust St.
$6,000 — Illuminated wall sign for Mass General Brigham

Cooley Dickinson Hospital Inc.
30 Locust St.
$6,000 — Alteration of illuminated wall sign for Mass General Brigham

Florence Casket Co.
16 Bardwell St.
$38,342 — Thirty-three replacement windows

G&G Real Estate Investments LLC
203 King St.
$1,000 — Front elevation sign for Taco Bell

G&G Real Estate Investments LLC
203 King St.
$1,000 — Alteration of Taco Bell drive-thru sign

King Street LLC
242 King St.
$121,000 — Renovations for new spa, Funny Bunny

L3Harris Technologies
50 Prince St.
$9,000 — Illuminated wall sign

Live Pleasant LP
155 Pleasant St.
$2,661 — Replacement window

Smith College
64 Kensington Ave.
$17,000 — Remove and rebuild back porch and stairs

PITTSFIELD

Elizabeth Freeman Center
43 Francis Ave.
$20,000 — Add bathroom and kitchen

Fourteen Fifty East Street LLC
1450 East St.
$5,000 — Construct three new offices

The Key Program Inc.
484 West St.
$26,766 — Roofing

Does Massachusetts Still Want a Legal Cannabis Industry?

By Contributor
Opinion

Opinion

By Meg Sanders

 

A few weeks ago, a community member out in the Berkshires was speaking with a staffer of ours at Canna Provisions. She had just heard that the petition to end adult use cannabis had potentially gathered enough signatures to move forward toward the 2026 ballot. “Well … that’ll never pass,” she said, waving her hand as if brushing away a fruit fly. “People love your store.” I wish that were enough.

In Massachusetts, we are now facing the most serious threat to the legal cannabis industry since voters approved it in 2016, and the most dangerous reaction I’m seeing is dismissal or the belief that progress is permanent. Or, worse, the assumption that someone else will handle it, that voters won’t move backward, that adult use is simply too big to fail. But let me be very clear as someone who has spent nearly 15 years in legal cannabis across multiple states: nothing in this industry is too big to fail. Not even legalization itself.

The Massachusetts Elections Division recently certified 78,301 signatures for a measure laughably called “An Act to Restore a Sensible Marijuana Policy,” which seeks to end all recreational cannabis sales and the ability for citizens to grow at home in Massachusetts, while preserving medical-only access. It is now officially moving to the Legislature, which has until this May to act. And if they decline a portion of the signatures collected, causing the initiative to fall under the required threshold, the proponents would need 12,429 more signatures to ensure the question gets on the November 2026 ballot.

That means the future of every retailer, cultivator, manufacturer, brand, and tens of thousands of direct jobs across the Commonwealth is officially on the line. Additionally, thousands of indirect jobs the industry supports will be lost. This means plumbers, landlords, snow plowers and landscapers, marketing professionals, electricians, accountants, lawyers, and more will all take a hard hit.

This is the beginning of a coordinated effort to unwind the very industry so many of us have spent years building — legally, transparently, and in partnership with our communities in Western Mass., as well as the state as a whole. And here’s the part that should alarm every business leader reading this: public opinion alone does not stop ballot initiatives. Organization does. Funding does. Showing up does.

We’ve already seen reporting that some of the signatures gathered may have been collected through deceptive or misleading tactics. But even if every signature were suspect, the measure is currently alive in the eyes of the state. That is what matters now. So the question before every operator comes down to a point of view. If someone is coming for your business, your staff, your customers, and your community partnerships, are you really going to sit this one out? If yes, how can you square that up with everyone mentioned in the previous sentence? Moreover, why would you want to?

“This is the beginning of a coordinated effort to unwind the very industry so many of us have spent years building — legally, transparently, and in partnership with our communities in Western Mass., as well as the state as a whole.”

At Canna Provisions, we’ve made our position crystal clear. We have long believed that every dollar spent is a vote for or against something. It’s why we stopped using Uline two years ago after learning about their aggressive anti-cannabis advocacy. And starting Jan. 1, 2026, we no longer accept deliveries in Uline packaging at all (and have encouraged partners to use a local service provider like W.B. Mason instead). If a partner still has stock, we will work with them, but we expect written assurances that they are transitioning vendors.

This is one example of a position showcasing voting with one’s dollars — because if you’re taking cannabis money while directly supporting anti-cannabis efforts, you are funding your own downfall. And if this rollback effort advances and a statewide campaign becomes necessary, we will not carry products or use vendors who refuse to financially support the fight to protect this industry, even if that support comes in the form of inaction and apathy to the threat level we are facing in 2026. That includes brands. Cultivators. Tech partners. Professional services. HVAC installers. Electricians. Plumbers. Everyone.

If that sounds harsh, ask yourself: what, exactly, is the alternative? What will the impact be, from tourism in the Berkshires (which we know has directly benefited from cannabis) to municipal revenue streams to the thousands of workers who rely on this economy? What happens to the local businesses we support, the charities we donate to, and the community partnerships we’ve built?

