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Month: March 2026

Monson Savings Bank Promotes John Williams to Wilbraham Branch Manager

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Daily News

John Williams

MONSON — Monson Savings Bank announced the promotion of John Williams to branch manager of the Wilbraham branch.

Williams, who previously served as assistant branch manager at the bank’s East Longmeadow location, brings more than 11 years of banking and financial services experience, strong leadership abilities, and a deep commitment to exceptional customer service.

In his new role, he will oversee the day‑to‑day operations of the Wilbraham branch, guide and develop branch staff, and advance branch growth through new deposit account relationships. He will also continue strengthening local community connections through volunteer efforts and outreach initiatives.

“We are excited to congratulate John on his well‑deserved promotion to branch manager,” said Dan Moriarty, president and CEO of Monson Savings Bank. “John leads with integrity, compassion, and a true customer‑first mindset. His dedication to both his team and the community makes him an outstanding fit for our Wilbraham branch.”

Before joining Monson Savings Bank, Williams worked at Fifth Third Bank in Sarasota, Fla., where he served as a personal banker assisting customers with new accounts, lending, maintenance, and retirement planning. His career also includes experience with additional financial institutions, contributing to his strong operational foundation and relationship‑building skills. He is active in the community as a member of the Western Mass Referral Exchange (BNI Group) and regularly volunteers to support local initiatives.

“I am thrilled to join the Wilbraham branch of Monson Savings Bank,” Williams said. “My time at the East Longmeadow branch has allowed me to grow professionally and personally. I look forward to taking what I have learned to lead the Wilbraham branch and serve the community.”

Chicopee Chamber to Host Business Expo at Castle of Knights on April 7

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Daily News

CHICOPEE — The Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce will host the Chicopee Business Expo on Tuesday, April 7 from 4 to 7 p.m., bringing together local businesses and community members for an evening of networking, discovery, and connection.

The event provides an opportunity for attendees to explore a wide range of local products and services, meet business owners, and strengthen relationships within Chicopee’s business community. The expo also marks the return of a regional tabletop-style showcase that recurred annually until 2019.

“This event is all about visibility and connection,” said Melissa Breor, the chamber’s executive director. “It creates a space where businesses can showcase what they do, build new relationships, and engage directly with the community.”

The chamber invites residents, professionals, and fellow businesses to attend and connect with more than 50 local businesses. Guests will be encouraged to play a bingo-style game to enter the door prize raffle. For more information or to register, click here or call the Chicopee Chamber of Commerce at (413) 594-2101.

Economist, Author to Present Philip Gamble Memorial Lecture at UMass Amherst

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Daily News

AMHERST — Economist and author Jared Bernstein, who chaired the White House Council of Economic Advisers under President Biden, will deliver the annual Philip Gamble Memorial Lecture at UMass Amherst on Thursday, April 16 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in Bowker Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.

In his lecture, “The Political Economy of Affordability,” Bernstein will explore affordability not simply as a problem of prices, but as a political-economic phenomenon shaped by institutions, regulation, market structure, and distributional conflict.

Bernstein is currently a senior fellow for economic policy at the Center for American Progress and a distinguished policy fellow at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research. He led the Biden administration’s Council of Economic Advisers from 2023 to 2025. During the Obama administration, he served as Vice President Biden’s chief economist and economic adviser, executive director of the White House Task Force on the Middle Class, and a member of President Obama’s economic team.

Bernstein was deputy chief economist in the U.S. Labor Department from 1995 to 1996. He has also worked at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and the Economic Policy Institute, and taught at Howard University, Columbia University, and New York University. He has authored or co-authored numerous books, including All Together Now: Common Sense for a Fair Economy and The Reconnection Agenda: Reuniting Growth and Prosperity.

TRE Olive Releases Custom UMass Bottle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

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Daily News

EAST LONGMEADOW — UMass Amherst alumni and TRE Olive owners Joe and Michael Maruca announced the new release of a custom UMass 500-mL bottle of extra virgin olive oil.

The UMass bottle features the award-winning TRE Olive Select, a well-balanced extra virgin olive oil that is slightly sharp and has a peppery finish. It’s made with 100% Carolea olives that are selected when the olives are perfect for making olive oil.

The Maruca brothers are UMass Amherst alumni, graduates of the Isenberg School of Management, and members of the family behind TRE Olive, a business with deep roots in the Calabria region of Southern Italy. For generations, their family has been producing high-quality extra virgin olive oil, and in 2010, the TRE Olive brand was launched in the U.S.

“When we were approached by UMass to create a custom bottle, it was a no-brainer for us,” Joe Maruca said. “Our passion for olive oil began on our grandparents’ farm when we were children, and our entrepreneurial spirit was cultivated at UMass Amherst.”

TRE Olive’s UMass bottle is available for purchase at the UMass campus store, the TRE Olive store in East Longmeadow, and online at www.treolive.com.

Joe McMahon to Succeed Jim Sullivan as President of the O’Connell Companies

By
Daily News

Jim Sullivan

HOLYOKE — The O’Connell Companies announced that President Jim Sullivan will retire from his role effective June 1, concluding a distinguished 44-year career with the organization. Chief Financial Officer Joe McMahon has been appointed president and will continue to serve as CFO.

Joe McMahon

Sullivan joined the O’Connell Companies in 1982 and has played a central role in the organization’s growth and evolution. He was named president in 2019 and has overseen the strategic direction and operations of the company and its subsidiaries, including its construction, real estate development, and property management divisions.

Over the course of his tenure, Sullivan held several key leadership roles, including president of O’Connell Development Group and general manager of NEFCO. His leadership spanned significant milestones in the company’s history, including large-scale project execution, ownership transition, and long-term strategic planning.

“Jim’s contributions to the O’Connell Companies are substantial,” the board said in a statement. “His leadership has guided the organization through periods of growth, challenge, and transition, while reinforcing a culture grounded in integrity, trust, and accountability.”

Sullivan will remain actively involved with the company as chair of the board of directors, supporting long-term strategy and ensuring continuity in leadership and governance.

“Joe will become our eighth parent company president in our 147-year history, following in the footsteps laid by our founder Daniel O’Connell, his sons Daniel and Charles, his grandson Daniel, then Bob Mahar, Dennis Fitzpatrick, and me,” Sullivan said. “We are fortunate to have someone with the talent, knowledge, vision, experience, and values that Joe has, leading our company. Joe will continue in his role as CFO while also now becoming our president. I have full confidence that, under Joe’s leadership, our best days lie ahead.”

A native of Holyoke, McMahon has more than 25 years of experience in a broad range of industries in the Boston and Western Mass. markets. As CFO, he leads the company’s financial strategy and governance, with experience in acquisitions, mergers, and organizational restructuring.

“I’m honored to step into this role and build on what this team has accomplished,” McMahon said. “We’ve created a strong foundation, a great culture, and a group of people who care deeply about their work. My focus is on supporting our team and positioning the company for its next chapter of growth.”

A certified public accountant and graduate of Bentley University, McMahon has worked with privately held, venture-backed, and family-owned businesses. His appointment reflects a planned leadership transition and the company’s focus on continuity and future growth.

Rush Insurance Group Welcomes Rachael Cavanaugh as Employee Benefits Associate

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Daily News

Rachael Cavanaugh

CHICOPEE — Rush Insurance Group announced the addition of Rachael Cavanaugh to its team as an employee benefits associate. In this role, she will support the agency’s growing employee benefits practice, working alongside clients to deliver thoughtful, attentive service in the life and health insurance space.

Cavanaugh brings a strong foundation in the insurance industry, having launched her career at Safety Insurance following her graduation from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst, where she earned a bachelor of business administration degree in operations & information management with a certificate in business data analytics. During her time at Safety Insurance, she gained hands-on experience across personal and commercial underwriting, the service center, and customer representative operations, most recently serving as a personal lines analyst.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rachael to the Rush Insurance Group family,” President Sam Hanmer said. “Her background in property and casualty insurance, combined with her analytical skills and dedication to client service, make her a tremendous asset as she transitions into the employee benefits space. We look forward to supporting her growth and know she will make a meaningful impact for our clients.”

Cavanaugh is currently pursuing her life and health insurance licensure and is committed to building the expertise needed to serve as a trusted resource for Rush’s clients.

HCC Culinary Arts Program to Host Open House, Free Tasting Event on April 15

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) will host an open house and free community tasting event on Wednesday, April 15 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute, 164 Race St., Holyoke.

Visitors will be able to tour the state-of-the-art kitchens at the college’s culinary arts facility; sample dishes prepared by culinary arts students and faculty; learn about the college’s culinary arts certificate and associate degree programs, non-credit job training, and personal enrichment classes; and play Food Bash Bingo for a chance to win prizes.

“This event highlights the work happening across all of our kitchens, giving the community a chance to experience the talent and training our students are developing here at HCC, while also showcasing other HCC programs and our community partners,” HCC Culinary Arts Instructor and Facilities Coordinator Alex Torres said.

Visitors will have the opportunity to talk to representatives from HCC programs, including the Marieb Adult Learner Success Center, the HCC Foundation, Alumni Relations, Thrive Center and Food Pantry, El Centro, ALANA Men in Motion, and Jumpstart, as well as personnel from area community groups, including Tech Foundry/Tech Hub, United Way, and Holyoke Medical Center. Staff from the HCC Admissions office will also be on hand to discuss enrollment options, including MassEducate and MassReconnect, the state programs for free community college.

In 2021, HCC placed 50th among the Best Culinary Schools in America, a list that also includes such esteemed schools as the Culinary Institute of America. HCC’s culinary program ranked third in New England after Johnson & Wales in Providence, R.I. and Southern Maine Community College in Portland. Best Choice Schools cited HCC for the quality of its one-year certificate and two-year associate degree programs in culinary arts, as well as its 20,000-square-foot culinary arts facility, which opened in downtown Holyoke in 2018. The HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute is equipped with four modern kitchens, a bakery, a hotel lab, and a student-run dining room.

Western Mass Arts Advocacy Coalition Makes Impact at State House

By
Daily News

BOSTON — A delegation of the Western Mass Arts Advocacy Coalition (WMAAC) presented its seminal report, “Regional Perspectives from the 2025 Western Massachusetts Arts Economic Impact Summit” to legislators on March 3 during MASSCreative’s third annual Creative Sector Advocacy Day at the Massachusetts State House.

The report is a comprehensive presentation of the key issues identified and regional priorities and potential solutions raised at the Western Mass Arts Economic Impact Summit held last November at MASS MoCA in North Adams.

Roughly 10 legislators and state leaders received a copy of the report, including Aaron Vega, president and CEO of the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council; state Sen. Jo Comerford; state Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa; and state Rep. Sean Garballey, who co-chairs the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development.

All thanked the coalition’s founders for the information, and Comerford said, “thank you for educating me on this important work and for your visionary leadership.” She plans to meet with the coalition on April 14, as the next steps are to frame solutions to issues raised.

The November summit was hosted by state Sen. Paul Mark, chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development.

The summit emerged from a growing recognition that the Western Mass. creative economy, while deeply rooted, resilient, and innovative, is facing systemic pressures that require coordinated, cross-sector responses, according to Mark.

After meeting with a dozen arts organization leaders in Haydenville last June, Mark initiated the convening of the regional summit to bring together arts leaders, policymakers, funders, business partners, and civic institutions and move beyond isolated conversations and toward shared understanding and collaborative problem solving.

A subcommittee of the WMAAC developed the topics for discussion and program of events for the five-hour summit. In attendance were 110 individuals from across the state, discussing four key challenges facing arts organizations and artists in Western Mass.: creating affordable housing for artists; implementing alternative energy sources to strengthen arts organizations’ financial stability; finding creative financial approaches to ease funding gaps while waiting for reimbursement grants; and sourcing, training, and retaining arts workers.

Eighty private and public organizations were represented at the summit, including arts organizations, economic development, financial and educational institutions, employment, energy and housing organizations, as well as legislators and state leaders. Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll gave the opening remarks, and Senate President Karen Spilka offered closing remarks.

WMAAC was formed in May 2025, when artists and arts organizations came together with a goal to increase the visibility and impact of the Western Mass. creative sector on the state level and lead to a stronger, more resilient creative economy. The coalition is comprised of 50 organizations and artists in Hampshire, Hampden, and Franklin counties and is organized around three pillars: advocacy and policy, creative economy and workforce, and resources and infrastructure. Within each pillar, member-led committees drive the work.

The first major project of the WMAAC was the summit and, subsequently, the development of the report, which has received recognition among state legislators and economic development organizations as an important documentation of the needs and potential solutions to sustain and strengthen arts organizations in Western Mass.

Several legislators, including Sabadosa, Garballey, Mark, and Comerford, pledged their continued support of the work, with plans underway to collaborate with the WMAAC on finding concrete, cross-sector solutions.

HCC to Host ASL Pickleball Tournament on April 4

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) will host its second annual American Sign Language pickleball tournament on Saturday, April 4.

Sponsored by the HCC Deaf Studies Department, the tournament will run from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the pickleball courts inside the Bartley Center for Athletics and Recreation.

This fun and friendly tournament is free for participants and geared for players of any skill level. Spectators are welcome. Paddles and balls will be supplied for players who need them.

The tournament begins at 9 a.m. with introductions and instructions in pickleball rules and strategy given in American Sign Language. Pickleball practice will start at 9:30 a.m., with the tournament running from 10 to 11:30 a.m., followed by an awards presentation and social time.

HCC ASL instructors Minh Vo and Mick Posner, who teach in the HCC Deaf Studies Department, will lead the pickleball instruction.

“The tournament is open to HCC as well as members of the local deaf community regardless of their pickleball skills and knowledge of ASL,” said Claire Sanders, chair of the Deaf Studies Department.

After practice time, players will be randomly assigned doubles partners, and the tournament will proceed using a round robin format. Certificates will be awarded to the top five players. To register, visit hcc.edu/asl-pickleball.

STCC’s College for Kids Program Returns This Summer

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) announced the return of College for Kids, a summer program offering engaging, week-long academic experiences for students ages 11 to 16.

Running June 22 to Aug. 14, College for Kids provides hands-on enrichment opportunities in science, technology, engineering, arts, business, and leadership, all within a supportive college campus environment. Programs run Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Organized by STCC’s Division of Workforce Development, the program introduces students to college-level subjects while encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and skill development.

