Day: February 27, 2026

State Awards $11.7 Million to Electrify Public School Buses

By
Daily News

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center announced $11.7 million in funding for six school districts and private transportation providers as part of the fourth round of the School Bus Deployment program. This initiative supports communities putting dependable, modern, electric school buses on the road, making transportation more reliable for students and more affordable for school districts.

“We’re helping school districts upgrade their buses and give our kids the best,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “By electrifying school buses, we’re reducing pollution and making transportation more affordable for schools.”

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s (MassCEC) School Bus Deployment program provides both financial support and hands-on technical planning assistance to ensure a smooth transition for school districts. The program also focuses on supporting high-need and environmental justice communities.

Round 4 grantees include Boston Public Schools ($2,500,000), Acton-Boxborough Regional School District ($1,959,000), Springfield Public Schools ($598,375), Doherty’s Garage Inc. supporting Lincoln and Newton Public Schools ($2,425,000), Highland Electric supporting Belmont Public Schools ($1,839,013), and Student Transportation of America supporting Chicopee Public Schools ($2,390,000).

“The School Bus Deployment program gives communities the tools to provide cleaner, healthier transportation for students,” said Rebecca Tepper, Massachusetts secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs. “This funding improves air quality and protects the long-term health of Massachusetts children and residents.”

To date, MassCEC’s School Bus Deployment program has funded projects to purchase 423 electric school buses across 20 districts and their transportation operators, representing a total investment of more than $34 million. These projects reflect significant statewide momentum toward cleaner, healthier student transportation, while building practical experience in charging infrastructure, operations, and utility coordination.

Storrowton to Host Maple Harvest Day, Pancake Breakfast on March 14

By
Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Maple Harvest Day & Pancake Breakfast returns to Storrowton Village Museum on Saturday, March 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees can learn about the history of maple harvesting in New England while indulging in a meal provided by the West Springfield Lions Club and local sugar shack Ferrindino Maple. Advance discount tickets for the breakfast are available for purchase at storrowtonvillage.com, but walk-ups are welcome through 11:30 a.m.

“It’s the first event of the spring for the West Springfield Lions Club,” said Aldo Paier, treasurer of the group. “From that point on, we are busy all year through the Big E. It is the best way to start our year, and we always look forward to it.”

Maple harvesting is an authentic, centuries-old New England tradition. Early European settlers learned how to make maple sugar from Native Americans, then set up sugar camps near maple tree groves. Despite the time and labor production required, maple sugar was a very important resource that was regularly traded and sold. It remains a staple of New England’s identity.

The West Springfield Lions Club will be flipping pancakes and serving them hot off the griddle with pure Ferrindino maple syrup in the Village’s Greenwich Barn from 10 a.m. to noon. Plates include a side of sausage with coffee or juice. All proceeds from the breakfast will be donated to Storrowton Village Museum’s year-round educational programming.

“People come no matter what the weather is,” said Jessica Fontaine, Eastern States Exposition’s director of Storrowton Village Museum. “Our visitors acknowledge Maple Harvest Day as the start of spring, and we are happy that they choose to spend it learning with us.”

During the event, Storrowton Village’s historic Gilbert Farmhouse will be transformed into a sugarhouse, allowing visitors to learn how syrup has been harvested throughout many generations. From tree tapping to sap boiling, volunteers will demonstrate the process of harvesting and provide 19th-century, open-hearth cooking demonstrations. Guests will also have access to trade demonstrations, docent-led tours, trolley rides to the Eastern States Farmers Market and Wine Café, and a glimpse at the second floor of the farmhouse. Ferrindino Maple will offer information sessions, product tastings, and maple items for sale.

“I think it is interesting for families to come see the maple harvest craft,” said John Leary, past president of the West Springfield Lions Club. “There aren’t many places where people can see demonstrations like this, and they get to enjoy breakfast.”

Photography is allowed throughout the event. It is recommended that guests dress in layers and wear sensible shoes. The Gilbert Farmhouse is not wheelchair accessible. In the event of severe weather, Maple Harvest Day will be canceled.

Chic Salon Beauty Bar to Host Grand Opening, Ribbon Cutting Today

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — After a postponement due to this week’s snowstorm, Chic Salon Beauty Bar Inc. has rescheduled its grand opening and ribbon cutting celebration for today, Feb. 27 from 1:30 to 5 p.m.

The upscale salon is located at 250 Westfield Road, Suite 3, Holyoke. On-site parking is available for guests. The event wll include a ribbon cutting at 2:30 p.m. featuring Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia, a live DJ, catered refreshments, and a professional photographer capturing every moment.

Picture This

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Pictured, from left: BECMA’s Charles Mackenson talks with Dyer, Banks, and Berry at the event.
Picture This

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

 

413 Entrepreneur Spotlight

In celebration of Black History Month, the 413 Entrepreneur Spotlight — Living Local 413 and Common Capital’s monthly series highlighting local business owners — featured the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA) as this month’s partner. The event spotlighted Black entrepreneurs driving innovation, advocacy, and enterprise across the region. Three standout BECMA entrepreneurs were highlighted: Jon Dyer of Jon Dyer Electrician, Dr. Katrina Banks of Neurologic Optimal Wellness, and Ray Berry of White Lion Brewing Co.

Pictured, from left: BECMA’s Charles Mackenson talks with Dyer, Banks, and Berry at the event.

Pictured, from left: BECMA’s Charles Mackenson talks with Dyer, Banks, and Berry at the event.

Back to Square One

Attorneys Ryan Alekman and Rob DiTusa, principals of Alekman DiTusa, LLC, recently gifted $25,000 to Square One’s capital campaign. In November, Square One opened a new early learning center in Springfield’s South End neighborhood. Phase 2 of the $19 million campaign involves the renovation of an adjacent building, which was donated by the Balise family and will become home to a family resource center, providing workforce development programming, family support services, and emergency supplies. The capital gift comes in addition to the law firm’s annual $5,000 classroom sponsorship and $5,000 Derby Party sponsorship. 

Pictured, from left: Kristine Allard and Dawn DiStefano of Square One, DiTusa, and Alekman.

Pictured, from left: Kristine Allard and Dawn DiStefano of Square One, DiTusa, and Alekman.

 

 

Agenda

By
Agenda

Alumni Achievement Award Nominations

Through April 9: BusinessWest is accepting nominations for its 12th annual 40 Under Forty Alumni Achievement Award. Nominations are due by Thursday, April 9. They can be submitted at businesswest.com/40-under-forty/alumniachievementaward. The finalists will be profiled in BusinessWest, and the winner will be announced at the 40 Under Forty awards gala, presented by PeoplesBank, on Thursday, June 11 at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. BusinessWest launched its 40 Under Forty program in 2007 to identify and celebrate rising stars across our region who are excelling in business and involved in the community. Launched in 2015, the Alumni Achievement Award was created to honor the 40 Under Forty honorees who have most impressively continued and built upon their track records of accomplishment. For more information, contact Natasha Mercado-Santana, Marketing and Events Manager, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or [email protected].

 

License Plate Auction

March 2-8: The Springfield Museums announced a second online auction of low-number Massachusetts license plates featuring Dr. Seuss’s iconic Cat in the Hat. The auction will run from March 2 at 10 a.m. through March 8 at 5 p.m. The Springfield Museums is home to the world’s only museum dedicated to the Springfield native and beloved children’s author (born Theodor Seuss Geisel), with proceeds from the plates supporting the its mission to promote literacy and learning. With just 26 remaining, this might be the final opportunity for Massachusetts residents to own a coveted low-number Dr. Seuss plate. The catalog of plates can be viewed online now at drseussplates.givesmart.com. Highlights include single-digit plates such as DR 2 and DR 5, as well as DR 50, a nod to the publisher’s challenge that inspired Green Eggs and Ham, written using only 50 unique words. Additional double-digit plates — potentially meaningful for birthdays, anniversaries, or other special dates — will also be offered. The auction will take place at drseussplates.givesmart.com, where interested buyers are encouraged to register in advance to receive updates. Bidders can participate in real time from desktop, mobile, and tablet devices. Registration is also available by texting DrSeussPlates to 76278.

 

Outlook 2026

March 6: The Springfield Regional Chamber announced that Susan Collins, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, will serve as the keynote speaker for Outlook 2026, taking place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. Collins contributes to the Federal Open Market Committee’s deliberations on U.S. monetary policy and brings timely insight into the economic forces affecting businesses and communities across New England and the nation. Since taking office in 2022, she has led the Boston Fed’s work in economic research, financial stability, community development, and financial innovation. A nationally respected macroeconomist, Collins previously served as dean and provost at the University of Michigan and as a professor at Georgetown University and Harvard University. She was recently recognized by thr American Economic Assoc. as one of its Distinguished Fellows for 2025. Outlook 2026 will bring together business leaders and policymakers to explore what lies ahead from local, state, and federal perspectives. Visit business.springfieldregionalchamber.com/eventcalendar to register.

 

‘The ABCs of EV Ownership’

March 7: DC Station will host a workshop, “The ABCs of EV Ownership,” from 1 to 2 p.m. at 5 Fulton Ave., Northampton. Attendees will learn all there is to know about making the switch to electric driving. The 45-minute offering will be led by Greg Goff, who oversees EV Base Camp, the education center for DC Station. Goff is an automotive consultant with over a decade of experience with EVs, and he will offer a talk and then answer questions. Topics to be covered include the benefits of going electric; home versus public charging options; understanding charging times and costs; battery care, range, and lifespan; costs; ownership experience; and tax credits, rebates, and other incentives. DC Station opened in October, offering 10 fast, level 3 charging ports for electric vehicles.

 

First Saturdays at the Print Shop

March 7, April 4, May 2: The Print Shop Makerspace in downtown Holyoke invites families, creatives, and curious community members of all ages to explore hands-on art and design through First Saturdays at the Print Shop, a free, monthly workshop series running February through May. Held on the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Print Shop Makerspace, 62 Main St., the series offers welcoming, drop-in workshops that introduce participants to the tools, technology, and creative possibilities of a working print shop and classroom space. No prior experience is required, and all materials are provided while supplies last. Each First Saturday features a different make-and-take activity designed to spark curiosity and build creative confidence. Upcoming workshops include custom sticker printing, wearable art using heat transfer vinyl, and a Print Day in May open house on May 2, part of an international celebration of printmaking and creative production. That event will feature expanded activities and demonstrations, inviting the public to circulate through the space, try multiple creative processes, and celebrate Holyoke’s long history as the Paper City while connecting to a global printmaking movement.