We are not talking about a minor regulatory adjustment. It would be the end of a business sector that has generated billions for the state, brought life into struggling towns, created pathways for equity and entrepreneurship, and, let’s not forget, delivered a safer, regulated alternative to the illicit market. Additional measures are now underway in both Maine and Arizona, making this an effort that may be beginning in the Commonwealth but is rapidly expanding across the country. If Massachusetts falls (or if the vote is precariously close), you can bet this will have ripple effects on cannabis freedom across the U.S.

Ending adult-use cannabis does not eliminate cannabis. It eliminates safe, regulated, legal cannabis, as it’s been embraced since voters passed Question 4 in 2016. This is the moment when our industry has to grow up. We cannot keep treating existential threats like spectator events. Operators cannot assume that the big companies will handle it. Equity operators cannot assume someone else will protect their hard-earned licenses. Vendors cannot assume their cannabis clients will still exist in two years if they stay on the sidelines now.

Everyone in the industry, including consumers, has skin in this game, and everyone has a responsibility to defend it. So here is my call to the business community, cannabis and non-cannabis alike. Pay attention. Ask your partners where their money goes. Support the organizations preparing to fight this ballot initiative. Refuse to fund vendors or suppliers who work against your interests. Stop assuming someone else will do the hard work — because they won’t. And because the people trying to end this industry are counting on your complacency.

I’ve said for years that trust and sustainability are the foundation of this industry. Today, I’ll add one more: vigilance. The rights we earned in 2016 can still be taken away, and if that happens, it will be because too many people thought their silence was harmless.

The next year will determine whether Massachusetts remains a leader in legal cannabis or becomes the first state in history to voluntarily dismantle its adult-use market. I know which future I’m fighting for. I hope the rest of the industry joins us.

The clock has already started.

 

Meg Sanders is CEO and co-founder of Canna Provisions.

Greylock Federal Credit Union Earns 5-Star Superior Rating for 35th Straight Quarter

By
Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Greylock Federal Credit Union enters the new year with another 5-Star Superior rating from BauerFinancial, the nation’s premier credit union and bank rating firm. A 5-Star Superior rating indicates that Greylock Federal is one of the strongest credit unions in the nation, excelling in areas of capital, loan quality, stability, and more. This marks the 35th consecutive quarter that Greylock Federal has earned this top rating.

“Because credit unions put their focus squarely on their membership, they are perfectly positioned to provide the specialized support that is unique to their niche,” said Karen Dorway, president of BauerFinancial. “Credit unions, like Greylock Federal, invest in the success of their members one at a time. By fostering these relationships, they accomplish two goals: they are typically highly capitalized, and they are accountable to their members.”

Since its founding in 1935, Greylock Federal has invested in the success of its membership for 91 years, an impressive tenure that is still going strong today.

“It’s an honor to start 2026 with this commendation,” said John Bissell, president and CEO of Greylock Federal Credit Union. “The BauerFinancial 5-Star rating provides our 106,000 members with a high degree of confidence that Greylock is built to last. Even as our credit union continues to grow, we remain totally focused on building deep and lasting local relationships. Our member service is what sets us apart.”

MassPotential to Co-host Webinar on Proposed High School Graduation Framework

By
Daily News

BOSTON — On Wednesday, Jan. 21 from noon to 1 p.m., MassPotential, a local education nonprofit, will co-host a webinar breaking down Massachusetts’ proposed high school graduation framework in partnership with EdTrust Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education.

The webinar, titled “Charting a New Path to Success: A Conversation on the Massachusetts High School Graduation Framework,” will discuss findings from a recent report authored by the Voices of Academic Equity, a network of education advocacy groups led by MassPotential. Click here to register for the webinar.

As voters chose to eliminate passing the MCAS as a high school graduation requirement, the Governor’s K-12 Graduation Council is now tasked with putting together a new framework of standards for earning a diploma. The Voices of Academic Equity report makes a strong case for the continued use of an objective assessment that is valid, reliable, and comparable for awarding of the competency determination for high school students preparing to graduate high school.

At the end of last year, the Graduation Council released an initial framework, which points to the use of end-of-course assessments, among several other components, to determine a student’s path toward graduation.

The webinar will discuss what this framework looks like and why the use of objective assessments are key to ensuring equitable and accurate graduation standards. Pedro Martinez, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education commissioner, will offer opening remarks and then serve on a panel of local education experts moderated by Shira Shoenberg, editorial writer for the Boston Globe.

Speakers will include Mary Tamer, executive director of MassPotential; Manikka Bowman, principal and founder of HarveyReed and a Governor’s K-12 Graduation Council member; Ed Lambert, executive director of the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education; Lisa Lazare, executive director of Educators for Excellence; Martin West, Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education member; and Jennie Williamson, state director of EdTrust Massachusetts.

