Home 2026 January (Page 5)

Month: January 2026

Michael J. Dias Foundation Appoints Patrick Carpenter Executive Director

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Michael J. Dias Foundation Inc., a leader in providing safe and supportive sober housing environments for people in recovery and family support groups, announced the appointment of Patrick Carpenter as its new executive director. He brings more than 14 years of experience in institutional advancement, development, fundraising, and nonprofit leadership, as well as advocacy in the substance use disorder and addiction recovery field.

In this position, Carpenter will spearhead the organization’s strategic vision, and his focus will be expanding housing capacity by completing a capital campaign to open a new women’s sober house, enhancing recovery support services, forging stronger community partnerships, and growing a donor base to combat the ongoing addiction crisis in Western Mass.

“We are at a critical juncture in our mission to provide essential sober living resources in Western Mass.,” said Grace Dias, president of the Michael J. Dias Foundation. “Patrick’s proven track record leading development and advancement opportunities, fundraising, and his passion for helping individuals rebuild their lives make him the ideal leader for our next chapter. We are confident his expertise will significantly strengthen our ability to serve the community.”

Prior to joining the Michael J. Dias Foundation, Carpenter served as vice president and chief Advancement officer at WMHT Educational Telecommunications, where he successfully strengthened philanthropic support, expanded community partnerships, and led strategic initiatives that advanced the organization’s mission across public media and education. He holds a master’s degree in higher education administration with a concentration in leadership from Bay Path University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in English from Elms College.

“I am honored to step into the role of executive director and join a team so deeply committed to supporting individuals on their path to lasting recovery,” Carpenter said. “Stable, compassionate, and sober housing changes lives — it’s the foundation from which long-term sobriety and personal transformation can grow. I look forward to partnering with board leadership, the dedicated staff, volunteers, and community to ensure every resident has the support, dignity, and opportunity they deserve to thrive.”

52 Sumner’s Winter Lineup Brings Storytelling, Music to Springfield

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — 52 Sumner, the arts and entertainment venue operated by Springfield Performing Arts Ventures Inc., continues its 2026 season with a winter lineup that blends original theater, intimate candlelight concerts, and beloved tribute performances.

Located in Springfield’s Forest Park neighborhood, the historic venue remains a gathering place where artistry, music, and community connection come together. From an original musical rooted in American history to an audience favorite tribute show returning by popular demand, the upcoming schedule offers something for theater lovers, music enthusiasts, and the broader community alike. Upcoming events include:

• “For Love! For Liberty! A New Musical About General Knox,” Sunday, Jan. 18 (two performances). Produced by Springfield Community Theater of Massachusetts, this original musical brings history to life through powerful storytelling and an inspiring score. The production explores the life and legacy of General Henry Knox, blending patriotism, personal sacrifice, and artistic expression in a compelling theatrical experience.

• “Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Show,” Friday, Feb. 13. This romantic evening features an intimate candlelit setting paired with moving musical selections, creating a warm and memorable Valentine’s Day experience for couples and music lovers alike.

• “Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift,” Friday, Feb. 13. Swifties are invited to experience the music they love in a whole new light. Set within a sea of candlelight, this elegant concert reimagines Swift’s iconic songs through lush instrumental arrangements, creating an evening that is equal parts magical, nostalgic, and unforgettable.

• “Big Yellow Taxi: A Tribute to Joni Mitchell,” Saturday, Feb. 21. Returning by popular request, this acclaimed tribute honors Mitchell’s timeless music and poetic storytelling of. The performance has become a favorite among audiences for its authenticity, musicianship, and emotional resonance.

• “Whammer Jammer: Boston’s Own Tribute to the J. Geils Band,” Saturday, Feb. 28. Closing out the winter lineup is this high-energy tribute celebrating the iconic sound and spirit of the J. Geils Band. Audiences can expect an evening filled with classic hits, infectious energy, and a true rock and roll experience.

Information for all shows, as well as ticket details, are available at 52sumner.com/events-and-tickets.

“At 52 Sumner, our goal is to offer programming that reflects both artistic excellence and community connection,” said Angela Park, co-founder of Springfield Performing Arts Ventures Inc. “This winter lineup brings together history, romance, and music that spans generations. We are excited to welcome audiences back for performances that entertain, inspire, and bring people together.”

Shea Theater to Host Charley’s Tropical Bar & Board Game Palace on Feb. 13-14

By
Daily News

TURNERS FALLS — The Shea Theater and Eggtooth Productions will present Charley’s Tropical Bar & Board Game Palace, a pop-up bar and immersive experience, on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 13 and 14, at 71 Ave. A, Turners Falls.

“Welcome to Charley’s — a moment’s escape to a cozy, analog bar replete with tabletop games, music, cocktails, and cozy community vibes — and, for the adventurous, an unexpected journey into the mind of its owner,” said John Bechtold, the creator of the piece. “Meet Charley, its fictional owner, who has invited you into his nostalgic bar full of 1990s mixtapes and warm memories. Set in the time capsule of the pre-2000s, we invite you to surrender your phone and your cares to an evening of live performances and more than a few immersive rewards along the way.”

Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $20 or sliding scale, in advance at sheatheater.org or at the door.

Agawam Rides Growing Wave of Momentum

By
Steven (left) and Adam Rovithis in the Pit at Next Level Cowork Space.
Community Spotlight

Community Spotlight

Steven (left) and Adam Rovithis in the Pit at Next Level Cowork Space.

Steven (left) and Adam Rovithis in the Pit at Next Level Cowork Space.

They call it ‘the Pit.’

This an open area with several work stations, and it’s built “for momentum, not necessarily quiet,” said Adam Rovithis, adding that it is one of many realms within Next Level Cowork Space, a new venture he and his brother, Steven, launched last spring in Agawam’s industrial park.

There’s also the (Quiet) Cove, another open space, and mostly a no-phone-call zone; the Launch Pad, a conference room ideal for everything from small business meetings to real estate closings; the Lounge, event space featuring everything from a full kitchen to a foosball table (one local family recently rented it out for Thanksgiving); several small (95 to 350 square feet) offices; and some larger tenants, including a marketing firm and a kitchen design outfit.

It all comes together nicely at the region’s latest co-working concept, one the brothers Rovithis said is off to a solid start thanks to what they tout as attractive pricing — $250 a month for one of those private offices and $99 a month for an open desk, for example — a convenient location just a few minutes off Route 57, and an atmosphere they describe as “a community.”

“There’s no corporate feel here … we want it to be more of a community, more like family, than anything else,” Steven said, adding that, while the partners may eventually consider expanding and taking the concept to other markets, for now they’re fully focused on making the Agawam facility a success.

Next Level Cowork is one of many converging stories in Agawam. Others include:

• A small-scale lithium-ion battery storage facility, proposed by Long Road Energy in response to an RFP from the state, and planned for 404 Silver St., formerly home to Lucia Lumber. The proposal has drawn widespread opposition from residents, who cite everything from safety concerns to environmental impact and property values, but Mayor Christopher Johnson said the city is working with the developers to implement strict safety ordinances;

• Ongoing construction of a new Agawam High School. The $226 million project is being undertaken in phases, with current work focusing on the community wing of the school;

• A new police station, which opened recently in the former HUB Insurance building on Suffield Street. The $14 million facility, a price tag that includes acquisition of the building, was put beyond schedule by delays in procuring electric switch gear and a backup generator, said the mayor, but the ceremonial ribbon was cut early last month; and

• Several other new businesses, including a new Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, which is taking over the former American Freight space in the Southgate Shopping Plaza, Convenient MD Urgent Care & Walk-in Clinic on Suffield Street, a new Baystate Ob/Gyn facility on Silver Street, and Fancy Bagels, also in the Southgate Shopping Plaza.

“There’s a lot happening — it’s an exciting time in Agawam,” said Robin Wozniak, president of the West of the River Chamber of Commerce, which includes Agawam. “We’re seeing a lot of momentum in the community.”

As for the battery storage facility, the Silver Street proposal was not among the four chosen recently in the first round of projects — sites in Everett, Somerset, Chelsea, and Tyngsborough, which together will create 1,300 megawatts of battery storage, were selected — but there will be subsequent rounds, Johnson said.

“It’s a benign facility — it’s not what you see when you Google ‘battery storage facility,’ like in New York and California, where they had the fires. That’s not what they build today.”

He noted that such facilities are needed and are going to be placed … somewhere. With the proper safeguards in place, Agawam could and should be one of those places, he said, adding that a facility will bring some jobs, but it would also become the second-highest taxpayer in the city behind Six Flags.

“It’s a benign facility — it’s not what you see when you Google ‘battery storage facility,’ like in New York and California, where they had the fires,” he told BusinessWest. “That’s not what they build today.”

For this latest installment of its Community Spotlight series, BusinessWest takes a look at the many converging storylines in Agawam, and the many forms of progress in this city of almost 29,000.

 

Watt’s Happening?

The proposed battery-storage facility is a comparatively small project — 250 megawatts, according to Johnson. By way of comparison, the proposal for Everett, on the site of 22 old oil storage tankers, would procure more than 700 megawatts of battery storage.

Overall, the state plans to lock in 5,000 megawatts by 2030, said Johnson, adding that Agawam’s proposal will likely be resubmitted for subsequent rounds of projects.

Unlike the Everett proposal, Agawam’s site borders a residential neighborhood — the Agawam Industrial Park is on the other side of Silver Street, Johnson acknowledged, adding that there are safeguards in place for such facilities.

The Lounge at Next Level Cowork Space.

The Lounge at Next Level Cowork Space.

“For lack of a better way to describe it, these facilities are broken down into containerized units on the property,” he explained. “There will be a number of units on the property, each one containing batteries; they’re monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year — every cell of every battery is monitored for performance.”

Overall, he said such a facility would be a safe, quiet, mostly unnoticed addition to the tax base, and a welcome addition given the cost of infrastructure and capital projects in the city — especially the new high school.

A pet project of Johnson’s and the primary reason he returned to the corner office in January 2024, 24 years after he first served in that capacity (he later served on the City Council), the new high school is an ambitious undertaking, which, as noted earlier, is being undertaken in stages.

“There will be a number of units on the property, each one containing batteries; they’re monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year — every cell of every battery is monitored for performance.”

The first stage is what Johnson calls the ‘community wing’ portion of the building, now under construction. It includes the gymnasiums, auditorium, cafeteria, locker rooms, media center, office space, and other facilities, he explained, adding that this phase is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year or the beginning of 2027.

Phase 2 is the academic wing, construction of which will entail demolition of a portion of the existing high school, said Johnson, adding that the community wing will be temporarily connected to the academic wings of the current high school to ensure there is no disruption to any programming during ongoing construction.

Phase 3, scheduled to be completed in June 2028, involves demolition of the existing building and completion of athletic fields. This phase will be completed by the end of 2028, said the mayor, adding that the undertaking is on time and, more importantly, on budget.

Agawam officials cut the ribbon on the city’s new police station early last month.

Agawam officials cut the ribbon on the city’s new police station early last month.

As for the new police station, it replaces a nearly 40-year-old facility (a renovated elementary school) on Springfield Street that was cramped not long after it opened, the mayor noted.

“This station has more room — there’s built-in additional capacity, and it’s laid out to better accommodate workflow,” he explained, adding that renovation of the old insurance property came with a price tag that is roughly half of what new construction would have been.

 

Work in Progress

When asked about the name affixed to their new venture, Steven and Adam Rovithis both pointed to the sign on the wall in the conference room reading “Welcome to the Next Level.”

It was placed there to help motivate those working at the real estate company they formed (Rovithis Realty, later rebranded ROVI Homes) and moved into the former laboratory facility on Herbert P. Almgren Drive in the Agawam Regional Industrial Park, on the site of the former Bowles Airport.

Agawam at a Glance

Year Incorporated: 1855
Population: 28,692
Area: 24.2 square miles
County: Hampden
Residential Tax Rate: $14.10
Commercial Tax Rate: $26.67
Median Household Income: $49,390
Family Household Income: $59,088
Type of government: Mayor, City Council
Largest Employers: OMG Inc., Agawam Public Schools, Six Flags New England
* Latest information available

“One of the marketing people said, ‘why don’t we just call it Next Level?’” Steven recalled, noting that the name helps indicate that this is co-work space with some different, innovative twists.

The property was acquired by the two brothers — who come from a family of entrepreneurs; their uncle, Manny, owned the appliance chain that bore his name, and their father, Steve, helped him get that venture off the ground — to house the real estate business, but other tenants as well. These included an attorney’s office and the kitchen design company, said Adam, adding that, with the real estate employees working remotely during and after COVID, there was more space available to lease out, and co-working space became an increasingly attractive option.

Indeed, while the co-working movement has had its ups and downs — some ventures have thrived, while others, most notably the large-scale Venture X facility in Holyoke, have not — the brothers thought their community concept would work and forged ahead.

In putting together their venture, they borrowed from other co-work facilities and office spaces and tweaked concepts, said Steven, noting that they had seen variations of the Pit and the Lounge in other settings.

They currently boast several tenants making use of the different kinds of spaces available, especially the private offices and the Pit. Clients have ranged from permanent tenants to professionals who have made use of the space and its amenities after dropping off teenagers at nearby Six Flags and before picking them up again.

Current tenants include an IT professional, a software development company, two financial services professionals, a healthcare consultant, a hazardous waste consultant, and others, said Steven, adding that the community aspect of the venture is punctuated by regular networking events among tenants on the third Thursday of every month.

“We get all of our business owners together, have some food and drink, talk a little bit of business, and do some networking,” he said. “We have a few deals come together in the lounge — two different businesses saying ‘hey, I can help you.’”

As noted earlier, the partners believe this is a concept that can work in other markets, and expansion is certainly an option down the road.

“I think we can do more, but right now, we’re still so new at this that we want to make sure that we nail this location,” Steven said. “If this works, we can definitely do more. I think co-work is picking up again, and this concept, 99 bucks a month to get out of your house … that’s appealing to many people.”

January Is National Glaucoma Awareness Month

By
Healthcare News

Combating the ‘Silent Thief of Sight’

 

As part of January’s National Glaucoma Awareness Month, Prevent Blindness, the nation’s leading patient advocacy organization dedicated to preventing blindness and preserving sight, is providing patients, care partners, and allied health professionals with free educational resources on the condition.

According to the National Eye Institute, glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness by damaging the optic nerve. Generally, symptoms begin slowly, usually starting with loss of peripheral (side) vision. It is sometimes referred to as the ‘silent thief of sight’ because people with glaucoma often do not notice vision loss in its early stages.

Jeff Todd

 

“There is currently no cure for glaucoma. However, as with many eye diseases and conditions, early detection and treatment can slow significant vision loss. That’s why access to affordable quality eyecare is essential for everyone.”

There are several types of glaucoma, with the two most common being primary open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. Other important types include normal-tension glaucoma and secondary glaucoma, caused by injury or other conditions like diabetes. While rare, glaucoma can also occur in children and includes congenital glaucoma in babies.

Common risk factors for glaucoma include:

• Age: 60 years or older (over age 40 for African-Americans)

• Race/ethnicity: African American, Hispanic, Asian, or of Native American descent.

• Family history: Parent, brother, sister, or anyone related by blood with glaucoma.

• Medical history: History of high pressure in the eyes, previous eye injury, long-term steroid use, head trauma, or nearsightedness.

• Diabetes: Adults with diabetes are twice as likely to develop glaucoma. The risk increases with the amount of time someone has had diabetes.

“There is currently no cure for glaucoma. However, as with many eye diseases and conditions, early detection and treatment can slow significant vision loss,” said Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness. “That’s why access to affordable quality eyecare is essential for everyone.”

Prevent Blindness offers a collection of free, expert-approved resources at preventblindness.org, including downloadable fact sheets, a listing of glaucoma financial assistance resources, shareable social media graphics, and a dedicated webpage.

Prevent Blindness and Responsum Health invite the public to join the Glaucoma Community, a free platform (responsumhealth.com/the-glaucoma-community) that provides educational glaucoma content, a personalized newsfeed, a moderated community chat, and a dedicated Facebook group. The community is offered in multiple languages and is available via a web browser or through a free mobile app for Apple or Android users.

On Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 3 p.m. Prevent Blindness will also host a free webinar, “Critical Conversations About Glaucoma.” This discussion is designed for people living with glaucoma, their care partners, and family members, and offers practical guidance, reassurance, and support.

Topics include understanding glaucoma from the start, how to describe vision changes, proper use of glaucoma eye drops, managing the emotional impact of a diagnosis, and talking with family about hereditary risk and eye exams.

The “Critical Conversations About Glaucoma” webinar will be moderated by Hillary Golden, founder of Glaucoma Coach and a Prevent Blindness ASPECT Patient Engagement Program graduate. Speakers will include Dr. Karen Allison, associate professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, and a Prevent Blindness board of directors member; and Dr. Pathik Amin, visiting associate professor of Ophthalmology, Glaucoma Service, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, University of Illinois at Chicago. Register at preventblindness.org/glaucoma-webinar.

Accounting Associations Take Issue with New Federal Loan Caps

By Contributor
Accounting and Tax Planning

What’s in a Classification?

 

The National Assoc. of State Boards of Accountancy recently came out in opposition of the U.S. Department of Education’s implementation of new student loan policies that reclassify accounting degrees as ‘non-professional.’

“Classifying accountants as anything other than professionals fundamentally misrepresents the critical work CPAs perform, work that is responsible for the integrity of the global financial systems on which businesses and individuals rely,” NASBA President and CEO Daniel Dustin said. “There’s a reason certified public accountancy has been a licensed profession in the United
States since 1896.”

The Department of Education change affects federal loan caps under the new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) that, beginning in July 2026, will reduce borrowing limits for accounting students to $20,500 per year, compared to $50,000 per year for degrees the department now labels ‘professional.’

NASBA argues that a reduction in loan access may deter a broad range of students from entering the CPA profession at a time when the complexity of markets and businesses require a robust and educated workforce. The association maintains that federal policy must accurately reflect the realities of professional CPA licensure, as economic stability and protection of the public depend on a strong and well-regulated accounting profession.

This reclassification also excludes many other long-recognized licensed professions, including those responsible for public health and safety, such as nursing, architecture, education, and engineering.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, the new loan limits that result from these reclassifications will help drive down the cost of graduate programs and reduce the debt students have to take out. Graduate students received more than half of all new federal student loans originated in recent years, and graduate student loans now make up half of the outstanding $1.7 trillion federal student loan portfolio.

Among the professions that still retain their ‘professional’ designation for higher graduate school borrowing limits are medicine (MD), dentistry (DDS/DMD), law (LLB/JD), and several others. Undergraduate students are generally not affected by the new lending limits.

NASBA plans to consult with the 55 U.S. accounting jurisdictions it represents — which license more than 653,000 CPAs in the U.S. — and will engage policymakers to ensure accounting is restored to the professional degree category.

Other organizations have publicly opposed the reclassification as well. The National Assoc. of Tax Professionals is also urging the Department of Education to reconsider the change. In a statement, the NATP argued against the non-professional classification on four grounds.

1. The reduced federal borrowing levels will make accounting education less financially accessible. This could deter students from entering the field, especially first-generation college students, students from rural or underserved communities, adults seeking a career change, working students completing degrees part-time, and anyone needing graduate-level coursework to advance.

For a profession that already requires rigorous education and often additional coursework for licensure, lowering loan access could make a critical career path harder to pursue.

2. Accounting is a professional field, and the reclassification doesn’t reflect that. Accounting is a licensed, regulated, ethics-based profession with real-world public responsibility. Tax professionals and accountants complete extensive coursework, uphold ethical and legal standards, maintain continuing education, help taxpayers navigate complex federal and state laws, and protect the integrity of the tax system.

Reclassifying these degrees as non-professional does not align with real-world requirements or the public-facing nature of this work.

3. The tax-professional workforce is already stretched thin. More than 80 million taxpayers rely on paid preparers each year. Many small businesses, elderly taxpayers, rural communities, and underserved populations depend on credentialed professionals to prepare accurate returns and resolve IRS issues.

But the tax workforce is aging, and firms across the country report difficulty recruiting new talent — a trend NATP members have voiced repeatedly. Limiting access to accounting education risks shrinking the talent pipeline, increasing filing errors, lengthening IRS response backlogs, reducing availability of professional help in underserved areas, and exacerbating seasonal workforce shortages. This isn’t just an academic concern, but a practical one with direct consequences for taxpayer service.

4. Taxpayer service and compliance could suffer. The federal tax code is becoming more complex each year. New credits, expanded eligibility rules, increased digital reporting requirements, and shifting IRS processes all increase the need for well-trained professionals.

If fewer students can afford to pursue accounting degrees, taxpayers could experience longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to qualified preparers, higher risk of filing mistakes, greater reliance on unregulated or untrained preparers, and increased compliance challenges.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

River Valley Co-op Supports Northampton Survival Center

NORTHAMPTON — On Dec. 2, River Valley Co-op announced a contribution of more than $20,000 to support the Northampton Survival Center. This contribution was made through the co-op’s November Change for Change round-up donations at the checkouts in both the Northampton and Easthampton store locations. This is the most recent and largest of the co-op’s last four monthly Change for Change contributions to local food security focused nonprofits, which totaled more than $62,000. These contributions included $13,745 for the Easthampton Community Center, $14,064 for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, $13,915 for Manna Community Kitchen, as well as the November contribution of $20,309 for the Northampton Survival Center. Each time a customer shops at River Valley Co-op, they are given the opportunity to round up their purchase to the nearest dollar, with the extra cents going into the Change for Change donation fund. That fund is allocated each month to a local nonprofit organization nominated and chosen by co-op member votes.

 

Window World of Western Mass. Earns National Recognition

BELCHERTOWN — Qualified Remodeler, a leading publication serving remodelers and home improvement companies in the U.S., recently ranked Window World of Western Massachusetts 92nd among the 200 largest home improvement companies in the country — a list known as the HIP 200. This places Window World of Western Massachusetts first in Western Mass. The store was chosen as a 2025 HIP 200 company by the Qualified Remodeler editorial staff for meeting a set of criteria including installed remodeling dollar volume, total years in business, industry association membership, industry certification, industry awards, and community service. For more than two decades, Window World of Western Massachusetts has been serving the community with a wide range of home improvement products, including energy-efficient windows, doors, and siding and roofing. The company is committed to customer satisfaction with a focus on clear communication and meticulous craftsmanship on every project, big or small.

 

Colebrook Brokers Sale of Bank Branch to UMassFive

EAST LONGMEADOW — Colebrook Realty Services announced the sale of 465 North Main St. in East Longmeadow to UMassFive College Federal Credit Union for $2 million. The property most recently housed a TD Bank branch. Located at the corner of North Main Street and Harkness Avenue, the building is approximately 2,800 square feet on more than 0.6 acres of land. B. John Dill, president and CEO of Colebrook Realty Services, represented the seller, 465 North Main Street LLC. Nancy Nesbitt of AccuBranch represented UMassFive College Credit Union. Originally developed as a branch of the former Springfield Institution for Savings (SIS) in 1970 by the Martone and Preston families, the site served as a banking facility for several successor banks to SIS, most recently TD Bank. Two generations of the Martone and Preston families served as stewards of this prominent location.

 

Westfield State Receives Davis Educational Foundation Grant

WESTFIELD — The Davis Education Foundation has awarded Westfield State University a two-year grant of $449,980 to support the ongoing project “From Innovation to Impact: Scaling General Education Reform to Advance Westfield’s Integrative Student Experience.” The grant will empower Westfield State to continue strengthening its general education curriculum by ensuring that learning outcomes, practice standards, and high-impact practices are fully integrated into redesigned courses. The funding will also permit Westfield State to formalize and expand its peer mentor program, an initiative that improves student leadership skills, engagement, confidence, and success. The support of the Davis Educational Foundation will advance Westfield State’s strategic plan and strengthen its mission to foster the economic, social, and cultural vitality of the region by equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and character to lead with purpose and civic responsibility.

 

Glenmeadow Named Among Best Continuing Care Communities

LONGMEADOW — Glenmeadow has been named one of America’s Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities 2026 by Newsweek, ranking in the top 10 in Massachusetts. This prestigious award is presented in collaboration with Statista, the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The awards list was announced on Nov. 19 and can currently be viewed on Newsweek’s website. America’s Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities 2026 have been selected through a comprehensive methodology of assessing quality resident care. The evaluation awards the leading 330 facilities in the U.S. based on four key pillars: reputation, visitor satisfaction, accreditation, and Google reviews. The analysis is based on an independent survey that included thousands of residents and acquaintances of residents living in continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). The award serves to reinforce that Glenmeadow is dedicated to offering high-quality care and services to older adults, including a range of living options such as independent living, assisted living, respite care, and at-home care services. Glenmeadow offers a wide range of amenities and community opportunities, including newly renovated spaces designed for connection and well-being and the annual Age of Excellence Awards, honoring older adults who inspire vitality. Glenmeadow leaders believe aging is not a retreat, but a rise, and the community’s holistic approach aims to ensure that residents feel valued, supported, and empowered to live their lives to the fullest.