 

Women Making a Difference Award Dinner

March 9: Each year in March, the global community recognizes women for their achievements regardless of national, ethnic, linguistic, economic, or political divisions. The Zonta International community also celebrates Zonta Rose Day, a time to reflect and give tribute to the women who have empowered us. In this spirit, the Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley announces its Women Making a Difference Award dinner at the Ludlow Country Club. The theme of this year’s International Women’s celebration, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” calls for inclusive legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, and addressing structural barriers to justice and opportunity for women and girls. The honorees for 2026 are champions for this theme: Jacqueline Velez, lead organizer for Holyoke’s Neighbor to Neighbor and community project coordinator for Live Well Springfield, drives campaigns for criminal justice reform, climate action, and housing justice. Samantha Hamilton, director of Coalition Building and Community Engagement at the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts and co-founder of A Queen’s Narrative, leverages more than 22 years of experience to advance health equity, address environmental and social disparities, and empower women and girls. Marianne Winters, who has forged a career dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault, held executive leadership roles at Jane Doe Inc. and the Rape Crisis Center of Central Massachusetts prior to her nearly 15-year tenure as executive director of Safe Passage. Darlene Elias, a social worker, writer, activist, and long-time advocate in child welfare and community organizing, is a co-founder of the Writing Sisters collective and a board member of Alianza and the Straw Dog Writers Guild. The event will start with a reception at 5:30 p.m., with dinner at 6 p.m. and the program to folow. RSVP by March 2 at [email protected]. Attendees can pay at the door for the buffet ($35 for an individual or $30 each for a table of eight) or pay online. For more information, visit www.zontaqv.org.

 

‘Homebuying 101: Your Path to Homeownership’

March 12: Monson Savings Bank will host a free workshop, “Homebuying 101: Your Path to Homeownership,” from 6 to 9 p.m. at Red Rose Pizzeria in Springfield. The bank has designed this workshop to break down the homebuying process from start to finish in an easily digestible format, focusing on the fundamentals. It was developed to be informative, friendly, and actionable, ensuring attendees leave the event feeling hopeful and supported as they take steps toward homeownership. The event will be hosted by Monson Savings Bank homebuying experts Wil Morales, Terry Poloski, and Brett Charron, who will provide helpful advice and answers to attendees’ questions, as well as cheat sheets, tools, and a clear plan to make homeownership possible. The bank will provide registrants with complimentary light refreshments and free parking. To further support the homebuying success, registered attendees will be gifted a coupon offer of up to $585 off an appraisal fee, along with an opportunity to win gift card drawing prizes. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited. To register, visit www.monsonsavings.bank/homebuyers-event or call (413) 267-4646 for assistance.

 

St. Patrick’s Breakfast

March 18: The Greater Holyoke Chamber invites the entire community to its annual St. Patrick’s Breakfast, presented by Witman Properties, PeoplesBank, HG&E, bankESB, and Greenfield Cooperative Bank. The event will take place at 7:30 a.m. at the Log Cabin. This traditional gathering offers an opportunity for residents, business leaders, community leaders, and community members to reconnect, celebrate local achievements, and honor this year’s distinguished award recipients. Award presentations will be complemented by a raffle featuring a variety of prizes. Businesses and individuals are encouraged to submit raffle prizes, further highlighting their commitment to the community, while attendees are invited to purchase raffle tickets in advance or at the breakfast to support the chamber’s efforts. As an added highlight, crowd favorites Last Night’s Fun will return to perform. Visit holyokechamber.com to register and secure raffle tickets.

 

Pickleball Tournament

March 29: Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) is hosting a high-energy pickleball tournament at the Picklr, 415 East Main St., Westfield, from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., bringing together players of all skill levels for a full day of fun in support of affordable housing in Western Mass. The tournament is a two-player team round robin event, with the day divided into timed sections based on skill level to ensure competitive and enjoyable play for everyone. Registration is required, and tickets cost $50 per person. All proceeds from the event will benefit Greater Springfield Habitat and its mission to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter. In addition to tournament play, attendees will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets and Habitat merchandise throughout the day. GSHFH is also seeking event sponsors to help make the tournament a success. Sponsorship opportunities include four levels: ace sponsor ($1,500), kitchen sponsor ($1,000), court sponsor ($750), and community sponsor ($500). Sponsors will receive recognition and visibility while directly supporting affordable housing efforts in the region. For registration details, sponsorship information, and event updates, visit habitatspringfield.org/pickleball.

 

Women’s Leadership Conference

April 2: Bay Path University announced that award-winning journalist Gayle King will serve as the keynote speaker at the 29th annual Women’s Leadership Conference (WLC), taking place at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield. Since joining CBS News in 2011, King has interviewed world leaders, political figures, and cultural icons, ranging from Barack Obama to Billie Eilish to Elon Musk. Her work exploring social issues, politics, pop culture, history, and race has earned her three Emmy Awards, induction into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame (2018), and inclusion on TIME magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential People (2019). The WLC will also feature lunchtime speaker Michelle Poler, an entrepreneur and brand strategist whose motivational philosophy, Hello Fears, has inspired thousands to step outside their comfort zones and unlock their full potential. She has presented to organizations including TEDx, Google, Facebook, Wells Fargo, ESPN, P&G, and Microsoft. Breakout sessions throughout the day are led by top business experts and coaches. Tamilla Triantoro, associate professor at Quinnipiac University, will examine the impact of artificial intelligence on leadership, helping leaders to deploy AI responsibly. She has been featured in BBC, Forbes, and Fast Company. Melissa Majors, a business advisor and coach, will lead a session that draws on her leadership experience to address the challenges of modern work, such as burnout, disconnection, groupthink, and more. Additional breakout speakers include Erin Stafford, who will share lessons on maintaining balance through the lens of a self-described “recovering Type A overachiever,” and Sheree Cain-Jones, who will draw on her lived experiences as a teen mother, adult college student, and TEDx coach to offer strategies for rising above perceived limitations. Visit www.baypath.edu/events-calendar/womens-leadership-conference for more information on the conference, sponsorship opportunities, and ticket sales.

 

Difference Makers Gala

April 7: Tickets are now on sale for the 18th annual Difference Makers awards gala, hosted by BusinessWest. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. The class of 2026 — profiled in the Feb. 16 issue of BusinessWest and at businesswest.com — includes Ryan Alekman and Robert DiTusa, partners, Alekman DiTusa, LLC; Rachelle Hannoush, director of Youth, Violence Prevention, and Court Support Programs, YWCA of Western Massachusetts; Jess Miller, comedian and founder, the Kind Squad; Darby O’Brien, owner, Darby O’Brien Advertising; Julie Quink, managing principal, Burkhart Pizzanelli, P.C.; Edward Sokolowski, managing partner and wealth advisor, Pioneer Valley Financial Group; Margaret Tantillo, executive director, O’Dell Women’s Center; and Zeno Temple, founder, Just Us Movement. Tickets cost $95 per person, and tables of 10 or 12 are available. They can be purchased at businesswest.com/eventcalendar/difference-makers-2026-tickets. The 18th annual Difference Makers program is sponsored by Burkhart Pizzanelli, TommyCar Auto Group, and Westfield Bank. The Difference Makers program was launched in 2009 to recognize and celebrate the work of individuals, groups, businesses, and institutions that are positively impacting the Pioneer Valley. For more information on tickets or sponsorships, call Natasha Mercado-Santana, Marketing and Events manager, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or email [email protected].

 

EANE Leadership Summit

April 9: The Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast (EANE) announced that its annual Leadership Summit supporting organizational learning in the New England region will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the MGM Conference Center in Springfield. Today, being a people leader is harder than ever. The theme for this year’s Leadership Summit is “Elevate Your Impact,” and the team from Radical Candor will present the opening keynote session. Kim Scott’s book has been a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller for years, and her guiding principles around caring authentically and challenging directly is widely embraced by leaders around the world as an effective leadership strategy. Radical Candor coach Stephanie Sage will share these insights with the audience. The conference also features lunchtime keynote Arel Moodie and a day full of high-impact workshop sessions. To learn more or register for this event, visit www.eane.org/event/leadership-summit-2026 or email Allison Ebner at [email protected].

People on the Move

By
People on the Move
Lydia Dodson

Lydia Dodson

Reena Lichtenfeld

Humberto Ariza

Humberto Ariza

Bay Path University announced the appointments of Lydia Dodson as chief of staff to the president, Reena Lichtenfeld as vice president for Enrollment Management and Marketing, and Humberto Ariza as director of Augmented Intelligence Operations. Dodson, a skilled higher education professional with more than a decade of senior leadership experience, reports directly to President Sandra Doran. She will lead the operations of the Office of the President and serve as liaison to the board of trustees, partnering closely with board leadership to support effective governance, trustee engagement, and board communications. She will also oversee presidential communications, guide the university’s grants strategy, and coordinate government relations efforts, helping to align external partnerships and resources with Bay Path’s mission and long-term strategic priorities. Most recently, Dodson served as executive director of the Future of Work Institute & Partnerships at Massasoit Community College, where she led workforce and economic development initiatives and cultivated partnerships across education, government, and industry. Previously, she served as chief of staff and associate vice president of Strategy, Planning, and Innovation, following earlier roles in the President’s Office, including serving as primary liaison to the board of trustees. She earned a bachelor’s degree in management from Johnson & Wales University. She holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a doctor of education degree in higher education leadership from Johnson & Wales University. Lichtenfeld will join the executive leadership team and provide strategic leadership for enrollment management, marketing, and communications. Most recently, she served as senior vice president at RNL + Encoura, where she led Enrollment and CRM Consulting Services, overseeing organizational assessments, marketing and communication audits, and student journey optimization for institutions nationwide. Her prior roles at RNL + Encoura include Vice president, assistant vice president, and executive consultant, during which she advised colleges and universities on strategic enrollment planning, recruitment strategy, governance, accreditation, and compliance. Earlier in her career, she held senior enrollment leadership roles at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development and Laureate Education. At Bay Path, Lichtenfeld will oversee undergraduate and graduate admissions, marketing, communications, and the enrollment center, leading a division of 56 professionals. She will guide the development of data-informed enrollment and marketing strategies that support the university’s mission, strengthen brand identity across all campuses and online programs, and drive sustainable enrollment growth across all modalities. She holds a doctor of education degree in higher education administration from Walden University, a master of education degree in higher education administration, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of South Carolina. Ariza brings more than a decade of experience in higher education as a scholar, academic leader, and strategist. Prior to joining Bay Path, he served at D’Youville University, where he led initiatives focused on innovation in digital learning and AI-enhanced education. He holds a doctorate in education and is a published author and researcher on AI and online learning. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in AI and hyperautomation through EUNEIZ Universidad and EBIS Business Techschool in Spain. In addition to his academic work, Ariza was a co-founder and now serves as senior advisor to a multinational AI-powered educational technology company that supports higher education institutions in Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East, regions facing some of the highest barriers to access in higher education. An internationally invited speaker and podcast host, he regularly engages faculty, academic leaders, and policymakers in conversations about the responsible, mission-aligned use of AI in education. His leadership and scholarship have been recognized with the Future Leaders Scholarship Award from the Assoc. of American Colleges and Universities. At Bay Path, Ariza will provide leadership for the university’s AI initiatives at all levels.