Grow Food Northampton Announces Addition of Three New Board Members

By
Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — Local food and farming justice nonprofit organization Grow Food Northampton announced the addition of a cohort of three new members to the organization’s board of directors.

The new members — Dan Cannity, Hellen Muma, and Mark Seifried — bring a diversity of personal and professional experience to the work of governing Grow Food Northampton, and a deep commitment to the values and work of the organization to both feed community members who are experiencing hunger and establish a robust and just local food system for the Greater Northampton area for the long term.

Cannity has been active in social justice causes for most of his life and served as co-chair of the Northampton Policing Review commission. As a self-described foodie, he frequents Grow Food Northampton’s Tuesday and Winter markets in search of things to try. He is excited by the possibilities and community-building spaces Grow Food Northampton is creating and is proud to help support these efforts.

Muma is a public health professional and public health policy associate with the Springfield Food Policy Council, where she works to advance equitable food access and strengthen local food systems. Her work focuses on addressing systemic barriers to food access and supporting policy and advocacy efforts that center community health and equity. She earned a bachelor’s degree in public health from UMass Amherst in 2023 and a master of public health degree in epidemiology in 2024.

Raised farming alongside her Kenyan immigrant parents, Muma’s connection to food and land is deeply personal and informs her approach to public health work, which is grounded in the belief that access to nourishing food is a right, not a privilege, and that community-led solutions are essential to building just and resilient food systems.

Seifried has been an organic gardener and involved with community gardens and local farms since the 1980s. As a former restaurant operator and food pantry and soup kitchen manager, he has a passion for building community around wholesome and delicious food. He currently serves as pastor and teacher of Haydenville Congregational Church, leads a private spiritual companion practice, and is a community organizer and listening circle facilitator.

Greenfield’s 2026 Winter Carnival to Take Place Feb. 6-8

By
Daily News

GREENFIELD — The Greenfield Recreation Department welcomes the community to experience a winter wonderland during the 104th Winter Carnival, taking place from Friday, Feb. 6 to Sunday, Feb. 8. With a theme of “Yeti or Not,” this year’s carnival includes an assortment of beloved traditions.

“Winter Carnival is our favorite way to bring the community together and turn cold days into warm memories,” said Christy Moore, Recreation director. “With a fun lineup of activities and events, and even a possible yeti sighting, Winter Carnival is shaping up to be unforgettable.”

Mayor Ginny Desorgher added that “the Winter Carnival remains one of our city’s most cherished highlights. I am grateful to the Recreation Department for delivering another fun-filled schedule. I encourage all of our neighbors to come out and take part in the wonderful activities we have planned.”

On Friday, Feb. 6, ice carvings will take place throughout the day downtown. Attendees can watch as simple ice blocks are transformed into sparkling masterpieces. A map can be found on the Greenfield Recreation Department website. Attendees are encouraged to vote for their favorite ice carving by Sunday, Feb. 8 at 10 a.m. Later in the evening, patrons can enjoy the Greenfield Business Assoc. Downtown Defrost before the Parade of Lights at 6 p.m. and the Beacon Field fireworks at 7 p.m.

On Saturday, Feb. 7, visitors can participate in a variety of activities, from the annual Cribbage Tournament at the John Zon Community Center to a virtual puzzle contest. There will also be free family activities at 20 Sanderson St. and a free Fire and Ice Show at Greenfield Middle School. The evening concludes with the Glow Party at 5:30 p.m. in the Greenfield Middle School cafeteria.

Sunday, Feb. 8 features the Winter Carnival’s various competition events at Beacon Field, including Cookie and Chili Bake-offs, the K-9 Keg Pull, and the Cardboard Sled Contest. Visitors can also enjoy a vintage snowmobile display and sleigh rides around Beacon Field. There are also several activities that will take place throughout the weekend, including a Yeti Hunt and Literary Quotes Walk.

Click here for the full schedule of Winter Carnival events.

Tighe & Bond Announces Three New Vice Presidents

By
Daily News

Zach Chornyak

WESTFIELD — Tighe & Bond announced the promotion of three new vice presidents. Zach Chornyak, Dan Holmes, and Jason Urso were recognized for outstanding project and client management skills, in addition to their leadership and organizational impact.

Dan Holmes

Chornyak has been with the firm for more than 19 years and brings deep expertise in both horizontal and vertical infrastructure projects. Now a vice president in the Water Business Line, he has led complex, multi-disciplinary work across all of Tighe & Bond’s business lines. His project experience ranges from the rehabilitation of the historic Bridge of Flowers landmark in Shelburne Fallsto flood station rehabilitations for multiple communities, as well as capital planning and asset management initiatives.

Jason Urso

Chornyak serves as a client manager for clients throughout Western Mass. and New York, a resource manager for teams in Western Mass., and an advisory member to the firm’s board of directors. He is also active in industry associations, including the Massachusetts Municipal Assoc. and the New England Water Environment Assoc., and is a past president of the Western Massachusetts Water Works Assoc.