“We’re thrilled to welcome students back to campus for a summer of exploration and growth,” said Gladys Franco, assistant vice president of Workforce Development at STCC. “College for Kids gives young learners the opportunity to discover new interests, build confidence, and experience what learning on a college campus feels like.”

Visit the College for Kids page on at stcc.io/cfk to view the full schedule and course descriptions, and complete the registration. Tuition costs $260 per week.

Farm Credit East to Present Webinar on Northeast Apple Outlook on April 16

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Daily News

ENFIELD, Conn. — Northeast apple growers are invited to attend a free webinar hosted by Farm Credit East and Horizon Farm Credit on Thursday, April 16 at noon. This webinar will provide a recap of the Northeast apple industry in 2025, as well as economic projections for the year ahead.

The webinar is free to attend, but registration is required at farmcrediteast.com/webinars.

For the past two years, many U.S. apple growers’ fresh apple prices haven’t covered the cost of production. Increased yields and declining exports have resulted in an oversupplied domestic market, forcing prices to break-even levels. Chris Gerlach of USApple will dive into what it will take to restore profitability through smarter production discipline, rebuilt export momentum, stronger health-driven demand, and more stable labor costs.

This webinar is part of Farm Credit East’s Insights and Perspectives series, which includes webinars and outlook papers for the diverse sectors of Northeast agriculture and forest products. Visit farmcrediteast.com/webinars to read the apple industry outlook report, along with articles and webinars for the grape, dairy, grain, maple, oyster, forestry and green industry sectors.

UMass 5K Dash & Dine Turns 15

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Runners get set at the starting line at the 2025 event.
Features

Staying on Course

Runners get set at the starting line at the 2025 event.

Runners get set at the starting line at the 2025 event.
Photo by Keith Toffling Photography

 

Brandy Sullivan says the 15th iteration of the UMass 5K Dash & Dine is reason for celebration — but so were the other 14, because of the impact they’ve had.

Specifically, over the years, UMass Amherst has raised more than $50,000 for the Amherst Survival Center thanks to donors, runners, and walkers. UMass Dining, which puts on the annual event, donates 100% of all proceeds to the center.

“UMass Dining started this event 15 years ago in an effort to address food insecurity in our region,” said Sullivan, meal plan manager for UMass Dining, quickly tying the effort to one of the university’s values. “We work toward limiting food waste through sustainable practices here at UMass, and we’ve been proud to partner with the Amherst Survival Center as an extension of our work on campus. We work with Dean’s Office as well to promote food security here.”

The event — this year’s race is slated for Saturday, April 25 — features not just a competitive 5K beginning at 11 a.m., but Fun Run for kids age 8 and younger beginning at 10 a.m.

“It’s a great event. We have between 1,500 and 2,000 runners. When I started chairing this event, there were maybe 300. So it’s really grown,” Sullivan told BusinessWest.

“The students love it,” she added. “It’s a great outreach for them to give back to. For some of our students, this is the first 5K they’ve ever run, and it is a USA Track & Field certified 5K. We use Yankee Timing, which is also a USA Track & Field certified timing company. So you actually get a bib, and you get your real time, and people take it seriously.”

That said, “it’s a pretty easy race. I’m a runner, so I guess I can say that, but it definitely is a nice, safe race,” she noted. “It’s all on campus — we work with the UMass PD and the Amherst PD, who both support keeping the road safe for that little bit of time that we need.”

It’s also personally gratifying, she said, to see it all come together — and to see the impact the event has on the community through the work of the Amherst Survival Center.

Brandy Sullivan

Brandy Sullivan

“It’s a great event. We have between 1,500 and 2,000 runners. When I started chairing this event, there were maybe 300. So it’s really grown.”

And that work is plentiful. Since 1976, the center has promoted the health and well-being of residents of Franklin and Hampshire counties with a wide variety of programs designed to help people meet their basic needs.

The Amherst Survival Center, located at 138 Sunderland Road, serves more than 10,000 people each year. Its services, all of which are free, include a food pantry, daily community meals, fresh food distribution, services such as showers and lockers for those experiencing homelessness, information and referrals, as well as a variety of other support services.

Additionally, the center’s resource center hosts representatives from other area service organizations, making it a one-stop-shop for accessing resources. All of this is provided in a community center environment, with activities ranging from live music to sewing workshops to office hours with elected officials. All are welcome, and there are no eligibility or requirements to stop by.

 

 

Food for Thought

But ‘Dash’ is just one part of the equation. The ‘Dine’ is something most participants look forward to as well, as they’re invited to one of the university’s award-winning dining commons for a meal following the race.

And ‘award-winning’ is an understatement. UMass Amherst has been named Best Campus Food in the U.S. by the Princeton Review nine straight years — and counting. That achievement, according to the publication, underscores the department’s commitment to culinary excellence, sustainability, and experiential dining that features globally inspired, culturally driven menus.

UMass students encourage runners along the 5K route.

UMass students encourage runners along the 5K route.
Photo by Keith Toffling Photography

The Princeton Review’s most recent rankings were based on surveys of 170,000 students at 391 colleges and universities across the nation. UMass Dining is not only the largest collegiate dining program in the U.S., but its top ranking for almost a decade reflects an innovative approach to campus dining and a commitment to locally sourced cuisine from the campus’s five permaculture gardens and more than 100 local farmers and vendors.

“So you run the race and then you get to eat at one of our campus dining locations,” Sullivan said. “That’s a great perk. I run a lot of races, and that’s not usually the case — you don’t get that really great meal afterwards. So it’s a way for us to share our number-one campus dining.”

But more importantly, she said, it’s a chance to share the importance of the Amherst Survival Center, and nonprofits like it.

“Food security is important, and it’s close to home. We have a food pantry on campus that partners with Amherst Survival Center as well; it’s a clothing closet as well,” Sullivan explained. “That has been a great partnership, I think, because their core values mirror what the UMass community wants to share with our students and instill in our students through UMass dining — just having nutritional options.

“But it’s also great fun. This is an energizing position to have when we all work together. After all the work that goes on behind the scenes, having it all come together — and hopefully not be raining sideways or snowing — is very exciting,” she went on. “We’re always trying to make it a better event, but I love the excitement this brings to the UMass community; it has been kind of a passion for me.”

Sullivan said the UMass 5K Dash & Dine grows every year — weather permitting.

“We’re always trying to make it a better event, but I love the excitement this brings to the UMass community; it has been kind of a passion for me.”

“Inclement weather is always kind of scary,” she said, recognizing that some people register on race day — and might be reluctant if the weather is poor. But the year-over-year growth has been consistent. “It’s pretty competitive. We have local track teams, high school students, and we promote it with them; we’re able to share what we’re doing here on campus, as well as what’s happening at the Amherst Survival Center.”

 

The Details

As noted earlier, the 15th annual UMass 5K Dash & Dine takes place on Saturday, April 25 at 11 a.m., with the Fun Run starting an hour earlier. Registration is available online at runumass.com or at any of the dining commons and retail locations on the UMass campus. The cost is $15 for students of UMass Amherst or any of the Five Colleges, $25 for UMass faculty and staff, and $30 for the general public. Online registration ends at midnight on April 23, but walk-up registration is available on race day.

Businesses of All Kinds Thrive in Palmer

By
James Przypek says the chamber is excited that the east-west rail project in Palmer is gaining momentum.
Community Spotlight

Community Spotlight

James Przypek says the chamber is excited that the east-west rail project in Palmer is gaining momentum.

James Przypek says the chamber is excited that the east-west rail project in Palmer is gaining momentum.

It’s called the TWIST program, an acronym that stands for Technical Work Instruction and Skills Training, and leaders at Sanderson MacLeod Inc. are excited to see it continue to grow.

The program blends hands-on engineering, mentorship, and real-world experience, giving local high school students the opportunity to learn directly from experienced industry professionals in an authentic manufacturing environment while developing practical skills needed for careers in advanced manufacturing.

Essentially, TWIST helps both Sanderson MacLeod — a 68-year-old manufacturer of twisted wire brushes — and young people, by helping preserve valuable manufacturing expertise while developing the next generation of local talent.

During the 2025-26 academic year, TWIST supported a co-op partnership at Sanderson MacLeod’s 137,000-square-foot manufacturing facility. Three students from Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School worked through the summer, fall, winter, and spring sessions alongside Sanderson MacLeod’s team, gaining hands-on experience across multiple areas of the operation. They worked with engineering, maintenance, operations, quality assurance, logistics, and operations system integration teams, contributing to manufacturing engineering projects, equipment refurbishment, and process improvement initiatives throughout the plant.

The idea, company CEO Mark Borsari said, is to “harness their natural interest and take that next step and give them insight they wouldn’t normally get just from high school. So it includes financial training and leadership training; they meet with local CEOs and learn from self-made people what it takes to be a CEO. We take them through job interview skills and technical work with our engineers so they can see that this work can be fun.”

“I used to joke, ‘Palmer: you drive through us.’ But now, we want it to be ‘Palmer: you come here for a reason.’ Because there are things to do in town.”

The TWIST program is about developing the next generation of manufacturing talent in Palmer, he noted; as long-time process experts retire, programs like this create a path for that knowledge to be passed on to the next generation, while giving students the opportunity to bring their own fresh ideas to American manufacturing.

“It doesn’t have to be monotonous if you’re doing work that you love doing,” Borsari said.
“When you’re 17 or 18, you may have tremendous talent, but you don’t think of the value in it. A kid may be having fun putting together a 3D printer in his garage — well, you know, there are companies that would like to bring on that kind of ability. So we’re connecting the pieces a little bit.

“We have a unique opportunity to be producing here in Palmer,” he added. “This gives us a way to empower other people, and if they later come work for us, great. If not, you’re giving three or four kids a really unique perspective they can use to be successful somewhere else. If we’re making three to four impacts a year, over a period of years, that’s a pretty good reinvestment back into the community.”

Speaking of Pathfinder, surging enrollment has the school planning to open a second campus in Belchertown, while it has also launched a number of adult education and enrichment programs. Meanwhile, other Palmer-based organizations are doing their part for workforce developnent; River East School to Career helps high-school students connect with local businesses through internships and other programs, and Top Floor Learning helps adults earn their GED.

Mark Borsari

Mark Borsari

“So many jobs have gone overseas, but here we are in Massachusetts, selling brushes, a proud American manufacturer. So we’ve done something right.”

They’re all examples of how connections are being made locally to bolster a Palmer economy that already boasts a variety of strong sectors, from manufacturing to hospitality to healthcare — Baystate Wing Hospital alone employs more than 700 people. Meanwhile, a planned rail station project, as a future stop along the state’s planned east-west route, promises even more benefits.

 

Plenty to Build On

There are other signs of progress and vibrancy in town, from projects to convert two former schoolhouses (in Thorndike and Three Rivers) into residential apartments to the new Liberty Plaza strip mall on Route 32 near the turnpike exit, which now boasts Starbucks, Chipotle, Jersey Mike’s, and further investment opportunities.

Those are all promising developments that add to an already-robust business landscape in town, said James Przypek, CEO of the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce, which comprises 15 communities and 200 member businesses, 40% of them located in Palmer.

“When you think of Palmer, you think of Wing, our largest employer, which is not just a hospital — they have a rehab, a big ob/gyn department, about 40 physicians, 165 registered nurses … they’re certainly one of the backbones of the community.”

But he also thinks of manufacturing, from Sanderson MacLeod to Palmer Foundry, Palmer Paving (now owned by Peckham Industries of New York) to Adaptive Solutions, which makes medical devices.

On the retail and hospitality side, Figlio, an Italian restaurant on Main Street, is opening another location; 527 Candle Co. has opened downtown; and Seven Railroads Brewing Co. is thriving on Route 20.

“Palmer’s a neat little town. There’s a steampunk museum in town, there’s a pinball league in town … we’re all trying to do things to make it more of a place that people want to come to, rather than just like, ‘Palmer, what’s that?’” said Rachel Rosenbloom, co-owner of Seven Railroads. “I used to joke, ‘Palmer: you drive through us.’ But now, we want it to be ‘Palmer: you come here for a reason.’ Because there are things to do in town.”

As for the future train station, the state is moving forward with its chosen site, an open field at 1099 South Main St., south of Palmer Yard, land owned by Sanderson MacLeod adjacent to its plant. It will be several years before the facility is up and trains are stopping there, but residents and businesses alike are intrigued with the possibilities, even though not everyone is happy with the location; many wanted it closer to downtown.

A rail stop can benefit existing businesses in the broad hospitality sector and foster new ventures as well, and advocates say rail service will make Palmer’s location, already attractive because of its turnpike exit and close proximity to the state’s second- and third-largest cities, even more appealing to the development community.

“We’re very excited about the rail project,” Przypek said. “The chamber is in favor of having a railroad site, and we almost don’t care where it is, but where they proposed it makes sense, from our standpoint.”

As for that pike exit, where a casino was proposed some years ago, that site is still open and available, Przypek said.

“Last year, we worked with town officials in Palmer to identify a number of commercial buildings where land is available for sale or lease,” he noted. “Every quarter, we update that and post it to our website to give folks who want to invest in Palmer a glimpse at the properties that might be available. We’ve done that with other towns as well, but Palmer certainly is the most active. I guess the message is that Palmer is open for business.”

 

Manufacturing Progress

Sanderson MacLeod, which currenly employs about 115 people, recently entered into a partnership with GutterBrush of Rhode Island, and is bringing all its work into Palmer, Borsari said. “We’ve found ways to become business partners with certain people and make both companies more successful for the community.

“It’s an opportunity to keep growing and bringing people in instead of cutting back,” he went on, adding that automation at the plant is also helping the company become more modern and offer more advanced, higher-wage positions as well. And those connections it’s making with local students is just another way to grow the future in Palmer.

“If we or other manufacturing companies want to survive with a new generation coming up, we have to find ways to make it a cool place to work. It can’t be that drippy, oily concept that people have in their heads when they think of manufacturing. What can we do to give people purpose in what we’re making together?

“It’s really critical,” he added. “So many jobs have gone overseas, but here we are in Massachusetts, selling brushes, a proud American manufacturer. So we’ve done something right.”