 

The Good Dog Spot Partners with Leaps & Bones

CHICOPEE — The Good Dog Spot announced a new partnership with Leaps & Bones, a pet company known for providing high-quality treats, toys, and pet essentials. Through this collaboration, Leaps & Bones will now manage the retail section inside the Good Dog Spot in both the Chicopee and Northampton locations, offering a curated selection of treats, toys, and pet products to clients and their furry friends. Leaps & Bones focuses on products that are safe, nutritious, and fun. Whether it’s natural treats, new toys, or everyday essentials, the company is committed to keeping tails wagging and owners smiling. This partnership enhances The Good Dog Spot’s mission to provide exceptional pet care while adding a new shopping experience for pet owners throughout Western Mass. While dogs enjoy daycare grooming or boarding services, owners can now browse a premium selection of Leaps & Bones toys, treats, and supplies in one place.

 

Foundation for TJO Animals Raises More Than $57,000

SPRINGFIELD — The Foundation for TJO Animals and the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center (TJO) are celebrating a record-breaking Giving Tuesday, marked by exceptional community support, a highly successful adoption event, and an outpouring of generosity that far exceeded expectations. To kick off the campaign, the foundation hosted a two-day adoption event in which all adoption fees were waived thanks to a $2,000 sponsorship from longtime supporters Ted and Barbara Hebert. Over the course of just 48 hours, 18 animals were adopted into new, loving homes. The foundation initially set a Giving Tuesday fundraising goal of $20,000, with every dollar matched by supporters Jan and Bernadette Piepul. As donations surged, the goal was increased to $25,000 — and the Piepuls matched that as well. By the morning after Giving Tuesday, total donations had climbed to more than $57,000, making this one of the foundation’s most successful campaigns to date. A significant portion of the funds came from Monarch Fore Charities, whose contribution exceeded $10,000 and helped propel the campaign to new heights.

 

Weed Man Makes Donation to Food Bank of Western Mass.

SPRINGFIELD — The team at Weed Man in Springfield announced that its Grassroots Giving campaign was a success, and they have collected 286 pounds of food for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. That works out to nearly 238 meals for local families across Springfield. In last year’s inaugural campaign, the Weed Man fleet combined to collect more than 78,000 pounds of food from its customers in the U.S. and Canada. This year, the fleet far exceeded its goal of collecting more than 100,000 pounds of food from across North America, with a grand total of 108,000 pounds.

 

CET Receives $375,000 Grant to Expand Clean Energy Workforce

NORTHAMPTON — CET announced receipt of a $375,000 investment to grow Massachusetts’ clean energy workforce. The funding, a grant from E4TheFuture, will support a workforce development program that provides comprehensive training, mentorship, and career pathways for individuals entering the building energy efficiency and decarbonization sector. The program will pursue the U.S. Department of Labor’s Registered Apprenticeship Program for Energy Auditors, positioning participants for nationally recognized credentials and broader career mobility. The year-long, full-time paid positions will combine classroom learning with hands-on field experience, equipping participants with the technical expertise, industry certifications, and real-world skills needed to launch long-term careers. Graduates will be offered full-time positions at CET, advancing its mission to deliver just and resilient climate solutions. Over the next three years, CET will recruit approximately 10 participants, with a focus on candidates from underrepresented and environmental justice communities. Program graduates will help homes and businesses reduce energy use, lower costs, and improve health, safety, and resilience while contributing to the Commonwealth’s decarbonization goals.

 

6 Brick’s, Green Meadows Partner with Patton Alliance for Veterans

SPRINGFIELD — Cannabis dispensaries 6 Brick’s and Green Meadows, along with the Shubrick and Patton families, continued their collaborative partnership throughout the month of November in support of the Patton Alliance for Veterans, an organization dedicated to advancing veteran-focused initiatives nationwide. The partnership brought together two independent, family-owned Massachusetts cannabis companies to raise awareness and financial support for veterans facing physical and mental health challenges. Throughout the month of November, 6 Brick’s partnered with Green Meadows to donate $1 for every Green Meadows, At Ease, or 6 Brick’s product sold, with the campaign culminating in a total contribution of $6,550 to the Patton Alliance for Veterans. 100% of these funds will go to charitable efforts. In addition, 6 Brick’s honored veterans with a 10% discount throughout the entire month, reinforcing the campaign’s commitment to accessibility, recognition, and gratitude. Green Meadows’ affiliated nonprofit initiatives support organizations including Stop Soldier Suicide and the Black Veterans Project, further amplifying the impact of this partnership.

 

Berkshire United Way Awards $51,630 for Food Assistance

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire United Way (BUW) has awarded $51,630 to 15 local organizations to strengthen food distribution efforts in response to rising food insecurity and recent disruptions in federal assistance programs such as SNAP. Following a thorough application and review process, BUW provided funding to Berkshire Bounty, Berkshire Community College Foundation, Berkshire Dream Center, Berkshire Grown, the Christian Center, Community Health Programs (CHP), First United Methodist Church, Friends of the Pittsfield Senior Center, Great Barrington Farmers Market, the People’s Pantry, Pittsfield Community Food Pantry, seeing rainbows, Sonrisas, Village Food Box, and Westside Legends. The funding combines local donations with support from the United Response Fund, which enabled all 13 United Ways in Massachusetts to expand and stabilize food access through increased pantry capacity, direct financial relief, and culturally appropriate food options.

 

Thunderbirds Break Record by Collecting 8,048 Stuffed Animals

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Thunderbirds established a new franchise record on Dec. 6 by collecting 8,048 stuffed animals during the 10th annual Teddy Bear Toss presented by Teddy Bear Pools & Spas inside the MassMutual Center. All donated bears will be distributed to underprivileged youth throughout Springfield and Western Mass. ahead of the holiday season. The avalanche of teddy bears was set in motion by Jakub Stancl’s first goal of the night, part of a three-goal performance that ignited the sellout crowd of 6,793 fans inside the Thunderdome and sent thousands of stuffed animals flying onto the ice in one of the most anticipated traditions of the season. The celebration continued off the ice this week as Thunderbirds players, mascot Boomer, and team staff delivered bears directly to more than 15 local youth-focused nonprofits, including CHD, the Boys & Girls Club of Springfield, Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services, the Boys & Girls Club Family Center, the Springfield YMCA, Square One, the Chicopee Boys & Girls Club, and the Ronald McDonald House of Springfield, ensuring smiles reach children and families across the region ahead of the holidays. First introduced during the Thunderbirds’ inaugural season in 2016, the Teddy Bear Toss has now provided more than 40,000 stuffed animals to local charities, remaining one of the organization’s signature community initiatives and one of the most beloved holiday traditions in the Greater Springfield area.

Egan, Flanagan & Cohen to Expand with Acquisition of Two Springfield Law Practices

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Egan, Flanagan & Cohen (EFC), a century-old law firm in Springfield, will expand in 2026 with the acquisition of two local law firms — Goldsmith, Katz and Argenio, P.C., effective Jan. 1, and the law practice of Henry Cropsey, effective Feb. 15. Through these acquisitions, three new attorneys will join the EFC team.

With the Jan. 1 acquisition of Goldsmith, Katz and Argenio, P.C., Jonathan Goldsmith and Thomas Argenio will join EFC in the roles of counsel. Both attorneys have deep roots in Greater Springfield, with Goldsmith a past chair of the Bankruptcy Section of the Hampden County Bar Assoc., and Argenio a former adjunct professor at Elms College, where he taught criminal law.

Goldsmith has been practicing law for 39 years and specializes in bankruptcy, corporate, and real estate law. For the past 20 years, Goldsmith has also served as a Chapter 7 panel bankruptcy trustee for the Office of the United States Trustee. He has the highest rating (AV) from Martindale Hubbell for ethical standards and legal ability and has been designated as a Super Lawyer and on the list of the Top 100 Attorneys in Massachusetts by Boston magazine. Goldsmith was also the first recipient of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court’s District of Massachusetts Pro Bono Award in 2013. He completed his undergraduate studies at Boston College and earned juris doctorate from Western New England University School of Law.

Argenio has been practicing law for 42 years and currently specializes in real estate and domestic relations. He graduated from St. Michael’s College in Vermont and earned his juris doctorate from Western New England University School of Law. Prior to his time at Goldsmith, Katz and Argenio, P.C., Argenio served as city prosecutor for the city of Chicopee from 1988 to 1992 and was an assistant city solicitor in Chicopee for many years, handling civil matters for the city.

Effective Feb. 15, solo practitioner Henry Cropsey will close his solo law practice and join EFC in an of counsel role. Cropsey has been in practice for 39 years and specializes in the areas of estate planning, corporate law, and commercial real estate.

According to Michael McDonough, managing partner at EFC, “all three of the attorneys joining EFC enjoy pristine reputations and competence, ethics, and people skills. They will be excellent fits to our office, not just in bringing clients and business, but also in mentorship and adding to our culture and depth of knowledge. Jon Goldsmith, Tom Argenio, and Henry Cropsey will make us stronger and better suited to meet our clients’ needs in the new year and beyond.

“The additions of Goldsmith, Argenio, and Cropsey will pair well with the firm’s steady addition of newer but impactful associate attorneys in each of the past four years,” McDonough added. “Goldsmith, Argenio, and Cropsey have all maintained prominent careers in their respective areas of the law, and arming each with EFC’s team of associate attorneys will expand their capability for the benefit of clients. In return, those same associates will gain three new mentors in the building for their own professional growth.”

Rise & Shine Breakfast on Jan. 9 to Focus on Nonprofits

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Regional Chamber will shine a light on several arts, culture, and recreation nonprofits at its January Rise & Shine Business Breakfast on Friday, Jan. 9 from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the Blake Student Commons at Bay Path University.

Non-profits are an industry, too, though often unrecognized for their strenuous and tireless efforts. Breakfast attendees will hear firsthand from leaders of local organizations as they share information about their important work enriching community life and supporting economic growth in the region.

The cost is $40 for Springfield Regional Chamber members and $50 for non-members. Click here to register.

Brick Marketing Launches Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Discount Program

By
Daily News

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.

“Massachusetts is our home, and our clients are our neighbors,” said Nick Stamoulis, president of Brick Marketing. “We support many local chamber of commerce organizations and believe that doing business locally builds trusted partnerships. As AI marketing and SEO for AI, also known as generative engine optimization, become vital channels to drive visitors, leads, and sales, local companies deserve hands-on guidance that understands the Massachusetts market. Our mission is to help as many local organizations as possible navigate this new era, and this discount is our way to open the door and get them started with confidence.”

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.

The Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Discount Program builds on more than two decades of client service. Over the past 20 years, Brick Marketing has supported hundreds of companies with measurable outcomes and practical digital marketing strategies. The senior team collaborates closely with owners and marketing leaders, aligning near-term actions with long-term goals and setting clear performance metrics. New clients can begin with a brief discovery conversation to confirm priorities and identify the right mix of services.

For more information, visit www.brickmarketing.com/chamber-discount-program.

New Study Shows Increased Seatbelt Use in Massachusetts

By
Daily News

BRAINTREE — During 2025, more Massachusetts road users than ever are likely to use their seatbelts to ensure safe travels. A new study found that seatbelt use in Massachusetts has increased for the third year in a row, marking the state’s highest seatbelt usage rate on record. The Healey-Driscoll administration commended the collaborative efforts led by state and local agencies to achieve this result.

The 2025 Massachusetts Safety Belt Observational Study, which is conducted annually, reported a seatbelt usage rate of 85.53%, an increase over the state’s 2024 usage rate of 84.36%. Specifically, the report found that the state successfully increased seatbelt use among demographics that have historically had lower usage rates. This marks the third year in a row that Massachusetts has achieved an overall increase in seatbelt use.

In addition, Massachusetts experienced fewer fatal crashes in 2025 than in the previous year. MassDOT has recorded 342 fatal motor vehicle crashes in 2025, compared to 364 in 2024.

“We know that seatbelts save lives, and it’s so important that seatbelt usage continues to increase every year in Massachusetts,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “We’re grateful for the hard work of our partners in transportation, public safety, and local governments to enhance safety on the roads for us all.”

The annual study is mandated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The study has been conducted every year in Massachusetts except 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Usage rates dipped in 2021 and 2022 before returning to their upward trend. Since 2015, seatbelt use in Massachusetts has increased by more than 10%.

“Everyone has a role to play in keeping our roads safe, and wearing a seatbelt is one of the simplest steps we can take to protect ourselves and the people we care about,” Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon said. “When drivers and passengers buckle up every time, they help prevent serious injuries and make travel safer for families and communities across the Commonwealth.”

Massachusetts law states that a driver stopped by police may receive a citation if not wearing a seatbelt or for any passenger who is unrestrained or not in a proper child safety seat (for children age 8 or younger who are under 57 inches tall). Any passenger age 16 or older found not wearing a seatbelt can also receive a citation.

Nina Antonetti Appointed Vice President of Advancement at Springfield Museums

By
Daily News

Nina Antonetti

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Museums announced the appointment of Nina Antonetti as vice president of Advancement, effective Jan. 2. In this leadership role, reporting directly to President and CEO Kay Simpson, Antonetti will be responsible for strategic development, design, and direction for all philanthropic initiatives and programs in support of the museums. In addition, she will oversee the marketing and communications team, as well as special events and membership activities.

Antonetti brings more than 20 years of senior leadership experience in fundraising across museums, cultural institutions, higher education, and international consulting. She has a distinguished record of advancing mission-driven organizations through strategic collaboration with boards and development teams to achieve philanthropic goals.

Most recently, Antonetti served as chief Advancement officer at the Mount, Edith Wharton’s Home in Lenox, where she inaugurated the role and held a central leadership position on multiple strategic planning and campaign task forces.

Previously, she was managing director at Carter Global, where she provided governance, strategic, and fundraising counsel to major nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and Canada, including museums, cultural centers, disability services organizations, and international humanitarian institutions. Earlier leadership roles include chief Development officer at the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg, Fla., and associate vice president for Corporate and Foundation Relations at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Her career also includes senior advancement and donor relations roles at Williams College Museum of Art and the Conway School of Sustainable Landscape Planning and Design, alongside a distinguished academic career at Smith College, where she founded the nation’s first Landscape Studies program and served on the faculty for 15 years.

In addition to her professional work, Antonetti has extensive governance experience. She currently serves on the boards of Berkshire Country Day School and the Emily Dickinson Museum, with prior board service spanning museums, libraries, and educational institutions. She holds a PhD in art history from the University of London, with a concentration in architectural and landscape history, and has an extensive record of scholarly publications, exhibitions, and public engagement projects.

“We are delighted to welcome Nina Antonetti,” Simpson said. “Her deep experience in fundraising, governance, and strategic messaging will be instrumental in advancing our mission.”

Paragus IT Welcomes Robyn Garcia as Vice President of Security and Compliance

By
Daily News

WORCESTER — Paragus IT, a strategic IT services firm for small to medium-sized businesses, recently welcomed Robyn Garcia as vice president of Security and Compliance, further strengthening the company’s leadership team as it continues its rapid growth.

Garcia brings more than 20 years of experience across IT operations, cybersecurity, compliance, and infrastructure leadership in both public and private sector environments. In her new role, she will oversee Paragus’s security and compliance strategy, helping clients navigate increasingly complex regulatory, risk, and governance requirements — including frameworks such as CMMC and HIPAA — while advancing the company’s own internal security posture.

As one of her first initiatives, Garcia will lead Paragus through its CMMC Level 2 certification, reinforcing the company’s commitment to meeting the highest standards for security and compliance in support of government contractors and regulated organizations.

Most recently, she served as director of Operations at ArcLight IT, where she led company-wide operations, strategic planning, and process improvements to drive efficiency and scale. She previously held senior IT and cybersecurity leadership roles at Revolution Space, Howard Energy Partners, and Weaver Technologies. She began her career as an information systems technician in the U.S. Navy, where she worked within highly regulated and security-critical environments.

“I’m excited to join Paragus at such a pivotal moment,” Garcia said. “Paragus is a dynamic, fast-growing, and forward-thinking organization, and the fact that it’s employee-owned makes the culture even more special. This role is an incredible opportunity to help organizations fuel growth while taking a practical, business-aligned approach to security and compliance.”

Delcie Bean, founder and CEO of Paragus IT, said Garcia’s experience and leadership style make her a strong addition to the team.

“Robyn brings a rare combination of deep technical expertise, strategic vision, and real-world leadership experience,” Bean said. “We’re thrilled to welcome her to Paragus and confident she’ll play a key role in shaping the future of our security and compliance practice.”

With Garcia’s addition, Paragus’s service leadership team is now 100% women, and the company’s senior leadership team is now 70% women, reflecting Paragus’s ongoing commitment to inclusive leadership and diverse perspectives.

Garcia holds an MBA and a bachelor’s degree in management information systems, along with industry-recognized certifications, including CISSP and CompTIA Security+. She is currently completing a master of liberal arts degree in cybersecurity at Harvard University.

Hometown Financial Group Welcomes H. Scott Sanborn

By
Daily News

H. Scott Sanborn

EASTHAMPTON — Hometown Financial Group, the multi-bank holding company for bankESB, bankHometown, and North Shore Bank, and its Abington Bank and Colonial Federal Savings Bank divisions, announced the appointment of H. Scott Sanborn as its new executive vice president, chief commercial banking officer. He brings 36 years of banking experience to the role, along with a strong record of leadership, community involvement, and commercial banking expertise.

In his new role, Sanborn will oversee all aspects of commercial banking across Hometown Financial Group’s family of banks, including commercial lending, relationship development, and strategic growth.

Sanborn, a respected local leader on the South Shore and Metro South, will be based in Abington Bank’s Holbrook location. His long-standing involvement in the community and deep understanding of the local market will enhance the bank’s presence and further strengthen its commitment to serving customers. He brings deep knowledge of the region’s communities, businesses, and local priorities, and his strong local relationships and commitment to supporting the needs of residents and businesses will help advance the bank’s strategic growth across the region.

Sanborn, most recently with HarborOne Bank, served as executive vice president, chief lending officer. His distinguished career also includes senior leadership roles at TD Bank, Sovereign Bank, and Fleet Bank, where he helped guide business banking teams, commercial lending strategies, and regional growth initiatives.

“We are thrilled to welcome Scott to the Hometown Financial leadership team,” said Matthew Sosik, chairman and CEO of Hometown Financial Group. “His extensive background in commercial banking, combined with his passion for developing strong customer relationships, aligns perfectly with our mission and values. We look forward to the impact he will make across our banks and for the businesses we serve.”

Sanborn holds a bachelor’s degree in international politics from Wesleyan University and a master’s degree in entrepreneurship and finance from Babson College. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to the community, serving on numerous boards and committees, including the Spirit of Adventure Council – Scouting America, New England Certified, the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, and the United Way leadership campaign and fundraising committee. He has also contributed his leadership to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and the Emerging Leaders Program at the University of Massachusetts.

Economic Outlook 2026

By
Cover Story Economic Outlook

Watch to see more from Brian Canina:

Clouding the Issue

The Forecast Calls for … More Uncertainty

It’s called the ‘quits rate.’

As that name suggests, it represents the number of employees who voluntarily quit their jobs as a percentage of total employment.

When times are good for workers, the quits rate is understandably higher. When times are not so good, or when there are high levels of anxiety and uncertainty about the economy and the jobs market — and that would describe the current climate — the rate starts to come down.

“Over the past few months, quits have dropped precipitously,” said Bob Nakosteen, a semi-retired Economics professor at UMass Amherst’s Isenberg School of Management, reflecting on a jobs market increasingly described with the words ‘stuck’ and ‘stagnant.’ “People are hanging onto their jobs for dear life, which tells me that they’re not getting offers to entice them to quit, and they don’t feel that they can take the risk to leave their job and look for another one, because they’re just not out there.”

This sentiment is reflected in the latest jobs report: the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a few weeks back that the U.S. economy lost 105,000 jobs in October and added 64,000 jobs in November, with the unemployment rate rising to a four-year high of 4.6% that month.

The falling quits rate and the jobless numbers are just two of the many ways economists and business leaders are trying to quantify and qualify the current economic scene, often described as ‘confusing,’ although quantifying is more difficult with fewer hard numbers to work with — in general, and even more so because of the recent government shutdown.

Another measure is the Associated Industries of Massachusetts’ (AIM) Business Confidence Index, or BCI. Scored on a 100-point scale, with 50 indicating neutrality, the monthly BCI soared to 57.7 when President Trump was elected in November 2024, but quickly fell to 41.5 (a COVID-like level) in April when Trump’s tariff plan was announced, and has continued to hover below 50 since, AIM President Brooke Thomson said.

She told BusinessWest that, overall, the business community doesn’t like uncertainty, and the prospect for more in 2026, reflected in the BCI numbers, poses questions about what kind of year it will be.

Between the quits rate, the BCI, and other measures, the emerging picture is one of continued uncertainty, even about the near term, let alone several quarters out, given ambiguity about matters from tariffs, interest rates, the jobs market, and the AI investment boom (and whether that bubble is about to burst) to inflation and affordability crunch.

There is some optimism following the most recent quarter-point interest rate drop early last month, but there will need to be more of those, and likely more substantial cuts, in the year ahead for a deep impact to result, said those we spoke with.

Bob Nakosteen

Bob Nakosteen

 

“People are hanging onto their jobs for dear life, which tells me that they’re not getting offers to entice them to quit, and they don’t feel that they can take the risk to leave their job and look for another one, because they’re just not out there.”

“With the recent Fed rate cuts, we’re expecting things to probably pick up, modestly, because there is still some potential uncertainty, economically,” said Brian Canina, president and chief operating officer of Holyoke-based PeoplesBank. “If the Fed continues to lower rates, and the lowering of the rates on the short end of the interest rate curve impacts the long-term interest rate, and those come down, we may see some increased lending and some potential refinancing.”

Overall, said Nakosteen, there is a mixed economic picture for 2026, with expectations for slower growth and perhaps — that’s perhaps — a mild, short recession.

But it’s very difficult to project without hard data, with so much uncertainty clouding whatever picture the data presents, and amid a variety of mixed signals, such as GDP rising a robust 4.3% in the third quarter at the same time as bourbon maker Jim Beam announced it would be shuttering one of its distilleries in Kentucky, in part due to tariffs and slumping demand.“

The data are not painting a clear picture at all. Unemployment is going up — kind of gently, but it’s going up. Inflation is rising — kind of gently, but it’s still rising,” he said, adding that the country may be heading for what economists call ‘stagflation,’ a somewhat rare economic condition characterized by high inflation, stagnant economic growth, and high unemployment occurring simultaneously.

 

Ups and Downs

As he talked about 2025 and what kind of year it was for the region, Aaron Vega spoke from two different, but in many ways similar, perspectives — first as outgoing director of Planning & Economic Development in Holyoke and the incoming president and CEO of the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council.

Brian Canina

Brian Canina

 

“With the recent Fed rate cuts, we’re expecting things to probably pick up, modestly, because there is still some potential uncertainty, economically.”

“It’s like two steps forward, two steps back, one step to the side,” he said, noting that this was true in Holyoke, but also the region. While new businesses were added, including Pickleball Kingdom at the Holyoke Mall, and new initiatives launched, there were setbacks, such as recent layoffs at Yankee Candle and Sublime System’s decision to pause its project to build a plant in Holyoke following the loss of a U.S. Department of Energy grant.

Elaborating, Vega said the region’s economy was buffeted by some strong headwinds, most of which were beyond its control. These included tariffs, policy changes, inflation, ongoing changes in the retail realm, and even the price of energy.

“We all know that Massachusetts is a bit of an expensive state in which to do business. So how do we entice businesses to come to Massachusetts, and then, how do we get them to come to Western Massachusetts when we’re still developing our hubs and developing our initiatives?” he asked, adding that these same headwinds will prevail in 2026.

This up-and-down nature of the economy was reflected in the BCI numbers for 2025, said Thomson, noting that the index would rise a few points one month, drop a point or two, then rise again, and then fall again; it was up two points to 48.5 in November, for example. This wavering is a symptom of uncertainty and policies that foster it, she said, adding that the sluggish performance in 2025 — some economists say the country is teetering on recession if not officially in it — was different from such cycles in the past.