With more than 20 years of professional experience, including nearly 19 years at Tighe & Bond, Holmes is a vice president focused on the planning, evaluation, design, and construction of public and private transportation projects. A licensed professional engineer in Massachusetts and Connecticut and a LEED-accredited professional, he brings a strong background in transportation infrastructure, roadways, culverts and bridges, public utilities, and civil/site engineering.

Holmes currently serves as Business Development leader for the transportation sector in the firm’s Westfield office and is actively involved in the American Public Works Assoc., the Tri-County Highway Superintendents Assoc., and as chairman of his local Water Pollution Control Authority, demonstrating his commitment to public infrastructure and municipal leadership.

Coming up on 14 years with the firm and with 23 years of experience, Urso is now a vice president in the Building Services Business Line, where he is responsible for a significant portfolio of projects, and is Client Service manager for two of the firm’s largest clients in the Building Services Business Line. As mechanical resource manager and a longstanding member of the firm’s quality management committee, he has been a consistent steward of quality in project delivery, proposal development, and in the development and maintenance of standards that helped set the foundation for the growth of the mechanical/HVAC engineering practice.

Urso has been actively involved in ASHRAE (an international society for heating, refrigerating, and air conditioning professionals) for over a decade, having served in several committee roles on the local, regional, and national levels and receiving awards for his contributions. He also traveled to Sri Lanka to conduct training to ASHRAE committee members.

Westfield State Expands Workforce Training to Meet Regional Employer Demand

By
Daily News

WESTFIELD — Westfield State University announced new workforce development programs launching in March to address priority skill gaps across the Pioneer Valley and Western Mass.

Employers across the region continue to seek professionals with expertise in supply chain operations, logistics, project management, and human resources — functions critical to operational efficiency, compliance, and organizational growth in healthcare, manufacturing, distribution, and public sector organizations. Westfield State’s expanded workforce offerings are designed to support both upskilling incumbent workers and preparing career changers for in-demand roles.

New offerings include a supply chain warehousing certificate program, which builds foundational skills in warehousing, inventory management, and distribution operations. The program complements the university’s existing certified supply chain professional (CSCP) exam preparation program, which prepares participants to pursue a globally recognized credential in supply chain planning and operations.

Additional spring offerings include project management professional (PMP) exam preparation, designed for professionals managing complex, cross-functional initiatives, as well as the university’s long-standing SHRM certification prep+ program, supporting HR professionals navigating workforce planning, labor compliance, and talent retention challenges.

Through these programs, Westfield State University continues to strengthen the regional talent pipeline by aligning short-term, industry-recognized credentials with employer demand and economic development priorities. For program details, start dates, and costs, visit www.campusce.net/westfield.

Thunderbirds Donate Hats, Gloves to Springfield Public Schools

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Thunderbirds, in conjunction with the organization’s charitable foundation and Springfield Public Schools, announced it will present a donation of approximately 3,000 winter hats and gloves to students in the school system.

“For so many students in our community, something as simple as a warm hat or pair of gloves can be the difference between starting the school day feeling protected from the elements or facing the cold without what they need,” Thunderbirds President Nathan Costa said. “As an organization, we take tremendous pride in supporting our community, and partnering with Springfield Public Schools to provide winter clothing is about more than staying warm — it’s about showing these students that their community believes in them and is invested in their success both inside and outside the classroom.”

Representatives from the Thunderbirds will make donations of supplies to Walsh Elementary School today, Jan. 16, and South End Middle School on Friday, Jan. 23.

“We are deeply grateful to the Springfield Thunderbirds for their continued generosity and partnership,” Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Sonia Dinnall said. “Meeting students’ basic needs is essential to their ability to learn, grow, and thrive. A warm hat or pair of gloves is not a small gesture. It sends a powerful message that the community cares about students, supports them, and believes in their success every single day.”

Florence Bank Promotes Ryan Hess to Senior VP / Chief Commercial Banking Officer

By
Daily News

Ryan Hess

FLORENCE — Florence Bank announced that Ryan Hess, vice president / commercial team leader, has been promoted to lead the bank’s commercial lending efforts as senior vice president / chief Commercial Banking officer. Hess replaces Mike Lynch, senior vice president / senior commercial lender, who will retire in 2026 after 21 years at Florence Bank.

“Ryan has done an outstanding job as a leader as part of our commercial team and is a trusted associate and advisor to clients in Western Massachusetts. His promotion is well-deserved, and I look forward to his continuing that success,” said Matt Garrity, the bank’s president and CEO.

Hess joined Florence Bank in 2023 and has 14 years of banking experience as well as a strong affinity for commercial lending and solutions. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Stonehill College in Easton and believes his skill in collaboration and leadership will continue to inform his work for Florence Bank as he manages the commercial team.