Challenges Remain, but the Golf Business Is Healthy

By
Ed Twohig Jr.
Sports & Leisure

Steady Course

Ed Twohig Jr.

Ed Twohig Jr. says the game — and business — of golf are in relatively good health, although for many, it has become a nine-hole proposition.

 

Ed Twohig Jr. has been in and around the game of golf for more than 60 years now.

So he speaks from experience when he says that, while he’s seen the game healthier, it is, at the moment, in a comparatively good place.

By that, he meant people are getting into the game and, by and large, staying with it, despite its cost, degree of difficulty, and demands on time. Therefore, he said, the business of golf is relatively good, with courses faring well, but also related ventures, everything from the growing number of simulation facilities to retail outlets to the remaining practice and learning facilities, such as the Western Mass Family Golf Center in Hadley, where he provides lessons to a diverse mix of students, from middle schoolers to those pushing 80.

“Over the past few years, I’ve taught a lot of college and high school kids, both men and women, who want to get into the game.”

“Overall, the game is very, very healthy,” said Twohig, who grew up around the game as his father, Ed Sr., served as the pro at Amherst Golf Club, and Ed Jr. would later serve as the pro at the Orchards Golf Club and Springfield Country Club. “Over the past few years, I’ve taught a lot of college and high school kids, both men and women, who want to get into the game.”

Jesse Menachem, executive director and CEO of the Massachusetts Golf Assoc., agrees on the general state of the game and the business of golf. He said maybe the best measure of health and vitality of the game — the number of rounds played at courses across the Commonwealth — has continued to rise since a COVID-triggered surge in 2000, but there are other barometers as well.

“Rounds played, golfer engagement, wait lists at many of the private clubs, tee times that are still in high demand … these are all indicators that the health of the game is strong,” he told BusinessWest, adding that, while the total number of rounds is up only a few percentage points, the upward trend continues.

One of the best examples of the strong health of the game is the stunning turnaround at the Ledges Golf Club in South Hadley, which this year will mark its 25th anniversary. Once a losing proposition for the town and its taxpayers and an example of overreach when golf was booming in the late ’90s, it is now turning a profit and putting these proceeds back into the course, with effective results.

Mike Fontaine says the Ledges continued its growth trajectory in 2025 and is eyeing more of the same for the season ahead.

Mike Fontaine says the Ledges continued its growth trajectory in 2025 and is eyeing more of the same for the season ahead.

“We had another fantastic year in 2025 — we probably made $1.7 million, more than covering operating expenses for the town,” General Manager Michael Fontaine said. “And our goal is to do it again.”

Elaborating, he said ookings of outings is ahead of the solid pace set last year, and the course can afford to pick and choose which events it wants to host, another departure from the rough times years ago.

Still, there are challenges for those in the business, especially those who own and manage its courses, including a winter that has been unlike anything the region has seen in some time.

Indeed, despite some closures in recent years — Southwick Country Club, Hickory Ridge Golf Club in Amherst, and Elmcrest Country Club in East Longmeadow, for example — there is still considerable competition at a time of rising costs for everything from fertilizer to labor to gasoline for the carts.

“Rounds played, golfer engagement, wait lists at many of the private clubs, tee times that are still in high demand … these are all indicators that the health of the game is strong.”

Fontaine said he’s been getting some calls and visits from those managing other courses in the area essentially asking how the Ledges is doing all this. He said there’s no real secret, other than to provide a good product and essentially count revenue, not rounds — and price the product appropriately.

Elaborating, he said he believes many courses keep their prices lower than they should — probably a nod to all the competition in the area — and could go higher and still be competitive, not just with courses in this area, but in other markets as well.

 

Winter of Their Discontent

As he talked with BusinessWest by phone on March 13, Ted Perez Jr., the long-time pro at East Mountain Country Club in Westfield, paused on a few occasions to take calls to the pro shop. They pretty much told the story of a winter the likes of which the region hasn’t seen in maybe a decade or more.

“Yes … we’re open,” he told one caller, who then moved on to finding out just how playable the course was. “I just talked to a guy who made the turn … he said it’s … not bad out there.”

Not many courses in Massachusetts were open that day, but most of them were getting calls about when they would be, said Fontaine, who fielded a few himself. Like others we spoke to, he said this long, harsh winter should create substantial amounts of pent-up demand, which will help override what will likely be a later-than-usual start, probably the first or second week of April.

“That’s what we’re hoping for; it’s been a long, brutal winter,” he said, adding that some of the calls he’s getting are from people in the eastern part of the state, including the Cape, where courses can generally open earlier. But not this year.

Overall, he said the Ledges logs a good number of rounds involving people outside this area code, including the Hartford and Worcester areas, where golf is somewhat more expensive.

“We draw from everywhere — Albany, Worcester, Boston … our biggest is probably Connecticut, and I think it’s mostly because we’re a little cheaper,” he said, adding that the course’s rate of $75 with a cart on weekend mornings (the price drops later in the day) is better than what can be found in those other markets.

He’s not sure what impact rising gas prices might have on all this, but for now, golfers are willing to travel to save a few bucks — if the product and experience are good.

“I don’t think they figure the gas bill into the equation — it’s just grab your three buddies, get in the car, and go have a good round of golf in South Hadley, have a burger, and head home,” he said, adding that this equation could work for others as well if they maintain the quality of the product and market it effectively.

Overall, many courses did well in 2025, said Menachem, adding that they were helped by generally good weather — there was a stretch where it rained at least one weekend day for 10 straight weeks in the spring — as well the opportunity to open early and stay open into December.

They won’t have that luxury this year, he went on, adding that, despite considerable melting in early March, snow still covered many tracks. Meanwhile, the large amounts of snow will leave courses wet and in need of time to dry out, firm up, and clean up.

But he expects this late start to be overcome by pent-up demand.

“Given the climate of golf and the demand we’ve seen and continue to see, players are going to be ready and willing,” he said. “It might be a shock to the system for these courses to get prepared on short notice, but once they open, they should do well.”

Meanwhile, other aspects of the golf business are reporting growth as well, especially the simulation facilities, which provide a hedge against New England winter weather and provide opportunities to practice year-round.

“Anecdotally, it seems like more facilities are opening by the week,” he said, adding that there have been several new additions in and around Boston, including facilities that are focused on food and beverage as much as they are on golf. “And it’s serving as a nice complement — keeping clubs in people’s hands throughout the year.”

 

Going for the Green

It was the spring of 1983 when Perez took over the pro shop register from his father, Ted Perez Sr., who essentially designed and built East Mountain Country Club himself in 1963. With 43 years under his belt, he’s seen all kinds of winters — or ‘non-winters,’ as he calls what the region has seen more of in recent years — and he’s seen the game ebb and flow as well.

He remembers the halcyon days in the late ’90s and early 2000s after Tiger Woods arrived on the scene, when East Mountain was averaging roughly 50,000 rounds a year. He also remembers 2008 and the years that followed, when the course averaged about half that number, and the overall outlook was quite bleak.

“These days, it’s nowhere near 50,000 rounds, but it’s much better than it was,” he said, adding that it was during those down times that East Mountain started diversifying, if you will, using its banquet facilities for everything from comedy nights to bands to pro wrestling matches to bring in revenue and help pay the bills.

“We get 150 people in here for the wrestling — they have some food and some drink and watch some wrestling,” he said, adding that there is another such event scheduled for later this spring.

The venue is still used for a variety of revenue-producing purposes, he said, but, overall, golf is doing better than it was, and the outlook remains bright.

Twohig agreed, but noted that, despite healthy interest in the game, challenges such as its cost and time demands remain. So he’s seeing some fundamental changes.

“I believe that, for the majority of players, it’s going to be a nine-hole sport because of the time element,” he explained. “If you look at the clubs and the leagues … it’s all nine holes. People get their golf in, but they’re not spending their whole day there; there are too many options in the world now.”

Meanwhile, golf doesn’t have to mean nine or 18 holes on a course, he said, adding that many now enjoy practicing or playing courses on a simulator or simply hitting balls at the few remaining driving ranges in the area.

Drew Michael says golf has maintained the momentum generated during the pandemic, drawing new players of all ages.

Drew Michael says golf has maintained the momentum generated during the pandemic, drawing new players of all ages.

Drew Michael, store manager at Dave DiRico’s Golf in West Springfield, which features several simulators, agreed, adding that the surge in interest in the game since COVID is reflected in many aspects of his business.

That includes equipment sales, he said, adding that, in some respects, technology has helped make the game easier for many, and the winter and early spring months are generally the time to check out what’s new, whether it’s clubs, balls, shoes, or training aids.

And, like Twohig and others we spoke with, he said the sport — and the many businesses related to it — are maintaining the momentum gained during COVID.

“We’re seeing a lot of younger players, 25 to 35, and we’re seeing an uptick in women playing as well — those are the two fastest-growing categories,” he said. “It’s not quite like the book during COVID, but there’s still a lot of momentum with golf retail.”

He attributes this to the game gaining more exposure through everything from YouTube to TGL (Tomorrow’s Golf League), a high-tech, indoor, team golf competition that has succeeded in capturing the attention of many younger fans.

“You don’t have to tune in to CBS on a Sunday afternoon to watch a golf tournament,” Michael said. “YouTube is really big, TGL is gaining viewers, and you can watch any way you want — on your phone, computer, TV … all this is creating a wider audience.”

And it’s translating into more people getting into the game — and, in many cases, staying with it. Challenges remain, but golf seems to be a good place regionally, and on a steady course.

10 Easy Tips for Lowering Your Cyber Insurance Premium

By Contributor
Accounting and Tax Planning

Defensive Measures

By Chris Wisneski

In 2026, businesses and nonprofit organizations are increasingly at risk of cyberattacks that can lead to very costly breaches.

Even a single incident can have severe consequences. In fact, the average cost of a data breach can exceed $4 million. For small and medium organizations, responding to a security breach usually costs more than $100,000.

Cyber insurance companies are raising their minimum coverage requirements. Many now scan customer networks for vulnerabilities and require controls like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and security awareness training to qualify for a policy.

The good news is that you can take steps to lower your cyber insurance costs and get more value from your policy. Here’s how you can lower your cyber insurance rates before you start shopping for coverage.

Chris Wisneski

Chris Wisneski

“Even a single incident can have severe consequences. In fact, the average cost of a data breach can exceed $4 million. For small and medium organizations, responding to a security breach usually costs more than $100,000.”

 

1. Multi-factor Authentication

A very effective way to lower cyber insurance costs is to use multi-factor authentication on all email and high-access accounts. MFA adds another layer of security by asking users to confirm their identity. MFA improves security by asking for two or more types of identity checks: something you know, like a password; something you have, like a token; or something you are, like a fingerprint.

 

2. Password Managers

Using a password manager is another good way to lower cyber insurance costs. Password managers create strong, unique passwords for every account and keep them safe in an encrypted vault. Since most people have many passwords to remember, password managers also make daily work easier and help prevent frustration from forgotten logins.

 

3. Train Your Employees

Studies show that more than 90% of security breaches happen because of human error. That’s why security awareness training is so important for reducing risk. Security awareness training teaches employees how to spot phishing emails, make strong passwords, and protect sensitive information. When your employees protect data well, your organization is less risky to insurers. By 2026, security awareness training is a required best practice and should be part of your main security controls.

 

4. Software Updates

It’s essential to keep your software up to date. Updates often include security patches that protect your systems from new threats. Make sure you have an automated patch management system that covers your operating systems, third-party apps, and network devices like firewalls. Cybercriminals often go after organizations that don’t keep their systems updated.

 

5. Cybersecurity Tools

Investing in cybersecurity tools is another critical step. These tools may include firewalls, antivirus software, application whitelisting, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and, increasingly, managed detection and response solutions. A cybersecurity professional can help you choose the right mix of tools for your organization’s needs.

 

6. Incident Response Plan

An incident response plan is a key part of any security program. It explains what your organization will do if there’s a cyberattack or data breach. Having a written plan helps limit damage and lowers the overall impact and cost of an incident.

 

7. Continuity Planning and Image-based Backup Solutions

Business continuity and disaster recovery plans are important parts of a strong security program. They help you recover systems and data quickly after a breach or disruption. Modern backup plans should use image-based backups, which save full system images for faster and more complete recovery. Use both local and cloud backups for the best protection.

 

8. Monitor Your Systems

Monitoring your systems helps you spot threats, vulnerabilities, and outages as they happen. Check logs and activity often to catch unusual behavior early. Active monitoring can stop small problems from turning into expensive security incidents and can mean the difference between a quick fix and major financial or legal trouble.

 

9. Be Proactive

Taking action early is one of the best ways to lower your cyber insurance premium and avoid surprise costs. When you lower your risk now, you can get lower premiums and are less likely to have future claims that raise your rates. This approach saves you money on both premiums and deductibles. Lowering your cyber insurance premium might seem hard at first, but it’s easier than you think. Taking these steps before you shop for coverage can make a big difference.

 

10. Get a Cybersecurity Risk Assessment

A risk assessment can help you understand your risks, strengthen your defenses, and better prepare for today’s cyber insurance requirements. And cyber carriers are now asking when you had your last one.

 

Chris Wisneski is IT Security and Assurance Services manager at Whittlesey. The Whittlesey technology team is made up of experienced cybersecurity professionals who work with organizations to assess risk landscapes and identify potential vulnerabilities, helping raise awareness before costly cyber incidents occur. Visit landing.wadvising.com/cybersecurity-health-check to learn more or to start a conversation.

How to Avoid Getting Scammed This Tax Season

By Contributor
Accounting and Tax Planning

Knowledge Is Power

By Liberty Bank

Tax season is here, and it requires us to be extra vigilant. Identity theft campaigns are common at this time of year.

Cyber criminals and fraudsters often rely on social engineering techniques to trick innocent victims into giving them personal information. This information can be provided directly or through a fake website for the IRS, or a fake website for tax returns.

At Liberty Bank, we want to provide you with information that will help you better recognize identify theft campaigns and ultimately avoid them.

“It helps when you know what to look for,” said Craig Bernier, Liberty Bank’s chief Information Security officer. “Vigilance and knowledge are important when it comes to avoiding scams. Before sharing your personal information with anyone, be sure to verify their legitimacy and do your research.”