“Most recessions, or downturns, occurred because of some sort of situation in the financial markets, some sort of causation that deeply hit our financial markets,” she explained. “This was different; it’s almost self-inflicted through policy. There’s nothing inherently wrong in the financial sector.

Aaron Vega

Aaron Vega

 

“It’s like two steps forward, two steps back, one step to the side.”

“There’s still money out there to lend to businesses, there’s opportunities for businesses, but there is feeling on behalf of business leaders that they don’t know what to expect … ‘I don’t know what my bottom line is going to be, I don’t know what my costs are going to be, so I’m not going to take out that loan, I’m not going to do that expansion project, I’m not going to give out big bonuses or hire more people because I don’t know what’s around the corner.’”

This was the picture throughout 2025, and this sentiment is expected to continue into at least early 2026, Thomson said, adding, again, that business owners like consistently and reliability, and these are two commodities missing at the federal policy level, and there has been a resulting trickle-down to states, with some, like Massachusetts, getting hit harder than others.

Indeed, several sectors in the Bay State were deeply impacted by federal policy changes, including healthcare (see related story on page 25), education, and especially manufacturing, due to tariff policies, she noted.

“I’ve been throughout the state this year visiting manufacturers, and even the ones that are managing to do all right are doing it because they’re being really, really creative, despite this,” she added. “And they would never say they’re thriving; they’re saying, ‘we’re being creative, and we’re managing it.’ But I have more stories with people saying, ‘this is killing me — I’m barely making it,’ and there have been two or three small business that have actually closed their doors.”

 

Fear of the Unknown

Carol Campbell, president of Chicopee Industrial Contractors (CIC), spoke for many business owners when she said 2025 was “an interesting year,” marked by those headwinds Vega mentioned, and especially tariffs.

CIC works with manufacturers, handling rigging, machinery moving, machine installation, and other services, and many of those machines are made overseas, said Campbell, adding that the tariffs placed on them — or the threat of tariffs, as well as general uncertainty about what might come next — prompted some hesitation and project delays.

Brooke Thomson

Brooke Thomson

 

“Most recessions, or downturns, occurred because of some sort of situation in the financial markets, some sort of causation that deeply hit our financial markets. This was different; it’s almost self-inflicted through policy. There’s nothing inherently wrong in the financial sector.”

“What we found was just a fear of the unknown,” she explained, adding that, by March, even Fortune 500 companies were hitting pause on some projects.

Things improved as the year went on, and, overall, 2025 was a solid year, she said, adding quickly that there is optimism about 2026, but also some lingering fear of the unknown.

As they look ahead, those we spoke with said several factors will determine the trajectory of the economy, especially the AI investment boom and whether that bubble will burst, inflation, consumer spending, business confidence (especially when it comes to hiring), and, of course, interest rates.

“A lot of it will hinge on what happens with interest rates,” said Canina, adding that the size and frequency of cuts will ultimately determine the impact on the economy.

“A 25-basis-point change is not necessarily going to have a significant impact,” he explained. “But when you see the Fed make consecutive rate cuts, and if they were to drop a full percentage point in a six- to 12-month period of time, I think by the 12-month point you’ll start to see some pickup, and then, it will continue to grow from there.”

Elaborating, he said many businesses remained on the sidelines in 2025 when it came to large investments and expansion initiatives, due mostly to uncertainty about the economy and where things were headed, and partly to interest rates still well above those enjoyed just a few years ago, post-COVID. He’s optimistic that some will get back in the game in the months to come.

Jeff Sullivan, president and CEO of Springfield-based New Valley Bank, agreed.

“The mortgage rates and the longer-term rates, we don’t see them coming down quite as much,” he said. “It’s nothing that’s going to change consumer behavior — we don’t see a refinance boom.

Carol Campbell

Carol Campbell

 

“What we found was just a fear of the unknown.”

“Meanwhile, the idea of borrowing money at 6% or 6.5% doesn’t seem to be unpalatable,” he added, opining that current rates are not stifling activity. “It’s not stopping deals from happening. Would they rather borrow at 5%? Absolutely they would, but where we are now is tolerable. When the rates peaked nine or 10 months ago and it was hard to get under 7%, that was starting to chill the market, but now we’re back down to 6% or 6.5%, and that’s not stopping anyone.”

Overall, Sullivan is more upbeat about 2026 than some others we spoke with. He said 2025 was a solid year for the bank, in deposit growth and otherwise, while he also noted cautious optimism among many commercial customers.

“The overall mood is generally positive,” he said. “The people who are more nervous are the people who do business with the general public, especially with the middle-class, working-class general public. The firms that are business-to-business sales … I think the optimism is there. The firms that are dependent upon lower- and middle-income consumers being their customers … I’m more worried.

“It’s the K-shaped recovery,” he went on. “The rich get richer, and the poor get poorer; we definitely see that sentiment among our customer base.”

Meanwhile, he expects the recent wave of mergers and acquisitions to continue, as businesses search for all-important scale and private equity firms continue their hunt for opportunities across seemingly all sectors of the economy.

“These private equity companies have a belief that they’re going to be so successful, they’re paying top dollar to acquire local companies and roll them up into a much larger platform,” he said, adding that the trend extends across the board, even to HVAC contractors, alarm companies, and sprinkler companies. “We hear from customers every quarter that are taking buyout offers; they’re saying, ‘I can’t say no to this. It’s so much money; it’s more than I thought I’d ever get. I wasn’t ready to sell, but I can’t say no.’”

 

The Local Business Community Offers Perspectives on 2026

By
Economic Outlook Special Coverage

Surveying the Landscape

Beyond the big-picture context provided by regional business leaders in the lead story on page 4, how do individual business and nonprofit leaders in Western Mass. see their own enterprises faring in 2026? On the following pages, 17 of them share their answers to that question — and what they see as the key trends, challenges, and opportunities arising in the coming year.

 

Ray Berry, Owner, White Lion Brewing

Ray BerryAs a brewery, we operate at the intersection of hospitality and manufacturing. According to our national trade association, the craft beer industry is expected to experience its third consecutive year of volume decline, and the second year in which brewery closures outpace new openings.

Despite these industry headwinds, White Lion remains optimistic. While overall production is sideways, we are seeing meaningful growth and expanded opportunity across other areas of our operation.

Strategic changes implemented in 2025 are positioning the business for greater strength in 2026. These include our transition to an all-alcohol bar, which increased foot traffic; a renewed focus on community engagement that drove a significant rise in on-site events; activation of underutilized space within Tower Square to reach new audiences; continued growth in outdoor programming to strengthen partnerships; and, looking ahead to 2026, a planned enhancement of our food menu to better reflect and complement the diverse experiences we offer.

 

Megan Burke, President and CEO, Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts

Megan BurkeWhile rising prices, increased demand for services, and reductions in federal resources strained the Western Mass. nonprofit community in 2025, our nonprofit partners demonstrated resilience. More than 50% of the nonprofits serving our community reported funding losses, forcing them to do more with less.

Yet, this year revealed the strength of our communities. We saw our neighbors step up with incredible generosity of both time and money, deepening their commitment and finding creative ways to respond.

As the Community Foundation plans for the year ahead, our 35th year of impact, we are listening to residents as we hone our vision to advance equity and opportunity for all. We feel honored by the call to serve as a connector, supporting those who seek to give and the community helpers who are best placed to respond to changing needs. While we anticipate many new challenges in 2026, we are committed to standing with our communities, responding with urgency and trust, and meeting this moment together.

 

Sandra Doran, President, Bay Path University

Sandra Doran

The defining challenges in higher education today are affordability, access, and relevance. At Bay Path University, we are steadfast in delivering an affordable, high-quality education that leads to a career.

For more than 125 years, Bay Path has prepared learners for careers. We meet regularly with employers and business leaders because understanding workforce needs matters. Today, one message is clear: graduates must be AI literate.

That is why we are thoughtfully investing in augmented artificial intelligence as both a teaching tool and an educational resource — making learners career-ready while also improving efficiency and controlling costs. This approach delivers what students and employers expect in an education that must be affordable, relevant, and aligned with opportunity.

 

Thomas Dowling, CPA, Partner-in-Charge, Whittlesey

Thomas Dowling

Looking ahead, I predict that talent shortages will continue to be a challenge for many industries. As a result, organizations will reconsider their approach to attracting, developing, and retaining their people. Rather than sticking to traditional hiring models, I anticipate that we’ll see an increased focus on investing in existing teams, whether that involves upskilling or adopting a more deliberate, longer-term approach to workforce planning.

Artificial intelligence will continue to become part of everyday operations, enabling businesses to work more efficiently and make better-informed decisions. With broader adoption comes increased responsibility, particularly in terms of governance, ethical use, and cybersecurity.

The organizations that find the right balance between new technology and human judgment will be better-positioned to strengthen their teams, adapt to change, and remain resilient.

 

Curtis Edgin, President, Caolo & Bieniek Architects

Curtis EdginAs Caolo & Bieniek looks forward to 2026 and beyond, the only thing we know for certain is there will continue to be change in the architecture and construction industry.

As codes and standards continue to evolve and material technologies improve, we’ve learned that these changes help us raise the bar in the environments we create for our clients and the communities we’re part of.

Meeting client needs, from enhanced building performance to concerns of increasing construction costs, requires us to be educated in the possibilities and apply that knowledge in how we serve our clients’ best interests.

Improved delivery technology provides our team with opportunities, but is only part of the answer. There still needs to be an experienced understanding of how buildings go together, as well as an awareness of conditions those in the field encounter.

We’re optimistic we will meet the challenges, as we have done for more than 60 years.

 

Jeffrey Fialky, Managing Shareholder, Bacon Wilson, P.C.

Jeffrey FialkyOverall, 2025 was a great year for business from our vantage point. We witnessed quite a bit of business succession as well as real estate activity, particularly in the commercial space. Favorable downward movement in interest rates was certainly a contributing factor, a catalytic trend that will inevitably continue into 2026 with at least one more interest rate cut in the forecast.

The likely theme this year, and for years to follow, is artificial intelligence. I read a recent article that stated that AI can currently replace 11% of the workforce. With a technological leap that outpaces the Industrial Revolution and internet boom by exponential proportions, the business community will continue to have to stay nimble as the future unfolds.

I do believe, however, that in the Pioneer Valley, while by no means immune or insulated from the impact of evolving technology, is nonetheless very well-positioned. Unlike communities in other parts of the state or country that have employment tied closely to the technology sectors, the Western Mass. economy is, to a large extent, based upon healthcare, manufacturing, and trades, industries that will still require the human touch.

I recently called a doctor’s office to schedule an appointment, and the appointment was scheduled by an AI assistant; I was surprised by the efficiency. So while you can see that certain jobs may be adversely affected by AI, potential realized savings in that regard opens up the opportunity for small businesses to continue to invest in growth of their core operations, which in turn will lead to expansion and hiring.

 

John Gannon, Partner, Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C.

John GannonThe labor and employment law landscape for businesses is evolving in 2026. This year, employers will be navigating Massachusetts’ new pay transparency requirements while dealing with growing oversight of AI tools in hiring and workplace practices.

Massachusetts’ new pay transparency law requires many employers to post salary ranges in all job postings. This includes “any advertisement or job posting intended to recruit job applicants for a particular and specific employment position,” regardless of whether the employer recruits directly or utilizes a third party for such purposes.

Federally, employers are looking at potential new regulatory guidance on the use of AI-driven hiring tools, such as the No Robot Bosses Act, which is designed to establish safeguards against employment discrimination that may arise from AI algorithms. The legislation is also meant to ensure that human judgment remains a critical component in employment decisions.

These changes present new, unique compliance challenges for employers.

 

Lynn Gray-Yucka, General Manager, Holyoke Mall

Lynn Gray-YuckaHolyoke Mall’s strength lies in creatively curating the right tenant mix to drive revenue, enhance customer experience, strengthen market relevance, and enhance the overall asset value. We are optimized for sustained financial growth well into the future as we embark upon a substantial reinvestment into the infrastructure. This three-phase, multi-year enhancement project includes new paving, curbing, and landscaping; fresh paint on the exterior building, new signage packages, and interior upgrades that have already started and continue into 2026.

As the shopping center industry continues to be ever-changing, Holyoke Mall is a shining example as the only high-performing, super-regional property within our trade area. Twenty years ago, our center had a tenant mix that included 90% to 95% traditional retail. Today, that number is closer to 70% to 75%.

As business continues to evolve, Holyoke Mall will be ready for what comes next as the dominant shopping center in Western Mass., offering more than just traditional retail, but also best-in-class dining and entertainment concepts.

 

Roseann Martoccia, Executive Director, Access Care Partners

Roseann MartocciaAt Access Care Partners, we serve older adults and people with disabilities of any age, as well as providing support to families and caregivers. As we look at 2026, we know Massachusetts has a rapidly growing aging demographic; already, 27% of the Commonwealth’s current population are age 60 or older. This trend will continue for the next 10 to 15 years and bring with it increasing care needs, including dementia, chronic medical conditions, and behavioral health issues.

To meet these needs, funding for home and community-based services is more critical than ever. Supporting people in their homes is not only a cost-effective option; it also enables caregivers to remain in the workforce and provide economically for their families while contributing to the overall stability of the workforce in Massachusetts.

Our industry experienced 2025 as a year of uncertainty and funding challenges due to changes at the federal level. The impact on Massachusetts, our healthcare system, and care at home will continue in 2026 and beyond. We will approach the year with continued commitment to serving our communities’ needs by meeting these challenges and strengthening our advocacy.

 

Amy McMahan, Founder, Mesa Verde and NOM Meals

Amy McMahanI think Western Mass. restaurants are going to continue to experience a thinning of the herd due to a shrinking skilled laborforce, rising food costs, and decreased consumer spending. But necessity is the mother of innovation, and these restaurants are modeling winning strategies:

• Equity as a business strategy: By paying a universal $25 per hour wage, Dreamhouse in Turners Falls has eliminated the front/back of the house pay differential, enabling higher wages in the kitchen. This translates into consistently high food quality and dining experience.

• Win-Win alternate revenue streams: Hillside Pizza in South Deerfield and Bernardston has long partnered with local nonprofits, providing fundraising mechanisms that benefit the community and provide a steady, separate income stream for their restaurants.

• Partnership and pop-ups: Ginger Love Café, a popular food truck, takes over Jake’s Northampton, a beloved breakfast spot, in the evening. Reduced rent and start-up costs mean a higher chance of survival for both parties.

• Workforce retention as a separator: The expansion of Northampton’s La Veracruzana into Amherst proves the endurance of legacy restaurants that have tenured, nimble, and skilled staff who execute affordable, high-quality food.

 

Megan Moynihan, CEO, United Way of Pioneer Valley

Megan MoynihanFor more than 100 years, United Way of Pioneer Valley has stood alongside our neighbors in Hampden County, Granby, and South Hadley. Today, that commitment matters more than ever. We face challenges that demand collaboration, local knowledge, and unwavering dedication.

The need is real. In 2025, food insecurity surged by 447%, affecting 49,000 residents. Call2Talk answered more than 2,000 crisis calls, while Thrive guided 700 individuals toward financial stability. Yet, amid these challenges, hope shines through. Youth Leaders in Action is shaping tomorrow’s community builders. VolunteerConnect links thousands of volunteers with more than 100 organizations. And Stuff the Bus ensures students start school ready to learn.

We’re also investing in the nonprofit sector itself — because strong organizations create strong communities. Through programs like Community Leadership Connect, OnBoard, and Leaders Lounge, we equip local leaders to navigate unprecedented pressures.

Together, we’re building the next century of impact for the Pioneer Valley. Join us in making a difference.

 

Evan Plotkin, President, NAI Plotkin

Evan PlotkinSpringfield’s commercial real estate market stands at an inflection point. As interest rates ease, capital is slowly returning to secondary markets that offer value investors can no longer find in gateway cities.

Downtown Springfield tells a compelling story. The more than $10 million dollar transformation of the former CityStage theater into the Hope Theater is creating a state-of-the-art cultural attraction and educational center. At 1350 Main St., the top two floors now house a cutting-edge STEM high school focused on science, engineering, technology, and mathematics, a model that points toward the future of office space. Perhaps more institutions of higher learning will follow this lead, repurposing traditional office buildings as we’ve done at One Financial Plaza.

The anticipated commuter rail connection to Boston could prove transformative, spurring development around the station neighborhood well before trains begin running. Decisions about the future courthouse location will significantly shape downtown’s trajectory. Across from MGM, residential and curated retail development is already underway — early stages of what promises to activate that critical corridor.

The trend toward downtown residential conversion is creating new vitality. More housing means more foot traffic, more retail demand, and a more vibrant urban core.

For patient investors, Springfield offers something increasingly rare — genuine upside in a market others have overlooked.

 

Nicole Polite, CEO, the MH Group

In 2026, healthcare staffing will continue to remain in high demand due to an aging population, increasing medical and behavioral health needs, high turnover and burnout, and ongoing labor shortages across the field. Hospitals, long-term care facilities, behavioral health programs, home care agencies, and recovery centers will continue to rely on staffing agencies to fill gaps caused by retirements, burnout, and turnover.

Staffing models such as per diem, contract, and travel will remain in high demand, placing greater emphasis on cost control and schedule optimization. Demand will remain strongest for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, behavioral health clinicians, direct care workers, and home health aides.

There will be a stronger focus on regulatory and compliance requirements, particularly credential verification, background checks, worker classification, and pay transparency — along with faster onboarding while maintaining compliance.

Technology will assist in supporting compliance; however, healthcare is a highly regulated, human-centered industry. Patient care requires licensed professionals, supervision, ethical decision making, and relationship-based trust — areas where AI cannot operate independently.

 

Hannah Rechtschaffen, Director, Greenfield Business Assoc.

Hannah RechtschaffenIn 2026, business hits the intersection of high-tech efficiency and deeply human experience. AI is taking hold in the local marketplace, helping rural businesses punch above their weight. And it’s our job to help them compete. Online shopping isn’t slowing down, either; convenience is here to stay.

The twist: people are also showing up. Travel to the region is increasing, and there’s a quiet cultural reset. Less drinking, less doomscrolling, and more intentional socializing have led to growing demand for late-night spaces centered on connection: games, music, conversation, and creative gatherings.

For communities like Greenfield, this duality is not a contradiction — it’s an opportunity. The future of regional business is not digital or physical, but a thoughtful, well-supported blend of both: technology supporting human-centered experiences rather than replacing them.

None of this is happening without pressure or constraint. What’s encouraging is how places like Franklin County respond: pulling together regional and state leaders to advocate for policy changes that make progress possible, while staying relentlessly focused on the daily work — connecting businesses to opportunity, to one another, and to the resources they need to be hopeful about the future. That is where momentum turns into resilience.

Yes, there are tectonic shifts happening in how we do business, and there is a call back to the analog not as nostalgia, but as relief. 2026 will be a big year because we invested in places, people, and experiences that make this region worth showing up for.

 

Meg Sanders, CEO, Canna Provisions

Meg SandersIf there is one thing we can count on in 2026, it’s that nobody in the cannabis industry truly knows what’s coming. The news about the Trump administration rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III have created the illusion of clarity, but let’s be honest. This is not the first time a White House has said, ‘hurry up and look at this issue.’ An executive order to study something is not the same as meaningful reform, and history has taught this industry not to confuse motion with progress.

At the same time, the Commonwealth is staring down a 2026 ballot initiative that could roll back adult-use sales entirely. If that happens, the results won’t be theoretical. The black market will surge overnight. Tens of thousands of jobs will vanish. Hundreds of millions in tax revenue will evaporate. And communities that embraced legal cannabis will be left to absorb the fallout. So when people confidently predict what 2026 will bring, I smile and take it with a grain of New Year’s salt.

The only certainty in cannabis right now is uncertainty, and savvy operators aren’t betting on promises or panic. Instead, they’re preparing for a year where adaptability, resilience, and clear-eyed realism will matter more than ever in Western Mass.

 

Timothy Suffish, CFA, Senior Vice President, Head of Equities, St. Germain Investments

Timothy SuffishEntering 2026, investors continue to expect more from their wealth management relationship. Simply managing their investments is not enough. They want a dedicated team of professionals to handle all of their finances. Whether it be their financial advisor walking them through their retirement plan options or a portfolio manager articulating market dynamics, clients expect a holistic approach that is professional and consistent with their expectations.

Wealth management continues steering more toward teams, as the work necessary to provide the maximum value to clients is simply too complex to take on for one person. A team comprised of advisors fluent in tax planning, estate planning, asset management, and financial planning is what’s expected to hit personal and professional financial goals.

Ultimately, trust is the foundation of a wealth management relationship. Having a trusted partner who is experienced and dependable is critical to accomplishing your financial goals.

 

George Timmons, President, Holyoke Community College

George TimmonsFor community colleges, 2026 will be defined by one word: integration.

At HCC, we’ve spent six months in deep conversation — with faculty and staff, students, and nearly 100 regional business and nonprofit leaders — about the future we want to build together. Those conversations have positioned us to tackle the most pressing challenges in Western Mass. head-on.

HCC is uniquely positioned as the convener that brings diverse voices to the table. We sit at the intersection of education and workforce development, of student aspiration and employer need.

Free community college in Massachusetts has brought unprecedented enrollment growth and diversity to our campus. Our response isn’t to work harder in isolation — it’s to work smarter in partnership.

In 2026, we’ll leverage that convening power to build solutions: employer-driven programs that launch quickly, transportation coordination that gets students to class reliably, and wraparound supports addressing basic needs holistically. We’re partnering with regional employers to anticipate workforce gaps and prepare students for living-wage careers.

Community colleges belong to their communities. HCC will prove we’re the catalyst amplifying what’s great about Western Mass. while addressing our toughest challenges — together.

Paciorek Electric Builds on Almost Three Decades of Growth

By
President Tim Paciorek
Features Special Coverage

Wired for Success

President Tim Paciorek

President Tim Paciorek

Tim Paciorek always knew he wanted to own a business one day. In fact, he can trace that itch for entrepreneurship back to when he was 8 years old and wanted a four-wheeler that cost $700.

“My father said, ‘if you want something like that, you’re going to have to pay for it yourself. But what I’ll do is match whatever you make. So you’ve got to go find a job. You’ve got to do something.’”

His first job was a paper route, which taught him about dealing with customers and collecting money — a job he soon supplemented with work on a local farm.

“When I saved $350, he put up the other $350, and I got my four-wheeler. That was, in a sense, teaching me delayed gratification and also having goals and dreams. That’s how it all started,” said Paciorek, who continued to do both jobs for several years and never stopped working throughout his teen years, from starting a car reconditioning enterprise when he was 12 to making Christmas ornaments at a woodcrafting shop, to raking leaves and mowing lawns.

“All of that was building up to owning a business,” he said. “I wanted to be successful, and I didn’t want to work for somebody for the rest of my life. Even at 8 years old, I wanted it. I knew I was going to have my own business one day.”

To do that, Paciorek decided to attend Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School in Northampton and learn a trade. He was interested in electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and automotive, especially the first two, but he chose electrical because his uncle, John Paciorek, had an electrical business in South Deerfield, and by his junior year, he was working there part-time as a co-op, and moved to full-time after graduation.

“I wanted to be successful, and I didn’t want to work for somebody for the rest of my life. Even at 8 years old, I wanted it. I knew I was going to have my own business one day.”

“He did a really good mix of work — residential and a lot of commercial, but also industrial. We worked at a couple of plastic factories, working on machine wiring, and we also did a lot of work at Mount Snow; we would go there from August to December and would work there six days a week, 10-hour days, rewiring the lodges and lifts and the condos and all kinds of stuff.

“Even though I was working for someone, I was learning a lot of things about the business, and watching a lot,” he added, “and I knew that I was going to own an electrical business one day.”

In 1997, the year he earned his electrical license at age 21, Paciorek started transitioning toward that goal by dedicating his days to his uncle’s business, but doing a lot of side work on nights and weekends — until July 4, 1998, which he calls “my personal Independence Day,” when he hung his own shingle, full-time.

“The rest is history,” he told BusinessWest — a history marked by strong business growth, an active commitment to cultivating the next generation of young electricians, and an intriguing real estate project in Hatfield that has become home not only to Paciorek Electric, but a host of small businesses.

“Now I’ve got my own son, Rocky, working for me — that was really a great moment for me when he decided to join the electrical field. He went to Smith Voke just like I did, learned the trade, and came to work for us; he’s also licensed,” Paciorek said. “And my brother, Tony, is also working for me. It’s really cool to have two family members working in the in the business.”