“We have a talented group of business banking professionals here at Florence Bank. My experiences have helped prepare me for this role to lead that team,” he said.

Active in the community, Hess sits on the board for United Way of Franklin & Hampshire County and serves as a committee member for Ronald McDonald House and Make-A-Wish of Massachusetts.

After 42 years in banking, Lynch looks forward to playing golf, traveling, and spending time with his family, and believes Hess is well-suited for his new role. “I wish Ryan the best and look forward to the success of the bank under his leadership,” he said.

Garrity lauded Lynch’s accomplishments during his tenure as senior commercial lender. “Mike has always represented Florence Bank with distinction, integrity, and professionalism. We’ll miss his numerous contributions and wish him well as he embarks on his next journey.”

Federal Reserve Bank of Boston President, CEO Susan Collins to Keynote Outlook 2026

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Regional Chamber announced that Susan Collins, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, will serve as the keynote speaker for Outlook 2026, taking place on Friday, March 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. Click here to register to attend.

Collins contributes to the Federal Open Market Committee’s deliberations on U.S. monetary policy and brings timely insight into the economic forces affecting businesses and communities across New England and the nation. Since taking office in 2022, she has led the Boston Fed’s work in economic research, financial stability, community development, and financial innovation.

A nationally respected macroeconomist, Collins previously served as dean and provost at the University of Michigan and as a professor at Georgetown University and Harvard University. She was recently recognized by thr American Economic Assoc. as one of its Distinguished Fellows for 2025.

Outlook 2026 will bring together business leaders and policymakers to explore what lies ahead from local, state, and federal perspectives. Those interested in sponsorship opportunities may click here to explore available options to elevate their visibility with business, civic, and policy leaders from across the region.

MathAlive! Turns Numbers into Action at the Springfield Museums

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Museums announced the upcoming arrival of Math Alive! at the Springfield Science Museum. On view from Jan. 24 to May 3, the exhibition brings to life all the different types of mathematics at work, whether in design, application, or use, behind the things kids love most — sports, games, design, entertainment, space, and robotics.

Math Alive! uses immersive and innovative technologies to create fun experiences that help visitors understand how math is used in countless ways. Highlights include a downhill race in which visitors ride snowboards and a photo stage on which visitors can capture their own image in a 360-degree action photo, in the style made famous in contemporary action movies.

“MathAlive! is designed to inspire, to spark the imagination, to reveal not only math at work, but the endless possibilities of math,” says Jenny Powers, director of the Springfield Science Museum. “We hope this experience will help kids better understand the need for math and motivate them to consider future careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math.”

Six themed areas featuring a range of high-tech, mechanical, and multi-media interactive experiences provide challenges that use various types of mathematics as tools to help the visitor compete, design, build, optimize, or just play, depending on the activity. Along the way, animated character guides known as the BotZ help visitors tackle the challenges, explaining the math involved, prompting and encouraging answers, and jumping in if visitors get stuck.

Visitors can take the controls to master engineer various aspects of a modern city, jump into a ‘binary dance party,’ or program and control Curiosity, NASA’s Mars rover. Through a wide range of unique, interactive experiences, the exhibit takes math from its native form into the applied worlds of design, engineering, technology, and science.

At the exhibit’s opening celebration on Saturday, Jan. 24, visitors can devise a brand-new sport and design protective athletic gear, build and test a snowboard on a mini-‘mountain,’ and take part in Move Like Keith Haring, an art and science activity exploring two-dimensional movement through artwork inspired by the iconic pop artist and activist. All opening day activities are free with museum admission.

MathAlive! is designed to appeal to visitors of all ages and levels of math ability, but particularly to kids in grades 3-8. The exhibit was organized in direct response to the larger need to improve math proficiency among students and inspire kids to explore and pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) careers. For teachers, the exhibit serves as an entertaining and relevant exploration lab. Each interactive station presents different types and levels of math, so students at different grade levels will find the entire experience relevant and supportive to what they specifically are learning in the classroom.

“Our educators are excited to support and expand on the concepts in MathAlive! with specialized interactive opportunities this winter,” said Larissa Murray, director of Education. “These fun and engaging experiences will showcase the integral role math plays in all aspects of life.”

Institutional collaborators for Math Alive! include NASA, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the National Society of Professional Engineers, MATHCOUNTS, and the Society of Women Engineers. The exhibition was made possible by Raytheon and produced by Evergreen Exhibitions, and is sponsored locally by bankESB and M&T Bank. MassMutual is the season supporter of the Springfield Museums.

Chanda Care Celebrates Five Years of Care, Community Impact

By
Daily News

AGAWAM — Chanda Care, a home care, education, and care coordination organization, is celebrating five years of service to individuals and families navigating aging, illness, and complex care needs.