Craig Bernier

Craig Bernier

“It helps when you know what to look for. Vigilance and knowledge are important when it comes to avoiding scams. Before sharing your personal information with anyone, be sure to verify their legitimacy and do your research.”

What to Know for 2026

Changes to tax filing programs and the discontinuation of a free government-run filing system can be confusing. Some taxpayers are uncertain what is legitimate, and scammers are taking advantage by creating “new filing options” and “tax program and eligibility updates.”

Scammers often use messages that advertise fake refunds or feature account alert messages that claim something is wrong. They rely on the pressures of tax season and are trying to create anxiety by making you believe that something is wrong with your tax return.

Some scammers promote fraudulent tax assistance by presenting themselves as legitimate government-backed or low-cost help.

Scammers use all available methods, such as phone calls, texts, emails, and social media posts to dupe taxpayers.

 

Tips to Avoid Scams

• Look for phrases such as “new rules” and “urgent account issue.” These phrases are designed to induce panic and quick responses.

• Take your time when evaluating any messages regarding your taxes and verify a message’s authenticity through a trusted third party.

• Do not click on any links, reply to any messages, or call any numbers included in suspicious communications. Instead, go directly to irs.gov for guidance.

• Remember, the IRS will never email you, text you, or contact you via social media. It will also never pressure you to do something immediately.

• It’s important to note that scam messages and emails may look real and may even have an IRS-style logo and ‘case’ number. Aspects of an email may look legitimate at first glance, but the email may ultimately be fake.

For more information about fraud protection and prevention, visit www.liberty-bank.com/personal/fraud-protection-prevention.

Michelle Theroux Named President, CEO of Sunshine Village

By
Daily News

CHICOPEE — Peter Benton, chairman of the board of directors of Sunshine Village, announced the appointment of Michelle Theroux as the next president and CEO of the organization. She succeeds Gina Kos, who will retire at the end of April after more than 30 years of leadership.

Theroux brings more than 20 years of executive leadership experience in nonprofit, healthcare, and educational organizations. Most recently, she served as CEO of Berkshire Hills Music Academy in South Hadley for more than 12 years. Her earlier leadership roles included senior management positions at the Center for Human Development as well as Child and Family Services of Pioneer Valley, where she oversaw multi-site operations and expanded clinical services.

She currently serves as chair of Mercy Medical Center, is a regional board member for Trinity Health Of New England, and sits on the boards of the ERC5 Chamber of Commerce and MicroTek. She also serves as chair of the South Hadley Redevelopment Authority. Her contributions have been recognized by BusinessWest, which named her both a 40 Under Forty honoree and a Woman of Impact.

Theroux holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Springfield College and bachelor’s degrees in psychology and politics from Assumption University.

Established in 1967, Sunshine Village is a CARF-accredited organization that serves individuals with developmental disabilities and those on the autism spectrum. With several locations throughout Western Mass., Sunshine Village serves more than 400 individuals each year through employment, community integration, and day habilitation services.

The Construction Institute Announces 2026 Champions of Change Awardees

By
Daily News

MERIDEN, Conn. — The Construction Institute recently announced the recipients of its 2026 Champions of Change Award: Sean Edwards, executive vice president at Suffolk, and Christine Jablonski, director of Preconstruction at Daniel O’Connell’s Sons (DOC).

Each year, the Construction Institute recognizes one woman and one man within the architecture, engineering, construction, and owner community who exemplify leadership, mentorship, and a deep commitment to advancing opportunity within the industry. These individuals serve as role models who actively support women and others in the profession while driving meaningful, lasting change.

Edwards brings more than 30 years of industry experience and leads Suffolk’s Higher Education and Life Sciences sector. He is widely recognized for his long-standing commitment to advancing women in construction, having spent over two decades mentoring and advocating for their growth. His leadership has helped reshape project teams across New England, increasing representation and positioning women in key leadership roles.

Jablonski, a member of DOC’s executive leadership team, brings more than 35 years of industry experience. A recognized leader in advancing diversity and inclusion, she has shaped recruitment strategies, mentored emerging professionals, and led initiatives such as the DOC Women’s Network. Her impact extends industry-wide through leadership roles with the Construction Institute and the Connecticut Building Congress, where she champions opportunity and inclusive growth.

The Women Who Build Summit is the Construction Institute’s premier annual event celebrating leadership, innovation, and progress across the industry. The summit brings together professionals from across disciplines to share insights, build connections, and advance the role of women in construction and related fields.

Rachel Heller Begins New Role Leading Massachusetts Housing Partnership

By
Daily News

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) announced that Rachel Heller has officially begun her role as executive director, marking an exciting new chapter in the organization’s impact on affordable housing in Massachusetts.

With a track record of success and a deep and personal commitment to housing affordability across the state, Heller brings a wealth of expertise, vision, and leadership to MHP.

“I am honored to join the talented and dedicated MHP team to advance decades of innovative research, community assistance, and investments in homeownership and affordable housing to meet the housing needs of current and future residents, our neighborhoods, and our economy,” she said.

As executive director of MHP, Heller will play a pivotal role in creating more housing opportunities, making a direct and tangible difference in the lives of thousands of families across Massachusetts. This includes leading implementation of MHP’s strategic plan.

MHP is a public, nonprofit organization that expands access to affordable housing and promotes housing equity in communities across the Commonwealth. In September, after 40 years of leadership, Executive Director Clark Ziegler announced his retirement, effective at the end of March.

Hatfield Rally House Offers Tennis, Pickleball — and Connection

By
Director of Operations Keshawn Dodds
Cover Story

Taking a Big Swing

Ashley Schaffer has a fond memory from summer camp, when she was growing up in Texas.

“They had a big capture the flag event where everyone joined in — the entire camp,” she recalled. “All the adults were playing capture the flag with us, all the administrators, everybody. In my little kid head, it kind of blew my mind.”

So when she turned 40, she decided to do the same thing at her birthday party, inviting everyone she knew to a friend’s farm to play capture the flag.

The venture she and Patrick Roche (her partner in business and life) recently opened — Hatfield Rally House, a tennis and pickleball facility just off I-91 in Hatfield — is kind of like that, Schaffer said. “This is me trying to live that out every single day.”

The idea, she explained, is connection. “I wanted to build something that’s not just tennis, not just pickleball. Everyone has lot of connections; sometimes they overlap, and sometimes they don’t. I love having a party where you can invite everyone you know and see how your different connections who don’t overlap can come together.”

And that coming together — among both friends and teammates who just met — is what she and Roche envisioned at Hatfield Rally House, which also features a café and lounge with big-screen TVs, and land outside to install volleyball and bocce courts when the weather gets warm, and invite food trucks as well. The vision was a place where people would want to hang out after playing — or not even have to play at all.

Patrick Roche and Ashley Schaffer aimed to create a sports facility where people would also want to come hang out and connect.

Patrick Roche and Ashley Schaffer aimed to create a sports facility where people would also want to come hang out and connect.
Photo by Derek Fowles Photography

“You can come into the lounge and watch a game and have a drink and chill,” she added. “I just want everyone to come, whether they’re into tennis and pickleball or not — just come and gather and meet some new people. They don’t even have to be into sports.”

Director of Operations Keshawn Dodds told BusinessWest that the vision of Schaffer and Roche — he a tennis pro, but both avid tennis players who wanted to create something more than a tennis center — appealed to him.

“I just want everyone to come, whether they’re into tennis and pickleball or not — just come and gather and meet some new people. They don’t even have to be into sports.”

“They play at various places across Western Mass., and Ashley always said she wanted a place that she can call her home, that had the amenities to make sure that people felt welcome,” he explained.

“A lot of places that she went to didn’t have certain things. So she wanted to make sure we had a café, a place that kind of builds community and doesn’t focus on just the sport. So she and Patrick sat down and decided how to put tennis and pickleball together in a place where people can come and enjoy both sports, but also have more outside of that.”

The model centers around memberships, he explained, and although drop-in play for non-members is certainly encouraged, he said (day passes cost $20) a trial 30-day membership for $25 makes sense for most — and he said the facility has a strong turnover rate of people trying it out and remaining members after the first month.

The owners of Hatfield Rally House say its location just off I-91 was one of the selling points of the site.

The owners of Hatfield Rally House say its location just off I-91 was one of the selling points of the site.

Indeed, Dodds noted, the goal was to sign up 500 members in the first year of operation — and that was exceeded in the first month.

“So right now, it’s about managing all that. It made us happy to see this was actually something beneficial to not only the sports community, but the community at large. People are looking for something where they can be active and share that sense of community.”

 

Stay a While

Schaffer has experienced playing tennis or pickleball indoors and then doing … well, not much else.

“You have to get off the court at a certain time, and you ended up talking in the parking lot,” she said, adding that, while indoor tennis and pickleball isn’t a new idea, she had a specific vision for it — somewhere between that place with nothing else to do and an overly broad venue.

“In Texas, everything’s over the top. I didn’t want an over-the-top, country club place, but a place where you can come play with your friends and kind of lounge around afterwards and talk. You don’t even have to play.”

“After COVID, pickleball really took off. So it was just more on my radar, watching the pickleball culture, seeing how they operate. I felt like pickleball could float our tennis courts in terms of a business model. Eventually, we said, ‘let’s try to do this. We’ve been talking about it — we need to stop talking about it. Let’s do it.’”

She said a tennis-only model didn’t work financially because of the limited number of players who could support the square footage needed at any given time, but pickleball, with its more compact courts, had been gaining in popularity for years, and she and Roche saw an opportunity to combine the two in a way that could work.

“After COVID, pickleball really took off. So it was just more on my radar, watching the pickleball culture, seeing how they operate. I felt like pickleball could float our tennis courts in terms of a business model. Eventually, we said, ‘let’s try to do this. We’ve been talking about it — we need to stop talking about it. Let’s do it.’”

As for the business model — both in memberships and day passes — Schaffer said she’d heard that people won’t pay when they can find outdoor courts for both sports for free, but the first three months of operation (Hatfield Rally House opened on Dec. 14) have proven them wrong.

“It’s something that the community wanted,” Dodds said. “And it’s been bigger than what we thought, bigger than the expectations. So we’re happy.”

When Schaffer and Roche started calling architects, only one — Bonham & Douglas Architects in Northampton — seemed to take an interest in the project, and enthusiastic interest at that. “Dan Bonham picked up the phone and talked to me for 45 minutes, and finally, I was like, ‘OK, this is my guy,’” Schaffer said.

As for the location, just a few hundred feet off I-91 exit 30 northbound (and not far from exit 32 southbound), “I know they were looking at several different places, including a couple places in Northampton,” Dodds said, “but this was a farm area that somebody introduced to them, and they looked at it and decided it was just the right location. As a business owner, you say, ‘location, location, location,’ and this is right off the highway, easy access from up north. So this is the perfect spot. We got lucky.”

The 60,000-square-foot facility, built by Five Star Building Corp. in Easthampton, contains four tennis courts, eight pickleball courts, and fitness equipment upstairs, as well as full locker rooms and showers. Meanwhile, in the café and lounge up front, the business partners with Prospect Meadow Farm in Hatfield for food and Berkshire Natural in Northampton for snacks. “We try to keep it local as much as possible,” Dodds said.

“It’s amazing to have all of this here,” he quickly added. “And trust me, the thing that I love the most is when people say, ‘I still get this wow factor when I walk in.’”

 

Rising Tide

While Hatfield Rally House fills a specific niche in the region, there are other places to play pickleball, including Pickleball Kingdom in the Holyoke Mall, the Picklr in Westfield, indoor courts at Holyoke Community College, and others, including any number of outdoor municipal courts across the region.

However, “we don’t see it as competition — we see it as a help. We want people to understand they can play in other places, but they also have the opportunity to play here,” Dodds said, effectively suggesting a rising tide lifting all boats situation, where the more people introduced to the sport, the better, and the best facilities will do well by drawing in these new fans.

As for that early success, “we’re not in this to make a lot of money,” Schaffer said. “The goal is really to be self-sustaining. I didn’t want some windfall — I just wanted a different kind of place that I feel we didn’t have in Western Mass.”

“We provide lessons and clinics and ladders and open play — an easy way of connecting into the community. Sometimes you go to other places, and it’s a little intimidating. I’m trying to make it easy for people to come. We want to be super welcoming. That’s the whole thing.”

And now that she has it — and early returns are strong — she’s just trying to get the word out to more people who would enjoy a few games of tennis or pickleball. And human connection, of course.

“I feel like I’ve been shouting from the hills that we’re open. I’m not the type of person that starts a business, and the struggle is getting more people to know about it. There’s a lot of places you can go outside and play pickleball, tennis, whatever, but we’re inside, and to me the biggest asset we provide is programming and ways for people to come and play.”

Elaborating, she said Hatfield Rally House, like other places, offers open play so that anyone can show up without a partner and get into a game (and maybe make a friend or three). But they can also take a lesson to improve their skills.

“We provide lessons and clinics and ladders and open play — an easy way of connecting into the community. Sometimes you go to other places, and it’s a little intimidating. I’m trying to make it easy for people to come. We want to be super welcoming. That’s the whole thing.”

Again, Dodds emphasized the local nature of the business.

“These aren’t people that just are just trying to make more money — they’re here investing and being a part of every little nook and cranny. And the best thing about this is, we’re here to stay. We want to make it the best for everyone. Even today, we’re talking with members about how to make the programming better. We take their suggestions, and we put them into action right in front of them. They’re like, ‘wow, you guys are really receptive.’

“And that’s because we’re not a franchise. This is family-owned,” Dodds went on. “And we make the members feel like they have ownership of it — because this is their place. That’s how you make it a better community.”

In short, “a lot of people really wanted this. And luckily, we came together and built it.”

Callaway Uses Technology, Experience to Build a Better Golf Ball

By
The growing popularity of golf is a boon to manufacturers, as the average player uses about three balls per round.
Features Special Coverage

Getting a Bounce

Algis Norkevicius says Callaway is the world’s second-largest golf ball manufacturer, and has its sights set on number one.