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Jeff Carpenter

Jeff Carpenter

M&T Bank announced the appointment of Jeff Carpenter as its new regional president for Massachusetts. With more than two decades of corporate and specialty banking experience, Carpenter brings deep regional knowledge, financial expertise, and a strong record of leadership to this role, reinforcing M&T’s commitment to delivering exceptional service to its customers. Carpenter has served as executive vice president, head of Specialty and Corporate Banking since 2023. In his expanded role as regional president, he will guide M&T’s regional leaders, including members of its retail banking, business banking, commercial banking, wealth management, government banking, and charitable teams, as well as leading the collaborative, Boston-based team. An active member of the Boston community, he will continue to serve on several boards, including the YMCA of Greater Boston, Just Living Communities, and the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. Prior to joining M&T Bank, Carpenter led several Capital Markets, Commercial Banking, and Credit teams at People’s United Bank, Banco Santander, and Sovereign Bank. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Bentley University.

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Janna McLaughlin

Janna McLaughlin

AnnieMac Home Mortgage announced the hiring of Janna McLaughlin as a new branch manager, strengthening the company’s growing presence across Western Mass. A longtime Western Mass. resident, she brings professional expertise and deep local roots to her new role. Advancing through increasingly responsible roles since 2018, McLaughlin works with buyers across the spectrum, but her specialties include helping first-time homebuyers and working with real estate investors and self-employed borrowers with DSCR (debt service coverage ratio) loans. Her knowledge of these specialized programs has made her a trusted resource for clients navigating non-traditional lending scenarios. McLaughlin concentrates her efforts in Hampshire and Hampden counties, serving clients throughout Western Mass., and is also licensed in Connecticut, South Carolina, Florida, and Virginia.

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Peter Pan Bus Lines announced the appointment of Jacob DuBois as senior director of Safety and Security, effective Feb. 1. He brings extensive experience in transportation safety and operations to his new role. He most recently served as Connecticut Division manager, overseeing daily operations while maintaining a strong focus on safety, regulatory compliance, and service excellence. Prior to that role, DuBois served as director of Safety and Security at Peter Pan Bus Lines, leading key initiatives to strengthen the company’s safety culture and compliance programs. In his new position, DuBois will oversee all aspects of Peter Pan’s safety and security operations, working closely with senior leadership to ensure the highest standards of safety, security, and regulatory compliance across the organization.

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Kyle Shepard

Kyle Shepard

MountainOne Bank announced the promotion of Kyle Shepard to assistant vice president of Loan Operations and business analyst manager. In his role as AVP of Loan Operations, Shepard oversees the daily functions of the Loan Servicing department, including payment processing, escrow management, and collections. As business analyst manager, he supervises a team responsible for developing and implementing strategies and procedures that strengthen operational efficiency, enhance customer service, and mitigate risk. Shepard joined MountainOne in March 2014 as a personal banker. Over his nearly 12 years with the organization, he has advanced through a series of roles including electronic banking specialist, customer care liaison, and operations analyst. Most recently, he served as AVP, operations manager prior to his promotion. He is a graduate of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts with a degree in business administration and management, as well as an accredited ACH professional.

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Connor Phillips

Connor Phillips

Phillips Insurance has expanded its Construction Services Group with the addition of Connor Phillips as director of Surety. Phillips joins the agency from Arch Surety, the eighth-largest surety writer in the U.S., where he developed expertise in complex surety programs, including joint ventures, subcontractor default insurance, and design-build delivery. In his new role, he will lead and further develop the agency’s surety practice for contractor clients nationwide. He began his career at Arch Surety after graduating from the College of the Holy Cross with a degree in economics and statistics. While at Holy Cross, he served as captain of the Division I men’s golf team and was named a Srixon All-American. He has earned the associate in fidelity & surety bonding (AFSB) and construction risk and insurance specialist (CRIS) designations.

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Joanna Czarniecka

Joanna Czarniecka

Greenfield/Northampton Cooperative Bank announced the hiring of Joanna Czarniecka as assistant vice president and branch manager of its South Hadley branch office, located at 487 Newton St. She joins the bank with more than nine years of local banking experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from UMass Amherst. In her new role, Czarniecka will oversee daily branch operations, develop and service relationships with existing customers, and assist new customers with loan and deposit products.

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Country Bank announced the appointments of Ted Noonan, president of Noonan Energy, as chairman of the board, and Steve Musso, former chief operating officer of FinPro, as vice chair of the board. Both appointments reflect the Bank’s continued commitment to strong governance, strategic leadership, and long-term stability. Noonan succeeds James Phaneuf, who has served as chairman of the board for the past four years. Phaneuf will continue serving on the board, providing valuable institutional knowledge and ongoing leadership support. As vice chair, Musso will support the board’s leadership and governance, leveraging his experience and perspective to advance the bank’s strategic priorities. The board also recognized Phaneuf for his 29 years of leadership and service on the board, including four years as chairman, and noted his role in guiding the bank through a period of change, growth, stability, and strategic focus.

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Taylor Robbins

Taylor Robbins

The Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) board of directors announced the election of Taylor Robbins as its new board president. Robbins brings extensive business experience and team leadership, as well as a rich history with the GNCC and a deep commitment to its mission. Robbins previously served on the chamber’s ambassador committee, nominating committee, and annual meeting committee. Both Jennifer Ewers, financial advisor at Edward Jones Investments, and Doug Gilbert, vice president, commercial team leader at Florence Bank, will continue their roles as the board’s vice president and treasurer, respectively. Robbins is vice president, business banking relationship manager at M&T Bank, where she supports business owners through business lending and deposit solutions. Previously, she was business relationship manager at UMassFive College Federal Credit Union, where she maintained a loan portfolio of more than 500 businesses in the community.

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Teresa Dupere

Teresa Dupere

Bacon Wilson, P.C. announced that Teresa Dupere has joined the firm as Title and Real Estate counsel, effective early November 2025. Dupere brings more than 15 years of experience in real estate law and title matters. Dupere earned her juris doctorate from Western New England University School of Law, completed the paralegal studies program at Elms College, and received her bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences with a minor in biology from UMass Amherst. She has extensive knowledge of residential and commercial real estate title examination and related matters, and will be enhancing the firm’s real estate practice with her expertise. Prior to joining Bacon Wilson, Dupere worked as a real estate attorney at a local general practice law firm, focusing on comprehensive title searches, reviewing legal documents to confirm the accuracy of title information, preparing title reports and maintaining chain-of-title records, and resolving title defects to ensure clear title prior to closing. She will work primarily out of Bacon Wilson’s Springfield office, supporting both the firm’s residential and commercial real estate departments.

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Patrick LaBelle

Patrick LaBelle

The Center for Community News (CCN) at the University of Vermont named Holyoke Community College (HCC) radio station manager Patrick LaBelle a Community News Champion for 2026. LaBelle is one of 150 journalism leaders from colleges across the country who will be part of the organization’s 2026 class of Faculty Champions. These individuals, who include college faculty and staff members, are being recognized for their efforts to start or expand college-led reporting programs in their region and their contribution to a national movement of student-powered community reporting. LaBelle comes from a community news background. He received his bachelor’s degree in communications and mass media from UMass Amherst and has worked for three community access media stations: Canton Community TV, Hadley Media, and Frontier Community Access Television. He is also a former DJ on WMUA 91.1 FM at UMass. Since coming on board in 2024 as manager of the HCC radio station, WCCH 103.5 FM, LaBelle has launched a number of new initiatives, including “Live From Studio B,” a series of short, in-studio musical performances modeled after National Public Radio’s Tiny Desk Concerts. He also hosts a weekly radio show on WCCH (“The Power Hour with Professor Pat,” on Tuesdays from 1 to 2 p.m.), and is adviser to the HCC Radio Club and co-host of “The Green Thread” podcast, a new, monthy series of HCC alumni interviews.

•••••

Bulkley Richardson announced that Lisa Harty has been named vice chair of the YMCA of Greater Springfield’s corporate board of directors executive committee. Harty, an attorney at Bulkley Richardson, focuses her practice on representing healthcare professionals in medical malpractice matters. Her expertise as both a medical doctor and an attorney bolsters her ability to understand her clients’ cases to develop the strongest defense possible. The YMCA’s mission is to serve human needs in Greater Springfield by providing programs that promote lifelong personal growth and the balanced development of spirit, mind, and body for all. Throughout the 14 cities and towns in the region, YMCA members and participants are impacted by core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Monson Savings Bank Announces $25,000 in Community Donations

MONSON — Monson Savings Bank announced 11 receipients of its 2026 Community Giving Initiative. This was the 16th year Monson Savings Bank ran its Community Giving Initiative poll. This year, more than 5,200 votes were received — a record-breaking response. By inviting public votes, the bank ensures that its charitable contributions reflect the community’s values and priorities, fostering a shared commitment to enhancing the well-being of the neighborhoods it serves. Now that the votes have been counted, Monson Savings Bank is planning to donate $25,000 among this year’s top 11 vote recipients. Traditionally, 10 recipients are selected, but due to a tie, 11 organizations will be honored this year. The recipients include I Found Light Against All Odds, Springfield; Magic for Maddie, Southampton; Friends of Hampden Seniors, Hampden; South End Community Center, Springfield; Springfield Ballers, Springfield; YWCA of Western Massachusetts, Springfield; Monson Free Library, Monson; Springfield Jewish Community Center, Springfield; CLUBOH, Springfield; Aida’s Food Truck, Palmer; and Miracle League of Western Massachusetts, Holyoke.

 

Greenfield Cooperative Bank Reopens Northfield Branch

GREENFIELD — On Feb. 6, Greenfield Cooperative Bank hosted a grand reopening and ribbon cutting at its newly remodeled Northfield branch office, located at 144 Main St.. The branch officially opened its renovated lobby to customers and the community on Feb. 2 for full banking services. In addition to a fresh interior, the branch now offers two drive-up lanes and a new, 24-hour drive-up ATM. The branch also offers expanded hours, including earlier weekday openings and Saturday hours.

 

Ooh La La Lingerie Shop Changes Ownership

NORTHAMPTON — Ooh La La, a lingerie shop in Thornes Marketplace with items that range from the traditional to the risqué, has changed hands, and the new owner — a loyal customer — took the lead on Jan. 1. Monica Fogg purchased the three-year-old business from founder Ali Ingellis of Amherst in a sale that was finalized on Dec. 10. Ingellis works full-time at Mount Holyoke College and recently received a promotion that took her time away from the business. Fogg holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and art history from the University of Delaware and began her work in the hospitality industry at 13 as a self-described peppy coat-check girl at a high-end restaurant in Delaware. She has worked for Nickelodeon in its book publishing division, and most recently at IBM as a product marketing manager. After 17 years in sales and marketing, Fogg took time off in 2023 to focus on a long-term eating disorder and her struggles with body size. She came to the Valley soon after and, with her sister, became an Ooh La La customer. In September, she began work at the store part-time. Now, she plans to blend her marketing experience with her personal learnings to connect with customers, diversify the price range, and expand product lines and size options.