Founded in 2021 by registered nurse, educator, and case manager Chantal Bernard, Chanda Care was established to address persistent gaps in care coordination, caregiver education, and family advocacy across the healthcare continuum. The organization welcomed its first client in February 2021, and has since grown into a trusted, community-based provider rooted in dignity, presence, and clinical expertise.

Over the past five years, Chanda Care has served hundreds of individuals and families across Western Mass.; built a multi-disciplinary team of caregivers, nurses, and care leaders; earned repeated national recognition as Employer of Choice and Provider of Choice; launched Chanda Care Academy, an education and compliance platform supporting caregivers, nursing students, and families; secured state funding to establish a Registered Apprenticeship Program, supporting workforce development and retention; expanded partnerships with ASAP programs and Veterans Affairs; and founded Chanda’s House, a nonprofit initiative focused on dignified end-of-life care, education, and access.

In 2024, Bernard completed the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program, strengthening the organization’s strategic foundation while remaining deeply rooted in its mission. During this time, she also launched Real Talk, a series of community education sessions offering families practical guidance, emotional support, and honest conversations around caregiving, illness, and end-of-life planning.

Looking ahead, Chanda Care will expand its community impact in 2026 through the growth of the Chanda’s House Scholarship Program, ensuring families can access compassionate end-of-life support regardless of financial barriers.

“Five years later, our commitment remains the same — to close gaps in healthcare while keeping care dignified. Every caregiver supported and every family served reinforces what’s possible when care is led with presence and intention.”

 

UMass Amherst Earns Third Community Engagement Classification

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Daily News

AMHERST — UMass Amherst earned the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement (CE) Classification, a designation by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching that highlights an institution’s commitment to community engagement.

The Carnegie Classifications are a ramework for categorizing and describing colleges and universities in the U.S., frequently used by policymakers, funders, and researchers as a critical benchmarking tool for post-secondary institutions. It is considered a mark of excellence for institutions that prioritize active collaboration with public, private, and nonprofit partners to address humanity’s urgent challenges and serve the public good.

“UMass Amherst’s commitment to serving the common good is a guiding principle for everything that we do: our academic programs, our research and scholarship, our partnerships and collaborations for community engagement and economic development, and our creative and entrepreneurial endeavors,” UMass Amherst Chancellor Javier Reyes said. “I am gratified that UMass Amherst has once again achieved this mark of excellence.”

This is the third time UMass Amherst has earned the classification, after receiving it in 2008 and 2015. UMass Amherst is among 157 public institutions nationwide to earn the classification for 2026.

The year-long documentation and application effort involved members of the UMass Amherst Faculty Senate Council on Public Engagement and Outreach and the office of Civic Engagement and Service-Learning, along with members of the faculty, leaders of major campus engagement initiatives, deans, and associate deans.

The university’s application focused, in part, on eight major academic-community partnerships being pursued by UMass Amherst with external partners. Exemplary community partnerships reviewed by the Carnegie Commission includet the UMass Cranberry Station’s partnership with the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Assoc., the Holyoke Community Energy Project, and the UMass Amherst Food as Medicine initiative.

Attorney Christine Webster Merges Practice with Flynn Law Title & Escrow

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Daily News

OXFORD — Flynn Law Title & Escrow announced a strategic merger with Attorney Christine Webster, a practitioner known for her distinguished service to clients throughout Greater Springfield and Western Mass. Through this merger, Flynn Law will expand its presence into Webster’s established West Springfield office, which will continue operating from the same location with uninterrupted service to clients and partners.

“Christine is widely recognized as one of the region’s foremost real estate attorneys,” said attorney Patrick Flynn, founder and CEO of Flynn Law. “Her deep expertise, long-standing community relationships, and unwavering client commitment make her an exceptional addition to our firm. By integrating our team and technology into her established office, we are strengthening Flynn Law’s service model while ensuring her clients continue receiving the same trusted experience — now with even greater support.”

Webster’s West Springfield office will remain fully operational as it transitions under the Flynn Law umbrella, with expanded capabilities and support from the firm’s multi-state network of attorneys, paralegals, and client-service professionals.

“Partnering with Flynn Law allows me to continue serving my clients from the office and community they already know, while gaining access to expanded resources, advanced technology, and a larger support team,” Webster said. “I’m thrilled to join forces with Patrick and the Flynn Law team, and I look forward to offering an elevated level of service to my clients, real estate partners, and the Greater Springfield market.”

Tech Foundry Graduates Fall 2025 Cohort

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — On Jan. 13, Tech Foundry, the preeminent IT support training program in Western Mass., graduated its fall 2025 cohort of students, who dedicated 18 weeks to advancing their technology skills to prepare for entry-level tech roles in helpdesk, systems, and network administration. Students have undergone Tech Foundry’s rigorous classroom training, completed month-long internships, and earned Google IT support certificates.