Algis Norkevicius says Callaway is the world’s second-largest golf ball manufacturer

 

Algis Norkevicius says it’s difficult to effectively quantify and qualify the overall impact from all those close-up shots of Callaway golf balls during television broadcasts as the professional golf tournaments wind to their climax on Sunday afternoons.

But he knows it certainly helps when ‘Callaway players’ such Akshay Bhatia storm from behind and win the Arnold Palmer Invitational, as he did earlier this month, or when Xander Schauffle is in contention at the Players Championship — and also at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Or when Sam Burns is near the top of the leaderboard at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

“It’s great exposure for our products, and it’s fun to watch and follow these players,” said Norkevicius, senior director of Global Golf Ball Manufacturing for Callaway, which has facilities in different corners of the globe, but makes most of its balls in a sprawling facility on Meadow Street in Chicopee that was once home to Spalding.

He said these strong performances from those Callaway players comprise just one of many factors contributing to the company’s rise to number two among golf ball manufacturers, behind Acushnet, maker of Titleist, and on a path to steady growth — in sales, and in the number of balls produced at the Chicopee facility.

Another factor is the continued strong health of the game, which enjoyed a surge during COVID and has, by and large, been able to maintain that momentum since.

“Rounds of play and golf ball sales are directly correlated; statistics show that the average person uses around three golf balls a round,” Norkevicius said. “As rounds of play increase, so do golf ball sales. Last year, the National Golf Foundation released its annual report — golf grew again by 1% over the previous year, which was a record year.”

Then there are new products, such as the company’s recently introduced second generation of the Chrome Tour line, balls that tout greater speed, more consistency, and tighter dispersion, and are expected to be popular with players at all levels.

“We’ve grown our workforce, and we’ve increased our technical staff — all in pursuit of making a better golf ball.”

Norkevicius calls what’s going on at Callaway a “transformation,” one marked by everything from new products and the growing popularity of those products to new efficiencies in the manufacturing processes and, overall, more than $130 million in capital investments inside the facility.

“We took a look at each process and upgraded the equipment,” he said. “It started with our mixing line, and then core molding and injection molding; our printing equipment has been upgraded; and the last thing we’re upgrading is our packaging line, and we’re in the middle of that now.

“We’ve grown our workforce, and we’ve increased our technical staff — all in pursuit of making a better golf ball,” he noted, adding that recent results have shown that these substantial investments are certainly paying off.

Looking forward, he said the company is looking to continually grow its market share — the new Chrome Tour products are certainly expected to help improve those numbers — and eventually become the number-one golf ball maker in the world.

To get there, the company will look to make ever-greater use of technology, including artificial intelligence (AI) to not only produce a better golf gall, but achieve the most important quality in the manufacturing of these products: consistency.

The growing popularity of golf is a boon to manufacturers, as the average player uses about three balls per round.

The growing popularity of golf is a boon to manufacturers, as the average player uses about three balls per round.

For this issue, BusinessWest talked at length with Norkevicius about the golf ball business, the manufacturing of those products, and how Callaway continues on a strong growth trajectory.

 

Positive Spin

Norkevicius has been involved with golf ball manufacturing for nearly 30 years now. He started at Acushnet, which is both a company and a town in Bristol County where the golf balls are made.

He came to Callaway in 2019 to lead worldwide golf ball manufacturing operations, meaning the facility in Chicopee, but also other plants in Thailand, Taiwan, and Vietnam that produce mostly value and range products. He’ll visit those facilities once a quarter, on average, spending the bulk of his time in Chicopee.

“That knowledge base in how to make a golf ball is one of the key assets we have here.”

Over his time at Callaway, the company’s share of the overall golf ball market has risen from roughly 14% to 22% (Achusnet remains on top, with nearly 50% of the market). He attributes this to products that have captured the attention of players at all levels, such as those within what’s now known as the ‘Chrome family’ — the Chrome Tour, Chrome Tour X, Chrome Tour Triple Diamond, and Chrome Soft — but also other offerings, such as the popular Supersoft, Superfast, and Warbird.

Many of these balls are made in Chicopee, including the Chrome Tour products, as well as the Supersoft and the ERC Soft, he said, adding that the facility will churn out 5 million dozen golf balls a year, or 25,000 dozen a day, with three shifts operating five days a week (there are roughly 450 employees), with overtime on weekends during busy seasons — like this one.

Indeed, the months leading up the start of the golf season in the Sun Belt (March) and then the rest of the country (early- to mid-April) are among the busiest times for the Chicopee facility.

“There’s a seasonality to the business,” Norkevicius explained. “Typically, the summer months are one of the slowest times, and then it will ramp up in September and October in advance of the holidays, and then plateau — and then, around Memorial Day, it starts to get a little lighter.”

Overall, 2025 was another sold year for both the company and the Chicopee plant, he told BusinessWest, adding that the game continues to grow a percentage point or two a year in terms of the number of rounds played; as noted, this translates directly into more balls being used.

“We’ve created what I’d call a quantum data universe; on any given day, we’ll take 150 million data points from our processes, equipment, and our testing, and we load this data into the cloud. And from there, our engineers will use AI to help predict outcomes or potentially get ahead of failures before they occur.”

And this growth pattern is expected to continue in 2026, especially as the company releases the next generation of its Chrome Tour products, first introduced in 2024.

“We changed the ball so significantly that we separated Chrome Tour from Chrome Soft,” he explained. “That marked a leap in technology and performance. And over the past two years, we’ve continually refined the golf ball, working with R&D on some material changes as construction changes to optimize it even more, adding more speed and more distance, and then we were able to decrease our dispersion along the fairway; the ball lands in a tighter spot compared with previous models.”

The Chicopee plant started producing the new Chrome Soft balls last summer, he went on, adding that production has ramped up as the new season draws closer.

 

Drive to Improve

As he gave BusinessWest a tour of the Chicopee plant, Norkevicius said its best asset is its workforce, which boasts many team members who have been making golf balls for decades — some for a half-century.

“That knowledge base in how to make a golf ball is one of the key assets we have here,” he said, adding that the company has been working to blend this experience with new technology and improved processes to take golf ball manufacturing to the proverbial next level.

This includes the use of AI, which Norkevicius called one of the plant’s more significant advancements over the past several years.

“We’ve created what I’d call a quantum data universe; on any given day, we’ll take 150 million data points from our processes, equipment, and our testing, and we load this data into the cloud,” he explained. “And from there, our engineers will use AI to help predict outcomes or potentially get ahead of failures before they occur.

“They can monitor our processes, and as soon as there’s an indication that a process may be going out of control, they will alert a technician or engineer, and they can address that before we make a bad product,” he went on, adding that, with golf balls, the most important quality — even above distance, which is still important — is consistency.

“With every golf ball you use, you want it to perform the same … and we want to ensure that each ball goes the same distance, has the same dispersion, same flight, same spin,” he said. “And to do that, it’s difficult. Making golf balls is hard, and if we can understand and control all these parameters, we can make it a little easier.”

Elaborating, he said there is much that goes into the making of a golf ball, from its core to its cover; from rubber chemistry to injection molding, and maintaining quality through the many stages of the complex process is as difficult as it is essential.

“It’s not an easy process — it’s very challenging, especially to make things consistent,” Norkevicius told BusinessWest. “We need to have those controls in place, we need to have the knowledge of our processes, and we need to have those tools to help us identify when those processes go out of control — or start to go out of control.”

AI also helps the R&D teams create better products, he added.

“They can create virtual models based on what’s going on here, and then come up with an even better model for the next generation,” he explained. “They can basically do this analysis and future trials, utilizing AI to do that — they can then predict outcomes. Things that would take weeks to do, to test and compile … we can do that in minutes today.”

With this focus on quality and the use of technology to not only make better products but produce them more efficiently and more consistently, Norkevicius believes Callaway is well-positioned to not only continue on its strong growth trajectory, but achieve that ambitious goal of rising to the top among golf ball manufacturers.

“With the investments we’ve made here and the continued improvements to our products and processes, we know we have the foundation in place to increase our market share,” he said, adding that Callaway shares a goal common with golfers of all handicap levels — continuous improvement.

Workforce and Career Development in the Accounting Industry

By Contributor
Accounting and Tax Planning Special Coverage

A Gen Z Perspective

By Samantha Calvao

The accounting profession is undergoing a generational and technological transformation. As seasoned professionals retire and new talent steps in, members of Gen Z (those born between the late 1990s and the early 2010s) are beginning to leave their mark.

For this group, career advancement is not defined solely by promotions or years of service. Instead, it’s about building adaptable skills, seeking meaningful work, and maintaining flexibility in a profession that’s shifting faster than ever before.

 

Starting a Career in a Changing Industry

Gen Z’s first years in accounting look different from those of earlier generations. Many individuals now start early in their careers by gaining experience through internship programs, where they develop a deeper understanding of the accounting industry by actively engaging with seasoned professionals and learning from their real-world experiences.

The days of starting with stacks of paper and hours of manual reconciliations are largely gone. Modern accounting systems, automation tools, and cloud platforms handle much of the repetitive work that once defined entry-level roles. This change means new graduate hires often jump directly into analysis, client communication, and strategic discussions — responsibilities that previously took years to reach.

Because of this early exposure and industry evolution, many young professionals are shaping careers that are more fluid than linear. They are open to moving between public and private practice, trying out specialized areas like forensic investigations or sustainability reporting.

In addition to moving between private and public, young professionals are open to being cross-trained in multiple industries and services. This diverse approach to career development provides opportunities for growth from multiple perspectives, positioning career advancement as a menu of options rather than a rigid path.

Samantha Calvao

Samantha Calvao

“Many Gen Z professionals seek roles where they can make a meaningful impact, whether by contributing to sustainability initiatives, participating in socially responsible projects, or aligning with companies that demonstrate strong ethical standards.”

Workplace culture plays a central role in these decisions. While salary still plays a factor, Gen Z places high value on flexible schedules, hybrid work arrangements, and leaders who prioritize a balance between well-being and workload. The young accountants anticipate regular feedback instead of waiting for annual reviews. They look for mentors who will provide guidance not only on technical work, but also on professional development and career planning.

Learning, Connection, and Purpose

For Gen Z, professional development is an ongoing process. Beyond the mandatory continuing professional education hours, they actively pursue training in areas such as data visualization, financial modeling, and cybersecurity. Many are drawn to learning methods that fit into busy schedules, consisting of short online modules, peer-led workshops, or interactive webinars. They appreciate employers who support a variety of educational formats creating the diverse web of opportunities in a career.

Networking has also evolved for this generation. While in-person industry events remain valuable, digital spaces have expanded their reach. Platforms like LinkedIn, virtual conferences, and even niche online communities allow Gen Z accountants to connect with peers, mentors, and potential employers around the globe. These connections often lead to opportunities that traditional local networking might not uncover.

Firms support young professionals by having business development groups, allowing them to take initiative in creating relationships among themselves and further in the business community. Business development groups not only expand young professionals’ networks, but also help them build essential soft skills such as communication, leadership, and relationship management, all vital for long-term career growth.

Purpose-driven work is another key motivator. Many Gen Z professionals seek roles where they can make a meaningful impact, whether by contributing to sustainability initiatives, participating in socially responsible projects, or aligning with companies that demonstrate strong ethical standards.

In short, firms should encourage young professionals to be actively involved with internal business development groups, niche-driven work, or being deeply rooted in ways to give back to the community.

 

The Road Ahead

As Gen Z gains experience and advances within the profession, their influence is likely to accelerate ongoing changes in accounting. Their desire for adaptability, meaningful engagement, and skill diversity aligns closely with the industry’s shift toward technology-driven advisory services.

They also understand that technical expertise alone won’t guarantee long-term success. Many are actively seeking opportunities to strengthen soft skills like leadership, collaboration, and clear communication abilities that enhance client relationships and open doors to management roles. By blending strong interpersonal skills with technical knowledge, they are positioning themselves for a wide range of career options, including roles that didn’t exist a decade ago.

In the years ahead, Gen Z will continue to build the profession, pushing for workplaces that balance tradition with innovation and value both the numbers and the people behind them. For these emerging professionals, accounting isn’t just about maintaining the books — it’s about creating a career that reflects their values, skills, and vision for the future.

 

Samantha Calvao, MBA is a senior associate at the Holyoke-based accounting firm Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.

 

CitySpace Project Gathers Momentum, Funding

By
Architecture Special Coverage

Music to Their Ears

A rendering from Kuhn Riddle Architects & Designers of the planned exterior of Old Town Hall in Easthampton.

A rendering from Kuhn Riddle Architects & Designers of the planned exterior of Old Town Hall in Easthampton.

 

For Andrew Bagge, the ongoing CitySpace project in Easthampton is a meaningful endeavor in more than one way.

“Two of the greatest assets in Western Mass. are beautiful old buildings and community-minded nonprofits. Pairing the two is really a win-win situation,” said Bagge, senior architect with Kuhn Riddle Architects & Designers in Amherst, which began collaborating on the project in 2016. “Over those 10 years, we’ve been working closely with CitySpace to help them realize their vision for the entire project, including the entry addition and second-floor performance space.”

And recently, the project received a massive boost from the federal government: $3.5 million in congressionally directed spending to support the ongoing restoration of Easthampton’s historic Old Town Hall, a significant boost to the long-term effort to transform the landmark into a fully accessible, multi-level center for arts, culture, and community life.

Specifically, the funding will advance the next phase of work to restore the building’s second floor as a 350-seat performing arts venue.

“The restoration and development of Easthampton’s Old Town Hall serves as a shining example of what is possible when a community has a vision,” said U.S. Sen. Edward Markey, whose office — and that of U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren — worked with CitySpace and local partners to further advance the project. “CitySpace, local leaders, and the Easthampton community have breathed new life into this historic structure, transforming a stranded municipal asset into an anchor of the local economy and a nexus for community initiatives.”

Easthampton Mayor Salem Derby added that “this $3.5 million federal investment is a powerful vote of confidence in Easthampton’s vision for Old Town Hall and in the extraordinary work of CitySpace to bring that vision to life.”

 

Two Decades in the Making

For more than a century, Old Town Hall housed municipal offices, and while its second floor served as a public performance and gathering space, it has been unusable for more than two decades.