 

Elms College Partners with State University of Haiti

CHICOPEE — Elms College ratified a new partnership agreement with the State University of Haiti to create a continuing education program. A signing ceremony took place on Feb. 17 at Elms College. This agreement builds upon Elms College’s other university partnerships in Haiti. In 2019, a partnership was established between the Elms College School of Nursing and the Episcopal University of Haiti School of Nursing. That partnership, now the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Haiti Nursing Continuing Education Program, brings together nurse faculty from across Haiti and uses a train-the-trainer approach, with nursing faculty from the Elms College School of Nursing training nursing faculty from across Haiti in leading-edge nursing skills that they bring to their own students. The overall goal is to improve the health of the Haitian people. At the signing event, Elms College welcomed leaders from the State University of Haiti, including Rector Dieuseul Predelus, Professor Ricot Pierre-Louis, and Professor Marie Chantal Dumay.

 

UMass Amherst Recognized by Fulbright Scholar Program

AMHERST — UMass Amherst has been named a Fulbright Top Producing Institution for the fifth time, a designation awarded to an elite group of U.S. universities with the most faculty researchers and administrators selected for the prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program in 2025-26. UMass Amherst faculty members representing the Riccio College of Engineering (Emily Kumpel and Nick Tooker), the College of Humanities and Fine Arts (Margaret Vickery and Christine Ho), the College of Natural Sciences (Panayotis Kevrekidis), and the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (Ina Ganguli) were selected last fall to receive Fulbright U.S. Scholar awards. They have since been conducting and sharing research with partner institutions in Africa, Asia, India, and Europe. UMass Amherst is among 25 institutions — and one of only two in New England — named as Fulbright U.S. Scholar Top Producers for 2025-26, the fifth time the university has been recognized among doctorate-awarding, top-tier research universities under the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. UMass Amherst Fulbright Scholars join the national Fulbright alumni network dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities and the world. The network includes 44 heads of state or government, 63 Nobel laureates, 93 Pulitzer Prize winners, and 83 MacArthur fellows.

 

Smith College Named a Top Fulbright Producer

NORTHAMPTON — Smith College has once again been named among the nation’s top producers of Fulbright U.S. Student Program award recipients, continuing a long-standing record of preparing graduates for global engagement and impact. Smith is one of only five baccalaureate institutions that can claim being a Top Producer of Fulbright Students every year since the designation began in the 2009-10 academic year. The 2025-26 recognition marks Smith’s 17th consecutive year on the list. This year, the college ranks 12th among top Fulbright-producing institutions nationwide. The Fulbright Program, established in 1946, is the U.S. government’s flagship international academic exchange initiative, supporting study, research, and teaching abroad. For the third consecutive year, 10 Smith students and recent alums have been selected for Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards. Smith recipients will teach, conduct research, and pursue advanced study in Taiwan, Sweden, South Korea, Germany, Spain, Japan, and Italy. Smith’s sustained success as a Fulbright Top Producing Institution reflects the college’s interdisciplinary approach to learning, where faculty mentorship and student scholarship combine to address complex global challenges.

 

Whittlesey Wins ClearlyRated Best of Accounting Award

HARTFORD, Conn. — Whittlesey, the largest Connecticut-based CPA and consulting firm, announced it has received the 2026 ClearlyRated Best of Accounting Award for superior client service. ClearlyRated’s Best of Accounting Award recognizes industry leaders in service quality, based solely on client ratings. In the 2025 survey, clients of award winners were 70% more likely to be satisfied than those working with non-winning firms. Whittlesey received satisfaction scores of 9 or 10 out of 10 from 79.8% of its clients, well above the industry average of 48%. “Service excellence isn’t a one-time achievement — it’s a daily commitment,” said Drew Andrews, managing partner and CEO of Whittlesey. “This award reflects the trust our clients place in us and the dedication our team brings to every engagement. As we move into 2026, we remain focused on listening closely, innovating thoughtfully, and delivering meaningful results that help our clients thrive.”

 

Chic Salon Beauty Bar Celebrates New Location

HOLYOKE — Chic Salon Beauty Bar Inc., led by husband-and-husband team José Ocaña and Josh Esteva, announced the opening of their newest upscale salon concept at 250 Westfield Road, Suite 3, Holyoke. This latest chapter builds on the company’s legacy as an inclusive beauty leader, following its success in Chicopee. Before launching their first collaborative salon in 2018, Ocaña honed his craft at a former salon in Holyoke, making this return a meaningful homecoming for both owners. Designed as a refuge where every guest feels at home, Chic Salon Beauty Bar Inc. offers a quiet, comfortable environment welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community, trans clientele, and individuals on the autism spectrum. Ocaña, a 20-year expert hairstylist, renowned platform artist, and international educator, partners with Esteva, a six-year esthetician whose experience spans medical technology, HIV counseling, and administrative work at CEPA. Together, they deliver a full suite of treatments — expert hair styling, vibrant coloring, waxing, intense pulsed light therapy, and signature transformations for milestone occasions like quinceañeras and weddings.

 

Big Y Donates 1 Million Meals to Local Food Banks

SPRINGFIELD — Big Y’s annual Sack Hunger campaign once again delivered a powerful show of community support, providing 1 million meals to food banks serving families across Massachusetts and Connecticut. The milestone reflects the collective generosity of customers, employees, and partners who stepped up during the critical holiday season to help address food insecurity close to home. Through Sack Hunger, every $5 customer donation helps deliver 10 meals to neighbors in need. This impact is amplified by Big Y’s additional contributions, including designated proceeds from the Produce, Floral, and Meat departments, along with a portion of sales from Big Y’s family of private label brands. Since its launch in 2010, Sack Hunger has continued to grow in reach and impact. What began as a modest effort has evolved into a cornerstone of Big Y’s year-round commitment to fighting hunger, complemented by near-daily donations of fresh meat, produce, bakery items, and other essential groceries. The funds raised through Sack Hunger directly support four regional food banks: Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Worcester County Food Bank, Greater Boston Food Bank, and Connecticut Foodshare, which together serve nearly 1,500 local agencies working on the front lines of hunger relief.

 

ILI Receives 50 Chromebooks for Free English Program

NORTHAMPTON — The International Language Institute of Massachusetts (ILI) announced the receipt of 50 Chromebooks destined for students in its free English program. This donation is a key component of a statewide initiative spearheaded by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants, and MassTech. The program is strategically designed to ensure equitable digital access for adult learners across the Commonwealth, providing the essential tools required for success in English for speakers of other languages and literacy courses. The timing of this contribution is critical as immigrants and refugees face heightened challenges navigating shifting federal policies and economic barriers. For many students, these devices represent more than just hardware — they are a gateway to essential services and educational continuity. As a recipient of this gift, ILI continues its 40-year mission of empowering newcomers through language and literacy. This partnership highlights a robust collective effort between state agencies and local nonprofits to build a more inclusive and digitally connected Massachusetts.

 

GCC Announces Early Retirement Incentive Program

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Community College (GCC) announced plans to offer an early retirement incentive program to eligible employees represented by AFSME and MCCC, as well as non-union employees, as an initial cost-saving measure in response to a projected budget shortfall. Like many community colleges across Massachusetts and the nation, GCC is navigating an increasingly challenging financial environment shaped by rising operational costs and broader economic pressures affecting public higher education. The early retirement incentive program is intended to reduce personnel costs while minimizing disruption to students and college operations. Participation in the program is voluntary, and the college will assess its financial impact in determining what additional cost-saving measures are necessary. The college will evaluate the results of the early retirement incentive program along with other actions. Any additional cost-saving approaches, if needed, will be informed by the outcomes of this effort and guided by GCC’s commitment to student success, access, and educational quality. GCC will continue to work collaboratively with employee unions and campus stakeholders as the process moves forward and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

 

Rocky’s Ace Hardware Customers Round Up for Kids

SPRINGFIELD — A few cents at the register turned into a powerful show of community support as Rocky’s Ace Hardware customers once again stepped up for children’s health. This year’s Round Up for Kids campaign raised $113,930 across Rocky’s locations, directing critical funding to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals serving the communities where customers live and shop. The fundraiser ran during two high-traffic periods, one in the spring and another during the late fall and holiday season, giving customers multiple opportunities to round their purchase totals up to the nearest dollar. Those small contributions added up quickly, with Baystate Children’s Hospital receiving more than $23,925 from participating Rocky’s stores in Western Mass. Eight Rocky’s locations in Western Mass. took part in the campaign. One hundred percent of the funds raised at those locations were directed to Baystate Children’s Hospital to support pediatric care, medical innovation. and family-centered services.

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.

ADAMS

KNN Motors Inc., 74 Columbia St., Adams, MA 01220. Alycia Rochelo, same. Used car dealer.

AMHERST

Jassidy Foundation Inc., 497 East Pleasant St., Apt. 19, Amherst, MA 01002. Gretchen Santiago, same. Nonprofit corporation organized to provide scholarships and family support services.

CHICOPEE

Nonna’s Village Inc., 29 Concord St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Angela Breault-Klusman, same. Dance studio, gaming room, art room, music room, daycare, boxing room, pet room, gymnastics room, destroy room.

EASTHAMPTON

Richard’s Fuel & Heating Inc., 79 Union St., Easthampton, MA 01027. Dennis Simmons, same. Fuel oil business.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Tribe Wellness and Education Inc., 280 North Main St., Suite 2, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Camillia Comeaux, 7209 Marion Ave., Kansas City, MO 64133. Accessible mental health programs, health education, and youth advocacy initiatives.

HOLYOKE

Awaken the Love Holyoke Inc., 41 Meadow St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Jazmin Acevedo Martinez, 41 Meadow St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Community outreach.

Sisleague Community Corp., 15 Washington Ave., Holyoke, MA 01040. Andrew Velez, same. Sports league.

LUDLOW

Refined Tax Horizons Inc., 33 Sunset Ridge, Ludlow MA 01056. Alexis Jerusik, same. Tax preparation, financial advice, and strategic business planning.

PITTSFIELD

Avondale Specialty Insurance Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Gregory Donovan, 2389 Main St., Suite 100, Glastonbury, CT 06033. Credit insurance brokerage.

HCXD Corp., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Phillip Wedo, same. Human-centered experience design.

KSEM Transport Inc., 23 Hillside St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Eliana Ortega, same. Transportation services and logistics.

Obrai-Run Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Xiaoqun Zhou, same. Research and development as well as sales of technological products.

Pura Life Legacy Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Scott Dulin, same. Provides assistance to educational, recreational, and athletic settings.

Sunsource Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Franklin Moore, same. Program management and/or installation to solar and battery storage systems.