Kalord Lee and Dondre Scott were elected by their classmates to speak during the ceremony. They both remarked on the unwavering support of the Tech Foundry staff and their fellow classmates throughout the program.

“Everyone at Tech Foundry taught me that tech wasn’t the endgame; it was the starting point,” said Scott, one of the first graduates to obtain a full-time tech job, launching his career at Paragus IT. “Success doesn’t end at one job. It’s the journey to gaining the life you want to live. The best thing Tech Foundry taught me is that my success is going to mirror the effort that I put in.”

Keynote speaker Jose Delgado, vice president of the Springfield City Council, shared his personal journey with the graduates, imploring them to work hard and never give up on their dreams no matter what obstacles lie in the way.

“I enjoyed getting to meet this cohort of students, and I’m excited for their future,” he said. “Their energy and enthusiasm for the program was on full display. Tech Foundry is giving students hope and building the future IT professionals right here in Springfield.”

Added Tech Foundry CEO Tricia Canavan, “every graduation ceremony for Tech Foundry is special, showcasing the perseverance of the people we serve. I was honored by the number of community members, family, and friends who came to support the accomplishments of this group of students, and thankful for the community of supporters and partners that make this work possible. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for the fall 2025 cohort.”

Conference Committee Convenes to Reconcile Cannabis Reform Bills

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Daily News

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Legislature convened the first meeting of the bicameral conference committee charged with reconciling the differences between Senate Bill 2749 and House Bill 4206, two major proposals aimed at reforming the Commonwealth’s cannabis laws.

State Sen. Adam Gómez will serve as the Senate chair of the conference committee, working alongside state Rep. Daniel Donahue, who will chair on behalf of the House. Gomez and Donahue currently serve as co-chairs of the Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy and will lead negotiations for their respective chambers. The conference committee also includes state Sens. Joanne Comerford and Peter Durant, and state Reps. Carlos González and Michael Soter.

Gómez emphasized the importance of a collaborative, transparent process as the committee begins its work.

“As we begin this work, my priority is ensuring that Massachusetts’ cannabis framework continues to advance real social equity,” he said. “Our communities fought hard for a system that creates opportunity, repairs harm, and opens doors for people who were disproportionately impacted by past enforcement. Any reform we pass must strengthen — not weaken — those commitments. I’m looking forward to a collaborative process that delivers a fair, transparent, and equitable path forward for the Commonwealth.”

While both chambers agree on the need to update the state’s cannabis laws, several important differences must be reconciled before a final bill can advance. The committee will work to align the two bills’ differing approaches to restructuring the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC), updating regulatory oversight, and modernizing aspects of the state’s cannabis framework while increasing legal possession limits from one ounce to two ounces in public, and from 10 ounces to 20 ounces at home.

The committee’s work comes as the CCC recently approved regulations for social consumption sites, requiring municipalities to opt in and establish local rules. A proposed ballot initiative seeking to repeal adult-use legalization is also advancing through the certification.

The committee will continue meeting over the coming weeks as members work toward a final compromise bill for consideration by both chambers.

40 Under Forty Nominations Due Feb. 24

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest is now accepting nominations for its 20th annual 40 Under Forty awards.

The 40 Under Forty program was launched in 2007 to honor young professionals in in the region, not only for their career achievements, but for their service to the community. Winners hail from a host of different industries; many are advancing the work of long-established businesses, while others have created their own entrepreneurial opportunities. Nominators help BusinessWest identify young professionals in the four counties of Western Mass. who have stories that deserve to be told.

Nominations for the 40 Under Forty class of 2026 are due by Tuesday, Feb. 24. They can be submitted at businesswest.com/40-under-forty-nomination-form. For more information, call Natasha Mercado-Santana, Marketing and Events Manager, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or email [email protected].

Franklin County Chamber of Commerce to Host Breakfast Panel on Jan. 23

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Daily News

GREENFIELD — From creating jobs and supporting the workforce to purchasing locally and strengthening community stability, nonprofits generate ripple effects that benefit the entire regional economy.

On Friday, Jan. 23 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Greenfield Community College, the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce will host a breakfast panel that reframes nonprofits as economic engines. Attendees will leave with a broader understanding of how nonprofits help power Franklin County as local leaders highlight how good deeds lead to big dividends for local communities.

Everyone is welcome, and registration is required by Jan. 20. Click here to register.

HCC Art Gallery Exhibit Imagines Radical Valley Future

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — A new exhibition in the Taber Art Gallery at Holyoke Community College (HCC) asks visitors to imagine a future Pioneer Valley 100 years after the fall of capitalism.

“River Valley Radical Futures” opens Tuesday, Jan. 20 and runs until Thursday, March 12. The gallery will host an opening reception on Thursday, Jan. 22 from 5 to 7 p.m. and a closing talk from project lead and curator Alix Gerber and a book launch on Thursday, March 12 from 5 to 7 p.m.