The nonprofit known as CitySpace began managing the first floor of Old Town Hall as a multi-genre arts and community center in 2006, one that now welcomes more than 15,000 visitors annually. In 2019, the organization secured a 40-year lease from the city of Easthampton to fully manage Old Town Hall and restore the second floor, a project its leaders say has been shaped by regional community input and the needs of the performing arts community.

“Two of the greatest assets in Western Mass. are beautiful old buildings and community-minded nonprofits. Pairing the two is really a win-win situation.”

Since Burns Maxey joined the CitySpace board in 2011 — she became board president in 2015 — she and her all-volunteer team have worked to create a flexible arts and community space in Old Town Hall, which was built in 1869 and housed the town’s municipal offices until 2003. They have helped secure Community Preservation Act funds, multiple foundation grants, and historic tax credits, as well as operating a capital campaign in an effort to raise about $8.5 million for the project.

Phase one of the project involved renovation of the first floor, including the creation of a small, 80-seat rental performance space called the Blue Room. In conjunction with that, Maxey established a program called Pay It Forward to allow low-income artists the resources, space, and support to create or collaborate on a project, or have a residency to complete a project prior to public performance. The first floor also includes a number of art spaces.

Phase two of the project, which has already seen the HVAC system upgraded and modernized, will introduce a new accessible entryway, an elevator serving every floor, and the repair and display of a historic stained-glass window on the building’s street-facing entryway.

Michael Tautznik, the former long-time mayor of Easthampton who now serves as board treasurer for CitySpace, told BusinessWest that “the intention back in 2018 was to try to do this in one shot, but as we saw inflation and as COVID come in, we decided that it just wasn’t feasible. So we’ve broken that project down into three phases.

“We’ve got a great local contractor, Keiter Corporation, that’s doing the work, and we’ve had help from a couple of state grants, the city of Easthampton, and some very generous donors. And we’ve got that project underway; it’ll be finished this summer. And then we’re going to move into the final design and hopefully execution of the final phase, which is to create that venue on the second floor. That’ll be for entertainment, but it will also be a place for public gathering and just a way to celebrate that building’s history.”

The new federal funding will advance that third phase — easily the most expensive part of the project — which centers on the restoration of the second floor, creating a 350-seat performing arts venue in the space that once served as the building’s historic meeting hall, including restoring the ceiling and floors, adding restrooms, installing new electrical and fire safety systems, and investing in state-of-the-art theatrical and lighting equipment.

“The addition is a contemporary steel and glass structure, creating a light and transparent distinction between new and old. The materials, lighting, and finishes complement the existing building and establish an inviting presence on Main Street.”

Tautznik said the project reflects Easthampton’s growing identity as a hub for arts and culture — a priority for many regions, he added, and one he has seen the city embrace through reuse of its copious mill space.

“Easthampton is a community that has become aware of its purpose in the arts. The idea that arts are just for entertainment, I think, is past. We look at the arts as an economic engine. Our mill space is pretty inexpensive, so it attracts tenants that maybe can’t afford to be in downtown Springfield or class A space. So, from the perspective of reutilizing older mill buildings, you become an attraction. And bringing people into the community brings traffic to your downtown, which supports local businesses.”

As for the future performance space upstairs at Old Town Hall, he said it meets a regional need. “It’s a size that isn’t readily available in the region. There are lots of smaller venues, 200 seats and under, and there are some big venues — well, big for this region. But there’s not a lot in the 300- to 500-seat range.

Mike Tautznik

Mike Tautznik

“The idea that arts are just for entertainment, I think, is past. We look at the arts as an economic engine.”

“We think that there’s a real opportunity to try to tap into some of the artists that move through the Northeast,” he added. “It’s also the kind of space that an up-and-coming artist might be able to fill. And that’s important when you have a show, when you’re doing a performance — you want a full house. Bringing a 300-person performance to an 800-seat venue is sometimes disheartening for the artist.”

 

Realizing the Vision

For Bagge, the project is a chance to positively impact what is arguably the most iconic building in Easthampton.

“The primary goal of the addition is to provide an accessible way for the public to enjoy the entire building, particularly the second floor,” he said, adding that a “nuanced challenge” for Kuhn Riddle was to minimize the project’s impact on the building’s historic form while also showcasing CitySpace as a vibrant hub for the arts — in other words, respecting both old and new.

“The addition is a contemporary steel and glass structure, creating a light and transparent distinction between new and old,” he noted. “The materials, lighting, and finishes complement the existing building and establish an inviting presence on Main Street.”

Another hurdle was achieving all of this within the limited space adjacent to the building, which remains a challenge during construction.

“We’re asking a lot of a small elevator addition, but collaborating with a forward-thinking client has made it all possible. We’re applying the same strategies moving forward with the second floor performance space design, which will be the main event.”

Bagge said Kuhn Riddle has worked on countless adaptive reuse projects to help organizations like CitySpace find their home in an existing building.

“When we lose historic buildings, we collectively lose a piece of our cultural heritage, which plays a vital role in the unique character of the Valley,” he told BusinessWest. “I’m hopeful that our building codes will adapt to recognize the carbon impact of removing and replacing an existing building. The embodied energy in these buildings should be treated as an asset. It has been incredibly gratifying working on the Old Town Hall and collaborating with a client who understands the value in historic buildings.”

As for Tautznik, who has been both working and volunteering in Easthampton for more than 50 years, “I see this personally as an investment in my community, as a way to provide an anchor for that part of downtown,” Tautznik said. “The building is a place I remember as a child. Then when I first served as a selectman, it was in that building. And when I first became mayor, it was in that building.

“The fabric of the community is really what its citizens make it,” he added. “I hope to be a thread in the weaving of that fabric. And I think CitySpace is a big panel in that fabric. And the benefits are going to far outweigh the costs, which are the immediate challenge. It’s going to be exciting.”

In Business Consulting, Samalid Hogan Speaks from Experience

By
Samalid Hogan
Special Coverage Where Are They Now?

Where Are They Now?

 

Samalid Hogan

Samalid Hogan as a 40 Under Forty honoree in 2013 (below), and today.

Samalid Hogan in 2013

Samalid Hogan in 2013

 

Samalid Hogan likes to say she practices what she preaches.

By that, she means she applies what she tells her small business consulting clients — as well as those she assists as director of Business Support Services for the Boston Impact Initiative — to her own entrepreneurial ventures, including her latest one, Greylock Management Consulting, for which she has some ambitious expansion plans we’ll get to in a bit.

“I tell people the most important things are to know what your business is really good at, and keep an eye on the market, the industry, so that you know where things are going in the future, so you can be prepared to pivot and change your business model,” she said, adding that she does just that with Greylock, a growing venture that provides a wide portfolio of services that will soon get wider.

Hogan also likes to say she speaks the language of small business owners — because she’s been there (and is there), so she can relate to what they’re going through. She can speak from experience about what has gone right and, just as importantly, the mistakes she’s made and seen others make.

Hogan’s résumé is complete with a number of stops involving work with small businesses, many other aspects of economic development, and work on both a community- and region-wide basis. And while assisting entrepreneurs at many of these stops, she has always been entrepreneurial herself.

Indeed, her first professional stop was chief of staff for state Rep. Cheryl Coakley-Rivera in 2003. Later, she served as an economic development and policy analyst for the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission.

She was working as senior project manager and brownfields coordinator for the city of Springfield when she was selected as a member of BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty class of 2013, and she was serving as regional director of the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center when she won the coveted Alumni Achievement Award — given each year to a 40 Under Forty alum who has most notably built on their success — in 2017.

Along the way, there have been entrepreneurial ventures of her own, such as CoWork Springfield and different consulting ventures, culminating with Greylock, which she launched in 2021.

There have been several other awards along the way as well, everything from the Women Trailblazers and Trendsetters Award from the Latino Chamber of Commerce to the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s Entrepreneurial Spirit Award; from the Gateway Cities Innovation Award to her latest honor, the ALX 100 Award for Latino Leaders in Massachusetts.

“I don’t like telling people what to do. I want to help them discover their path, but also learn from others’ mistakes, so they don’t make those same mistakes, which can be costly.”

The various words in those award titles — ‘leader,’ ‘innovation,’ ‘trailblazer,’ and others — speak to how Hogan has dedicated her career to not only inspiring entrepreneurship and assisting small businesses, but also being involved in the community on many different levels.

And while the honors are nice, she says a greater reward has been her involvement, at various levels, with some intriguing entrepreneurial success stories — in this region and beyond. These include Las Kangris Restaurant & Bar in Springfield, for which she helped secure a $50,000 BizMPower grant from MassDevelopment; GJC Signs & Digital Signs; and Rozki Rides, a transportation service in Springfield.

For this latest installment of its Where Are They Now? series, BusinessWest checks in with Hogan, who is always getting down to business — and helping others do the same.

 

Reaching Higher

As for Greylock Consulting, that name was chosen as a nod to the state’s highest mountain and how she can help her clients achieve similar altitude, if you will, with their ventures.

“We want to take small business to new heights,” she said, adding that, as a consultant, and in her work with the Boston Impact Initiative, she acts as a guide of sorts, but one that lets the business owner choose the path. She acts to help keep that path clear of crippling setbacks.

“I don’t like telling people what to do. I want to help them discover their path, but also learn from others’ mistakes, so they don’t make those same mistakes, which can be costly,” she told BusinessWest. “It’s a great advantage, and I think I speak with a lot of credibility with the entrepreneurs. They’ll say, ‘she knows, she understands, she knows this is a 24/7 thing.’ As a business owner, you’re never off the clock. You might go on vacation, but you’re still thinking about it.

“I understand the frustration and the hard work it takes to run a successful business and the ups and downs that come along the way,” she went on. “Whether you’re dealing with people or cash flow issues, or your industry is changing, such as with AI, there’s always juggling.”

Helping business owners keep the many balls they’re juggling in the air has become a career for Hogan. In her current capacity with the Boston Impact Initiative, she provides strategic advisory and technical assistance to early-stage and growth-stage businesses, helping entrepreneurs strengthen business models, financial stability, and community impact.

In that role, she’s been involved in several key initiatives, including the securing of $532,000 in state Small Business Technical Assistance funding to launch and operate Accelerate Your Impact, the agency’s pre-investment business coaching program, as well as co-designing the GreenEdge Accelerator, a statewide program supporting 23 women and minority-owned businesses in the clean energy and climate sectors.

At Greylock Consulting, she is part of a small team that provides an array of services, including business development, operations development, financial models and business plans, applications for funding, technical assistance, marketing, and more.

That team, and that list of services, are both set to grow, Hogan said, adding that she is responding to recognized need in the marketplace with expansion plans.

“We’re going to be offering business support services in addition to the coaching that we do; this will include bookkeeping, human resources, payroll, marketing, and website development, as well as AI tools,” she said, noting that these additions will be launched in April.

“I understand the frustration and the hard work it takes to run a successful business and the ups and downs that come along the way.”

She’s been contemplating this expansion effort for some time now, noting that it was inspired in part by a study on barriers confronting minority contractors in Western Mass. as they bid for contracts. It revealed that, while these contractors were good at their various trades, they needed help with various aspects of running their businesses, such as back office help.

So Greylock is responding to this need in an aggressive but measured way, another example of practicing what she preaches to her small business consulting clients.

“I said, ‘we need something here in Western Mass. that can provide all those services under one umbrella,” she said, sounding like a true small business owner when she added, “I’m excited about all this, and I think it’s going to be great, but I’m also a little nervous. It’s a lot of moving pieces, and I’m bringing on three additional people.”

 

Stepping Out

As she moves forward with plans to expand her business, Hogan is also getting more involved in the community, another aspect of being in business that has always been very important to her.

Indeed, she is currently a trustee at Springfield Technical Community College, a board member at Tech Foundry and the Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Governor’s Latino Advisory Committee, and vice president of the Rotary Club of Springfield.

“Slowly, I’ve been able to support more community more,” she said, citing, as just one example, becoming a sponsor of the Service Above Self luncheon put on by the Rotary Club and the Basketball Hall of Fame. “To me, it’s very rewarding to be able to make those investments in our community.”

All this sounds fitting for someone who has not only a 40 Under Forty plaque on her desk, but an Alumni Achievement award as well — and continues to build on all of it.

PV Squared Solar Featured on Greenfield Walking Tour with Aaron Vega

By
Daily News

GREENFIELD — PV Squared Solar, a worker-owned cooperative based in Greenfield, was included as a stop on a recent downtown walking tour with Aaron Vega, president and CEO of the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council.

The opportunity came through PV Squared’s ongoing involvement with the Greenfield Business Assoc., whose leadership played a central role in inviting Vega to Greenfield and thoughtfully planning a full day of engagement with local businesses. The tour and meet-and-greet created space for meaningful, on-the-ground conversations about the region’s economic landscape, challenges, and opportunities.

The visit provided an opportunity to share how PV Squared’s cooperative model, long-term service approach, and regional partnerships contribute to economic resilience across Greenfield and Franklin County.

Founded in 2002, PV Squared Solar is a 100% worker-owned cooperative that designs, installs, and maintains solar and battery systems for homes, businesses, and nonprofits throughout Western Mass. and Southern Vermont. Over the past two decades, the company has grown alongside the region, prioritizing local workforce development, community partnerships, and long-term customer relationships.

During the tour, the PV Squared team highlighted several key areas where regional collaboration can further strengthen clean energy adoption and economic growth:

• Workforce development pipelines, including partnerships with Holyoke Community College, Greenfield Community College, and local technical high schools, alongside PV Squared’s in-house electrical apprenticeship program;

• Commercial and nonprofit solar deployment, supporting long-term cost savings and operational stability for local institutions;

• Service and maintenance infrastructure, including support for aging and ‘orphaned’ solar systems as the industry evolves; and

• Battery storage and resilience, helping homes and businesses prepare for grid disruptions and rising energy costs.

“As a worker-owned cooperative, our goal has always been to build something that lasts for our customers, our team, and our community,” said Brittany Hathaway, worker-owner and Marketing & Outreach specialist at PV Squared Solar. “It was meaningful to share how that structure translates into real economic impact here in Greenfield and across Franklin County.”

The conversation also highlighted the importance of strong collaboration between local business networks and regional economic development efforts. The role of the Greenfield Business Assoc. in convening this visit underscores the value of local leadership in shaping broader regional strategy.