 

From the Ground Up

In fact, Paciorek now has 11 employees in all, and a fleet of 10 service vans, but it was a long road getting to this point.

“The first five years, I worked basically on my own. If I had a bigger job, if I needed extra hands to pull wire or whatever, I would call up some friends and have them come help me. But mostly it was just me for five years, doing everything myself.

Rally House, a tennis and pickleball facility in Hatfield, is among the projects Paciorek Electric has worked on.

Rally House, a tennis and pickleball facility in Hatfield, is among the projects Paciorek Electric has worked on.

“Many times, I look back and wonder how I did it,” he added. “I would work all during the day, and then at night I’d be in the office, sometimes until midnight, doing billing or work quotes, that type of thing.”

But he gradually got the help he needed, hiring his first apprentice — his brother — about five years in, and hiring an office manager five years after that. Growth has been steady ever since; these days, almost half the work is residential, and the rest commercial and industrial, the latter including work for such notable names as Deerfield Plastics, Pliant Corp., and high-tech, secure companies such as Telaxis and Millitech. In all of it, he relies on reputation.

“I always talk to my guys about customer service, about giving the customer what they want — as long as it’s legal, of course. Customers ask all the time, ‘do you have to do that?’ And we say, ‘yeah, we have to; it’s code.’ But we’ve had customers that wanted their light fixture moved five times. And we’ve done it. The customer’s always right as long as they’re paying for it.

“I always wanted to be in business, and even starting at 13 and 14 years old, I would go to different seminars about business, and I started learning about real estate, finding out that a lot of wealthy people held a lot of their investments in real estate.”

“That’s what we live by — to keep customer satisfaction up. My guys are great. We have a very strict code of ethics where we talk about customer service, keeping the place clean, using booties if the weather’s bad or they’ve got nice floors. And we keep good communication so the customer knows what’s happening — because sometimes you run into obstacles when you’re running wires. We try to keep the communication up so customers know where we’re at.”

Speaking of where the company is at — literally — Paciorek bought his current headquarters, the former home of General Cigar Co., in 2015. It wasn’t his first experience there, as it was on his paper route a couple decades earlier. The complex — with multiple buildings and vehicle bays — was more space than the electrical company needed, but he was thinking bigger than that.

“I always wanted to be in business, and even starting at 13 and 14 years old, I would go to different seminars about business, and I started learning about real estate, finding out that a lot of wealthy people held a lot of their investments in real estate. So I started taking real estate courses not to be a Realtor, but to be an investor or a developer. And I started learning about apartment buildings and commercial properties.”

Buying the 65 Elm St. complex — the third-largest building in Hatfield, with more than 83,000 square feet, plus a front house, two barns, and a five-car garage — not only meant consolidating what had become four different locations for his operation, but also having room to lease space to what are now about 20 small businesses, from financial services firms to wellness and behavioral health practices to other construction trades. In the winter, the building’s basement becomes a car storage business, where about 60 clients keep their vehicles, many of them classic show cars, out of the cold weather.

He credits Greenfield Savings Bank for taking a chance on the real estate project, which involved a complete gut job and renovation.

Tim Paciorek (center) has grown his team to 11 employees.

Tim Paciorek (center) has grown his team to 11 employees.

“They’ve been really great as far as helping me and seeing the vision that I had. Any time you invest in anybody, you’re taking a chance, and you hope that it goes right. And I think they saw the vision I had in this building. I give credit to all the different people that helped me get here through the years, from bankers to my accountants and attorneys. There’s a whole team of people that you need to do a project like this, or to be in business at all.”

 

Making Connections

All these perspectives — about entrepreneurship, the trades, and what it takes to succeed — are lessons Paciorek imparts to young people considering career options. And he has supported a number of apprentices starting out in the field; some have become full-time employees.

“The trades are definitely in need of more workers, people that will put their tools on and actually get out there and work,” he told BusinessWest. “The Baby Boomers are retiring, and they’ve been retiring for the last 10 years. So that is causing a huge shortage in electricians and plumbers and carpenters — all the trades. And it’s really hard to find new help, so you have to keep the young people coming in.”

One problem is that many vocational programs aren’t able to take as many students as they’d like due to a shortage of teachers, but Paciorek also sees a lack of motivation in many young people to do the hard work necessary to move ahead.

“The vast majority of this generation doesn’t have the skills or, unfortunately, the drive that a lot of us employers are looking for. And there are a lot of things that we’ve got to try to teach them, but some things can’t be taught,” he explained. “Things like a good handshake and eye contact, that stuff can be taught. But the drive is really hard.”

“Whenever I have kids in front of me, I tell them, ‘whatever you want to do, whether it be an electrician, a doctor, a lawyer, a plumber, a writer — whatever you want to do in life, you need to start learning about it.’”

For instance, he added, “that cell phone is dangerous. I tell all the guys, ‘you’ve got to stay off your cell phone. A customer doesn’t want to pay for you to be on your cell.’ And I’ve had to fire a couple of people in the past because of that. It’s a different generation — when I grew up, we didn’t have cell phones, so we just worked. Nowadays, it’s become a habit for a lot of this generation to be on their phone all the time. So that’s one of the things I say when I talk at the different schools.”

One major problem, he added, is the lack of job opportunities for young people compared to when he was growing up in the 1980s — which means fewer opportunities to develop the work ethic he learned early on. Jobs for teenagers are still around, he added, and motivated young people will find them, but they’re not as obvious.

“I talk to kids all the time, and they say, ‘well, I’m not old enough. I have to be a certain age.’ I say, ‘OK, then do what I did; go do your own business — wash somebody’s car, go rake leaves, find something else to do.’”

Certainly, not everyone grows up with the same drive as Paciorek, whose serial entrepreneurship over the years has also included almost two decades as a DJ, working about 40 weddings a year, and ownership of a Hatfield restaurant, Grill ’N Chill, now known as Posada’s Cantina, which he ran with his brother for eight years.

“Whenever I have kids in front of me, I tell them, ‘whatever you want to do, whether it be an electrician, a doctor, a lawyer, a plumber, a writer — whatever you want to do in life, you need to start learning about it.’ When I was young, I remember my dad telling me, ‘if you want to succeed, don’t go talk to a broke person; you talk to someone who’s successful. If you want to be a doctor, go talk to a doctor. If you want to be an electrician, go talk to an electrician.”

So he continues to talk to them, and encourage them to start training in a trade.

In his own work, Paciorek has carved out an impressive body of work, and took numerous opportunities during his talk with BusinessWest to credit everyone who has supported his journey, from his financial advisors to his parents, who instilled his early values, to Rocky and his fiancee — not to mention the customers who have trusted in Paciorek Electric and his real estate company, DiamondBack Properties, over the years.

And the business is still evolving, with one example being a robust business in generators, installing about 50 and servicing about 500 each year. “It started off as just a little side thing, a generator here, a generator there, but now it’s pretty big,” he said.

The same can be said of a 28-year-old electrical company and its visionary leader, who worked hard to earn a four-wheeler at 8 years old, and has worked hard to achieve a whole lot more ever since.

Baystate Leader Sees Momentum Even as Seas Get Choppier

By
Peter Banko says that, despite a mountain of challenges, the Baystate Health system has achieved needed momentum.
Healthcare News Special Coverage

Turning the Battleship

Peter Banko says that, despite a mountain of challenges, the Baystate Health system has achieved needed momentum.

Peter Banko says that, despite a mountain of challenges, the Baystate Health system has achieved needed momentum.

Peter Banko was asked if he was frustrated.

He would certainly have good reason to be.

After all, Banko, president and CEO of Baystate Health, had spent the past 17 months or so trying to right the ship at the system — “turning around a battleship in a bathtub,” as he would later tell the audience at a forum on the state of the healthcare sector in the region — and had made a good amount of progress through difficult and unpopular decisions that included layoffs, cutbacks in many departments, and, most recently, buyouts for many employees, resulting in a profitable fiscal 2025.

But by his estimation, provisions within the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (or OB3, as he calls it), signed into law last July, will cost Baystate Health $146 million a year through its specific provisions and their aftereffects, and essentially wipe out all that’s been accomplished and bring the system back to where he started in terms of the size of the hole to dig out of.

“Those reductions wipe out our positive cash flow in one fell swoop,” said Banko, noting that the system exceeded budget expectations for fiscal 2025 and recorded a 3.6% EBIDA (earnings before interest, depreciation, and amortization). “We exceeded our budget expectations by about $50 million; it was the first time we exceeded our budget in six years. But whatever progress we made this year gets eliminated by the One Big Beautiful Bill; we’re down to zero again, and we start from scratch.”

“We’ve got a lot of great work going on behind the scenes that isn’t glamorous and won’t make headlines, but it’s the right work. I feel more optimistic than I’ve felt in a long time.”

So … while frustration would certainly be understandable, and the picture for 2026 is bleak by most accounts (more on that later), he prefers to be upbeat — to a degree.

“That’s because I believe we’ve created some momentum,” he said. “I’m happy with the momentum we’ve created. We’ve got a lot of great work going on behind the scenes that isn’t glamorous and won’t make headlines, but it’s the right work. I feel more optimistic than I’ve felt in a long time.

“I feel like we have the team and the committed board and committed team members that are willing to do the tough work and make the difficult decisions for it to be successful,” he went on, adding that there are certainly more difficult decisions to be made, and more consolidation likely in the healthcare industry — and 2026 is shaping up to be an ultra-challenging transition year for hospitals.

But, overall, he believes the ship has been turned and is positioned to navigate the turbulent seas that are forecasted.

For this issue and its focus on healthcare, we talked at length with Banko about the progress that’s been made, how much of that progress stands to be undone by the OB3, and what happens next as he continues the turn-around assignment he assumed in the fall of 2024.

 

Time of Transition

Banko said the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will result in $1 trillion in cuts nationally and represents “the largest rollback to federal support for healthcare in our lifetimes.”

Most of the impact to the Baystate system will not kick in until October, a month before the midterm elections, he went on, adding that online estimators project that the overall impact to Baystate will be more than $140 million. Broken down, these cuts involve everything from sharp increases to the number of uninsured individuals from Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act to a decrease in funding from Medicaid (MassHealth), to a loss of funds from the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

The impact to the system — and all providers — will be profound, he said.

Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital, one of Baystate Health’s most significant recent projects, opened in Holyoke in 2023.

Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital, one of Baystate Health’s most significant recent projects, opened in Holyoke in 2023.

“A lot of people won’t have insurance, so they won’t have access to coverage or financing,” he explained. “They’re going to delay care, and they’re increasingly have to use the ED when things are really serious, so we’re going to have more overcrowding. It would be shortsighted to say that this will most significantly impact the poor and vulnerable in our community; if you have commercial insurance, you can expect double-digit increases in your premiums the next five years because commercial insurance makes up the difference for Medicare and Medicaid.

“If you’re an employer in this state or anywhere in the United States, you’re going to be paying more for your insurance to cover the gaps here,” he went on, adding that, for systems like Baystate, the impact will be felt in the ER, certainly, but in other realms as well.

When asked to make projections on what will happen across the system and its four hospitals — Baystate Medical Center, Baystate Noble Hospital, Baystate Wing Hospital, and Baystate Franklin Medical Center — Banko said it’s too early to do so, with the specific impacts not likely to be known until the provisions of the bill take effect.

And that won’t be until almost a year from now, he went on, adding that, in most respects, 2026 will be what he called a “transition year.”

“It will be like preparing for a snowstorm,” he told BusinessWest before extending the metaphor further. “Everyone is going to be buying milk and bread and snow shovels; there’s going to be a lot of preparation and action in anticipation of next year.”

When asked how a system prepares for the storm that’s coming, he said the system will continue to make additions and adjustments in the ER in anticipation of more people using that front door instead of primary care.

“We’re aggressively recruiting nurses and physicians for the ER, and we’re working on improving our throughput in the hospital, which impacts the ER,” he explained. “We’re working on improving access and throughput, which will help.”

Overall, he said the system itself will manage, but he’s concerned about the human toll for the cutbacks and their impact on the overall health of the community.

“It will be like preparing for a snowstorm. Everyone is going to be buying milk and bread and snow shovels; there’s going to be a lot of preparation and action in anticipation of next year.”

“Let’s consider this from the humanistic end — someone who had coverage now doesn’t,” he said. “They may be in the middle of cancer treatment; they may be in the middle of a pregnancy. A few months from now, they get diagnosed with a condition, and they delay care, or they’re feeling symptoms, and they know they can’t afford care. From a community standpoint, we’re worried about the impact to the most vulnerable people in our community.

“How do we look our community in the face and say, ‘15% to 25% of you no longer have coverage,’” he went on. “This state has worked so hard, going back to Governor [Mitt] Romney, to provide care for as many people as possible — it’s hard to say all because some people fall through the cracks — and now, it’s all being dismantled.”

 

Bottom Line

And it’s unlikely there will be much, if any, help coming from Washington, Banko opined, noting that, for now, both sides consider what’s happening to be a “political win,” which makes action before the midterms unlikely in his view.

“Behind the scenes, I think everyone knows what the right things to do are,” he went on. “But OB3 has become a political football, so the folks left holding the bag are our governor and our Legislature — they’re going to have to fill a huge budget gap, $4 billion to $5 billion, and I don’t envy them having to try to figure that out. And our healthcare systems are left holding the bag because it impacts us most severely. Who gets lost in this are the people losing coverage — I’m not sure they have a voice at the moment.”

As for the Baystate system itself, Banko said that, when it comes to the progress made in 2025, budget-wise, roughly half is attributable to cost cutting, with the other half coming from revenue growth.

“We saw decent growth in our business last year, above what our expectations were,” he noted, adding that this growth came in ER volume, surgical volume, inpatient volume, and other realms. “More than half our financial improvement was solid revenue growth.”

Looking ahead to 2026, he’s projecting revenue growth of 2% to 3%, with expenses growing 6%.

“And in any business, that’s not a recipe for success,” he went on, adding that the system has identified core growth areas, including overall access to care.

“We lose a lot of our patients to Boston because they can’t get in here. So if we can grow revenue by 6% to 8% and trim some of our costs, that will allow us to stay in the game,” he explained, adding that there will be more cost cutting in the year ahead — at Baystate and most other providers.

There will also be some less profitable services cut back or eliminated by many providers, he said, as well as continued consolidation within the industry as systems look for all-important scale in the wake of the rising costs of doing business.

“We’re talking to a lot of organizations, and with each one, I have a confidentiality agreement that I can’t violate,” he said, withholding comment on rumored talks between Baystate and Mercy Medical Center. “So, I would just say this … everyone is talking to everyone right now. There isn’t a week that goes by that I’m not having a discussion with a competitor, someone in an adjacent market, someone in a non-adjacent market.

“Everyone is viewing the changes from OB3 as transformational, so everyone is trying to figure out the same thing,” he went on. “We’re all talking to one another about, ‘hey, how do we manage this?’ Or ‘can we manage this better together?’”

There is some evidence that scale has not worked out in healthcare, at least as much as it has in other industries, he continued, adding quickly that he believes scale does bring advantages; systems just need to seize those advantages.

“Our overhead costs are about 12.9%,” Banko explained. “Without more scale, we can bring that down to 10%, but best-practice health systems are below 8%, and there’s no way we can get below 8% without more scale.”

In the meantime, and as he mentioned earlier, he senses real momentum across the system, progress in many ways overshadowed by large headlines about layoffs and buyout programs.

“What gets published in the media is just the financial stuff,” he told BusinessWest. “So when we do a layoff or cut costs somewhere, that gets all the media attention, and it gets all the attention inside the organization. But I would say that 80% of the work is non-financial, and we’re making real progress.”

Heed These 2025 Federal Information Reporting Considerations

By Contributor
Accounting and Tax Planning Special Coverage

A Time and Place for Everything

By Mary C. Walsh

As the tax filing season looms, employers must ensure compliance with federal information reporting requirements, including payroll and payment reporting to the government, employees, and other income recipients. Most of forms are required to be electronically filed. In 2026, there are new requirements for reporting employee tips and overtime. This article provides details regarding these reporting obligations.

 

General Federal Year-end Information Return Filing Requirements for Forms W-2, W-3, and 1099 (INT, NEC, and MISC)

• Electronic filing is required if at least 10 of the following forms, combined, are required to be filed: W-2, 1094, 1095-B, 1095-C, 1097-BTC, 1098, 1098-C, 1098-E, 1098-Q, 1098T, 1099, 3921, 3922, 5498, 9027, W02G, and 499R-2/W-2PR. In some cases, electronic filing is given more time to file with the IRS than paper filing.

• Filing and due date information is set forth in IRS Publication 509, Tax Calendars for use in 2026 (www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p509.pdf). See also IRS Publication 1220, Specifications for Electronic Filing of Forms 1097, 1098, 1099, 3921, 3922, 5498, and W-2G, which sets forth electronic filing format specifications.

• Typically, due dates fall at the end of a month. However, if a due date is a weekend day or holiday, the next business day becomes the due date. Also, Congress or the president may specify a different due date, e.g., if there is an emergency. In 2026, Jan. 31 is a Saturday, making Feb. 2 the next business day, and Feb. 28 is a Saturday, making March 2 the next business day.

 

“For 2025, the IRS encourages employers to provide some accounting so employees can claim the deduction on their federal tax returns. The IRS has stated that employers may report the amounts of qualified tips and overtime to employees through secure methods, including an online portal or additional written statements provided to employees.”

Information Reporting Due Dates for 2026

• W-2, Wage and Tax Statement: File with Social Security Administration (SSA), electronic and paper, by Feb. 2. Provide to employees by Feb. 2.

• W-3, Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements: File with SSA, electronic and paper, by Feb. 2.

• 1099-INT, Interest Income and 1099-DIV, Dividend Income: File with IRS, electronic, by March 31. File with IRS, paper (must be accompanied with IRS Form 1096, Annual Summary and Transmittal of U.S. Information Returns) by March 2. Provide to recipients by Feb. 2.

• 1099-NEC, Non-employee Compensation: File with IRS, electronic and paper, by Feb. 2. Provide to recipients by Feb. 2.

• 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income: Nothing reported in box 8 (substitute payments in lieu of dividends or interest) or box 9 (crop insurance proceeds): File with IRS, electronic, by March 31. File with IRS, paper (must be accompanied with IRS Form 1096, Annual Summary and Transmittal of U.S. Information Returns) by March 2. Provide to recipients by Feb. 2.

• 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income: Amount reported in box 8 (substitute payments in lieu of dividends or interest) or box 9 (crop insurance proceeds): File with IRS, electronic, by March 31. File with IRS, paper (must be accompanied with IRS Form 1096, Annual Summary and Transmittal of U.S. Information Returns), by March 2. Provide to recipients by Feb. 2.

 

Special Issue: Tips and Overtime

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), enacted this past July, allows certain employees to deduct tips and overtime compensation. One area of uncertainty, affecting both employers and employees, regards 2025 payroll reporting for tips and overtime.

Under the OBBBA, from 2025 to 2028, certain employees who receive qualified tips may deduct up to $25,000 of those tips, and those who receive overtime pay may deduct up to $12,500 of qualified overtime compensation ($25,000 for joint filers).

To enable employees to report their deduction, the OBBBA requires employers to provide separate accounting of the total amount of cash tips and overtime. Employers failing to comply with these reporting requirements may be subject to penalties.

Although the IRS has released a draft version of Form W-2 for 2026 reflecting OBBBA changes, the 2025 version of the form will not be updated, creating a challenge for employer reporting compliance. As a result, for tax year 2025, the IRS announced that employers will not face penalties for failing to provide required tip and overtime accounting to employees (Notice 2025-62). This relief only applies to tax year 2025 because the IRS recognizes that employers might not have the information required to be reported.

For 2025, the IRS encourages employers to provide some accounting so employees can claim the deduction on their federal tax returns. The IRS has stated that employers may report the amounts of qualified tips and overtime to employees through secure methods, including an online portal or additional written statements provided to employees.

When reporting these amounts, employers should not stop at the maximum of $25,000 (tips) or $12,500 (overtime). The full amounts of qualified tips and overtime should be reported. It is up to employees to determine the maximum deductible amount when preparing their federal income tax returns.

With little authoritative guidance and difficulty getting full information from existing systems and payroll providers, employers must do their best in providing employees with this information. Employers could, for example, provide the information by separate letter or use W-2 Box 14 (Other). For the most current guidance (updated as issued), visit www.irs.gov/newsroom/one-big-beautiful-bill-provisions and click on “No tax on tips (Section 70201)” and “No tax on overtime (Section 70202).”

Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island, Vermont, and New Hampshire do not allow employees to deduct tips or overtime; thus, this reporting issue largely does not impact New England and New York payroll reporting.

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

 

Mary C. Walsh is a senior manager at Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. She holds an MS accounting and an MBA from Northeastern University, an LLM in taxation from Boston University School of Law, a JD from the University of Connecticut School of Law, and a BA from UMass Amherst. She is a CPA licensed in Florida and an attorney licensed in Massachusetts. She is a member of CPAmerica and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

 

Nominations Open for 40 Under Forty Class of 2026

By
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 by BusinessWest 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 Thursday, March 5. 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].

MountainOne Insurance Acquires Amy R. Morey Insurance Agency

By
Daily News

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.

“Expanding into the Greenfield area further strengthens MountainOne Insurance’s presence in the Pioneer Valley,” said Jonathan Denmark, president and chief operating officer of MountainOne Insurance. “Amy R. Morey Insurance Agency has built a strong foundation rooted in local relationships and trusted service, and we are proud to build on that legacy while welcoming Amy, her team, and her clients to MountainOne.”

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.

State Announces Grants to Support Inclusive, Accessible Outdoor Recreation

By
Daily News

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration recently announced nearly $190,000 in grants to support equitable access to outdoor recreation events through the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR). Nineteen organizations and municipalities have been awarded Inclusive and Accessible Event grants to improve ease of access to outdoor recreational activities for low-income residents, communities of color, and people living with disabilities.

“Outdoor recreation should be for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or access. Nature is a wonderful place where people can come together, whether they’re seasoned adventurers or just starting out,” MOOR Director Paul Jahnige said. “By investing in community events and programs, we’re removing barriers that keep people from enjoying the outdoors and discovering new experiences. These grants help us create opportunities for families and friends to share joyful moments in nature, fostering connections that boost our mental, physical, and social well-being.”

Established in December 2023, MOOR collaborates with agencies and private partners to promote activities across the state, including hunting, fishing, horseback riding, paddling, swimming, and more. Outdoor recreation is vital to Massachusetts, contributing $13.2 billion to the economy, creating over 102,000 jobs, and boosting tourism.

Six of the grant recepients are located in the four counties of Western Mass.: the Ashmere Project, $10,000 for its Camp Chesterfield working weekend retreats in Chesterfield; Berkshire Pond Hockey Classic, $10,000 for inclusive outdoor skating and community ice programs at Clapp Park in Pittsfield; Eagle Eye Institute, $10,000 to promote well-being, belonging, and empowerment in nature in Holyoke and Springfield; Latinas413, $10,000 for its Raices Verdes (Green Roots) program; Q-MoB Inc., $10,000 to reduce isolation by inspiring diverse new LGBTQ+ leadership for outdoor recreation in Adams, Becket, Great Barrington, Lenox, Savoy, and Sheffield; and Western Mass Wheelers, $9,927 to promote biking in nature for seniors in Agawam, Chicopee, East Longmeadow, Holyoke, Longmeadow, Southwick, Springfield, and West Springfield.

Penguin Plunge to Return to Hampton Ponds State Park on Jan. 24

By
Daily News

WESTFIELD — Amelia Park Children’s Museum announced the return of the Penguin Plunge, to be held on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Hampton Ponds State Park in Westfield. Check-in begins at 11:30 a.m. Proceeds from the Penguin Plunge will benefit the museum.

“The Penguin Plunge is a long-standing tradition in Westfield. We are very excited that we’re able to host the Penguin Plunge in 2026,” said Diane Chambers, executive director of the museum. “We want to make this event a plunge for the record books.”

A member of the founding board, Chambers explained that interest in the museum is at an all-time high. “We are seeing a tremendous increase in the number of visitors we serve. Please join us as we work to enhance our facility and programs to continue serving our community’s growing needs.”

Through the years, participants and sponsors of the Penguin Plunge have helped to raise more than $370,000 to support Amelia Park Children’s Museum. There are several ways to help, including taking the plunge, becoming a sponsor, encouraging others to plunge, donating to a participant, or donating online at www.ameliaparkmuseum.org/penguin-plunge.