Wahconah Mini Market Corp., 274 Wahconah St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Satishkumar Patel, 236 Main St., Apt. 1, Lee, MA 01238. Convenience and grocery store.

SPRINGFIELD

Best Transportation Services Inc., 927 Boston Road, Springfield, MA 01119. Usman Sheikh, 33 Rawson Hill Dr., Shrewsbury, MA 01545. Provides transportation services.

JYU Transportation Inc., 191 Chestnut St., Unit 3D2, Springfield, MA 01103. Changin Lee, same. Passenger transport services.

Republic of Vietnam Chien Hu Springfield and Surrounding Areas Inc., 39 Chapin Ter., Springfield, MA 01107. Long Nguyen, same. Serving the veterans of the Republic of Vietnam.

Springfield Pirates Old Timers Softball Inc., 141 Phoenix Ter., Springfield, MA 01104. Anibal Nieves-Roque, same. Adult recreational softball activities, clinics, and related events.

STOCKBRIDGE

Community Growth Thru Entrepreneurial Achievement Foundation, 18 Pine St., Stockbridge, MA 01262. Jeffrey Rea, same. Engages in charitable, scientific, and educational activities.

WESTFIELD

Specialized Cleaning Services Inc., 36 Sylvan Dr., Westfield, MA 01085. Carlos Bermejo, same. Residential and commercial cleaning service.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Cape Cod Tick & Mosquito Inc., 211 Union St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Patrick Mercer, same. Tick and mosquito pest control.

WILBRAHAM

OM TJ Food Mart Inc., 5 Patriot Ridge Lane, Wilbraham, MA 01095. Tejas Patel, 77 Grover St., Springfield, MA 01104. Convenience store.

 

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates

The following business certificates and/or trade names were issued or renewed during the months of January and February 2026.

BELCHERTOWN

J&P Engineering Services
30 Mountain View Dr.
Neil Jackson, Harold Pettersen

Life of Riley Pet Care
410 Rockrimmon Road
Holly Burns

Porowski Remodeling
69 Enoch Sanford Road
Peter Porowski

GREAT BARRINGTON

Berkshire Restaurant Group III
10 Castle St.
Vern Kennedy

Café Patisserie Inc.
313 Main St.
Sandra Moreno Rodriguez

Emma Dweck Whole Health
33 Rosseter St.
Emily Dweck

Garden Phocas
3 Forest Row
Elaine Hines

Guido’s Fresh Marketplace
760 Main St.
Guido’s Quality Fruit & Produce Inc.

Harrison Hills Farm LLC
1681 Mill River Great Barrington Road
Charles Harrison

Meg Agnew, LMT
20 Stockbridge Road, #8
Meg Agnew

Mixed Company Theatre
37 Rosseter St.
Joan Ackermann

Norbert’s Locksmith Service
138 Bridge St.
Norbert Ruthel

Paul Kleinwald Art & Antiques
578 Main St., Suite 1
Paul Kleinwald

Plaza Package Store
155 State Road
Krishna Bhakti Corp.

Porch 204
204 Pleasant St.
Margaret Hassett

The Studio
198 Main St., Unit 2
Derek Scammahorn, Kaitlyn Scammahorn

Tableau LLC
80 Maple Ave., Suite 5
Matthew Chester

Tall Tree Productions
11 Lakeview Road
Bruce Humes

HADLEY

Burke Group
241 Russell St.
Lisa Sanderson

DESCO Service
200 Venture Way
Diagnostic Equipment Service Corp.

Doubleday Farm
201 River Dr.
Thomas Doubleday

Genji Sushi
327 Russell St.
Hana Group

JmBee Travel Health
234 Russell St.
Jeri Beals

Out of This World Cleaning Service
116 Rocky Hill Road
Lindsey St. Laurence

Peter’s Nails
458 Russell St.
Chuong Ding

Revival
7 Arrowhead Dr.
David Grace

Riversong Myofascial Release
108 Russell St., Suite A
Aya Mares

River Valley Bodyworks
8 Goffe St.
River Valley Bodyworks Inc.

HOLYOKE

Isaac Painting N Repair
8 St. James Ave.
Ivan Carasquillo

Lyuba’s Cleaning Services
19 Farnum Dr.
Lyubov Sour

Pixel Health
4 Open Square Way
GPMF Holdings Inc.

Posters
214 Maple St.
Wayne Worsham, Nancy Worsham

Rusty’s Place
930 Hampden St.
Ioanis Dimtrou

WWNet Services
7 Meadow St.
Scott Clark

NORTHAMPTON

Carrie Ferguson Music
68 Cherry St.
Carrie Ferguson

Feel Good Shop Local
341 Audubon Road
Michelle Wirth

From the Apple Tree
20 Hampton Ave.
Heidi Bradley

HB Real Estate
70 Old South St.
Jeffrey Hoess-Brooks

Homestead
7 Strong Ave.
Jeremy Werther

Kathleen Doe Creative Design
39 Garfield Ave.
Kathleen Doe

Measured Marketing Lab
152 Crescent St.
Christopher Chaput

Northeast Painting Associates Inc.
881 North King St.
Christopher Hellyar

Pinocchio Pizzeria
122 Main St.
Oscar Saravia

Richard Huntley & Sons
254 Easthampton Road
Richard Huntley

Sutter Meats
65 King St.
Terence Ragasa

WESTFIELD

Broadbrook Landscaping & Irrigation
546 Southampton Road
John Muller

Divine by Design
77 Mill St., #320
Brie Wheeler

Florek Family Farm
840 Granville Road
Christopher Florek

IV Home Improvement
1029 North Roa, #24
Ion Velicinschi

Simon Sez Pets
35 Schumann Dr.
Richard Simons

Tekoa Country Club
459 Russell Road
Guarang Panwala

Untangled Sue
43 Union St.
Susanne Kingsley

Wash Works Laundromat
3 White St.
Alexsandr Bloom

Westfield Animal Clinic
422 North Elm St.
D&J Animal Clinic LLC

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

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

Cartagena, Nicole M.
a/k/a Torres, Nicole M.
79 Dana St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/20/2026

Castro, Carlos J.
a/k/a Castro Medina, Carlos Javier
Laboy, Victoria
a/k/a Laboy Robles, Victoria
68 Newton St., Apt. 4L
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/22/2026

Champagne, Kurt R.
273 Old Farm Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/29/2026

DeLaCruz, Jorge Miguel
20 Pembroke Circle
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/29/2026

Dubuque, Michael William
10 Bates St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/21/2026

Earl, Jennifer
a/k/a Bryant, Jennifer
3 James Circle
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/24/2026

Eric Vick LLC
12 Carroll St
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/27/2026

Erickson, Ashley P.
152 Rollins St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/22/2026

Gould, David K.
31 East Road
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/22/2026

Hayes, Alex L.
140 Chestnut St., Unit 508
Springfield, MA 01103
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/29/2026

Johnson, Jeffrey Allan
303 Scantic Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/19/2026

Kerrissey, Ryan William
44 Hamilton Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/21/2026

Kowarsky, Nathan J.
21 Ellendale Circle
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/23/2026

LaRochelle, David J.
27 Hancock St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/23/2026

Libiszewski, Kim Marie
474 Poole St.
Ludlow, MA 01056-1630
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/29/2026

Lucey-Maynard, Debra Ann
476 Michael Sears Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/29/2026

Mann, Brian M.
77 Corey Colonial
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/30/2026

Otero, Gilberto
19 Worcester Ave.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/28/2026

Pecord, Gerald Leroy
560 Riverglade Dr., Apt B.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/29/2026

Pinkney, Rebecca Lynn
146 Lamplighter Lane
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/22/2026

Rice-Nichols, Shannon M.
13 Crestview Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/22/2026

Rogers, John West
164 Wenonah Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/23/2026

Tasakovic, Eric Francis
Tasakovic, Kimberly Ann
50 East Gooseberry Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/23/2026

Wade, Aaron D.
P.O. Box 1024
Lee, MA 01238
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/23/2026

Watson, Shantell K.
180 Cabinet St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/28/2026

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

COLRAIN

3 Church St.
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Sarah Couture
Seller: Lowe INT
Date: 01/29/26

5 Church St.
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Sarah Couture
Seller: Lowe INT
Date: 01/29/26

DEERFIELD

24 Graves St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $519,000
Buyer: Roger M. Manzo
Seller: Anthony R. Lechner
Date: 01/23/26

282 Lower Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $262,700
Buyer: Data Mortgage Inc.
Seller: Gary M. Straw
Date: 01/30/26

710 River Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $162,000
Buyer: Plumtree Real Estate LLC
Seller: Adkins, Elizabeth, (Estate)
Date: 01/30/26

GREENFIELD

23-25 Alden St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Chad W. Fraker
Seller: Pronovost, Leea, (Estate)
Date: 01/29/26

227 Deerfield St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Salim N. Abdoo
Seller: RCF 2 Acquisition TR
Date: 01/23/26

27 Lunt Dr.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $303,050
Buyer: Eric Hoag LT
Seller: Gail M. Roberge
Date: 01/21/26

24 Pine St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $301,000
Buyer: Madden Aleia
Seller: Jennings, Caroline P., (Estate)
Date: 01/28/26

HAWLEY

41 Buckland Road
Hawley, MA 01339
Amount: $419,000
Buyer: Tim Curry
Seller: Kit J. Ullian
Date: 01/22/26

LEYDEN

218 Greenfield Road
Leyden, MA 01301
Amount: $535,000
Buyer: Michelle Goodrich
Seller: William D. Streeter
Date: 01/30/26

MONTAGUE

64 Main St.
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Spencer Telega
Seller: H. C. Hillard
Date: 01/23/26

132 Meadow Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $540,000
Buyer: Miles Louis
Seller: Eds Enterprises LLC
Date: 01/20/26

NORTHFIELD

294 Captain Beers Plain Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $199,900
Buyer: Jason Bassett
Seller: Clough, Diane, (Estate)
Date: 01/28/26

ORANGE

245 Brookside Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Quezia R. Cordeiro
Seller: Sean Coffin
Date: 01/29/26

27 Chase St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Robert Powers
Seller: Jacobo Delacruz
Date: 01/26/26

248 Holtshire Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $429,900
Buyer: Pendjy P. Valentin
Seller: Winridge Holdings LLC
Date: 01/23/26

115 Town Farm Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Kristen M. Bisceglia
Seller: Cormier, Eric J., (Estate)
Date: 01/27/26

43 West Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Vedette Ylioma
Seller: Nikolas Vallejo
Date: 01/22/26

35 West River St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $228,000
Buyer: Olivia E. Ross
Seller: Robert J. Powers
Date: 01/23/26

450 West River St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $850,000
Buyer: Jgcamc LLC
Seller: Freeborn LLC
Date: 01/29/26

ROWE

20 Brown Road
Rowe, MA 01367
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: William J. Bernhardt
Seller: Nancy N. Williams
Date: 01/30/26