“Western Massachusetts is uniquely positioned to lead in community-based clean energy,” Hathaway added. “With the right alignment between local businesses, workforce programs, and regional support, we can continue to expand access while strengthening the local economy.”

Beacon Bank to Host Virtual Workshop for First-time Homebuyers on April 8

By
Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Beacon Bank, in partnership with Pawtucket Central Falls Development, will host a free, virtual workshop for first-time homebuyers on Wednesday, April 8 at 5:30 p.m. to commemorate national Financial Literacy Month.

The live Zoom workshop, “Financial Skills Every Successful Homebuyer Should Know,” will cover topics such as understanding one’s credit, specifics of the homebuying process, and important money skills for homeownership, and will be followed by a Q&A session. To register, participants can click here to sign up online or email Dianny Melusky from Pawtucket Central Falls Development at [email protected].

Participants will hear from Beacon Bank Mortgage Specialists Stephanie Silva and Kathy Galipeau, as well as Melusky. First-time homebuyers, renters considering homeownership, and anyone simply interested in building financial confidence for the future are encouraged to reserve a spot. For more information, contact Melusky at [email protected] or (413) 726-1173, ext. 12.

WRRS to Celebrate National Poetry Month with Local Writer, Performer

By
Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Talking Chronicle will celebrate National Poetry Month this April with an on-air poetry series hosted by local writer and performer Michelle Oram on WRRS LPFM. The first broadcast airs Thursday, April 2. The program will run for five weeks on Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Launched by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, National Poetry Month is the largest literary celebration in the world, honoring the vital role poetry plays in culture and community.

Oram brings a rich creative background to the series, with decades in the performing arts and more than 13 years as a writer. Her poetry has appeared in numerous journals, and she is the author of the children’s books Songs of the Woods and Zen and Now, as well as her 2024 poetic memoir Song of Me. She has also contributed to the Milford Readers and Writers Festival as a longtime mainstage committee member and featured panelist.

Listeners can expect engaging, heartfelt broadcasts that blend poetry, storytelling, and Oram’s unique artistic voice, bringing the spirit of National Poetry Month directly to the Berkshires.

Keya Hicks to Celebrate Grand Opening of Mindful Necessities Herbal Wellness

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Mindful Necessities, a new sanctuary for herbal wellness, mindfulness, and natural living, announced its grand opening and ribbon-cutting celebration will take place on Monday, April 6 at 1106 State St., Springfield. The event marks a milestone for the Mason Square community, bringing holistic health resources and cultural enrichment to the heart of the city.

The celebration will begin with a formal ribbon cutting and speaking ceremony at 11 a.m. CEO Keya Hicks, a Springfield native and community organizer, will be joined by local community leaders, elected officials, and business stakeholders to commemorate the opening of this Black-owned and woman-owned small business.

“Mindful Necessities is rooted in nature and guided by spirit,” Hicks said. “Our mission is to uplift the mind, body, and soul of our community by providing natural healing products and a space for mindful connection. As a Springfield native, it is an honor to invest back into the neighborhood that shaped me.”

Mindful Necessities specializes in handcrafted products designed for a natural lifestyle, including various herbal infusions and topical applications. The shop also aims to serve as a hub for community collaboration, offering resources that promote a balanced and mindful way of living. The public is invited to attend this celebratory event to discover the shop’s offerings and support a growing local business.

Bay Path University Names Kerri Jarzabski Dean of Retention and Advising

By
Daily News

Kerri Jarzabski

LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University announced the appointment of Kerri Jarzabski as its new dean of Retention and Advising. She brings more than two decades of leadership experience in higher education and a deep commitment to student success.

Jarzabski most recently served at UMass Amherst in the Office of Student Affairs and Campus Life while completing her doctoral work. Prior to that, she spent more than 20 years at Western New England University, where she held a series of increasingly senior leadership roles, including vice president for Student Affairs.

“As Bay Path continues to strengthen our coordinated approach to advising and student success, Dr. Jarzabski’s collaborative leadership and data-informed approach will be invaluable,” said Natalia Blank, vice president of Academic Affairs. “Her experience in building partnerships across academic and student affairs will help us further enhance the systems that support student persistence and achievement.”

In her new role at Bay Path, Jarzabski will lead the university’s efforts to strengthen retention and advising strategies across its newly unified institution (Bay Path University and Cambridge College), with a focus on leveraging data, enhancing the student experience, and supporting student success at every stage of the academic journey.

“I am honored to join Bay Path University at such an exciting time,” she said. “I look forward to working collaboratively with faculty and staff to build on the university’s strong foundation and create innovative, inclusive approaches that empower all students to thrive.”

Jarzabski earned her PhD in higher education from UMass Amherst. Her doctoral research focused on the first-year experience and supporting neurodivergent students, reflecting her dedication to inclusivity and holistic student support. She also holds a certificate of advanced graduate study in higher education leadership from UMass Amherst, a master’s degree in higher education: student personnel administration from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a bachelor’s degree in English literature and communications from Western New England University, where she graduated magna cum laude.

HCC Production Earns Three Regional Theater Awards

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE ­— The Holyoke Community College (HCC) Theater Department’s fall 2025 production of The Last Living Gun received three awards at the recent American College Theater Festival (ACTF) in Albany, N.Y.

Collectively, the cast and crew of The Last Living Gun earned a merit award for Ensemble Work. The play by Ryan Stevens follows a mercenary across a post-apocalyptic landscape on an epic quest to find the last gun in existence. The show was guest-directed by Cordelia Winters Dwyer, a graduate student from the University of Massachusetts Theater program.

HCC students Ivy Wrenne Demetriou and Toby Stearns received individual merit awards for their work as stage manager and musical director, respectively. Stearns also performed in the production as an actor and musician.

“I’m extremely proud of everyone’s work on The Last Living Gun, and we are very grateful for the recognition from the American College Theater Festival,” said Matt Whiton, chair of the HCC Theater program, who also served as stage designer and production manager for the play.

HCC belongs to ACTF Region I, whose 2026 festival was held in January in Albany and hosted by Siena College. Region I includes colleges and universities in northern New York and all six New England states. Awards are based on the recommendations of respondents, who travel around the country to view college theater productions and offer critiques. The American College Theater Festival previously fell under the auspices of the Kennedy Center and was known as the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, but it is now independent.

The HCC Theater Department has won more than 20 ACTF awards over the past 15 years in multiple categories, including individual acting, ensemble acting, dedication to a script, stage management, musical direction, best original music, playwriting, and collaboration.

The department puts on two full productions each academic year, one in the fall and one in the spring. Rehearsals are now underway for the spring 2026 production of Dust by Danielle Mohlman, directed by HCC Theater Professor Fig Lefevre. Dust will be performed April 16-18 in HCC’s Leslie Phillips Theater, with nightly performances at 7:30 p.m. and an additional 2 p.m. matinee on April 18.

Campaign Aims to Fund New Assisted Listening Device System at Academy of Music

By
Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — The Academy of Music Theatre is launching an April campaign to raise funds for the purchase and installation of the building’s first assisted listening device system. The Let’s Hear It! campaign aims to raise $10,000 between April 1 and April 30, which will enable the Academy to acquire the equipment needed to provide assistance to more than 30 patrons at one time during any event on the historic Northampton stage.

Executive Director Debra J’Anthony is confident this project will allow the organization to accommodate audience members with auditory and visual disabilities who have previously been unable to fully experience performances, or who have opted to not attend live performances because of this lack of equipment. The Beveridge Family Foundation has already contributed to this campaign, and anyone interested in donating can visit the donation page on the Academy website at aomtheatre.com/donate-lets-hear-it or email [email protected] for more information.

In addition to this venture, the Academy of Music announced a new partnership with Valley Eye Radio, a nonprofit service for blind and visually impaired listeners. Its mission is to “help keep Pioneer Valley neighbors informed and connected to their communities by being a 24/7 accessible source of the local news.” Valley Eye Radio is working to expand its reach to local venues that bring in live performances, and is hoping to provide live remote broadcasts and collaborative events that bring community storytelling and live performance directly to its listeners.

“Partnerships like this one between the Academy and Valley Eye Radio reflect what’s best about our region — organizations coming together to remove barriers and make culture, learning, and connection accessible to all,” said Chloe Collins, executive director of Valley Eye Radio.

These two organizations will be coordinating efforts for select performances during the 2026-27 theater season. Other venues or individuals interested in partnering with or volunteering for Valley Eye Radio can visit valleyeyeradio.org for more information.

Picture This

By
Tiffany Scott Pryor
Picture This

Ice Time

On March 12, Square One’s preschoolers were treated to an ice skating lesson compliments of the Springfield Thunderbirds and former U.S. Olympic figure skater Tiffany Scott Pryor. The children were also joined by the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department and American Hockey League office staffers. The event was hosted by Patrick Tabb and his staff at Olympia Ice Center in West Springfield. Skates and helmets were donated by the Springfield Recreation Department and Bob “the Bike Guy” Charland. Pryor (pictured at left), who competed in the 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, and members of the Thunderbirds organization (including Boomer, right) taught the children the basics of ice skating.

Tiffany Scott Pryor

Tiffany Scott Pryor

 

Boomer

Boomer

 

Seal of Approval

Mercy Medical Center has earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval and the American Stroke Assoc. Heart-Check mark for primary stroke center certification. Mercy recently underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review. During the visit, a Joint Commission reviewer evaluated compliance with related certification standards, including program management, supporting self-management, and delivering and facilitating clinical care. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with healthcare experts and providers, measurement experts, and patients. The reviewer also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

Mercy Medical Center has earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval and the American Stroke Assoc. Heart-Check mark for primary stroke center certification

Mercy Medical Center has earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval and the American Stroke Assoc. Heart-Check mark for primary stroke center certification

 

School Funding Advocacy Day

On March 5, Western Mass. students traveled to Beacon Hill to speak with elected officials about public education funding. The trip was co-organized by the Northampton High School Student Union and the Northampton Youth Commission. Twenty-nine of the students were from Northampton High School, and were joined by three additional Gateway Regional High School students. In addition to speaking with a number of legislative officers, the students met with Gov. Maura Healey about the topic of education funding and equity. Others joining the meeting included state Sen. Jo Comerford, state Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, and Northampton Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra.

On March 5, Western Mass. students traveled to Beacon Hill to speak with elected officials about public education funding

On March 5, Western Mass. students traveled to Beacon Hill to speak with elected officials about public education funding

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 Alumni Achievement Award 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.

 

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. 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].

 

Splash-A-Thon Fundraiser

April 11: Berkshire South Regional Community Center (BSRCC) will host its 16th annual Splash-A-Thon fundraiser beginning at 8 a.m. in its Norris Aquatics Center. The community-wide event supports Berkshire South’s Adaptive Aquatics programs, which provide inclusive swim instruction and water-based therapy for individuals of all ages and abilities. Event participants may sign up to swim laps or choose from two special-edition adaptive swim classes offered throughout the morning: Aqua Thrills (for adults ages 18 and up) at 10 a.m., or Swim Jam (for children ages 0-17 with adaptive needs) at 11 a.m. With the addition of these adaptive classes, the Splash-A-Thon fundraiser is designed to be a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive event. This year’s Splash-A-Thon fundraising goal is $20,000, which will directly support Adaptive Aquatics programming. While Berkshire South’s Splash-A-Thon fundraising goal is $20,000, the Adaptive Aquatics program costs more than $50,000 annually to operate. While additional grant support helps offset costs, the fundraiser remains essential to sustaining and expanding the program. For more information, to register, or to donate, visit www.berkshiresouth.org/splashathon.

 

Three County Fair Food Drive

April 11: The Hampshire, Franklin & Hampden Agricultural Society, the nonprofit organization that manages the Three County Fair and fairgrounds, will conduct its annual food drive outside of its main office at 54 Fair St. in Northampton. The Three County Fair has collected more than 2,000 pounds in food donations each year to contribute to local food banks. The fair is seeking non-perishable, non-expired foods such as canned fruit, soup, tuna, and vegetables, plus cereal, pasta, sauce, and peanut butter, for area food pantries that have partnered with the fair, including the Northampton Survival Center, the Easthampton Community Center, the Helping Hands Cupboard Food Pantry at BUCC in Belchertown, and the Westhampton Food Pantry at the Westhampton Congregational United Church of Christ. Vehicles can donate at least 10 non-perishable and non-expired food items in exchange for a pair of complimentary tickets to the 2026 Three County Fair, Sept. 4-7. Donations can be dropped off at the fair’s main office at 54 Fair St. in Northampton on April 11 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. The fair requests that donations be compiled in disposable bags or boxes for volunteers to easily accept them from vehicles.

 

BCDA Roundtable on Stewardship Best Practices

April 14: The Berkshire County Development Alliance (BCDA) will host a roundtable on stewardship best practices from 4:45 to 6 p.m. at Ventfort Hall, 104 Walker St., Lenox. This informal session will focus on practical, real-world approaches to donor stewardship. Attendees are invited to bring their favorite tips, tools, and tricks and participate in an open discussion to share resources, strategies, and ideas with fellow development professionals and volunteers from across Berkshire County. Seasoned fundraisers, those newer to development work, and people simply interested in strengthening relationships with supporters are invited to learn from peers, exchange ideas, and build community in a relaxed, collegial setting. The event is free to attend, and attendees are asked to bring a snack to share. RSVP by April 10 at [email protected].