Plunge participants may join as an individual or as a team. Each participant pledges to raise a minimum of $75 from friends and family and is encouraged to collect as many sponsors as possible. Those under the age of 18 will receive a registration discount of $25.

There are monetary prizes of ‘cold hard cash’ for the top three individuals or teams that raise the most money; $300 for first place, $200 for second place, and $100 for third place.

A costume contest is part of the fun, and participants are encouraged to come dressed creatively. There will be prizes for best individual costume and best team costume.

People may register in advance online or on the day of the event from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participants will receive a free 2026 Penguin Plunge T-shirt while supplies last. Sponsorship opportunities, registration, and pledge forms are available at www.ameliaparkmuseum.org/penguin-plunge or can be picked up at the museum.

Those who don’t want to participate in the Penguin Plunge may be a spectator and cheer on the brave participants. Hot chocolate, coffee, s’mores, and other refreshments will be available to keep everyone warm.

Free SCORE Workshops Tackle Starting a Business, Hiring Employees

By
Daily News

WILBRAHAM — SCORE Massachusetts and Rhode Island announced a series of free online workshops in January.

“Simple Steps for Starting Your Business: Basics” is slated for Tuesday, Jan. 6 at 6 p.m. Thinking about starting a business but not sure where to begin? This foundational webinar walks attendees through the realities of entrepreneurship — what it takes, what to expect, and how to set oneself up for success — as they learn the essential building blocks of business ownership, from mindset and legal structure to insurance and planning, guided by real-world entrepreneurial experience. Learn more and register by clicking here.

“Simple Steps for Starting Your Business: Concepts” will follow on Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 6 p.m. Attendees will learn how to turn their business idea into a smart, strategic plan. They will learn how to evaluate whether an idea is truly viable by using market research, feasibility planning, and competitive analysis, and discover how to collect and interpret the right data, understand their market, and position their business to stand out and succeed. Learn more and register by clicking here.

“Employment Law: The Hiring Process” will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 11 a.m. This webinar will give employers looking to hire workers a start-to-finish understanding of the process. David Beal, an employment lawyer with Prudential, will teach business owners how to navigate hiring in compliance with federal and state laws. The session will also provide tips for creating job descriptions and postings, leveraging AI, interviewing and completing background checks, and more. Learn more and register by clicking here.

Webinar to Address Risk of Harm from Proposed Online Casino Gambling

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — As Massachusetts considers legalizing internet casino gambling through H.4431, the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts (PHIWM) will present a free webinar on Friday, Jan. 9 at noon about what these changes could mean for public health and local communities.

Speakers include Mark Gottlieb of Northeastern Law’s Public Health Advocacy Institute, Samantha Hamilton of PHIWM, Victor Ortiz from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Office of Problem Gambling, and state Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa. The discussion will be moderated by Jessica Collins, executive director of the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts, and attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions during a live Q&A. Register by clicking here.

Picture This

By
Pictured, from left: George Michelakis of bankESB; Executive Director Alexis Breiteneicher, Donna Cabana, and Richard Abbot of Valley Community Development; and Gary Turku of bankESB.
Picture This

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

 

Boosting Homeownership

bankESB recently announced a $10,000 donation to Valley Community Development to support its efforts to foster affordable housing, economic development, and entrepreneurship in the local community. This contribution is part of a three-year, $30,000 commitment made through the Community Investment Tax Credit program — will provide direct support to Valley’s programs, including small business assistance programs that help support first-time homebuyer counseling and education.

Pictured, from left: George Michelakis of bankESB; Executive Director Alexis Breiteneicher, Donna Cabana, and Richard Abbot of Valley Community Development; and Gary Turku of bankESB.

Pictured, from left: George Michelakis of bankESB; Executive Director Alexis Breiteneicher, Donna Cabana, and Richard Abbot of Valley Community Development; and Gary Turku of bankESB.

 

Strong Partners

The West of the River Chamber of Commerce (WRC) and its 501(c)(3) foundation announced a charitable donation to the Partnership for Education in West Springfield, made possible through a portion of the proceeds raised at the chamber’s annual Food Fest West celebration held in November. The donation reflects the chamber’s ongoing commitment to supporting educational initiatives that strengthen the local community and create opportunities for students, educators, and families in West Springfield. 

Pictured, from left: foundation Chairman Dave Chase, West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt, and foundation Treasurer Joe Kulig.

Pictured, from left: foundation Chairman Dave Chase, West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt, and foundation Treasurer Joe Kulig.

 

 

Urgent Appeal

Local and state healthcare and community leaders met on Dec. 17 at Caring Health Center’s Tania M. Barber Learning Institute to discuss the Dec. 23 deadline for January 2026 health insurance enrollment, and detail the availability of financial help paying for coverage through the Massachusetts Health Connector. 

Pictured: Health Connector Executive Director Audrey Morse Gasteier (center) speaks at the press conference as state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez (left) and state Sen. Jacob Oliviera (right) listen. Cristina Huebner Torres, chief executive vice president, Strategy & Research Officer at Caring Health Center, also addressed the attendees.

Pictured: Health Connector Executive Director Audrey Morse Gasteier (center) speaks at the press conference as state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez (left) and state Sen. Jacob Oliviera (right) listen. Cristina Huebner Torres, chief executive vice president, Strategy & Research Officer at Caring Health Center, also addressed the attendees.

 

 

Designed to Serve the Community

The town of Lenox recently held a ribbon cutting for its new public safety complex — a modern, future-ready facility designed by Caolo & Bieniek Architects (CBA). The project brings the town’s Police, Fire, and EMS departments together under one roof for the first time, replacing aging and undersized buildings that had long limited departmental operations. The new, 21,000-square-foot complex features secure police operations — including an interview suite, evidence processing, and a sally port — as well as dedicated fire and EMS spaces with sleeping quarters, apparatus bays, and contamination control areas.

The town of Lenox recently held a ribbon cutting for its new public safety complex — a modern, future-ready facility designed by Caolo & Bieniek Architects (CBA).

The town of Lenox recently held a ribbon cutting for its new public safety complex — a modern, future-ready facility designed by Caolo & Bieniek Architects (CBA).

 

Above and Beyond

The Jimmy Fund WMass Classic, presented by Quality Beverage and Mercedes-Benz of Springfield, celebrated its fifth anniversary in 2025. In its five years, the golf tournament has raised more than $500,000, fueling groundbreaking cancer research and compassionate patient care. The co-chairs of the tournament are longtime Jimmy Fund volunteers Tom Mathes and Liz Rappaport, whose leadership and dedication have been instrumental in the event’s continued growth. This year, they were recognized with the 2025 Jimmy Fund Ken Coleman Extra Mile Award, one of the organization’s highest honors, presented to volunteers who go above and beyond in advancing Dana-Farber’s mission.

The co-chairs of the tournament are longtime Jimmy Fund volunteers Tom Mathes and Liz Rappaport, whose leadership and dedication have been instrumental in the event’s continued growth

The co-chairs of the tournament are longtime Jimmy Fund volunteers Tom Mathes and Liz Rappaport, whose leadership and dedication have been instrumental in the event’s continued growth

 

 

View to the Future

On Nov. 19, the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) celebrated the graduation of the second cohort of the Quantum Training Academy, a pioneering program preparing Western Mass. students for careers in the emerging quantum computing industry. The ceremony, held at the UMass Center in downtown Springfield, honored students as young as grade 9 who successfully completed an intensive curriculum combining quantum computing fundamentals with early college coursework. Program leaders, industry representatives, and regional officials gathered to recognize the students’ achievements and the growing quantum talent pipeline in the region.

On Nov. 19, the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) celebrated the graduation of the second cohort of the Quantum Training Academy, a pioneering program preparing Western Mass. students for careers in the emerging quantum computing industry

On Nov. 19, the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) celebrated the graduation of the second cohort of the Quantum Training Academy, a pioneering program preparing Western Mass. students for careers in the emerging quantum computing industry

Agenda

By
Agenda

Valley Jazz Voices Concert

Jan. 10: Valley Jazz Voices, the Pioneer Valley’s longest-running community jazz vocal ensemble, will present a winter concert at the BOMBYX Center for Arts & Equity, 130 Pine St., Florence, at 3 p.m. The program features selections from the Great American Songbook organized around themes of the sun, the moon, the weather and love, all arranged and sung in the group’s signature fourpart jazz harmonies. The singers will be accompanied by a jazz trio led by pianist Dylan Walter, with Wes Brown on bass and Dillon Pinard on drums. Directed by Jeff Olmsted and founded in 2014, Valley Jazz Voices performs swing, bebop, cool, Brazilian, and popinspired jazz arrangements and highlights local vocal talent and community musicianship. The concert is a familyfriendly matinee that offers familiar standards presented with fresh arrangements and warm ensemble sound. Tickets cost $20 in advance or at the door; children under 12 are free. For tickets and information, visit bombyx.live/events/valley-jazz-voices-winter-concert.

 

Brick Marketing Webinar

Jan. 21: Boston digital marketing agency Brick Marketing announced that it will host a free, 60-minute digital marketing webinar designed to help businesses, teams, and marketing professionals refine and strengthen their strategies for 2026. The webinar, “Strengthen & Refine Your 2026 Digital Strategy,” will take place at 3 p.m. and will provide a structured framework for evaluating performance, identifying areas for improvement, and aligning efforts for greater clarity and results in the year ahead. This session is built for organizations seeking a practical way to review their current marketing approach and ensure it supports their goals for 2026. Attendees will begin with a deep dive into how to evaluate business goals and identify the KPIs that matter most. The webinar will explain how to connect metrics with the sales cycle and how these insights inform smarter investment decisions across core marketing channels. Participants will then explore website design, branding, and usability assessment techniques. This includes understanding whether the website experience builds trust, supports conversions, and aligns with brand expectations. The segment will highlight how to identify high-impact improvements without unnecessary redesigns or complexity. A comprehensive review of content, SEO, and AI search performance will follow. The presentation will outline how to determine whether content communicates expertise, how search engines and AI systems interpret the brand, and where opportunities may be missed to rank, be recommended, or capture demand. As AI continues reshaping how people search and interact with information, these insights are increasingly critical. The webinar concludes with a structured evaluation framework for social media and email marketing. Attendees will learn how to assess engagement quality, audience alignment, campaign consistency, and email performance to determine which channels deserve increased focus, which require refinement, and which may no longer support business goals. For more information and to register, visit www.brickmarketing.com/webinars.

 

Penguin Plunge

Jan. 24: Amelia Park Children’s Museum announced the return of the Penguin Plunge, to be held at 1 p.m. at Hampton Ponds State Park in Westfield. Check-in begins at 11:30 a.m. Proceeds from the Penguin Plunge will benefit the museum. Through the years, participants and sponsors of the Penguin Plunge have helped to raise more than $370,000 to support Amelia Park Children’s Museum. There are several ways to help, including taking the plunge, becoming a sponsor, encouraging others to plunge, donating to a participant, or donating online. Plunge participants may join as an individual or as a team. Each participant pledges to raise a minimum of $75 from friends and family and is encouraged to collect as many sponsors as possible. Those under the age of 18 will receive a registration discount of $25. There are monetary prizes of ‘cold hard cash’ for the top three individuals or teams that raise the most money; $300 for first place, $200 for second place, and $100 for third place. A costume contest is part of the fun, and participants are encouraged to come dressed creatively. There will be prizes for best individual costume and best team costume. People may register in advance online or on the day of the event from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participants will receive a free 2026 Penguin Plunge T-shirt while supplies last. Sponsorship and donation opportunities, registration, and pledge forms are available at www.ameliaparkmuseum.org/penguin-plunge or can be picked up at the museum.

 

‘The Mission-Rich Experience Live’

Feb. 12-13: — Mission-Rich Academy will host its first-ever live intensive, “The Mission-Rich Experience Live,” bringing nonprofit leaders and micro-business owners from across the country to Western Mass. for a two-day, high-touch leadership intensive. Founded by LaTonia Monroe Naylor, a leadership strategist, author, and longtime regional leader, the intensive reflects more than an event — it represents decades of community-centered leadership. The two-day convening is designed to help mission-driven leaders strengthen funding access, build sustainable systems, and lead with clarity — particularly during a time of uncertainty. Attendance is intentionally limited to preserve depth of training, with participants leaving with proven frameworks, strategic clarity, and a practical plan they can begin implementing immediately. In addition to national participation, Mission-Rich Academy will award 10 leadership scholarships to cover full general admission for Springfield-based micro-businesses, supported through a community partnership with the Latino Economic Development Corp. (LEDC). Tickets are now available, with general admission and VIP options available. Because space is limited and pre-event bonus trainings are offered on a one-time basis, early registration is encouraged. Partnership and sponsorship opportunities are also available for organizations and businesses interested in supporting leadership development and long-term community impact. For event details and ticket information, visit www.missionrichexperience.com.

 

Shining Stars Gala

Feb. 27: The Chicopee Chamber of Commerce announced the recipients of its 2026 Shining Stars, recognizing individuals whose exceptional contributions strengthen and inspire their community. This year’s honorees are Al Picard as the Ernest Laflamme Jr. Citizen of the Year, HB Real Estate as Business of the Year, Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen & Pantry as Nonprofit of the Year, and Heather Leclerc at Volunteer of the Year. The 41st annual Shining Stars Gala takes place from 6 to 10:30 p.m. at the Castle of Knights on Memorial Drive. Tickets cost $75 per person and are on sale now. To purchase tickets or inquire about sponsorships, visit www.chicopeechamber.org or call the chamber at (413) 594-2101.

People on the Move

By
People on the Move
Michael Harrington

Michael Harrington

Brent Bean

Brent Bean

Anja Paier

Anja Paier

Michael Mirski

Michael Mirski

James Hagan, president and CEO of Westfield Bank, announced four promotions: Michael Harrington to senior vice president and senior lender for the state of Massachusetts, Brent Bean to vice president and Business Development officer, Anja Paier to vice president, branch manager, and Michael Mirski to vice president, branch manager. Harrington, who previously served as senior vice president and team leader of Middle Market CRE Lending, will be responsible for the bank’s commercial lending activities in the state of Massachusetts, including overseeing its Massachusetts portfolio and new business development, as well as handling his current duties. With more than 33 years of banking and commercial lending experience, he joined Westfield Bank in 2007. Prior to that, he served as a commercial lender and credit analyst at the former Westbank. Bean, who previously served as assistant vice president, Business Development officer, will continue to establish relationships with new and existing customers, focusing on commercial credit needs throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. Bean joined the Bank’s Business & Government Deposit Services department in 2020 before moving to the Commercial Lending department. Prior to that, he spent many years as director of Corporate and Government Relations at Westfield State University. He holds a bachelor of business administration degree from American International College and a master of public administration degree from Westfield State University. Active within the local community, he is currently a member of Westfield State University’s fundraising committee and has been an at-large city councilor for the city of Westfield since 2002. Paier, who previously served as assistant vice president, branch manager will continue to manage the bank’s 39 Morgan Road office in West Springfield. She joined Westfield Bank in 1988 and has worked in numerous management and customer-facing capacities across multiple locations. She currently serves on the board of directors for the West Springfield Lions Club and the Exposition Area Alumni Scholarship Fund, is a past member of the Southwick Rotary Club, has been recognized by Rotary International as a Paul Harris fellow, and was honored by Western Mass Women Magazine’s “Top 25 Women to Watch” in the banking category. Mirski, who previously served as assistant vice president, branch manager, will continue to manage the bank’s 560 East Main St. office in Westfield. With more than 40 years of banking experience, he joined Westfield Bank in 2023, having served in various officer and management roles at banks throughout the local area. Active in the community, he is president and past treasurer of the Agawam Center Library, a past board member for Revitalize CDC, and a past member of the Southwick Rotary Club.

•••••

Peter Duckett

MountainOne Bank announced the promotion of Peter Duckett to assistant vice president, Commercial Loan officer, recognizing his contributions to the growth of the bank’s commercial lending portfolio and his commitment to clients across the region. In this role, Duckett supports commercial lending activities through loan origination, portfolio management, financial analysis, and client relationship development. He works closely with local businesses to help them access financing that supports growth and strengthens the regional economy, reflecting MountainOne’s ongoing commitment to community and customer success. Before joining MountainOne as a portfolio manager in February 2024, he spent a decade at Brookline Bank, where he held several positions, most recently as portfolio manager. Duckett holds a degree in economics and business management from Assumption University. He has also completed multiple professional development programs through the Risk Management Assoc., earning certificates in lending decision process, financial statement analysis, commercial credit for lenders, and small business lending decision process. He serves on MountainOne’s communications committee, contributing to internal engagement and outreach initiatives. MountainOne also recently welcomed two new senior commercial credit analysts, Ann Barnes and Nicholas Fanfan, to its Commercial Banking division. In their roles, Barnes and Fanfan evaluate the financial strength of commercial borrowers and prospects, prepare credit analyses to support new and renewed credit requests, and collaborate with commercial lenders on deal structuring and portfolio management. They also assist in monitoring borrower performance to help maintain the long-term quality of the commercial loan portfolio. Barnes brings more than 10 years of experience in commercial lending and collateral oversight. She most recently served as vice president of Collateral Oversight at Blue Ridge Bank in Richmond, Va. Prior to that, she held leadership roles at Salus Capital Partners in Needham, supporting asset-based lending operations and credit risk management. She earned a degree in accounting from Bryant University. Fanfan joins MountainOne with experience in commercial credit and lending at Cambridge Savings Bank in Waltham, where he supported credit decision making across commercial real estate, corporate banking, and asset-based lending portfolios. He earned a bachelor’s degree in managerial economics from UMass Amherst.

•••••

Braman Termite & Pest Elimination announced the hiring of Allison Garriss as its new director of Human Resources (HR). An SHRM-CP-certified HR leader with more than a decade of experience, Garriss brings a strong background in talent strategy, employee relations, and organizational development to support Braman’s continued growth. In her role, Garriss will lead all aspects of HR, helping to strengthen workforce development, enhance recruitment and retention, and support Braman’s long-standing mission to serve customers with professionalism, safety, and reliability. Known for her ability to translate business needs into people-centered solutions, she will play a key role in shaping Braman’s culture. Garriss previously held HR leadership roles at Carr Property Management and O’Connell Care at Home, where she led major initiatives in compliance, onboarding, employee engagement, performance management, and organizational change. She also brings experience from the nonprofit, education, and healthcare sectors, along with a master’s degree in organizational management from Springfield College.

•••••

Richard Michaud

Richard Michaud

Holyoke Community College (HCC) recently welcomed Richard Michaud as its director of Facilities and Engineering. He started his job at HCC on Nov. 10. Michaud comes to HCC with decades of experience in facilities management, engineering, infrastructure, and utilities improvement projects. Most recently, he worked as chief engineer and director of Facilities Management for Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Administration Medical Center in Bedford, where he was responsible for facilities operations, maintenance and repair, new construction, and renovations. He previously worked for 12 years as project engineer for the VA Boston Healthcare System. Michaud earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at Boise State University and holds a master’s degree in business administration from Phoenix University. He served for 24 years with the U.S. Navy, including 10 years with the Civil Engineer Corps. He was honorably discharged in 2014.

•••••

Lindsey Einarsen

Lindsey Einarsen

Dietz & Company Architects Inc. announced the addition of Lindsey Einarsen to its staff in the role of project manager. With 10 years of experience in the architecture industry, she specializes in design for commercial, hospitality, retail, and historic projects and is an NCIDQ-certified interior designer. Prior to joining Dietz & Company, Einarsen spent a number of years working for architecture and engineering firms in Connecticut. Throughout her career, she has excelled in client communication and project coordination in fast-paced environments and been known for delivering detailed, high-quality design solutions. At Dietz & Company, she is bringing her project management and interior design experience to the firm’s hospitality team as she works on hotel, entertainment, and restaurant projects. Einarsen earned a bachelor’s degree in interior design and a residential planning diploma from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Currently in pursuit of her professional architecture license, she is dedicated to continuing professional development and growth in the industry.

•••••

Mary McGovern, president and CEO of Country Bank, announced the recent promotions of Clare Ladue, Lucy Sanchez, Audra Chartier, and Nick Thompson. Ladue has been promoted to vice president, Customer Care Center. With more than 30 years of banking experience, she has consistently excelled in elevating customer experience, driving operational performance, and building collaborative team cultures. She joined Country Bank two years ago to lead the Customer Care Center and immediately began reshaping service standards and operational efficiency. Ladue received her Mass Bankers financial certificate from the New England School of Financial Studies and remains passionate about professional development. Sanchez has been promoted to assistant vice president, Mortgage & Community Development officer. She joined Country Bank in 2024, bringing 13 years of expertise in mortgage lending and branch management. Since joining, she has significantly expanded the bank’s presence and impact in Springfield, strengthening community partnerships and leading inclusive outreach efforts. In addition to originating mortgages, Sanchez is transforming access, visibility, and trust with new and diverse communities. Chartier has been promoted to assistant vice president, Retail Operations. She has been with Country Bank for 12 years, bringing 17 years of banking experience spanning retail, operations, sales, service, and customer experience. In her current role, she supports retail operational excellence across the bank and serves as a trusted subject matter expert. The recipient of a 2024 Gold Star Award, Chartier is a continuous learner, holding several CFT diplomas and a Mass Bankers financial certificate from the New England School of Financial Studies. Nick Thompson has been promoted to Compliance officer. He has been with the bank for nine years and transitioned to the Compliance department three years ago. His strong analytical mindset, collaborative approach, and sound decision making have made him a valued internal partner. His excellence in service and teamwork earned him the prestigious President’s Platinum Award in 2020. Thompson is currently pursuing a certified regulatory compliance manager designation.

•••••

James Sheils

James Sheils

Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C., a multi-disciplinary law firm with offices in Springfield and Northampton, announced that attorney James Sheils has been named to the 2025 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list in the category of Banking Law. This marks the 11th time he has earned this prestigious recognition, reserved for the state’s top attorneys. Sheils concentrates his practice in commercial finance law, banking law, creditors’ rights, and telecommunications siting matters. He is a graduate of Boston College Law School, where he received the John F. Cremens Award for legal services, and he is also a past recipient of Goodwill Industries of the Pioneer Valley’s John Auchter Award. He has been selected as a Massachusetts Super Lawyer every year since 2015, demonstrating his consistent leadership and expertise in banking law. He was also recently selected for inclusion in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers in America in the field of Commercial Transactions/Uniform Commercial Code Law.

•••••

Peter Barrow

Peter Barrow

MountainOne announced the promotion of Peter Barrow to commercial portfolio manager. In this role, Barrow plays a key part in supporting the success of MountainOne’s commercial lending relationships. He brings financial insight, credit analysis expertise, and thoughtful collaboration to the lending process, working closely with commercial loan officers and business clients to ensure financing solutions are well-structured and aligned with business needs. Barrow will also monitor and manage existing loan relationships to support long-term portfolio health and client growth. Barrow joined MountainOne in January 2022 as a commercial credit analyst and was promoted to senior commercial credit analyst in October 2024. His prior industry experience includes serving as a senior financial specialist at General Dynamics Mission Systems. He holds a degree in finance from Siena College. He previously served as a coach for the Adams Cheshire Police Athletic Basketball League and as assistant coach for Adams Cheshire Youth Football.

•••••

Excel Dryer Inc. owners Denis Gagnon and Nancy Gagnon were recognized at the 15th annual Service Above Self Luncheon, hosted by the Springfield Rotary Club and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. The Gagnons were celebrated for their long-standing commitment to community service and philanthropy. The event was made even more meaningful as Denis Gagnon and NBA legend Julius Erving, who received the national Service Above Self Award, were college athletes in the same year at UMass Amherst. The Gagnons have supported nearly two dozen organizations across Western Mass., including Western New England University, Helix Human Services, Springfield Museums, Junior Achievement, UNICEF USA, American Red Cross, Max Cares Foundation, Special Olympics, Springfield Rescue Mission, YMCA of Greater Springfield, and more. They were also recognized for their commitment to U.S. manufacturing, keeping Excel Dryer products made in America and supporting the regional workforce.

•••••

Nancy Velozo

Nancy Velozo

Monson Savings Bank announced the retirement of Nancy Velozo, assistant vice president and collections officer. Velozo joined Monson Savings Bank in January 2014 and has been an integral part of the bank’s success for more than a decade. Through her knowledge and expertise, she played a pivotal role in maintaining low delinquency rates, strengthening the bank’s financial health and stability. Her efforts have safeguarded the institution while reinforcing the bank’s commitment to responsible and compassionate banking. Beyond her professional achievements, Velozo has exemplified empathy, respect, and collaboration in guiding customers through challenging times. Her ability to balance care with accountability has been a hallmark of her success and a reflection of the bank’s core values.