SHELBURNE

105 Bridge St.
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Julian E. Post
Seller: Ambrose I. Mwea
Date: 01/28/26

1127 Mohawk Trail
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Brady J. Beckwith
Seller: Chadwick, Lesley L., (Estate)
Date: 01/23/26

SUNDERLAND

676 Amherst Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Eduardo Quinteros
Seller: Deac E. Tiley
Date: 01/28/26

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

98 Alhambra Circle, North
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $615,000
Buyer: Bulldog Realty Group LLC
Seller: Naples Home Buyers TR
Date: 01/21/26

60 Alhambra Circle, South
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Jonathan J. Fontaine
Seller: Virginia A. Donnelly-Sill
Date: 01/23/26

554-556 Franklin St., Ext.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Amjad Real Estate LLC
Seller: Anthony Fazio
Date: 01/23/26

83 Harvey Johnson Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $328,000
Buyer: Joshua Sutton
Seller: James K. Bodurtha
Date: 01/30/26

28 Meadow Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Kara Guimond
Seller: Richard Witek
Date: 01/29/26

667-669 South West St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Silver Walnut LLC
Seller: Mark E. O’Malley
Date: 01/21/26

675-677 South West St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Silver Walnut LLC
Seller: Mark E. O’Malley
Date: 01/21/26

800 Silver St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $850,000
Buyer: OM Real Estate Holdings LLC
Seller: Waystar 800 Silver LLC
Date: 01/21/26

94 Witheridge St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Evgheni Emciuc
Seller: Phyllis Birch
Date: 01/21/26

CHESTER

73 Ingell Road
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Jerald Reinford
Seller: Joan E. Deloy-Stalcup
Date: 01/23/26

241 Route 20
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: 241 US-20 LLC
Seller: Carms Restaurant LLC
Date: 01/21/26

CHICOPEE

107 Beauregard Ter.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Chenevert Properties LLC
Seller: Gelinas FT
Date: 01/26/26

27 Bostwick Lane
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Plata O. Plomo Inc.
Seller: Dolores R. Rainey
Date: 01/27/26

566 Broadway St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Joseph Skutnik
Seller: Naples Home Buyers Inc.
Date: 01/28/26

80 Ann St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Christine M. Torres
Seller: William D. Masse
Date: 01/23/26

1130 Burnett Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Alexandria M. Richard
Seller: NZ Property LLC
Date: 01/21/26

1133 Burnett Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Bruce Camire
Seller: David E. Billeter
Date: 01/26/26

14 Chestnut St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $242,500
Buyer: Chicopee Chestnut St. Properties
Seller: PFC Investments LLC
Date: 01/21/26

18 Chestnut St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $287,500
Buyer: Chicopee Chestnut St. Properties
Seller: PFC Investments LLC
Date: 01/22/26

85 Clairmont Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Thomas R. Harris
Seller: Michael J. Harris
Date: 01/28/26

54 Dayton St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Frances Bernier
Seller: Lori J. Wallace
Date: 01/30/26

129 Edgewood Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $288,000
Buyer: Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.
Seller: Henri D. Lafond
Date: 01/27/26

22 Franklin St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $755,000
Buyer: Haskell Holdings LLC
Seller: Round Two LLC
Date: 01/22/26

645 Front St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Chicopee Electric Light Dept.
Seller: Ellen J. Kapinos
Date: 01/22/26

655 Front St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Chicopee Electric Light Dept.
Seller: Ellen J. Kapinos
Date: 01/22/26

James St., Lot 1
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: DCL General Construction LLC
Seller: WMass Land Acquisition LLC
Date: 01/23/26

James St., Lot 2
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: DCL General Construction LLC
Seller: WMass Land Acquisition LLC
Date: 01/23/26

James St., Lot 3
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Dcl General Construction LLC
Seller: WMass Land Acquisition LLC
Date: 01/23/26

39 Jean Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Yesenia R. Martinez
Seller: Gerald Gramer
Date: 01/28/26

17 Jeanette Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Dean T. Sydyka
Seller: Lori A. Jerusik
Date: 01/23/26

120 Labelle Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Cameron Randall
Seller: Marek Skora
Date: 01/27/26

83 Madison St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Norquelis Veras
Seller: Patrick R. McNamara
Date: 01/23/26

538 McKinstry Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Inna Lytvynenko
Seller: RGA Properties LLC
Date: 01/30/26

26 Old James St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: DJO Realty LLC
Seller: Roger G. Castonguay
Date: 01/30/26

26 Olivine St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $299,999
Buyer: Adam M. Brophy
Seller: New Wave Realty LLC
Date: 01/30/26

162 Pendleton Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $328,000
Buyer: Letrial K. Tillman
Seller: David Hueber
Date: 01/28/26

212 Poplar St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Linda Charbonneau
Seller: Clotilde Ortiz
Date: 01/30/26

15 Riverview Place
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Hector O. Fontanez
Seller: Couture Property Group LLC
Date: 01/23/26

176 Silvin Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $292,000
Buyer: Joshua Tracy
Seller: Lauren R. Comtois
Date: 01/23/26

80 Stewart St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Jessica Bailey
Seller: Joel T. Kappenman
Date: 01/23/26

231 Wheatland Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $284,000
Buyer: Berkant Bayram
Seller: Ann E. Kos
Date: 01/29/26

28 Wildermere St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Tyler Cote
Seller: David Cote
Date: 01/23/26

EAST LONGMEADOW

5 Albano Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Ronald Doe
Seller: William R. Arment
Date: 01/30/26

226 Allen St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Zachary Jenkins
Seller: Stephen F. Percy
Date: 01/21/26

49 Chestnut St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $207,000
Buyer: Bret Sorel
Seller: William B. Sorel
Date: 01/30/26

45 Parker St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Jads LLC
Seller: Honeyrock Home Buyers LLC
Date: 01/22/26

66 Smith Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $421,000
Buyer: Zhaoshun Yang
Seller: Michelle Gonzalez
Date: 01/21/26

208 Westwood Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $362,100
Buyer: Wesley W. Brown
Seller: William McMahon
Date: 01/29/26

GRANVILLE

640 Main Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Erin Cohen
Seller: John S. Demyon
Date: 01/22/26

HAMPDEN

70 Rock A. Dundee Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $820,000
Buyer: Paul Picknelly
Seller: Olivia C. Clement
Date: 01/22/26

157 Stony Hill Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Scott M. Driscoll
Seller: William D. Bartels
Date: 01/23/26

HOLLAND

8 Julia Ann Dr.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Haley Remodeling LLC
Seller: Johnny East LLC
Date: 01/20/26

4 Lakeview Dr.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Debra Sibley
Seller: Ellen E. Dymon
Date: 01/22/26

13 Morse Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $325,500
Buyer: Allegra Mira
Seller: Tess Mazzone
Date: 01/29/26

HOLYOKE

Beaulieu St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $1,200,000
Buyer: Stack-Holyoke & Main LLC
Seller: JLL Real Estate LLC
Date: 01/30/26

443-445 Beech St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: JRP Properties LLC
Seller: S. & P. Property Group LLC
Date: 01/30/26

179 Central Park Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Samuel Ellison
Seller: William C. Pitt
Date: 01/29/26

41 Dartmouth St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Constitution Property LLC
Seller: Peter W. Symasko
Date: 01/30/26

1421 Dwight St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Deborah Gavito
Seller: Christel A. Hendricks
Date: 01/30/26

91 Knollwood Circle
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Matthew Pape
Seller: Brian M. Foy
Date: 01/23/26

41 Lynwood Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $286,000
Buyer: Alfred Shattelroe
Seller: Alfred Shattelroe
Date: 01/22/26

41 Lynwood Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $286,000
Buyer: Diamond Matos
Seller: Alfred Shattelroe
Date: 01/22/26

679 Main St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $1,200,000
Buyer: Stack-Holyoke & Main LLC
Seller: JLL Real Estate LLC
Date: 01/30/26

689 Main St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Stack-Holyoke & Main LLC
Seller: JLL Real Estate LLC
Date: 01/30/26

1701-1703 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $292,000
Buyer: Brendan Walker
Seller: Daniel E. Walker
Date: 01/28/26

1793 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Jackeline A. Torres
Seller: M. & D. M. Dostal-Pijar Jret
Date: 01/30/26

75 Reservation Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Jason Latshaw
Seller: Edward McHugh
Date: 01/30/26

68 Sycamore St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Jack Berger
Seller: Louise L. Dechert
Date: 01/30/26

50 West Glen St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $206,460
Buyer: Lakeview Loan Services LLC
Seller: Juan E. Hernandez-Navarro
Date: 01/29/26

70-72 Westfield Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $293,500
Buyer: Alex M. Antuna
Seller: Lena E. Dulude RET
Date: 01/28/26

LONGMEADOW

118 Field Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Liam P. Smyth
Seller: Kimberly N. Hickson-Torres
Date: 01/23/26

361 Frank Smith Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Patrick J. Leahy
Seller: Mark D. Soycher
Date: 01/28/26

34 Homestead Blvd.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Hedge Hog Industries Corp.
Seller: Brandy Magdalino
Date: 01/29/26

217 Inverness Lane
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Katherine E. Hone
Seller: Samuel B. Bath
Date: 01/30/26

LUDLOW

20 Bondsville Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Ramon B. Valentin
Seller: Suzanne P. Hangasky
Date: 01/30/26

23 Daisy Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Akin Turkmen
Seller: David Martin
Date: 01/27/26

436 Holyoke St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Jonovan A. Sierra
Seller: TM Properties Inc.
Date: 01/30/26

45 Hunter Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $531,000
Buyer: Frances T. Duda
Seller: Joshua M. Block
Date: 01/20/26

61 Massachusetts Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Hong Zhang
Seller: Keem LLC
Date: 01/30/26

6 Quincy St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $319,000
Buyer: Agostinho Varandas
Seller: Jose A. Coelho
Date: 01/23/26

138 Ridgeview Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Craig Riel
Seller: Hatch, William, (Estate)
Date: 01/20/26

MONSON

101 Cote Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Benjamin Chalue
Seller: Justin S. Pascale
Date: 01/30/26

10 Homer Dr.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Wayne D. Farquhar
Seller: Jesse L. Farquhar
Date: 01/30/26

Moulton Hill Road, Lot 3
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $680,000
Buyer: Stephen J. Sikes
Seller: JHP Builders LLC
Date: 01/27/26

PALMER

4048 High St.
Palmer, MA 01079
Amount: $171,000
Buyer: Brickhouse Homes LLC
Seller: Second Chance RT
Date: 01/30/26

1519 North Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: BL Partners Inc.
Seller: Panther Development Palmer LLC
Date: 01/28/26

1519 North Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Panther Development Palmer LLC
Seller: Orion Pro Friend ML LLC
Date: 01/28/26

3090-3092 Palmer St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Andrew G. Samuelson
Seller: Palmer Road RT
Date: 01/29/26