The show features the work of eight area artists and has its origins in the Making Radical Futures Lab at Smith College in Northampton. Gerber is a post-doctorate fellow and associate director of Smith’s Design Thinking Initiative.

“The lab uses participatory and speculative design practices to explore collaborative ways of imagining futures without capitalism,” Gerber said in a statement about the show. “Worker cooperatives, mutual aid networks, and other community groups came together through a series of workshops throughout the Pioneer Valley to imagine how their values and current work might lead to future, alternative economic systems.”

Those sessions led to the creation of an illustrated map of the Connecticut River Valley 100 years beyond the fall of capitalism.

In “River Valley Radical Futures,” the map is brought to life by paintings and sculptures and other artwork — “artifacts excavated from the future we imagined,” Gerber said.

Gallery visitors will see body extensions and creature masks, cow brushes and bells made from local materials, a floating house design, a tool sharing station, a secret-baring mural, a flood system made from local clay, and an apothecary, among other pieces.

The exhibition includes the work of artists Sunny Allis, Mary Kate Cleary, Andrea Hairston, Bo Kim, Sharon Leshner (a.k.a. Sharona Color), Michael Madeiros, Laura Torraco, and David von Dufving.

“This is an exciting project that opens up the art-making process from what is usually a single artist materializing their thoughts alone in the studio into a collaborative effort between artists, educators, community workers, facilitators, and organizers,” gallery Director Rachel Rushing said. “By collaborating across disciplines and experiences, the workshop participants were able to imagine the kind of future their work could make possible.

“When visiting the Taber, you’ll see artwork that has begun the process of bringing those ideas to life,” Rushing added. “Imagination is at the core of this exhibition, and I hope visitors will be inspired and energized to continue imagining what kind of future we all hope to create together.”

The Taber Art Gallery, located off the lobby of the HCC Library on the second floor of the Donahue Building, is free and open to the public Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during regular school sessions.

Vilenti Tulloch Sr. to Host Book Launch Event on Jan. 24 at White Lion Brewing Co.

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Educator and author Vilenti Tulloch Sr., in partnership with AC Consulting and Media PR Firm, announced the official book launch of his latest work, Engage to Excel: Building Trust, Belonging, and Success in the Middle School Years. The celebration will take place on Saturday, Jan. 24 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at White Lion Brewing Co., 1500 Main St, Springfield.

In Engage to Excel, Tulloch draws upon his extensive experience in education to provide a roadmap for parents, teachers, and mentors navigating the critical middle school years. The book offers actionable strategies for fostering trust and creating environments where young students feel a genuine sense of belonging — essential pillars for long-term academic and personal success.

The launch event will feature insights from the author, book signings, and a lineup of guest speakers who will discuss the evolving landscape of middle school education and student engagement.

Attendees can choose from three levels of participation: general admission ($25), which includes entry to the launch event and author presentation; premium ticket ($50), which includes enhanced event access and book-related benefits; and VIP experience ($75), which includes exclusive access, preferred seating, and dedicated time with guest speakers and the author. Click here to secure tickets.

“Middle school is a transformative time that requires a unique approach to engagement,” Tulloch said. “This book is designed to bridge the gap between students and the adults who support them, ensuring no child feels left behind during these pivotal years.”

Daruma Japanese BBQ & Sushi AYCE Campaign Raises $3,584.11 for Fire Victims

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — Daruma Japanese BBQ & Sushi AYCE announced the successful completion of its inaugural fundraising initiative in support of those impacted by the fires on Clemente and Franklin streets. Through the generous support of the community, Daruma raised a total of $3,584.11 for the Enlace de Familias relief fund. On Jan. 13, a check representing the full donation amount was presented to Enlace de Familias, directly benefiting the 36 families whose lives were affected by these devastating events.

The campaign stands as a testament to Daruma’s commitment to stand with neighbors in times of crisis and foster a spirit of solidarity across Holyoke. By leveraging its platform and the enthusiasm of the local community, Daruma provided both immediate and meaningful aid, while delivering a dining experience that brings people together.

Each ticket, valid for Daruma’s All You Can Eat menu, allowed guests to enjoy premium Japanese BBQ and sushi while ensuring that the full value of their purchase supported local relief efforts. Upgrades to the premium grill menu were available at redemption, further increasing the overall contribution. Every dollar raised went directly to the Enlace de Familias relief fund, maximizing the impact of each purchase.

Daruma’s efforts are grounded in respect, inclusion, and an unwavering desire to serve as a true community partner. “We are deeply grateful for the trust and generosity demonstrated by the community,” Daruma management stated. “Delivering this donation is a proud moment for us all, and we remain dedicated to engaging with and supporting our neighbors.”

As the team looks ahead, Daruma is eager to identify more opportunities to support the Holyoke community — not only through charitable action, but also by providing a dining experience that celebrates togetherness and resilience. Daruma remains committed to listening, learning, and building even stronger partnerships throughout Holyoke.