•••••

Ella Wise

Ella Wise

The City of Greenfield recently welcomed Ella Wise as the new director of the Department of Planning and Development. Wise holds an undergraduate degree in environmental studies and a master’s degree in city planning from the University of California, Berkeley, and has more than a decade of experience in planning and policy. The city conducted a search for a new Planning and Development director following the retirement of Eric Twarog, who has led the department since 2009. A native of a small town in the Hudson Valley, Wise is interested in the human relationship to place and how places can create community and provide meaning. Her recent professional roles include senior planner for Boston’s Metropolitan Area Planning Council, where she authored a variety of planning documents in areas such as master planning, open space and recreation, and economic development. Most recently, she contributed to Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s vision for a more transparent planning and development review process as the planning & development review coordination manager for Boston’s Planning Department.

•••••

Berkshire Money Management (BMM) announced that Financial Advisor PJ Gagne has joined the firm. He brings a grounded, values-based approach to financial planning, helping professionals and business owners in their 50s and 60s answer life’s biggest financial questions and move toward retirement with clarity and confidence. Gagne specializes in guiding clients through pivotal decisions, such as when to take Social Security, how to protect their children’s future, and how to turn a lifetime of hard work into long-term financial security. His collaborative planning style helps clients understand their best-case scenarios while preparing for uncertainties. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Fairfield University and is an accredited investment fiduciary.

•••••

The Franklin County Community Development Corp. (FCCDC), a community economic development organization that provides support for small businesses throughout Western Mass., has added three new staff members and shifted the duties of a fourth. The FCCDC also announced a new open position. Kwaku Ofori began at the FCCDC as lending director in November. A finance and development professional with more than 15 years of experience in business lending, small business technical assistance, and community-focused finance, he leads the FCCDC’s lending programs that expand access to capital for small businesses and entrepreneurs across Western Mass. Brian Dejnak began at the FCCDC in June as community lending associate. A lending professional formerly with the USDA and Greenfield Savings Bank, he works with businesses seeking flexible financing to start or grow their enterprises. Anna Halpin-Healy joined the FCCDC in July as finance specialist. She has held business operations roles in agriculture, education, and retail environments. She supports the day-to-day financial operations of the organization, including bookkeeping, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and grant reporting assistance. Angela Varilly, who joined the FCCDC in 2024 as lending manager, has moved into the business assistance manager position. She is a finance leader with nearly two decades of experience in retail banking with Greenfield Savings Bank. She guides small business owners at all stages and leads the Entrepreneurship Accelerator, part of the FCCDC’s UPstart program for early-stage entrepreneurs. Finally, Myra Marcellin left the FCCDC after two and a half years of service to take on the role of investment director with Black Farmer Fund. She will continue to support small businesses that FCCDC works with as a consultant.

•••••

Robert Sproull has been elected to the board of directors of New England Public Media (NEPM). Sproull recently retired as vice president and director of Oracle Labs, an applied research group that originated at Sun Microsystems. Before joining that organization in 1990, he was a principal at Sutherland, Sproull and Associates, an associate professor at Carnegie Mellon University, and a member of the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center. He is co-author, with William Newman, of Principles of Interactive Computer Graphics, and author of Logical Effort. Sproull is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and has served on the U.S. Air Force Scientific Advisory Board. He has also worked as a technology partner at Advanced Technology Ventures and as co-chair of the National Research Council’s report review committee. He currently serves as an adjunct professor of computer science at UMass Amherst and serves on the boards of the Connecticut River Conservancy and River Network.

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

The Happy Teacher Project Corp., 335 Adams St., Agawam, MA 01001. Gabriella Harrison, same. Raises funds for the benefit of teachers and educational staff, partners with businesses and organizations to provide discounts and wellness resources for educators, and promotes and supports the personal and professional well-being of teachers through public events, campaigns, and other activities.

CHICOPEE

JDMZ Corp., 100 Huntington Ave., Chicopee, MA 01020. Yasirahamed Yaseen, 9612 North Greenwood Ave., Apt. 1A, Des Plaines, IL 60016. Automotive parts and accessories store.

Law Offices of Ann Dargie Gladd, P.C., 10 Center St., Suite 206, Chicopee, MA 01013. Ann Dargie Gladd, 128 Mountainview Road, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Law practice.

EASTHAMPTON

Wagner Equine Center and Sanctuary Inc., 26 Strong St., Easthampton, MA 01027. Geraldine O’Connor Page, same. A lifelong refuge for horses facing adoption challenges due to age, injury, medical conditions, or behavioral challenges.

FEEDING HILLS

Horeb Media Inc., 10 Gary Place, Apt C, Feeding Hills, MA 01030. David Reji, same. Religious and Christian media.

GREENFIELD

Wild Heart Ranch Inc., 161 Smead Hill Road, Greenfield, MA 01301. Kelli Richardson, same. Healing center for people to have retreats or coaching sessions with horses as a form of therapy and lessons as well.

LEVERETT

Kodagubeans Co. Inc., 14 Montague Road, Leverett, MA 01054. Deep Chinappa, same. Imports whole beans and sells coffee to roasting companies in New England.

LUDLOW

Picariello Consulting Inc., 612 Fuller St., Ludlow, MA 01056. Donald Picariello, same. Sales and marketing of printing products for hospitals.

NORTHAMPTON

Kri & Shree Inc., 80 Main St., Northampton, MA 01060. Mayurkumar Patel, 2 Nautical Way, Douglas, MA 01516. Fast food franchise restaurant.

PITTSFIELD

Baesman Group Inc., 82 Wendell Ave, Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Tyler Baesman, same. Printing company located in Ohio; all print materials are generated out of Ohio with a local sales representative in Western Mass.

Cherry St. Boxing Inc., 1625 East St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Sean Jennings, 18 Church St., Stockbridge, MA 01262. Provides boxing training and education at introductory, intermediate, and competitive levels, with program targeting at-risk youth, teaching respect, discipline, boxing fitness, and team and individual competition in a supportive environment.

D&S Coffee Co., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 0120. Dolly Mwangi, 100 Cummings Center, Suite 339D, Beverly, MA 01915. Procurement, processing, distribution, and retail sale of coffee products and related goods, including the complementary sourcing and sale of tea products.

JMF Contracting Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. John Finn Jr., same. General construction.

Nord Gear Corp., 82 Wendell Ave., Unit 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Torsten Schultz, same. Gearbox and motor manufacturer.

United at Home, 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Khanh Bui, same. Home care agency.

SOUTH DEERFIELD

Red Pine Learning Community Inc., 6 Eastern Ave., South Deerfield, MA 01373. Christopher Caldwell, same. Provides regular and supplemental instruction for children enrolled in virtual or homeschooling programs which may include workshops, events, camps, and day camps.

SPRINGFIELD

Agape, Alpha y Omega Transportation Inc., 61 Ashley St., Springfield, MA 01105. Luis Pena, same. Transportation services.

Birthplace Ballerz Inc., 17 Forest St., Springfield, MA 01108. Gary Bestman, same. Nonprofit organization that aims to increase the participation of youths in sports and fitness programs, particularly basketball globally, through such activities as providing fundamentals, skills, conditioning, competition, discipline, and games for boys and girls during school vacations, including but not limited to clinics, camps, health education, competition play, leagues, and providing sports equipment and other community events.

Prep Connect Health Inc., 268 Washington Blvd., Springfield, MA 01108. Benjamin Bland III, same. Corporation dedicated to advancing public health for LGBTQIA+ individuals across Massachusetts by improving access to accurate, inclusive, and culturally competent sexual health information and services.

SK Community & Family Services Inc., 230 Eastern Ave., Apt 2L, Springfield, MA 01109. Jourd’Henri Eslandie Henriseme, same. Provides charitable and educational services to underserved individuals and families in the Springfield area, including immigration and employment support, résumé preparation, digital skills training, access to public benefits, transportation to important appointments, and small business education through e-commerce platforms.

WRL R&R Inc., 278 Worthington St., Springfield, MA 01103. Ryan Kealey, same. Restaurant and lounge.

WESTFIELD

Better Investment Group Corp., 21 Mainline Dr., Westfield, MA 01085. Viktoria Brennan, same. Real estate brokerage servicing clients.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Anchor Housing Solutions Inc., 268 Cold Spring Ave., Suite B, West Springfield, MA 01089. Michael Rodgers, same. Real estate consulting firm.

Pavel Pavement Maintenance Inc., 70 Windsor St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Michael Crean, 330 Buck Pond Road, Westfield, MA 01085. Pavement maintenance.

WILLIAMSBURG

Two Cents Consultants Inc., 71 Sugar Hill Road, Williamsburg, MA 01096. Jane Loechler, same. Provides technology and advisory consulting services to nonprofit affordable housing organizations, including the development, configuration, and licensing of custom tools built on commercial software platforms.

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.

BELCHERTOWN

Angie’s Painting
245 Warren Wright St.
Angela Clark

J Fuller Locksmith
81 North St.
John Fuller Jr.

GREAT BARRINGTON

Ashtanga Yoga Great Barrington
250 Maple Ave.
Katherine Reisfeld

Blueline Design
45 Dresser Ave.
Anthony Barnaba

Center for Psychic Healing
19 Kirk St., #2, Unit 874
Michelle Pelletier

Housatonic Filter Initiative
12 Hemlock Hill Road
Donna Jacobs, Arthur Blumenthal

I’m Meraki
389 Stockbridge Road
Claudia Ocampo, Marcela Villamil

Kelly Signature Travel
8 Meadow Lane
Thomas Kelly, Christine Kelly

Lakeville Books & Stationery
63 State Road
Darryl Peck

Mixed Company Theatre
37 Rosseter St.
Joan Ackermann

MN Sushi
760 Main St.
Myat Tun Naing

Pablo’s Drywall LLC
389 Stockbridge Road
Claudia Ocampo

Riverside Café
401 Stockbridge Road
Brenda Romero Rodriquez

Tall Tree Productions
11 Lakeview Road
Bruce Humes

Unit 4 Design
40 Rosseter St.
Mario Denis

Wally
20 Kirk St.
Walter McTeigue IV

HOLYOKE

ABC Storage Realty Trust
621 South Canal St.
Dan Larochelle, Dave Larochelle

Adam Auto Sales
249 Hampden St.
Badi Alazzam, Mahmoud Alazzam

Best Car Storage
170 Main St.
Gomez Enterprise Co.

Deja-Vu Mini Kitchen
414 High St.
Acemar Leasing LLC

Dollar N Things
50 Holyoke St.
Mamta Arora

Endless Cleaners
46 Davis St., Apt. 2
Charlotte Pascal

EZ Storage
623 South Summer St.
Evelyn Gonzalez, Javier Gonzalez

Gary Thomas Law
98 Lower Westfield Road
Gary Thomas

Hawks at Mt. Tom
320 Easthampton Road
Linda Henderson

Holyoke Animal Hospital
320 Easthampton Road
Linda Henderson

Jireh Delights Bakery & Restaurant
172 Sargeant St.
Manuel Rivera

MG Auto Sales & Repairs
170 Main St.
Gomez Enterpries Group Co.

Mt. Tom Groom Shop
320 Easthampton Road
Linda Henderson

Mt. Tom Kennels
320 Easthampton Road
Linda Henderson

Ruby Mestre Counseling Services
44 View St.
Ruby Mestre Counseling Services

Salazar Media Studio
532 Main St., Suite 307
LS & Co. LLC

Toys R Us
50 Holyoke St.
SRV LLC

Valley Millhouse
48 Canal St.
Andrea Stanley, Christian Stanley

Winn Residential Residences on Appleton
216 Appleton St.
Winn Managed Properties LLC

NORTHAMPTON

Cancer Connection Thrift Shop
375 South St.
Chelsea Kline

Golden Touch Nails Salon
21 Locust St.
Marco Villa

The Ketamine Assisted Intensive Retreat (KAIR) Program
43 Center St., Suite 304
Bambi Rattner

The Ketamine Assisted Intensive Retreat (KAIR) Program
8 Trumbull Road, Room 003
Amy Shuman

Keturah Design Consulting
116 North Main St.
Keturah Hammond

Moxie Hair Studio
44 Main St.
Shalane Stebbins

Noho Cleaners
23 Pomeroy Terrace
Kery Hardwick

Northampton Computer Repair
12 Main St.
Christopher Allard

Northern Safety Health & Risk Management Systems
40 Adare Place
Christian Salmon

Urja Holistic Skincare
25 Main St., Suite 211
Sarah St. Germain

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

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

Azevedo, Liliana
42 Amherst St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Date: 11/20/2025

Boateng, Priscilla
85 Parker St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Date: 11/20/2025

Borrero, Bicannette
3096 Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Date: 11/19/2025

Cavanaugh, Daniel Jerome
Cavanaugh, Jutta M.
14 Ross Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Date: 11/29/2025

Champiney, Edward M.
53 Klondike Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 11/24/2025

Cortes, Kyara Y.
45 Wachusett St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Date: 11/17/2025

Croteau, Nicole M.
a/k/a Moore, Nicole
1791 Barre Road
Gilbertville, MA 01031
Chapter: 7
Date: 11/26/2025

Delucchi, Sierra M.
71 Bryan Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Date: 11/18/2025

Fickling, Janeiah P.
19 Colonial Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Date: 11/21/2025

Fletcher, Alexandra Santoyo
175 Silver St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Date: 11/18/2025

Glenn, Toni Dianne
805 Chicopee St., Apt. 2A
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 11/18/2025

Gosselin, Guy Richard
12 Brown St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Date: 11/17/2025

Gutowski, Adrian
160 Point Grove Road, Apt. 36
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Date: 11/24/2025

Hall, Angela J.
Hall, Kevin C.
236 Main St., Apt. 4
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Date: 11/24/2025

Holmes-Murphy, William W.
Holmes-Murphy, Kaitlin M.
93 Edgeland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Date: 11/25/2025

Innias, Gideon Rance
47 Grand St., Apt. 1
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Date: 11/18/2025

Koffi, Affoue Agnes
a/k/a Nguessan, Affoue
9 Pearl St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 13
Date: 11/30/2025

Kowal, Jamie Elizabeth
236 Middle St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Chapter: 7
Date: 11/26/2025

Laboy, Angel A.
205 Lower Hampden Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Date: 11/24/2025

Lech, Marcin B.
159 Fernhill St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Date: 11/20/2025

Little Happy Pet
Wall, Susan H.
1042 Federal St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Date: 11/16/2025

Lockwood, Tracy A.
20 Fairfield Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Date: 11/25/2025

Michalski, Henry
9 Florence Road
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 13
Date: 11/20/2025

O’Grady, John
O’Grady, Laurie
683A Russell Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 11/24/2025

Rodriguez, Jose M.
Ortiz, Sherly Y.
17 Leonard Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 11/18/2025

Sadler, Samantha K.
28 Brenda Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 11/18/2025

Saltmarsh, Nicholas Austin
226 Klaus Anderson Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Date: 11/25/2025

Santiago, Nilda I.
a/k/a Santiago Rivera, Nilda I.
41 Orange St., Front
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Date: 11/18/2025

Sollitto, Paul John
8 Sefton Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Date: 11/19/2025

Taylor, Carrie
a/k/a Ciborowski, Caroline Taylor
a/k/a Ciborowski, Carrie Taylor
a/k/a Blankenburg, Carrie Taylor
520A Pleasant St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 11/21/2025

Torna, Erik Pedro
30 Plaza Ave.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 13
Date: 11/17/2025

Watson, Lindsay A.
603 Montgomery Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 11/20/2025

Witek, Cheryl Ann
8 Whitaker Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 11/20/2025

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

BUCKLAND

10 Gardner Falls Road
Buckland, MA 01370
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Tyler Rock
Date: 11/19/25

41 Hog Hollow Road
Buckland, MA 01370
Amount: $636,500
Buyer: Jared Kimler
Seller: Christopher C. Rose
Date: 12/04/25

CHARLEMONT

107 Main St.
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: 107 Main St. Charlemont LLC
Seller: Charlotte Dewey
Date: 11/19/25

1725 Route 2
Charlemont, MA 01370
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Shelburne Equity LLC
Seller: Kahn Enterprises LLC
Date: 11/24/25

310 South River Road
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $620,000
Buyer: James Ward
Seller: Michael P. Feder
Date: 11/18/25

COLRAIN

15 Main Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Cody P. Cardaropoli
Seller: David W. Donovan
Date: 11/20/25

21 River St.
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $247,750
Buyer: Amber Nault
Seller: Gary M. James
Date: 12/03/25

CONWAY

59 Hoosac Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $673,000
Buyer: Kyra J. Keigher
Seller: Jeffrey A. Traft
Date: 11/20/25

DEERFIELD

68 Boynton Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $540,000
Buyer: Benjamin Foster
Seller: Benjamin F. Barshefsky
Date: 11/24/25

4 Captain Lathrop Dr.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $224,000
Buyer: Henry Whitlock
Seller: Christina M. O’Connell
Date: 11/20/25

40 Eastern Ave.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $439,000
Buyer: Gabriela A. Cano
Seller: Savage, Alice B., (Estate)
Date: 12/05/25

95 South Mill River Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $540,000
Buyer: Emily Gilmore
Seller: Mark E. Gilmore
Date: 11/28/25

4 Sunrise Ave.
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $950,000
Buyer: Benjamin F. Barshefsky
Seller: Kathleen M. Dugas LT
Date: 11/24/25

ERVING

12 Flagg Hill
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Sloane Gannon
Seller: Freedom Hill RT 1
Date: 12/03/25

22 River Road
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: John R. Redecker
Seller: Karen A. Rhodes
Date: 11/20/25

GREENFIELD

743 Bernardston Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Sarah Buck
Seller: Greenfield Center School Inc.
Date: 12/03/25

793 Bernardston Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Shawn Telega
Seller: James M. Greene
Date: 11/25/25

971 Bernardston Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $443,000
Buyer: Carl M. Lundquist
Seller: Stephen L. Putnam
Date: 11/21/25

116 Chapman St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Clinical & Support Option
Seller: Allen L. Constantine
Date: 12/01/25

86-88 Conway St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $156,900
Buyer: Plumtree Real Estate LLC
Seller: Andrea Guerron
Date: 12/05/25

102 Conway St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $540,000
Buyer: 157 Bridge St. LLC
Seller: Leslie A. Janka
Date: 11/19/25

185 Davis St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Michael J. Sprague
Seller: Burrough, Julia, (Estate)
Date: 12/04/25

181 Deerfield St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Joseph S. Giguere
Seller: Alexander C. Giguere
Date: 11/21/25

23 James St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $566,750
Buyer: Andrew Levine
Seller: Ryan A. Noble
Date: 11/25/25

69 Madison Circle
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $393,000
Buyer: Richard A. Curtis
Seller: Brian A. Lickel
Date: 12/04/25

20-B Phyllis Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Stepphen J. Druschel
Seller: Brenda L. Boguslawski
Date: 11/25/25

14 Warner St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $316,000
Buyer: James Emerson
Seller: Jane L. Shaughnessy IRT
Date: 12/03/25

8-10 Western Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Robert N. Louis
Seller: Elinor J. Albin
Date: 12/04/25

HEATH

76 Branch Hill Road
Heath, MA 01340
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Lioyd K. Brooks
Seller: Crystal J. Griswold
Date: 11/21/25

59 Number 9 Road
Heath, MA 01346
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Real Jacques
Seller: Michael A. Girard
Date: 11/21/25

246 South Road
Heath, MA 01346
Amount: $117,375
Buyer: Valerie Isaacs
Seller: St. John’s Episcopal Church Ashfield
Date: 11/21/25

LEVERETT

Broad Hill Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $262,000
Buyer: Alice & Andrew Scheffey
Seller: Elizabeth W. Scheffey
Date: 12/05/25

119 Long Plain Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $555,000
Buyer: Elizabeth Alwan
Seller: Michaelene Telega
Date: 11/21/25

LEYDEN

376 East Hill Road
Leyden, MA 01337
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Neil R. Veilleux
Seller: Miles P. McCloy
Date: 11/20/25

MONTAGUE

2 G St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Joshua Warren
Seller: Geddis, Lorraine E., (Estate)
Date: 11/19/25

55-A&B Randall Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $379,900
Buyer: Sarah Martin
Seller: Amanda M. Alix
Date: 11/21/25

43 Hillside Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: James Zellmann
Seller: Steven S. Gochinski
Date: 12/05/25

187 L St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $379,000
Buyer: Jose R. Solorin
Seller: Henry A. Brown
Date: 12/01/25

88 South Prospect St.
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $307,000
Buyer: Zoey Hutchinson
Seller: Kenneth J. Kuklewicz
Date: 11/25/25

8 Sunset Dr.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Stephen Lively
Seller: David J. Partridge
Date: 11/21/25

88 Turners Falls Road
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Brian Poirier
Seller: Michael Shanahan
Date: 11/20/25

29 Unity St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Pamela Morawski
Seller: Christopher S. Brown
Date: 11/25/25

16 Vladish Ave.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Eds Enterprises LLC
Seller: Chad A. Anderson
Date: 11/25/25

NORTHFIELD

291 Birnam Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Nathanael J. Cassidy
Seller: Pierre-Luc Boudreault
Date: 11/18/25

33 Highland Ave.
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $459,000
Buyer: Morgan L. O’Brien
Seller: Sharon A. Labella-Lindale
Date: 11/21/25

261 Old Wendell Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $563,200
Buyer: Breneen Church
Seller: Patterson INT
Date: 11/21/25

South Mountain Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Oleg Cobileanschi
Seller: Martha E. Stinson
Date: 12/05/25

ORANGE

31 Benham St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Bradley M. Magane
Seller: Jonathan Spagnola
Date: 12/04/25

23 Gay St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $163,500
Buyer: Second Story Homes LLC
Seller: Cristy L. White
Date: 11/18/25

98 New Athol Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Cole E. Gustafson
Seller: Judith D. Rowe
Date: 12/04/25

102 New Athol Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Cole E. Gustafson
Seller: Judith D. Rowe
Date: 12/04/25

295 South Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Silas Galdamez
Seller: Cornerstone Homebuying LLC
Date: 12/05/25

29 Terrace St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $166,000
Buyer: Asc Enterprises Inc.
Seller: David A. Millett
Date: 12/05/25

84 Walnut Hill Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $346,380
Buyer: Bridget Malley
Seller: John L. Alden
Date: 11/24/25

SHELBURNE

94 Main St.
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Sharon M. Cantor
Seller: Jonathan M. Landman
Date: 11/25/25

SHUTESBURY

258 Pelham Hill Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Fasm Homes LLC
Seller: Shawn Stone
Date: 12/03/25

SUNDERLAND

466 Hadley Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: 466 Hadley Road LLC
Seller: Dean M. Rankin
Date: 11/25/25

24 Old Amherst Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Louis R. Baldino
Seller: Stephen C. Hsieh
Date: 11/20/25

WARWICK

409 Gale Road
Warwick, MA 01378
Amount: $489,000
Buyer: Kelly Melnik
Seller: Norman K. Ma
Date: 11/24/25

WENDELL

151 Mormon Hollow Road
Wendell, MA 01349
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Carol E. Jud
Seller: Drowski INT
Date: 12/01/25

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

85 Alhambra Circle N
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Caleigh Caroleo
Seller: Bulldog Realty Group LLC
Date: 12/02/25

64 Blairs Hill Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $620,000
Buyer: Sawsan Abdoo
Seller: Teodoro Manzi
Date: 12/05/25

31 Cosgrove Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $324,000
Buyer: Launa Filiault
Seller: Emtay Inc.
Date: 11/21/25

71 Doane Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Sergey Kulyak
Seller: Naples Home Buyers TR
Date: 11/21/25

154 Forest Hill Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Elysa L. Urkiel
Seller: Vadim V. Popovichenko
Date: 11/21/25

64 Fox Farm Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Anthony Willett
Seller: Willett, Steven M., (Estate)
Date: 12/04/25

49 Hearthstone Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $604,000
Buyer: Michael C. Buoniconti
Seller: Laura L. Albano
Date: 11/24/25

25 Hillcrest St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Eduard Suprunets
Seller: Drewnowski, Gerald, (Estate)
Date: 11/26/25

42 Lakeview Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $765,000
Buyer: Darnel Alouidor
Seller: Shelly A. Fisher
Date: 11/25/25

95 Meadowbrook Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $327,000
Buyer: Troy D. Conlin
Seller: Oberheim, Gloria A., (Estate)
Date: 12/01/25

61-63 Orlando St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $487,000
Buyer: J. & J. Brothers Realtors LLC
Seller: 716 Spring Valley LLC
Date: 11/26/25