SPRINGFIELD

343-349 Allen St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Om V & R Holdings LLC
Seller: Island Farm Realty LLC
Date: 01/30/26

3 Ashley St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Alin M. Ferrer
Seller: Lekeisha Lee
Date: 01/30/26

68 Ashley St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: New Beginning Home Solutions LLC
Seller: Raines, Kevin D., (Estate)
Date: 01/30/26

21 Brentwood St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Carly J. Atkinson
Seller: Ronald Doe
Date: 01/30/26

15 Bronson Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $329,900
Buyer: James Patterson
Seller: Paul H. Schmelz
Date: 01/30/26

47 Brookline Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Post Investment LLC
Seller: Alizaya D. Clark
Date: 01/22/26

108 Brunswick St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: John Mendenhall
Seller: Ana L. Morrissey
Date: 01/23/26

11 Calvin St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Wilfredo N. Quiles
Seller: Evelyn Sanders
Date: 01/30/26

21-23 Carver St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Mirialys E. Hernandez
Seller: Orlando R. Hernandez
Date: 01/30/26

89 Cherokee Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Carolina Reyes
Seller: McKenzie Brothers Realty LLC
Date: 01/29/26

99 Crystal Brook Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $670,000
Buyer: Carlos A. Otero
Seller: Grahams Construction Inc.
Date: 01/20/26

26 Cuff Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Jenner O. Diaz
Seller: Wilfredo N. Quiles
Date: 01/30/26

53 Fremont St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Berel Rene
Seller: Zuleika Febres
Date: 01/28/26

36 Garland St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $308,000
Buyer: Allison Hanna
Seller: Raymond L. Berry
Date: 01/30/26

211 Glenoak Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Janelle James
Seller: R. & R. Home Improvement
Date: 01/29/26

211 Glenoak Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: R. & R. Home Improvement
Seller: NZ Property LLC
Date: 01/29/26

12 Hancock St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $900,000
Buyer: Hibiscus Property Mgmt. LLC
Seller: Luong, Binh Ta, (Estate)
Date: 01/23/26

18 Hancock St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $900,000
Buyer: Hibiscus Property Mgmt. LLC
Seller: Luong Binh Ta, (Estate)
Date: 01/23/26

18 Kingsley St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Maria Ramos
Seller: Christian I. Perez
Date: 01/30/26

32 Lindsay Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $336,700
Buyer: Stephen E. Marinetto
Seller: Heidi A. Kitchen
Date: 01/23/26

135 Lyman St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $544,000
Buyer: Bar Belmont LLC
Seller: City Of Springfield
Date: 01/26/26

2180-2184 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $530,000
Buyer: Razzak Building LLC
Seller: 2180 Main Street LLC
Date: 01/21/26

106 Malden St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Jsbm Homes LLC
Seller: London Realty LLC
Date: 01/29/26

23 Mary St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Brent Thomas
Seller: Virginia O. Pearson
Date: 01/21/26

99 Massreco St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Randall Huston
Seller: Veteran Stan LLC
Date: 01/28/26

50 Newland St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $249,000
Buyer: Joseph Barna
Seller: Phantom Holdings LLC
Date: 01/30/26

156-158 Norfolk St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Carmen Rodriguez
Seller: Determination Mortgage TR
Date: 01/22/26

298 Oakland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $510,000
Buyer: Leonel Lopez
Seller: Oakland Street Properties LLC
Date: 01/30/26

665 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Barbara K. Padilla-Colon
Seller: NJ Real Estate Property Group LLC
Date: 01/22/26

52 Price St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $303,800
Buyer: Amjad Real Estate LLC
Seller: Yegor Stefantsev
Date: 01/22/26

54 Price St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $303,800
Buyer: Amjad Real Estate LLC
Seller: Yegor Stefantsev
Date: 01/22/26

175 Progress Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $1,058,750
Buyer: Waystar 175 Progress LLC
Seller: 175 Progress LLC
Date: 01/30/26

37 Revere St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $249,000
Buyer: 37 Revere Partners LLC
Seller: Katerina Valentine
Date: 01/30/26

41 Queensbury Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $318,000
Buyer: Xuan T. Bui
Seller: Luz Guerrero
Date: 01/23/26

19 Roosevelt Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $289,000
Buyer: Michelle T. Dorsey
Seller: Ashok K. Mizar
Date: 01/22/26

78-80 Shamrock St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Yahaira P. De Los Santos
Seller: Phoenix Development Inc.
Date: 01/23/26

200 Slater Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Timothy N. Lieu
Seller: Tay H. Nguyen
Date: 01/29/26

17 Spencer St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Thao T. Pham
Seller: Quynhanh T. Tran
Date: 01/30/26

35-37 Spruce St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Luis A. Figueroa
Seller: Kmak LLC
Date: 01/20/26

72 Sunapee St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Lee A. Beauchamp
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 01/22/26

115 Thompson St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Nelvis N. Garcia
Seller: Mark R. Pashko
Date: 01/21/26

43 Thorndyke St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Joseph Pasay
Seller: Desmond W. Henry
Date: 01/23/26

138 Warrenton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Morgan Sibley
Seller: Kenneth J. Dube
Date: 01/23/26

72 Wayne St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Dat & Hkuit Realty LLC
Seller: Dat Dang
Date: 01/30/26

54 Winter St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Zahoor Riaz
Seller: Rene J. Young
Date: 01/30/26

1045-1047 Worcester St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Grove Funding II TR
Seller: Alycar Investmetn LLC
Date: 01/20/26

49 Worthy St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Amoneki Anglin
Seller: Miguel Maria
Date: 01/30/26

SOUTHWICK

16 Evergreen St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Paula Pascoe
Seller: Dwayne H. Cushing
Date: 01/27/26

21 Feeding Hills Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $540,000
Buyer: Owen Foley
Seller: Ventry Holdings LLC
Date: 01/30/26

Klaus Anderson Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $770,000
Buyer: Thomas J. McLaughlin
Seller: Bernard J. McLaughlin RET
Date: 01/20/26

109 North Lake Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $530,000
Buyer: Diana Gentile
Seller: 109 North Lake Avenue LLC
Date: 01/22/26

67 Tannery Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Mike Krasnov
Seller: Siarhei Ryhal
Date: 01/21/26

WALES

60 Lake George Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Shannon Roddy
Seller: Maurer, Cynthia L., (Estate)
Date: 01/30/26

115 Union Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $699,900
Buyer: Tess Mazzone
Seller: Boris Labkovsky
Date: 01/30/26

WEST SPRINGFIELD

22-24 Allen St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Leyla Mamedova
Seller: Vaycheslav Foksha
Date: 01/20/26

52 Baldwin St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Koala Properties LLC
Seller: Dimas LLC
Date: 01/30/26

86 Birnie Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Derrick Kuloba
Seller: MAA Property LLC
Date: 01/30/26

148 Craiwell Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Kristen V. Muszynski
Seller: Brendan R. Cawley
Date: 01/21/26

141 Havenhurst Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $288,800
Buyer: Anthony Maloni
Seller: Thomas J. Kennedy
Date: 01/23/26

15 High St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Larkspur LLC
Seller: Enhui Zhao
Date: 01/30/26

416 Hillcrest Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Michael A. Grillo
Seller: Steven J. Duga
Date: 01/23/26

74 Maple Ter.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Tiffany Melendez-Campos
Seller: Michael P. Sullivan
Date: 01/21/26
1386 Piper Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $182,500
Buyer: Hassle Free LLC
Seller: Abrahamson Properties LLC
Date: 01/26/26

WESTFIELD

846 East Mountain Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Zachary Wacksman
Seller: Birkner, Joseph Louis, (Estate)
Date: 01/21/26

158 Franklin St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $377,500
Buyer: Shawn A. Newsome
Seller: John M. Weatherwax
Date: 01/30/26

505 Loomis St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Mckenzie Patterson
Seller: Danielle M. Batchelder
Date: 01/23/26

545 Loomis St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $397,000
Buyer: Danielle Batchelder
Seller: Gabrielle M. Scheufler
Date: 01/28/26

10 McKinley Ter.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $277,000
Buyer: Manar Jalil
Seller: Velis, Fontaine A., (Estate)
Date: 01/30/26

Old Feeding Hills Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Alexsandr Bloom
Seller: Paul J. Bailey
Date: 01/23/26

48 Pleasant St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Alexander N. Deming
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 01/23/26

7 Shepard St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $399,000
Buyer: Ivan Balan
Seller: Viktoria A. Brennan
Date: 01/23/26

50 Russellville Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Seth Philipp
Seller: Kurt Taylor
Date: 01/29/26

6 South Maple St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $148,000
Buyer: Joseph J. Frantiska
Seller: Carol A. Howard
Date: 01/27/26

182 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $920,000
Buyer: Acre Hill LLC
Seller: O’Day Westfield LLC
Date: 01/21/26

184 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $920,000
Buyer: Acre Hill LLC
Seller: O’Day Westfield LLC
Date: 01/21/26

480 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $1,125,988
Buyer: Viktorian Estate LLC
Seller: Marky Marc LLC
Date: 01/30/26

883 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Enwc LLC
Seller: Robert K. Walker
Date: 01/30/26

229-233 Union St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: J. Sperry Realty LLC
Seller: Mary D. Herzog
Date: 01/29/26

229-233 Union St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Melissa A. McCollaum
Seller: J. Sperry Realty LLC
Date: 01/29/26

88 Woodmont St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $252,000
Buyer: Viktorian Estate LLC
Seller: Round Two LLC
Date: 01/21/26

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

110 Grantwood Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Timothy Woolf
Seller: Deborah Fisher
Date: 01/30/26

96 Logtown Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Eugene Mattie
Seller: Joseph Tran
Date: 01/23/26

481 Old Farm Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $752,000
Buyer: Catherine A. Riihimaki
Seller: Lea Abiodun TR
Date: 01/20/26

14 Pebble Ridge Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Minsoo Kim
Seller: Chih-Wen W. Su
Date: 01/22/26

BELCHERTOWN

10 Chestnut Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $570,000
Buyer: Kaileigh M. Keizer
Seller: Christopher W. Irving
Date: 01/21/26

633 Federal St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Joseph Muse
Seller: Wendie Levitan
Date: 01/30/26

8 Metacomet Circle
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $328,000
Buyer: Haiying F. Conover
Seller: John M. Wegiel
Date: 01/20/26

190 Michael Sears Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Jillian Wilkins
Seller: Joanne H. Kudlay
Date: 01/20/26

16 Rita Lane
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Raj K. Adhikari
Seller: Theresa M. Fleurent
Date: 01/29/26

CHESTERFIELD

204 Ireland St.
Chesterfield, MA 01084
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Laura A. Segatti
Seller: Delano, Eileen B., (Estate)
Date: 01/21/26

EASTHAMPTON

52-54 Everett St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $520,000
Buyer: Joyce C. Kieft
Seller: Hans W. Dalhaus
Date: 01/21/26