309 Poplar St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $352,500
Buyer: Lance E. Martin
Seller: Andrey Nemchinsky
Date: 12/03/25

48-50 South Westfield St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $495,000
Buyer: Travis Vaz
Seller: Isaiah Pagan
Date: 11/24/25

122 Southwick St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Adam Carmel
Seller: Kelly M. Degray
Date: 12/05/25

BRIMFIELD

85 East Hill Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $815,000
Buyer: Timothy Garlington
Seller: David R. Girouard
Date: 12/04/25

122 Little Alum Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Julie Langlitz
Seller: Judith A. Nivers
Date: 11/25/25

18 Little Alum Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Jeffrey R. Blais
Seller: Dupuis, Bernard L., (Estate)
Date: 11/26/25

5 Sutcliffe Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Morggan Fontaine
Seller: Kristopher Bishop
Date: 11/20/25

CHESTER

120 Fisk Road
Chester, MA 01098
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: John P. Sullivan
Seller: John J. Pommenville
Date: 11/26/25

11 Maple St.
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $213,000
Buyer: Jill M. Bradley
Seller: Denise Draper
Date: 12/05/25

21 Sylvester Hamilton Road
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Adam J. Thouin
Seller: Douglas P. Ranck
Date: 12/03/25

7 William St.
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $291,000
Buyer: Victoria L. Scataglini
Seller: James D. Adams
Date: 12/01/25

CHICOPEE

20 Auburn St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $287,000
Buyer: Georgia Cinq-Mars
Seller: Dianne S. Appleton
Date: 11/21/25

49 Bennett St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Saddam A. Akraa
Seller: Aubuchon, Roger E., (Estate)
Date: 11/25/25

1307 Burnett Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: E. A. Partyka-Narey RET
Seller: Frederick T. Szlosek
Date: 12/04/25

759 Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $612,000
Buyer: Arleni Cruz
Seller: Tavernier Investments LLC
Date: 12/04/25

1046 Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Thomas Dansereau
Seller: Podolyanchuk Properties LLC
Date: 11/19/25

161 Columba St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $303,000
Buyer: Natalie M. Cabrera Acevedo
Seller: Mei-Juan Wu
Date: 11/26/25

53 Davenport St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Corinne Talbot
Seller: Samantha Gingras
Date: 11/19/25

450 East St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Matthew Kisiel
Seller: Larocque, Marie R., (Estate)
Date: 12/05/25

14 Ferry St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Round 2 LLC
Seller: Moreau, Eugene L., (Estate)
Date: 12/03/25

107 Glendale St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Paul F. Griffin
Seller: Marilyn L. Bushey
Date: 12/03/25

41 Glendale St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Mikhail Golubitsky
Seller: Trevor Lucas
Date: 12/04/25

861 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $136,000
Buyer: Prime Flips LLC
Seller: Genaro P. Timoneda
Date: 11/24/25

10 Highland Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $206,250
Buyer: Evan M. Paton
Seller: William F. Pauze
Date: 12/02/25

89 Jean Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $344,000
Buyer: Kyle Robbins
Seller: Jordan, Alberta E., (Estate)
Date: 12/05/25

725 Lombard Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $289,000
Buyer: Michael Thompson
Seller: Timothy Yucka
Date: 11/19/25

538 McKinstry Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Rga Properties LLC
Seller: Lorraine M. Lavigne IRT
Date: 11/21/25

14 Norman St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $272,000
Buyer: Thomas Hughes
Seller: Jacob Demeo
Date: 11/20/25

157 Pendleton Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Cristaly Alvarado
Seller: Sean Fournier
Date: 12/05/25

43 Pine St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Josue Lissaint
Seller: Thomas A. Charland
Date: 12/01/25

81 Poplar St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Malachi Robinson
Seller: Switalski, Suzanne T., (Estate)
Date: 12/04/25

76 Sesame Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Jacob S. Gardner
Seller: Lois A. Roufogalis
Date: 11/19/25

74 Thaddeus St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Mazal Real Estate LLC
Seller: Bassistant, P. M. H., (Estate)
Date: 11/21/25

25 Yelle St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Moreau Masonry Inc.
Seller: Burhan Holdings One LLC
Date: 11/19/25

EAST LONGMEADOW

157 Dwight Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01108
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Yolanda Hosey
Seller: Taylor Durost
Date: 11/25/25

91-95 Elm St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Pro Olive LLC
Seller: Widmer, Alice Mary, (Estate)
Date: 12/03/25

213 Kibbe Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Trisha Tormey
Seller: Malia Homebuyers LLC
Date: 11/21/25

465 North Main St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $2,000,000
Buyer: UMass Five College Credit Union
Seller: 465 North Main Street LLC
Date: 12/01/25

603 Parker St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Kenneth Hofer
Seller: Monique L. Laplante
Date: 11/25/25

100 Prospect St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Stephen F. Percy
Seller: John Margeson
Date: 11/19/25

63 Scantic Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Theresa A. Cox
Seller: Barbara J. Nault
Date: 11/20/25

41 Villanova St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01108
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Brenda L. Colon
Seller: Ryan Suprin LY
Date: 11/24/25

GRANVILLE

715 Main Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Olivia E. Clark
Seller: Daniel M. & P. A. McGorty LT
Date: 12/05/25

HOLLAND

119 Vinton Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Jared Curboy
Seller: Curboy-Poylin RET
Date: 11/21/25

15 Williams Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Lisa Chickering
Seller: David R. Chenevert
Date: 11/25/25

6 Wood Lane
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Austin Charpentier
Seller: Classic Solutions Inc.
Date: 11/19/25

HOLYOKE

351 Apremont Highway
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Alex Brennan
Seller: Carol A. Manijak
Date: 11/25/25

397 Apremont Highway
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Samuel O. Torres
Seller: Veteran Stan LLC
Date: 11/25/25

70-72 Center St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Digna R. Melendez
Seller: Hassle Free LLC
Date: 11/24/25

16 Charles St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $293,000
Buyer: Emmett Wald
Seller: Nicholas O. Hewes
Date: 11/21/25

46 Cherry Hill
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $368,000
Buyer: Noah T. Galko
Seller: Deborah A. Walker
Date: 12/05/25

4 Claren Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Jacob Zucker
Seller: Maura A. Mooney
Date: 12/04/25

197 Clemente St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Alexis Lasanta
Seller: Holyoke Housing Authority
Date: 12/05/25

246 East Dwight St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Bibiana P. Berrio-Alvarez
Seller: Cfc Development LLC
Date: 11/28/25

12 Gordon Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Ann S. Judge
Seller: Drapeau, Robert V., (Estate)
Date: 11/20/25

164-166 High St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $6,532,500
Buyer: Witman Properties North High LLC
Seller: Holyoke High Realty Corp.
Date: 11/20/25

168-170 High St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $6,532,500
Buyer: Witman Properties North High LLC
Seller: Holyoke High Realty Corp.
Date: 11/20/25

169-171 High St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $6,532,500
Buyer: Witman Properties North High LLC
Seller: Holyoke High Realty Corp.
Date: 11/20/25

172-178 High St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $6,532,500
Buyer: Witman Properties North High LLC
Seller: Holyoke High Realty Corp.
Date: 11/20/25

177-179 High St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $6,532,500
Buyer: Witman Properties North High LLC
Seller: Holyoke High Realty Corp.
Date: 11/20/25

180-186 High St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $6,532,500
Buyer: Witman Properties North High LLC
Seller: Holyoke High Realty Corp.
Date: 11/20/25

185-193 High St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $6,532,500
Buyer: Witman Properties North High LLC
Seller: Holyoke High Realty Corp.
Date: 11/20/25

195 High St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $6,532,500
Buyer: Witman Properties North High LLC
Seller: Holyoke High Realty Corp.
Date: 11/20/25

78 Hitchcock St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Jian Chang
Seller: Andrea L. Yurko
Date: 11/21/25

2 Knollwood Circle
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Daniel J. Frisino
Seller: Joan C. Petta
Date: 12/05/25

20 Linden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $236,500
Buyer: Ian E. Baldwin
Seller: Eileen E. McMahon
Date: 12/03/25

11 Longfellow Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Sean M. Fournier
Seller: O’Sullivan, David, (Estate)
Date: 12/05/25

130 Middle Water St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $122,170
Buyer: Elantra Imports Inc.
Seller: Mass. Real Estate Holdings LLC
Date: 11/18/25

15 Myrtle Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Cornerstone Homebuying LLC
Seller: Brett J. Lunardini
Date: 12/04/25

128 Ontario Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Jason G. Roberge
Seller: Richard P. Kosko
Date: 11/20/25

244 Ontario Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Chris J. Aquino Ortiz
Seller: Shawn M. O’Donnell
Date: 11/26/25

238 Rock Valley Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Timothy M. Puza
Seller: Randell M. Puza
Date: 12/02/25

68 Shawmut Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Abigail Almeyda
Seller: Muriel T. Gubala
Date: 11/21/25

7 Thorpe Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $945,750
Buyer: General Enterprise LLC
Seller: Yarland Properties LLC
Date: 12/03/25

24 Wolcott St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $462,125
Buyer: General Enterprise LLC
Seller: Yarland Properties LLC
Date: 12/03/25

LONGMEADOW

76 Burbank Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $596,000
Buyer: Jonathan Rodriguez
Seller: John A. Eisler
Date: 11/20/25

182 Crestview Circle
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Michael Elfman
Seller: Irma C. Schikorra TR
Date: 12/05/25

Eunice Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Dnepro Properties LLC
Seller: Springfield Jewish Community Center
Date: 11/26/25

Eunice Dr. (NS)
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Dnepro Properties LLC
Seller: Springfield Jewish Community Center
Date: 11/26/25

22 Hawthorne St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Eva Yusenko
Seller: Lauren E. Malone
Date: 12/01/25

384 Longmeadow St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $605,000
Buyer: Dana Merrill
Seller: Ann-Marie Rosen
Date: 12/01/25

127 Magnolia Circle
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Bodhico LLC
Seller: Arthur Rickless
Date: 12/03/25

408 Maple Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Ahmad Sultan
Seller: Jacqueline A. Barry
Date: 11/28/25

35 Plymouth Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $535,000
Buyer: Heidi B. Johnes
Seller: Robert E. Barkett
Date: 11/25/25

44 Riverview Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Marcy H. Green
Seller: Timothy J. Hogan
Date: 11/20/25

7 Viscount Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Heather Bliss
Seller: Joel Wun
Date: 12/02/25

25 Whitmun Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Krystal R. Kittle
Seller: Daniel Perruccio
Date: 12/03/25

151 Wolf Swamp Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $321,500
Buyer: Mullen Acquisitions LLC
Seller: Delivorias, Georgia, (Estate)
Date: 12/05/25

 

LUDLOW

57 Beachside Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: Mackenzie Babb
Seller: Joao A. Dias
Date: 12/02/25

32 Berkshire St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Angela Lussier
Seller: Adrian Zapala
Date: 12/05/25

199 Cady St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Curtis Carlson
Seller: Zachary R. Lepage
Date: 11/21/25

232 Cady St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $422,000
Buyer: Matthew E. Lopatka
Seller: Harold T. Dearborn
Date: 11/21/25

172-174 Cedar St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $317,400
Buyer: Joseph Camerota
Seller: Arpc LLC
Date: 11/25/25

32 Elaine Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Kaytlin A. Nelson
Seller: Heather M. Trombley
Date: 12/01/25

238 Elizabeth Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $655,000
Buyer: Pamela J. Dodd
Seller: Stephen L. Flatley
Date: 11/21/25

19 Essex St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Anna Hurley
Seller: Peter J. Ouimette
Date: 11/25/25

63 Helene St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $303,750
Buyer: Turning Point Properties LLC
Seller: Christina Kuehn
Date: 12/05/25

105 Higher Brook Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $580,000
Buyer: Steven Ortiz
Seller: Maria F. Gomes
Date: 11/24/25

72 Highland Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $252,500
Buyer: Jennyliz Solis-Gonzalez
Seller: Patrick Hurtado
Date: 11/24/25

147 Kendall St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $307,500
Buyer: Michael S. Modzelewski
Seller: Bryan P. Cohen
Date: 11/24/25

355 Miller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $569,000
Buyer: Alex Parker
Seller: Wendi E. Lawson
Date: 12/01/25

697 Moore St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Antonio Martins
Seller: Ralph L. Berry
Date: 11/21/25

50 Poole St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $367,500
Buyer: Michael Plante
Seller: Leab Jr., William, (Estate)
Date: 11/24/25

87 Prokop Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $358,000
Buyer: Jackson White
Seller: Amjad Real Estate LLC
Date: 12/04/25

74 Ray St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $459,900
Buyer: Dennis Fountain
Seller: Alexis A. Majka
Date: 11/24/25

Santina Dr., Lot 2
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Todd M. Paradis
Seller: Sodi Inc.
Date: 11/25/25

66 Voltage Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Anna Mowry
Seller: Philbrick, Robert, (Estate)
Date: 11/19/25

61 West St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Jose Flores
Seller: Forte Sr., Ronald, (Estate)
Date: 11/19/25

MONSON

20 Country Club Dr.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Donald Dunn
Seller: Diana M. Batch
Date: 12/01/25

4 Lincoln St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $347,000
Buyer: Jacob Talbot
Seller: Derrick A. Talbot
Date: 12/05/25

9 Palmer Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Henrys Tree Service LLC
Seller: Donna L. Murray
Date: 11/19/25

169 Palmer Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Joseph Pereira
Seller: Jonathan D. Caskey-Medina
Date: 11/18/25

56 Paradise Lake Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $732,000
Buyer: Tyler A. Desmarais
Seller: Robert G. Dangleis
Date: 11/21/25

9 Silva St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Jesse Griswold
Seller: Shelby Coolidge
Date: 11/25/25

31 T Peck Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $775,000
Buyer: Robert G. Pafumi
Seller: Courniotes, James H., (Estate)
Date: 12/01/25

124 Woodhill Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $580,000
Buyer: Craig Babcock
Seller: Robert G. Pafumi
Date: 11/19/25

MONTGOMERY

293 Main Road
Montgomery, MA 01085
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Heather R. Haskins
Seller: Sheila F. Stopa
Date: 11/24/25

PALMER

10-12 Belchertown St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Nathan A. Laprade
Seller: Jjb Builders Corp.
Date: 11/21/25

45-47 Belchertown St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Diane Hunter LT
Seller: Mary A. McCormick
Date: 12/05/25

250 Breckenridge St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Chutian Qi
Seller: Nicholas Piechota
Date: 11/21/25

7 Cedar Hill St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $428,000
Buyer: Ralph W. Swanson
Seller: Mitchell Garabedian TR
Date: 11/25/25

19 Commercial St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $376,300
Buyer: Maxfield Phaneuf
Seller: Rose C. Tyburski TR
Date: 11/19/25

69 East Palmer Park Dr.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Fumi Realty Inc.
Seller: Edward J. Goodfield
Date: 11/20/25

4345 High St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Nicola Wharram
Seller: Kevin P. Quirk
Date: 11/19/25

60 Randall St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Mathieu Miller
Seller: Paula Haley
Date: 11/21/25

7 Ruggles Court
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Matthew White
Seller: Linda S. Fountain
Date: 11/24/25

4 Salem St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Peter Walsh
Seller: Handzel, Stephanie P., (Estate)
Date: 11/26/25

RUSSELL

347 Huntington Road
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Jamoliddin Jobirov
Seller: Daniel J. O’Connell
Date: 12/01/25

36 Patriots Path
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Prime Flips LLC
Seller: Gloss, Teresa L., (Estate)
Date: 11/20/25

155 Woodland Way
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $643,000
Buyer: George Wells
Seller: Carmelo A. Scuderi
Date: 11/25/25

SPRINGFIELD

274 Abbott St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Liam P. Kelly
Seller: Andrew Collins
Date: 12/05/25

941 Allen St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $449,000
Buyer: Diana R. Rosado
Seller: Cedar Investment Group LLC
Date: 11/26/25

53-55 Andrew St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: James Goda
Seller: Pah DE3 LLC
Date: 11/24/25

803 Armory St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Lisa Corona
Seller: Darren D. Petraske
Date: 12/05/25

28-30 Aster St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Isaiah Holloway
Seller: Reymer P. Jimenez
Date: 11/26/25

Avocado St.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $1,500,000
Buyer: Parkview South LLC
Seller: Republican Co.
Date: 11/21/25

24 Bangor St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $309,000
Buyer: Caleb Ezewuzie
Seller: Andrae S. Green
Date: 12/05/25

1235 Bay St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Bianca Cotton
Seller: Thanh Nguyen
Date: 12/03/25

25 Bremen St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: William Cone
Seller: Edward J. Fallon
Date: 12/04/25

8-10 Brunswick St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Janet Gray
Seller: Majid Khabir
Date: 12/05/25

31 Burton St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $349,900
Buyer: Evena Jean-Risme
Seller: Ibrahim M. Aljashaam
Date: 12/05/25

1440-1446 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $649,000
Buyer: Alex R. Vieira
Seller: Joao A. Dias
Date: 11/25/25

127 Cedar St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Ortins Cassistant Preside
Seller: Charles Bushell
Date: 11/20/25

204 Commonwealth Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $232,000
Buyer: Roseline Omeh
Seller: Boniface Anoje
Date: 12/03/25

242-244 Commonwealth Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Value Properties LLC
Seller: George S. Gitberg
Date: 11/25/25

11 Copeland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Virgin Vargas
Seller: Naples Home Buyers TR
Date: 11/26/25

23 Corona St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Sean Curtis
Seller: Nres LLC
Date: 11/26/25

31 Craig St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Latoya R. Pettway
Seller: Gemma A. Sankar
Date: 11/21/25

672-676 Dickinson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Bbbn LLC
Seller: Gbs Realty LLC
Date: 12/03/25

88 Dunmoreland St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $197,500
Buyer: Julisa McLeod
Seller: Charity P. Steptoe
Date: 12/05/25

1526 Dwight St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Petrena Wallace-King
Seller: James McKelvin
Date: 11/21/25

129 Eastern Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Wanda M. Tiburcio-Duran
Seller: Louise B. Smith
Date: 12/02/25

70 Eddy St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: M. A. Santiago-Rodriguez
Seller: Victor W. Bouchard
Date: 11/26/25

66 Elaine Circle
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $474,900
Buyer: Tuyet Vo
Seller: Corey Connaughton
Date: 11/20/25

54 Ellsworth Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Lurdes C. Nunez
Seller: Schneeloch, Vera Jane, (Estate)
Date: 11/20/25

28 Entrybrook Dr.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $318,000
Buyer: Danielle Kupiec
Seller: Evan J. Donermeyer
Date: 12/01/25

172-174 Euclid Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Pro Reforms Inc.
Seller: Kb Rt
Date: 11/26/25

11 Fernwold St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $209,000
Buyer: J. & R. Homes Corp.
Seller: Govine, Eileen E., (Estate)
Date: 11/25/25

33 Forest St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Vazul Washington
Seller: Daniel Garcia
Date: 11/25/25

196 Forest Park Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Reyna J. Bautista
Seller: Arie Wynter
Date: 11/25/25

50 Fox Woods Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $397,500
Buyer: Maxise Pierre
Seller: Charles Winston
Date: 12/02/25

42 Geneva St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Carlos D. Maldonado
Seller: Christine A. Valardi
Date: 12/05/25

7-9 Glendell Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Excellent Protection Services
Seller: Cig4 LLC
Date: 11/25/25

221 Glenoak Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Kayla Burgess
Seller: Bonnie L. Brown
Date: 12/05/25

14-16 Gold St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Bulldog Realty Group LLC
Seller: Silver & Gold Streets RT
Date: 11/18/25

27 Goodwin St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $259,000
Buyer: Kimberly Dawson
Seller: Julie Velthouse
Date: 12/05/25

104 Grandview St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Kara Bilotta
Seller: Cedar Investment Group LLC
Date: 12/03/25

221 Industry Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $1,725,000
Buyer: Key Program Inc.
Seller: Realtor Association of Pioneer Valley
Date: 12/04/25

63 Judith St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Susanne Bettis
Seller: Zygmont J. Szczawinski
Date: 12/02/25

62 Kenyon St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Naples Home Buyers TR
Seller: Kenya Sullivan
Date: 11/19/25

90 Lorenzo St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Joseph Olayiwola
Seller: Delia I. Pinero
Date: 11/25/25

308 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Tactical Pest Solutions LLC
Seller: Next Level Investors LLC
Date: 11/20/25

167 Maple St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Share Point LLC
Seller: Naples Home Buyers TR
Date: 12/02/25

25 Marengo Park
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $289,900
Buyer: Lakeisha Clayton
Seller: Wandysbel Davila
Date: 11/21/25

181-183 Marion St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Stephanie Runnells
Seller: Nery R. Bosque
Date: 12/05/25

184-186 Marion St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Anfernee Malone
Seller: Usa Alpha Capital LLC
Date: 11/26/25

130 Mazarin St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $289,900
Buyer: Joseph Laliberte
Seller: Miroslaw C. Wloch
Date: 12/05/25

96 Merida St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Jessenia Burgos
Seller: Crisinati Sr., Thomas, (Estate)
Date: 12/03/25

116 Merida St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Nancy Perez
Seller: Sareen Properties LLC
Date: 12/02/25

36-38 Montcalm St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: 36-38 Montcalm St. Holding LLC
Seller: Yuk Chang
Date: 12/03/25

122-124 Mooreland St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Wilson A. Rosario
Seller: Wanda Quinones
Date: 11/25/25

26-28 Moulton St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Yue Yang
Seller: Kristen A. Shepard
Date: 11/21/25

779 North Branch Pkwy.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Gianna Cirillo
Seller: Frank D. Roda
Date: 11/18/25

382 North Brook Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Barrie J. Krumholz
Seller: Wesley E. Baalman
Date: 11/24/25

11 Olive St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Seferin Pena
Seller: Freddy Cepeda
Date: 12/05/25

423 Orange St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $246,000
Buyer: Henrry G. Rodezno
Seller: Alden Pond Properties LLC
Date: 11/19/25

85 Paulk Ter.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Sunasia Akins
Seller: Justine M. Trowbridge
Date: 12/03/25

32 Pennsylvania Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Chanphilom Chanthanasihn
Seller: Thomas J. Donahue
Date: 12/05/25

97-99 Pine Grove St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: JoeJoe Properties LLC
Seller: Roberto R. Gray
Date: 12/05/25

64 Plumtree Circle
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $289,900
Buyer: Shenita N. Guyton
Seller: Ashley L. Montagna
Date: 12/05/25

254 Redlands St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $333,000
Buyer: Nolan Andrews
Seller: Mary G. Katsounakis
Date: 11/26/25

65-67 Shamrock St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $391,000
Buyer: Denice A. Masqui-Vera
Seller: Maria Santiago
Date: 11/26/25

32-34 Somerset St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Bryan Hernandez-Ramirez
Seller: Methuselah RT
Date: 11/26/25

435-441 Springfield St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Ali Z Storage LLC
Seller: Bally Holdings LLC
Date: 12/05/25

32 Spruceland Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Thomas Donahue
Seller: Christopher Collins
Date: 12/05/25

1083-1085 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $487,000
Buyer: Jadier Ortiz
Seller: Empire One Investors Inc.
Date: 12/02/25

163 Thompson St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $337,000
Buyer: Zachary Palizza
Seller: Brick By Brick Acquisition LLC
Date: 11/26/25

95 Tiffany St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $235,520
Buyer: Gabriela A. Pohls
Seller: Gaffron, Barbara Joan, (Estate)
Date: 11/21/25

320 Tremont St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $203,500
Buyer: Mnj LLC
Seller: Mary A. Chiecko
Date: 11/28/25

705-707 Union St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Alissa Chaplin
Seller: Shamall Collins
Date: 11/21/25

47 Victoria St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Hassle Free LLC
Seller: Alfred J. Mendrala
Date: 11/21/25

27 Wachusett St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $430,500
Buyer: Basheera Jihad
Seller: Emmanuel Owusu
Date: 11/21/25

82 Wallace St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Virgen Irizarry
Seller: Douglas Dichard
Date: 11/26/25

68 Waverly St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $441,000
Buyer: Francois P. Cherduville
Seller: Robert Monegro
Date: 11/25/25

95 Weaver Road
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $259,000
Buyer: Marie Perry
Seller: Adam Lunghi
Date: 11/25/25

West St.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $1,500,000
Buyer: Parkview South LLC
Seller: Republican Co.
Date: 11/21/25

974 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Emtay Inc.
Seller: Scott, Christine, (Estate)
Date: 11/21/25

126 Windemere St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $192,400
Buyer: Senior Homebuyers LLC
Seller: Lakeview Loan Services LLC
Date: 11/21/25

31 Wing St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Jovanny M. Fabian
Seller: David Barrera
Date: 11/21/25

1116-1118 Worcester St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Orchard Homes LLC
Seller: Luis A. Guevara
Date: 11/21/25

SOUTHWICK

29 Birchwood Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $156,500
Buyer: Fitzgerald Home Solutions LLC
Seller: Bosak, Kevin R., (Estate)
Date: 12/04/25

526 College Hwy.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $850,000
Buyer: Carlos B. Bermejo
Seller: Varroa Haven Realty LLC
Date: 11/20/25

20 Great Brook Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $625,000
Buyer: Joshua Avey
Seller: Thomas S. Reed
Date: 12/04/25

21 Grove St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Laurence J. Cohen
Seller: Horwatt Jr., Joseph J., (Estate)
Date: 11/25/25

2 Hummell Lane
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $132,500
Buyer: WF Capital LLC
Seller: Tasos FT
Date: 12/03/25

23 Pine Knoll
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $565,000
Buyer: Amy Damon
Seller: Michelle Wood
Date: 11/20/25

148 Point Grove Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Lee F. Tavernia
Seller: Shelly Bennett
Date: 11/21/25

14 Silvergrass Lane
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $720,000
Buyer: Madhav Chittimalla
Seller: Hamelin Framing Inc.
Date: 11/25/25

181 South Loomis St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Jason R. Stevens
Seller: Jose Canini
Date: 12/05/25

8 Woodland Ridge
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $491,000
Buyer: Daniel Otoole
Seller: Thomas J. Stapleton
Date: 11/19/25

TOLLAND

590 Colebrook River Road
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $560,000
Buyer: Kenneth B. Doucette
Seller: Sara S. Hiller
Date: 12/03/25

33 West Granville Road
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: David Walker
Seller: William Magni
Date: 11/24/25

WEST SPRINGFIELD

25 Chapin St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Krishna Kharel
Seller: Jash B. Baniya
Date: 11/24/25

169 Chilson Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $487,200
Buyer: Caitlyn Vautrin
Seller: Thomas P. Florence
Date: 11/21/25

54 Churchill Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $411,000
Buyer: Victor Richey
Seller: Sean P. O’Brien
Date: 11/26/25

114 Connecticut Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $284,000
Buyer: Matthew Smialek
Seller: H. P. Rum LLC
Date: 11/25/25

53 Druids Lane
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Caleb Desouza
Seller: Anthony D. Cortis
Date: 11/24/25

236 Forest Glen
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Kevin T. Stevenson
Seller: Episcopal Missions of Western Mass.
Date: 11/20/25

43 Greenleaf Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Alex K. Li
Seller: Cynthia M. Barber
Date: 11/18/25

32 Lotus Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $339,900
Buyer: Chelsea S. Parker
Seller: Veteran Stan LLC
Date: 11/25/25

73 Maple Ter.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Francis Odafe
Seller: Daniel D. Parker
Date: 11/25/25

1303 Morgan Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Joshua Houle
Seller: Lemieux, Mary, (Estate)
Date: 11/21/25

1362 Morgan Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $610,000
Buyer: Sean P. O’Brien
Seller: Nicholas H. Lapalme
Date: 11/26/25

19 Norman St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $535,000
Buyer: Bdj Holdings LLC
Seller: JW Real Estate Holdings LLC
Date: 11/25/25

47 Paulson Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Anthony Ingham
Seller: Stephen J. Visconti
Date: 11/21/25

258 Poplar Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Cari Breault
Seller: Beauregard, Estelle, (Estate)
Date: 12/04/25

46 Spring St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Noor D. Noori
Seller: Vladimir Garkavyi
Date: 12/02/25

86 York St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Benjamin Ouellette
Seller: Cig4 LLC
Date: 12/03/25

WESTFIELD

Cabot Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Berkshire Omega Corp.
Seller: William F. Reed FT
Date: 11/21/25

128 Crane Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $585,000
Buyer: Keith F. Brownlee
Seller: Corey J. Hinckley
Date: 12/02/25

30 Cross St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Layne L. Fuller
Seller: Keith A. & R. J. Swords IRT
Date: 12/04/25

37 Feeding Hills Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $4,365,000
Buyer: Westfield Propco LLC
Seller: Westfield Gardens Holdings LLC
Date: 12/03/25

508 Granville Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Yms Property Leasing & Management LLC
Seller: Laplante, Peter, (Estate)
Date: 11/20/25

64 Hillcrest Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Shi Q. Wu
Seller: Moran, Pauline, (Estate)
Date: 11/25/25

24 Jaeger Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $170,252
Buyer: Honeyrock Home Buyers LLC
Seller: Gaspari, Rudolph, (Estate)
Date: 12/05/25

18 Noble St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $257,000
Buyer: Vantage Home Buyers LLC
Seller: Robert A. Bennett
Date: 11/24/25

351 North Elm St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: 351 North Elm Street LLC
Seller: Jeanne S. McGrath
Date: 12/05/25

94 Pineridge Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Jacob Tompkins
Seller: Darnel Alouidor RET
Date: 11/24/25

22 Root Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $570,000
Buyer: Yuliya Reva
Seller: Done Right Homes LLC
Date: 12/02/25

60 Shaker Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Svetlana Malancha
Seller: Hosmer, Timothy J., (Estate)
Date: 11/18/25

36 Susan Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $431,000
Buyer: Tyler Beach
Seller: Jan S. Marvonek
Date: 11/25/25

244 Union St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Victor M. Fraga-Luzardo
Seller: Round Two LLC
Date: 12/02/25

172 Valley View Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: David T. Frederick
Seller: Annmarie R. Liptak
Date: 11/20/25

WILBRAHAM

41 Brookside Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Matthew Bashaw
Seller: Ann Y. Moore
Date: 11/21/25

88 Manchonis Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $398,000
Buyer: Neshamah Roller
Seller: Mullen & Associates LLC
Date: 12/05/25

407 Monson Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Kenneth N. Gagne
Seller: Jason A. Caron
Date: 12/01/25

5 Old Carriage Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Margaret J. Langa
Seller: Jeffrey Hannon
Date: 11/21/25

3 Sawmill Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $546,800
Buyer: Hunter Broggi
Seller: Deborah T. McWilliams TR
Date: 11/18/25

390 Soule Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Charles Winston
Seller: Christian C. Michel
Date: 12/02/25

760 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $356,000
Buyer: Cameron Guzzo
Seller: Janie W. Tencza
Date: 11/24/25

6 Valley View Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $850,000
Buyer: Emmanuel K. Owusu
Seller: Jenay A. Hall
Date: 11/21/25

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

11 Dayton Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $950,000
Buyer: Gabriel P. Andrade
Seller: Susan Pmarcus RET
Date: 11/25/25

958 East Pleasant St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $652,500
Buyer: Yao Chen
Seller: Michele Miller
Date: 12/04/25

66 Harlow Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $485,500
Buyer: Naaka J. Lohmaneeratana
Seller: Jeffrey H. Holden
Date: 11/18/25

967 South East St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $502,000
Buyer: Allison Davis
Seller: Joella C. McDermott
Date: 11/21/25

180 Stanley St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Davi C. Carrasquillo
Seller: James A. Brissette
Date: 11/18/25

75 State St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Yuan Li
Seller: Elizabeth M. Infield
Date: 11/19/25

24 South Sunset Ave.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $716,000
Buyer: Christopher M. Ronkese
Seller: Carolyn S. Quarles IRT
Date: 12/01/25

141 Tracy Circle
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $281,321
Buyer: Arpc LLC
Seller: Steven M. Waskiewicz
Date: 12/03/25

551 West St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $540,000
Buyer: Thomas M. Caprarella
Seller: Heather I. Kovaci
Date: 12/02/25

148 Wildflower Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $495,000
Buyer: Rachel E. Hebert
Seller: Emily S. McDermott RET
Date: 12/02/25

BELCHERTOWN

Cordner Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Peter J. Kierkla
Seller: Khalid Elkalai
Date: 12/05/25

47 Daniel Square
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Greyson Mish
Seller: MK TR
Date: 11/24/25

47 Daniel Square
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: MK TR
Seller: Thomas L. Beaver
Date: 11/21/25

460 Federal St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Gilda Horgan
Seller: Mwc Homes LLC
Date: 12/05/25

769 Federal St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $573,000
Buyer: Duncan L. Lindbo
Seller: Sherri A. Boivin
Date: 11/21/25

North Liberty St., Lot 1
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Kevin R. Morin
Seller: Melanie E. Spellman
Date: 11/21/25

110 North Washington St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Maxwell Lamontagne
Seller: Gloria J. Grace
Date: 11/21/25

105 Railroad St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $234,570
Buyer: Joel J. Harder
Seller: Scott Swistak
Date: 12/03/25

Sabin St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Peter J. Kierkla
Seller: Khalid Elkalai
Date: 12/05/25

32 Sherwood Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: David S. Triffletti
Seller: George L. Trusz
Date: 12/05/25

25 Sycamore Circle
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $763,000
Buyer: Paul A. Jubinville
Seller: Richard C. Royce
Date: 12/01/25

CHESTERFIELD

330 East St.
Chesterfield, MA 01096
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: Deborah Kozlowski
Seller: Breau FT
Date: 11/19/25

31 Farmhouse Road
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Nicole M. Miller
Seller: Aldryth S. Bedner
Date: 11/25/25

CUMMINGTON

Stage Road
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $118,000
Buyer: David Taube-Perrotta
Seller: Mountain Stream LLC
Date: 11/20/25

EASTHAMPTON

34 Briggs St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $660,000
Buyer: Donald J. Carter
Seller: Roxanne C. Mariani-Prall
Date: 12/01/25

133 Holyoke St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Matthew M. Linnell
Seller: Lapointe, Richard A., (Estate)
Date: 11/20/25

120 Line St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Patricia L. Hill
Seller: Elliott, Patricia Ann, (Estate)
Date: 12/05/25

12 Pine Hill Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $725,000
Buyer: Russ Fuller
Seller: Dianne L. King
Date: 12/03/25

63 Pomeroy St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Isaac Fadden
Seller: Thomas & Jill Baush LT
Date: 11/21/25

33 Sterling Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Kristen Cuddy-Pease
Seller: Robert J. Pollard LT
Date: 12/05/25

117-119 Union St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $690,000
Buyer: Easthampton Mahadev LLC
Seller: Nti LLC
Date: 11/25/25

GOSHEN

Stage Road
Goshen, MA 01032
Amount: $118,000
Buyer: David Taube-Perrotta
Seller: Mountain Stream LLC
Date: 11/20/25

GRANBY

18 Smith Ave.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $273,000
Buyer: Robert C. Gould
Seller: Donna G. Kmelius
Date: 12/05/25

HADLEY

5 North Lane
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $799,000
Buyer: Steven Robinson
Seller: Matthew Motyka
Date: 11/20/25

256 River Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $362,500
Buyer: Mark Burton
Seller: Harrison Joint RET
Date: 11/25/25

HATFIELD

57 Elm St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $405,500
Buyer: Bho Realty LLC
Seller: Elizabeth L. Kotch
Date: 11/25/25

72 Elm St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $510,000
Buyer: Katherine Markelz
Seller: Jean P. Crevier
Date: 11/25/25

106 Elm St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $860,000
Buyer: David H. Brill
Seller: Heon FT
Date: 12/05/25

166 Rocks Road
Hatfield, MA 01088
Amount: $559,900
Buyer: Jill Griffin
Seller: Terry & Victoria Blunt FT
Date: 12/01/25

HUNTINGTON

8 Basket St.
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Ana Sandman
Seller: Nick Toroni
Date: 11/26/25

12 Rockybrook Dr.
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: James P. McDonough
Seller: Kathleen M. Duda
Date: 11/21/25

NORTHAMPTON

88 Autumn Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Justin I. Malek
Seller: Josiah Friedberg
Date: 11/21/25

634 Burts Pit Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Gary P. Lapon
Seller: Joseph R. Corbeil
Date: 11/19/25

137 Emerson Way
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $850,000
Buyer: Preston White RET
Seller: David Morse
Date: 12/04/25

4 Gleason Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $406,000
Buyer: Patricia C. Marshall
Seller: Richard Lavallee LT
Date: 11/25/25

275 Hatfield St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $323,000
Buyer: Liam Burkerts
Seller: Sara E. Draper
Date: 11/24/25

339 Haydenville Road
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Hugh D. Jones
Seller: Andrew Placzek
Date: 11/21/25

10 Hubbard Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $556,000
Buyer: Northampton Rentals LLC
Seller: Massed-Maxcy 2019 RET
Date: 11/18/25

36 Landy Ave.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $705,000
Buyer: Dena Novak
Seller: Nasreen Azam
Date: 12/04/25

32 Nagle Court
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $1,100,000
Buyer: Anne Paradis
Seller: Sovereign Builders Inc.
Date: 12/04/25

5 Prospect Court
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: V. H. Peters
Seller: Gregory J. Chiara
Date: 12/05/25

269 Ryan Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $383,000
Buyer: Bethany Labelle
Seller: Aaron J. Clark
Date: 11/21/25

8 Tara Circle
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $352,300
Buyer: Tasha A. Rimany
Seller: Traci L. Borowski
Date: 12/02/25

16 Taylor St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Ruth Pryor
Seller: Jill A. Griffin
Date: 11/25/25

50 Walnut St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $610,000
Buyer: David Grogan
Seller: Fred W. Gohr
Date: 11/24/25

1007 Westhampton Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $385,500
Buyer: Ananda Deva Dimartino RET
Seller: Erin J. Kuehn
Date: 11/26/25

PELHAM

121 Amherst Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $555,000
Buyer: Nicholas Azadnia
Seller: Fi Properties LLC
Date: 12/04/25

60 Daniel Shays Hwy.
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $735,000
Buyer: Raymond A. Orr
Seller: John Mancini
Date: 11/25/25

2 Gulf Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $458,000
Buyer: Ryan Rueckert
Seller: John W. Hibbard
Date: 11/25/25

SOUTH HADLEY

4 Alvord St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $660,000
Buyer: Nathaniel Woodland
Seller: Anniemac Private Equity
Date: 11/21/25

Edgewater Lane, Lot 2
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Shane L. Kouflie
Seller: Dino Marinello
Date: 12/02/25

Edgewater Lane, Lot 3
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Shane L. Kouflie
Seller: Dino Marinello
Date: 12/02/25

134 Ferry St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Lcr Builders LLC
Seller: Josephine J. Szewczyk TR
Date: 11/25/25

50 Pine St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $535,000
Buyer: Diana M. Batch
Seller: Fitzgerald Home Solutions LLC
Date: 12/01/25

75 Silver St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $610,000
Buyer: Deborah Moran
Seller: Justin B. Solomon
Date: 11/20/25

15 Stanton Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $557,100
Buyer: Theodore Gilliland
Seller: Maria Bonde
Date: 11/21/25

8 Summit St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: James F. Bachand
Seller: Christopher Desorcy
Date: 12/03/25

63 Washington Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Diego A. Arrieta
Seller: Brian Krok
Date: 11/24/25

SOUTHAMPTON

57 Middle Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $309,270
Buyer: Anthony J. Loughran
Seller: Jay M. Belanger
Date: 12/03/25

40 Strong Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Adam Couture
Seller: Michael Bozik
Date: 11/21/25

WARE

84 Anderson Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Jason A. Whiteloon-Keating
Seller: Boudreau, George V., (Estate)
Date: 12/05/25

133 Greenwich Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Emma Harper
Seller: Suzanne M. Harper
Date: 12/05/25

20 Indian Hill Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $214,500
Buyer: Galen M. Headings
Seller: Deborah A. Fulcher
Date: 11/21/25

14 Laurel Dr.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $197,000
Buyer: Srv Properties LLC
Seller: Clayton F. Jedziniak
Date: 11/21/25

290 Osborne Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $577,000
Buyer: Fakherah Marghub
Seller: Richard A. Cook
Date: 11/18/25

245 West St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Matthew St.Germain
Seller: Therrien, John, (Estate)
Date: 11/21/25

256 West St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $6,657,741
Buyer: Exchangeright Essential I
Seller: Tractor Supply Co. Northeast
Date: 12/03/25

25 Westbrook Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $349,000
Buyer: Lisa M. Colon
Seller: Market Ready Homes LLC
Date: 11/21/25

11 Woodland Heights
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Norma I. Torres
Seller: Alan M. Mosher
Date: 11/21/25

14 Woodland Heights
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $387,000
Buyer: Christopher B. Muldrew
Seller: Daniel J. Neffinger
Date: 12/05/25

WESTHAMPTON

150 Northwest Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $835,000
Buyer: Daniel White
Seller: Robert L. Fuller
Date: 11/18/25

275 Northwest Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $536,500
Buyer: Joseph Corbeil
Seller: Brianna L. Dupras
Date: 11/19/25

56 Reservoir Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $513,000
Buyer: Michael Kinsinger
Seller: Donald P. Brown
Date: 11/19/25

1804 Tob Hill Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $505,000
Buyer: Mass. Audubon Society Inc.
Seller: Richard Murgo
Date: 11/25/25

Ton Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Ma Audubon Society Inc.
Seller: Charles R. O’Connor Jr. FT
Date: 11/25/25

WILLIAMSBURG

32 Ashfield Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Mass. Audubon Society Inc.
Seller: Charles R. O’Connor Jr. FT
Date: 11/25/25

6 Nichols Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $131,601
Buyer: Justin E. Tomsovic
Seller: Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.
Date: 12/04/25

WORTHINGTON

52 Patterson Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Sarah Finley
Seller: Linda S. Arnold
Date: 11/21/25

Building Permits

By
Building Permits

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

CHICOPEE

Echo Properties Inc.
521 East St.
$175,040 — Relocate two interior partitions to enlarge one office and create wellness room; remove and replace all flooring, ceiling tiles, and lighting

Grattan Street Realty LLC
671 Grattan St.
$14,000 — Repairs to exterior (door, window, and brick) and interior (framing, sheetrock, and ceiling) due to vehicle driving through front of building; install new awning at front door

Moreau Masonry Inc.
25 Yelle St.
$25,000 — Roofing, chimney repair, sign

EASTHAMPTON

Chad Hallett
19 Ward Ave.
$29,583 — Replace 21 windows

Nonotuck Properties LLC
40 Maine Ave.
$21,040 — Insulation and weather-stripping

HADLEY

Amherst Development Associates
401 Russell St.
N/A — Remodel some existing rooms

Hadley Elmwood LLC
106 Russell St.
N/A — Renovate existing space, remove non-load-bearing partition

Hawes Clarabelle
13 Sylvia Heights
N/A — New gutters and replacement vinyl windows

LEE

Berkshire Corporate Realty LLC
480 Pleasant St.
$72,500 — Replace alarm panel and devices in kind

LENOX

10 Richmond Mountain Rd YT LLC
10 Richmond Mountain Road
$50,000 — Demolish building additions

Housatonic Hotel LLC
194 Pittsfield Road
$147,500 — Install solar panel

Hyman Holdings LLC
55 Pittsfield Road
$19,900 — Renovations to two bathrooms and service hallway

PITTSFIELD

Allendale Shopping LLC
5 Cheshire Road
$38,404 — Replace rooftop unit

Hillcrest Extended Care Services Inc.
171 Valentine Road
$64,851 — Replace gas-fired rooftop unit

Scarafoni Associates Nominee Trust
5 North St.
$58,800 — Construct new partitions and doors, create two new handicap showers

Scarafoni Associates Nominee Trust
5 North St.
$6,000 — Install new sink base and cabinets

Zion Lutheran Church
74 First St.
$2,375 — Final field hookup of factory-installed wet chemical fire suppression system for kitchen hood located at Zion Housing

The Importance of Teen Employment

By
Opinion

Editorial

 

Tim Paciorek, president of Paciorek Electric in Hatfield — whose story we share starting on page 4 — always had a desire to own his own business someday, even as a child.

What fueled that desire — and, in many ways, was fueled by it — was a work ethic that came from simply … well, working. He had lots of jobs throughout his youth, from a paper route to farm labor; from reconditioning cars to woodcrafting; from raking leaves to mowing lawns. It’s a path he believes would benefit many young people today — only, it’s not as easy to find those jobs for teenagers.

The past 30 years has seen a dramatic decline in youth labor force participation. In the 1990s, most U.S. teenagers had at least some connection to work. But according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the labor force participation rate for teenagers dropped from well above 50% in the mid-1990s to just 36% today. The steepest declines came between the late 1990s and early 2010s, after which participation stabilized at much lower levels.

There are many reasons for that. Fewer jobs for teens exist today due to automation replacing entry-level tasks, increased competition from college graduates, older people staying in the workforce longer, higher minimum wages making teens — and their relative dearth of experience — seem costly, and stricter child labor laws reducing available hours and roles compared to past decades.

Paciorek said any teenager who really wants a job can still likely find one, but less motivated young people aren’t as likely to dig beyond the obvious, while opportunities that dominated in decades past, from paper routes to fast food, aren’t as prevalent today, or are much more populated with adults than in the past.

Some of those adults are seniors, and one can’t blame them for being part of the competition. Many want to work to feel vibrant and stay active and sharp, and many may need to work just to make ends meet.

But first, second, and third jobs are important — for a number of reasons. From a practical standpoint, jobs provide young people with the resources to help pay for college and, in many cases, just to support themselves. Also, they provide key lessons in how the world of work operates, thus better preparing them for future employment — or, for budding entrepreneurs like Paciorek, launching their own enterprises. Jobs also help keep young people from getting bored and getting into trouble.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce lists several reasons why small businesses might want to hire teen workers:

• They’re eager for work. Many teens want financial freedom, and they’re willing to work to get their foot in the door.

• They’re an efficient means to expand the workforce during peak times. Since they’re typically not seeking benefits, hiring teenage workers in part-time, limited-skill positions can be especially useful for businesses operating seasonally or needing extra hands temporarily, such as during summer vacation or over the holidays.

• The business might be eligible for a tax credit. Teens are included under the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit, which encourages employers to hire candidates who face challenges securing employment, and Massachusetts offers state tax credits for hiring registered apprentices in specific industries.

• Businesses can help shape the next generation of working professionals. No matter the industry, teenage workers can develop soft skills such as responsibility, organization, time management, and creative problem solving that will serve them well throughout high school, college, and the workforce. Professional experience at a young age can lead to higher-paying jobs later on, as it boosts résumés and professional skills.

We’ve been saying it for decades, and it’s still true now: area economic development leaders and employers need to collaborate to find ways to get more young people into the workforce, and help build the next generation of success stories.

How to Support Employees with Diabetes

By Contributor
Opinion

Opinion

By Dr. Ana Stankovic

Type 2 diabetes is more than a personal health challenge. It’s a growing workforce challenge, too.

Diabetes costs the U.S. economy approximately $413 billion annually, including more than $106 billion in lost productivity. With more than 38 million Americans living with diabetes and nearly 95% of those cases being type 2, the condition can impact productivity, increase healthcare costs, and affect employee well-being.

This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for employers. With the right tools and support, employers can play a pivotal role in helping their workforce manage and even work to improve their type 2 diabetes.

Here’s how a strategic investment in employee health can help drive measurable outcomes and long-term savings for employers and their workforces.

Why should employers take action? Employers have a unique opportunity to influence the trajectory of type 2 diabetes within their workforces. In Massachusetts, 8.5% of adults are currently living with diabetes, and an estimated 31,000 more will be diagnosed each year.

By investing in proactive, data-driven health strategies, organizations can help employees work to improve their condition, prevent disease progression, and reduce potential and costly complications of type 2 diabetes. This not only benefits individuals, but it may help lower healthcare costs and boost productivity.

There is a business case for type 2 diabetes management. When employers take a strategic approach to type 2 diabetes care, the results can be transformative. Programs that combine technology with clinical support have shown measurable improvements in employee health outcomes. Programs like this may enable employers to lower financial risk while supporting employee health. These efforts may also contribute to higher employee satisfaction and retention, which are critical metrics in today’s competitive labor market.

Supporting whole-person wellness is key. Supplemental benefits can support better overall health outcomes. For example, people living with diabetes are at higher risk of certain oral health conditions like gum disease, but regular dental visits can help prevent or treat gum disease. Diabetes can also increase the risk of vision loss, but most diabetes-related vision loss can be prevented with early detection and treatment. Yet, 60% of people with diabetes do not get annual eye exams.

Integrating, or bundling, dental and vision benefits can help give a clearer picture of overall health, close gaps in care, and may lead to better overall experience and lower long-term healthcare costs.

By incorporating evidence-based diabetes management programs and integrating supplemental benefits, employers can demonstrate a commitment to employee well-being while driving measurable impact, better outcomes, and lower costs.

 

Dr. Ana Stankovic is chief medical officer of UnitedHealthcare of New England.