GRANBY

159 School St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Robert L. Peltier
Seller: Brian Kennedy
Date: 01/20/26

HADLEY

79 Aqua Vitae Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $212,000
Buyer: Michael S. Wade
Seller: Deborah Clark
Date: 01/21/26

25 Huntington Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $342,328
Buyer: Theresa Fleurent
Seller: James R. Jackson
Date: 01/30/26

HATFIELD

21 Dwight St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Thomas E. Dadmun
Seller: Deborah L. O’Neill
Date: 01/30/26

MIDDLEFIELD

155 River Road
Middlefield, MA 01098
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Osborne FT
Seller: Anya Messina
Date: 01/29/26

NORTHAMPTON

693 Bridge Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $510,000
Buyer: Barbara M. Diewald
Seller: Kathy C. Couch
Date: 01/29/26

31 Kingsley Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: Brian Wert
Seller: Johnson, Eric, (Estate)
Date: 01/23/26

180 Main St.
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: 14-16 Briggs LLC
Seller: Bermor Taunton LP
Date: 01/29/26

182 Main St.
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: 14-16 Briggs LLC
Seller: Bermor Taunton LP
Date: 01/29/26

39 Matthew Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Josue X. Colon
Seller: Brock Dykeman
Date: 01/21/26

96 Rick Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Rachel Koh
Seller: Donna W. Hoener
Date: 01/21/26

61 Woodmont Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $170,500
Buyer: H. A. Rasool Construction LLC
Seller: Hubley, Warren R., (Estate)
Date: 01/27/26

PLAINFIELD

29 Union St.
Plainfield, MA 01070
Amount: $517,000
Buyer: Rachel I. Ban
Seller: Kusek, Thomas B., (Estate)
Date: 01/30/26

SOUTH HADLEY

88 Alvord St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $499,900
Buyer: Robert C. Pace
Seller: Bradley RET
Date: 01/20/26

17 Carew St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Ortega LLC
Seller: Naples Home Buyers Inc.
Date: 01/26/26

12 Doane Ter.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $448,000
Buyer: Nicholas Kelleher
Seller: Elizabeth A. Sheridan
Date: 01/21/26

85 Fairview St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Melanie Rachko
Seller: Ann T. Miles
Date: 01/30/26

133 Granby Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Timmy Barnes
Seller: McGregor, Scott A., (Estate)
Date: 01/27/26

70 Lathrop St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $644,900
Buyer: Diane Uwacu
Seller: Vantage Home Buyers LLC
Date: 01/28/26

22 Maple St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Paul Dove
Seller: John E. Hauschild
Date: 01/23/26

248-254 Old Lyman Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $1,750,000
Buyer: Round Two LLC
Seller: Ciolek Family LLC
Date: 01/30/26

55 Westbrook Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: JT Realty Associates Inc.
Seller: Paul A. Cataldo
Date: 01/22/26

SOUTHAMPTON

369 College Hwy.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $639,000
Buyer: Kimberley L. Judd
Seller: Michael C. Cooper
Date: 01/27/26

31 Lead Mine Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Shaun Connor
Seller: Brittany J. Taylor
Date: 01/21/26

117 Russellville Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $356,000
Buyer: Ryan W. Hall
Seller: Andrea L. Looney
Date: 01/21/26

WARE

13 Juniper Hill Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $540,000
Buyer: Thomas J. Reardon
Seller: Dustin R. Pennington
Date: 01/23/26

4 Old Stagecoach Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $534,460
Buyer: Erica Krenis
Seller: Jay Mooney
Date: 01/30/26

355 Palmer Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $1,550,000
Buyer: Nob Hill Equities LLC
Seller: Alpine Income Property Group LLC
Date: 01/26/26

10 Pearl St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Dominic Fioravanti
Seller: Wendy Borey
Date: 01/29/26

WILLIAMSBURG

45 North Farms Road
Williamsburg, MA 01039
Amount: $642,500
Buyer: Timothy Kane
Seller: Kirk S. Enko
Date: 01/29/26

WORTHINGTON

19 Buffington Hill Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Liam C. Lydon
Seller: Holly T. Chamberlin
Date: 01/23/26

98 Ridge Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: David Roemer
Seller: Maria P. Bebee
Date: 01/21/26

 

Building Permits

By
Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the months of January and February 2026.

CHICOPEE

City of Chicopee
1290 Burnett Road
$20,000 — Repair floor in back building, replace wood floor joists and plywood

River Mills Assisted Living
7 River Mills Dr.
$10,000 — Interior demolition; remove ceiling, carpet, and affected insulation in dining area; remove baseboards in hallways; flood cuts in theater room

Sherroy LLC
1410 Memorial Dr.
$38,000 — Add some electrical outlets, three-bay sink and grease trap, mop sink, and hand sink for new Creamy Cones ice cream shop

Tabby Town Properties LLC
904 Meadow St.
$35,950 — Roofing

EASTHAMPTON

Easthampton Eagle Realty LLC
186 Northampton St.
$65,000 — Repairs due to pipe break, insulation, remove damaged material

HADLEY

Paul Benjamin
4 Bay Road
N/A — Build two walls to section off two offices in existing office suite

LEE

Town of Lee
32 Main St.
$5,000 — Replace existing door

LENOX

Berkshire Retirement Community
40 Sunset Ave.
$22,765 — Replace gas-fired rooftop unit

Hope Advent Church
259 Kemble St.
$32,252 — Attic insulation

MRG CRW Holdings LLC
55 Lee Road
$368,717 — Demolition and reconstruction of masonry handicap ramp

PITTSFIELD

Berkshire Mental Health Community
74 Second St.
$16,550 — Roofing

City of Pittsfield
874 North St.
$273,780 — Structural repairs to beams and columns to stabilize building, primarily at basement level

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

The Appeal of Careers in the Trades

By
Opinion

Editorial

 

It’s a refrain we hear all the time: the construction trades are facing a shortage of workers as retirements continue to outpace young talent entering the pipeline. Sure, jobs in carpentry, roofing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and more are hard work, but they also pay well and are (probably) resistant to the AI trend that many folks in the white-collar world worry could threaten their jobs.

As Sam Pomeroy, an HVAC professional and president of Climates by Pomeroy, told us in this issue, “robots won’t be doing our job anytime soon.”

But at the same time, what do surveys tell us Generation Z values in the workplace? Purpose-driven work. Communication. Opportunities for advancement. The idea that employers have their goals at heart.

And that’s where a few of the business leaders we spoke with for this month’s home improvement focus are doing things the right way.

Pomeroy has been working in his field for almost 40 years, and said he still feels like a “hero” when he can return heat to a family’s home or restore power to a business storing perishable food. That’s purpose.

Tim Drost, CEO of Window World of Western Massachusetts, talks about the robust array of apprenticeship programs his company has developed, ensuring that young people can get a foot in the door. That’s opportunity.

Both Drost and Scott Cernak, president of Western Mass Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, talk about their investments in continuing education and training, helping employees, even long-time ones, advance their careers. That’s understanding — and advancing — career goals.

The fact is, during a time of economic uncertainty, with the long-term impact of AI and automation on many jobs still very much up in the air, there is a real appeal to be made to young people that careers in the trades can be satisfying, well-paying, purposeful, and — importantly — stable. And demand for their talent is only rising.

“It’s a rewarding career,” Pomeroy told us. And companies in the trades that aren’t making an effort to apprentice, train, and mentor potential workers are missing out on an opportunity to create another form of stability: in their own workforce.

Gen Z at Work: the AI Paradox

By Contributor
Opinion

Opinion

By Samantha Borsari

Generation Z is often coined the generation of ‘digital natives’ — quick to adapt, drawn to smart devices, and thriving in a world of new technology. In many ways, this reputation holds true. Today, Gen Z is leading the way in AI workplace adoption, with 47% reporting they use it weekly to assist with their workload.

However, a strange paradox is beginning to emerge.

Beneath the surface of this technological fluency lies a quieter truth — a growing sense of unease and uncertainty. While Gen Z is known to be one of the most adaptable generations, many are sharing feelings of discomfort and even anxiety at the speed and scale at which technology (specifically AI) is evolving, especially in the workplace. In a recent Forbes report, a survey of nearly 3,500 Gen Z workers showed that 41% reported feeling anxious about emerging technologies like AI. This reveals that, while Gen Z is highly engaged with AI, they are equally concerned about its impact.

Why is this happening? There are several factors that could be driving this apprehension.

• Assumed Expertise. It’s often assumed that Gen Z employees will instinctively know how to use new technology. However, quick adaptability does not equal instant mastery. This assumption often builds unspoken pressure and overlooks the reality that Gen Z-ers, much like any other generation, also require training and time to build confidence with a new tool like AI.

• Critical Thinking Concerns. As early career professionals, many in Gen Z are concerned that an overreliance on AI could interfere with their core developmental skills like critical thinking, problem solving, and professional judgment. They’re asking themselves, ‘will AI support or harm my professional growth in the long run?’

• Job Security Anxiety. Gen Z currently makes up a large percentage of entry-level roles, which has instilled a new fear that AI is coming for their position next. If AI replaces all ‘starter’ jobs, how will Gen Z be expected to find opportunities to establish themselves and their career?

• Technology Fatigue. Seventy percent of Gen Z workers have reported feeling overwhelmed by the amount of new technology that is rotating through their organization. The pace of change is taking a toll, especially when there is no clear strategy or training from upper management.

This goes to show that high adoption does not mean high confidence. More importantly, it shows that comfort with technology does not mean immediate mastery or even high sentiment with the product itself.

There is no clear-cut solution to resolve all of these concerns. Let’s face it: every generation is dealing with their own conflicting thoughts on AI and the future of technology. It seems to be a love-hate relationship. That said, there are several ways employers can help mitigate the apprehension and negative sentiment Gen Z is experiencing toward AI.

Organizations should avoid assuming that being a ‘Gen Z digital native’ means they can figure it out on their own when it comes to new technology. Instead, organizations should be prepared to offer support and structured training to all employees, regardless of their age and presumed tech fluency.

To address concerns around AI’s impact on core developmental skills, organizations can work to strategically design workflows where AI supports work functions without replacing key decision-making processes. Managers and supervisors can also reinforce learning by engaging in more frequent coaching sessions, asking Gen Z employees to walk through certain problems or explain how they arrived at a conclusion.

At the same time, employers can ease Gen Z anxiety around job security by building greater transparency around the role AI will play within their organization’s long-term plans and talent strategy. Lastly, to limit technology fatigue, organizations should conduct regular evaluations of their technology stack to ensure all employees receive proper training on existing platforms and to reduce overlapping tools.

Taken together, these approaches can help turn AI from a source of anxiety and discomfort into a tool designed for positive growth. Gen Z has the skills needed to adapt quickly to new and emerging technologies; they simply need the support to feel more confident in using it.

 

Samantha Borsari is a member experience specialist at the Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast. This article first appeared on the EANE blog; eane.org