People on the Move

By
People on the Move
Stacey Johnson

Stacey Johnson

Northfield Mount Hermon (NMH) announced that, effective July 1, Stacey Johnson will join the school’s senior leadership team as chief financial and operations officer, a role central to advancing NMH’s strategic priorities and strengthening the operational foundation that supports student life. Known for aligning financial strategy with mission-driven growth, Johnson has led complex institutions through periods of transformation, modernization, and strategic investment while overseeing up to $500 million in financial resources. She comes to NMH from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where she served as chief financial officer from 2022 to the spring of 2025. At the Kennedy Center, she directed all finance, accounting, planning, and federal contracting functions. Prior to that, she was chief financial officer of the American Federation of Teachers, a national labor union, where she developed new, modernized systems and executed strategies to help AFT grow its reserves tenfold during her tenure. She also served as chief financial officer for Alexandria City Public Schools in Virginia, where she garnered the confidence and trust of the School Board, City Council, and broader community, receiving nationally recognized awards from the Assoc. of School Business Officials and the Government Finance Officers Assoc. As NMH’s chief financial and operations officer, Johnson will provide leadership, oversight, and stewardship for all aspects of the school’s financial resources and physical assets, ensure institutional integrity on fiscal matters, and promote best practices in finance and administration. She will partner with others on the senior leadership team to ensure that approved strategic initiatives are appropriately funded and will serve as staff liaison to the NMH board of trustees’ finance; investment; buildings and grounds; and audit, risk, and compliance committees. Early in her career, she also held finance positions at Conservation International, the National Academies, and the Urban Institute. She received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Miami and an MBA from George Washington University.

•••••

Country Bank announced the appointment of Ryan Stepalavich as senior vice president, chief technology officer. In this role, he will lead the bank’s technology strategy and oversee initiatives that support secure, efficient, and innovative banking experiences for both customers and team members. Stepalavich brings more than 26 years of information technology experience, including 14 years in financial services technology. His career began at a young age, supporting local businesses with PC repair and technology services before advancing into engineering and administration roles across multiple industries, including healthcare and banking. Prior to joining Country Bank, he held several technology leadership roles at Savings Institute Bank & Trust and Berkshire Bank, where he helped modernize IT infrastructure and led initiatives designed to improve collaboration, efficiency, and the overall technology experience for teams and customers alike. Stepalavich holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Eastern Connecticut State University. Outside of his professional work, he is committed to giving back to the community, regularly donating blood through American Red Cross drives and supporting organizations including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and the Paws Cat Shelter in Putnam, Conn.

•••••

Sophie Miller

Sophie Miller

PV Financial Group announced that Sophie Miller, financial planner, has earned the certified plan fiduciary advisor (CPFA) designation. The CPFA designation demonstrates knowledge, expertise, and commitment to working with retirement plans. It validates Miller’s understanding of retirement plan management, fiduciary duty, and ERISA regulations. With this credential, she is further equipped to support retirement plan clients, including those with 401(k), 403(b), and other defined contribution plans. Miller joined the PV Financial Group team in the summer of 2024 as an operations support specialist. Since then, she has expanded her role, gradually taking on financial planning responsibilities and strengthening the firm’s ability to support both advisors and clients.

•••••

The Loomis Communities hosted a Women’s History Month celebration in partnership with Stone Soul Inc., where six women leaders in the region were honored with Stone Soul’s Rebecca Johnson Award, on March 19 at Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing. The Rebecca Johnson Women’s History Award, named in remembrance of the first Black principal hired by the Springfield Public School district, was given to six women leaders who embody Johnson’s legacy of leadership and service. This year’s honorees are Gloria Williams, Veronica McNair, Zaida Govan, Latonia Monroe-Naylor, Samantha Hamilton, and Ella Holman. The event, which is invitation-only and not open to the general public, will also allow attendees to celebrate the 82nd birthday of Jay Griffin, a founder of Stone Soul. Williams concluded a 21-year tenure as a principal in the Springfield Public Schools, and her service was honored with the 2019 Educational Legacy Achievement Award. She now serves as president of the consulting firm Coalition of Experienced Black Educators Inc. McNair is president and CEO of Hickory Street Harambee, an annual festival dedicated to preserving the history, culture, and legacy of the historic Harambee movement. In addition to her civic leadership, she is a professional counselor in Springfield. Govan represents Ward 8 as a Springfield city councilor and is a leader within the Indian Orchard Neighborhood Council, where she has been instrumental in ensuring local development projects create a thriving environment for residents of all ages. With a master’s degree in social work, she also supports residents navigating substance use and mental health challenges. Hamilton is director of Coalition Building & Community Engagement at the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts, where she leads several initiatives committed to the well-being of those living in Springfield and the region. She is also co-founder of A Queen’s Narrative, a platform designed to provide a safe, inclusive space for women and girls to harness their personal and collective power. Monroe Naylor is a nonprofit and business leader who has been a member of the Springfield School Committee since 2018. She is also president and CEO of Parent Villages, a nonprofit providing two-generational educational programs for families impacted by violence and trauma. Holman rose through the ranks to become assistant manager of Food Services for Springfield Public Schools. Today, she continues her service as a volunteer with the Urban League of Springfield’s Foster Grandparent Program, where she acts as a mentor and role model for children with exceptional needs.

•••••

Katie Streater

Katie Streater

The Amherst Business Improvement District announced that Katie Streater has joined the organization as its new Marketing & Communications manager. In this role, she will lead social media strategy, promote downtown businesses, and support events that enhance the vibrancy and economic vitality of Amherst. Streater brings a background in marketing, partnerships, and community engagement across both national and local organizations. Her previous work with Brand USA and Destination DC centered on promoting destinations and supporting small businesses, while her most recent role at FRESHFARM focused on strengthening partnerships that directly benefited farmers markets and surrounding neighborhoods. She holds a master’s degree in tourism administration from George Washington University and is passionate about fostering meaningful connections between people and place. Streater will lead downtown marketing campaigns and support community events that bring people together throughout the year. She succeeds Robert Allingham, who served as the BID’s Marketing and Communications director before departing in January to accept a position with Bigelow Tea in Fairfield, Conn., following his wife, Christina, a food scientist from UMass Amherst, to the company.

•••••

Berkshire Money Management (BMM) announced that Sarah Curtiss, front office coordinator, and Carla Cowdrey, office support specialist, have each earned the financial paraplanner qualified professional (FPQP) designation. This expanded role strengthens BMM’s ability to deliver a supportive, proactive, and human client experience. When clients call, they aren’t speaking with a customer service representative — they’re connecting with a trained financial professional who is ready to help. The FPQP designation provides a strong foundation in personal financial planning for professionals who support advisory teams and client relationships. The training covers core areas of financial planning — retirement, investments, insurance, tax, and estate planning — giving designees the skills to analyze client information and support holistic planning. Curtiss joined BMM in 2024 and is based in the Great Barrington office. In her role as front office coordinator, she is often the first point of contact for clients and visitors. Known for her warmth, organization, and multi-tasking skills, she helps create a welcoming experience while also supporting the firm’s social media efforts, scheduling appointments and more. Cowdrey has been in BMM’s Dalton office for four years, where she is known for her organization, reliability, and genuine care for others. As the office support specialist, she is a go-to resource for both clients and colleagues. She plans to use the skills gained through the FPQP program to perform paraplanning tasks, such as shepherding clients through the Social Security sign-up process, in support of the firm’s financial planning team.

•••••

Patricia Samra

Patricia Samra

Patricia Samra, a recently retired healthcare executive, has been appointed to the Holyoke Community College (HCC) board of trustees by Gov. Maura Healey. She attended her first meeting on Feb. 24, and her term runs through March 1, 2029. Until 2025, Samra, a master’s-level registered nurse, was vice president of HR Operations and Total Rewards at Baystate Health in a career that began with the Springfield-based healthcare organization in 1986. Over 40 years, she served two 14-year stints at Baystate, starting as a registered nurse before moving into human resources. Before returning to Baystate for her second stint in 2006, she worked for nine years as an independent healthcare consultant for the Dix Consulting Group in Portland, Maine. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in nursing administration from UMass Amherst.

•••••

Kate Carter, team manager at PV Squared Solar, recently represented the worker-owned solar cooperative at the 2026 Principals Conference Retreat hosted by the Amicus Solar Cooperative in Puerto Rico, where solar leaders from across North America gathered to collaborate on strengthening locally owned solar companies and advancing industry best practices. The Amicus Solar Cooperative is a network of independent solar companies that share knowledge, develop industry standards, and support values-driven solar businesses rooted in their communities. Carter’s participation in the retreat reflects both PV Squared’s involvement in the cooperative network and the growing leadership of women in the renewable energy sector.

•••••

State Rep. Mindy Domb nominated Onawumi Jean Moss — an accomplished storyteller, narrator, keynote speaker, author, and education administrator — for the 2026 Black Excellence on the Hill award. Moss spent 21 years as the associate dean of students at Amherst college, where she founded the Keepers of the World storytelling festival. Her performances have encouraged pride of heritage, appreciation of cultural differences, and recognition of kinship. Moss’ many accomplishments include being a 2005 recipient of the Zora Neale Hurston Storytelling Award, the highest award given by the National Assoc. of Black Storytellers. She holds lifetime membership in the National Storytellers Network, from which she received the 2015 Oracle Award for Lifetime Achievement for Sustained and Exemplary Contributions to Storytelling. She is also a member of the League for the Advancement of New England Storytelling.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Hometown Mortgage Recognized on MassHousing Top Ten List

EASTHAMPTON — Hometown Mortgage, a division of bankESB, has been recognized as the eighth-largest lender on the MassHousing Top Ten Lenders list, underscoring the company’s continued commitment to expanding access to homeownership across the Commonwealth. In 2025, Hometown Mortgage delivered strong lending performance while helping individuals and families achieve their homeownership goals. Over the course of the year, the company originated more than $401 million in new mortgage loans, issued more than $110 million in new home equity loans and lines of credit, and provided $3.5 million in grant and down payment assistance to qualified borrowers. In addition to the organization’s recognition, Hometown Mortgage’s regional director, Maria Luker, received individual distinction from MassHousing, ranking among the top two loan originators across Massachusetts and first in originations in Middlesex, Essex, and Norfolk counties. She also ranks among the top three lenders in Suffolk, Berkshire, and Plymouth counties. Banker & Tradesman also ranked Hometown Mortgage among the top 10 lenders in Massachusetts across several key categories, including third in non-purchase lending, including home equity loans, home equity lines of credit, and refinances; sixth in number of condominium loans granted; eighth in condominium loans by dollar volume; and 10th in number of single-family home loans granted.

 

Erin Rosario Launches Ryse 361

EAST LONGMEADOW — Entrepreneur and former collegiate athlete Erin Rosario has launched Ryse 361, a platform centered on intentional growth, continuous improvement, and personal development. The first initiatives under Ryse 361 focus on developing student-athlete leaders through programs such as the Student-Athlete Leadership Circle, which provides structured leadership development sessions designed to help athletes strengthen qualities such as goal setting, confidence, communication, coachability, and accountability. Sessions are held live online via Zoom, making the program accessible to student-athletes across the country who want to develop the personal qualities that help them grow as athletes, teammates, and leaders. The Student-Athlete Leadership Circle focuses on practical topics such as vision setting, realistic goal planning, accountability, and building habits that support long-term growth. Sessions are structured to give athletes tools they can apply immediately within their teams, their training, and their everyday routines. The initiative is being developed in collaboration with Dearing Leadership, founded by leadership educator and former collegiate coach Joel Dearing, who is also Rosario’s father. His decades of experience in coaching, recruiting, and character-based leadership development help shape the program’s leadership curriculum. Student-Athlete Leadership Circle sessions will take place live on the third Wednesday of each month, with replays available within 24 hours and a growing library of past discussions accessible to members through the program’s online portal. Rosario said the broader vision for Ryse 361 centers on helping individuals intentionally develop the mindset and habits that support continuous improvement.

 

Lexlacedup Opens in Holyoke

HOLYOKE — Lexlacedup, a new streetwear and fashion retail store, celebrated its grand opening on March 14 at 523 South St., Holyoke. Founded by 23-year-old Holyoke native Alexis Rodriguez, the store offers a curated selection of clothing, sneakers, and accessories while championing a message of resilience and hope for the local community. Born from a desire to build something meaningful in his hometown, Lexlacedup is more than a retail space; it is a testament to perseverance. Rodriguez established the brand after overcoming personal hardships, channeling his experiences into a mission to inspire others. The store aims to show local youth that success is attainable regardless of one’s circumstances and to foster a sense of pride within the city. For the past four years, Rodriguez has organized a summer basketball tournament in memory of a close friend lost to suicide. The event serves as a platform for mental health awareness and brings residents together for a positive cause. A portion of tournament proceeds funds the following year’s event, and plans are underway to establish a scholarship for local youth.

 

NBT Bank Donates $29,000 to Community Organizations

PITTSFIELD — NBT Bank representatives presented 13 area organizations with year-end contributions totaling $29,000 as part of NBT’s Days of Giving campaign in Berkshire County. The donations supported food assistance, clothing donations, counseling, housing, healthcare, heating, and veterans’ needs. NBT Bank Massachusetts Senior Commercial Banking Relationship Manager Aidan Gilligan; Market Manager Amanda Goewey; Business Banking Officer Michael Hogan; and Branch Managers Abby Rossi, Amber Wilson, Al Bedini, Stephen Raftery, and Trey Sondrini visited the organizations in December and presented each with donations. The organizations receiving funds from NBT included Sheffield Food Assistance, the People’s Pantry, Berkshire Food Project, Al Nelson Center Food Pantry, Living Hope Community Church, Berkshire Nursing Families, Berkshire Community Action Council, Berkshire Veterans Outreach, Berkshire Helping Hands, Roots Rising, Pittsfield Community Food Pantry, Berkshire Grown, and Construct Inc.

 

Rocky’s Ace Hardware Celebrates 100 Years

SPRINGFIELD — Rocky’s Ace Hardware announced its 100th anniversary, marking a century of helping neighbors build, repair, and improve the places they call home. Founded in 1926 in Springfield, Rocky’s has grown from a single local hardware store into a family-owned chain of 52 locations across New England, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Florida. Through generations of change, Rocky’s has strived to be a trusted community partner, known for personal service, knowledgeable teams, and familiar faces that customers count on. Rocky’s continues to offer a wide selection and expert services, from paint color matching and key cutting to lawn and garden supplies and home improvement essentials. As one of the largest Ace Hardware dealers, Rocky’s combines the strength of a nationwide brand with the hometown care of a family business. Rocky’s looks forward to celebrating its 100th anniversary with customers and neighbors throughout 2026, honoring the past while building for the future.

 

Springfield’s TrimBoard Featured on This Old House

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield-based architectural millwork company TrimBoard was recently featured on the PBS home renovation series This Old House as part of the renovation of a historic Victorian home in Needham. In Season 47, Episode 16, “Suburban Victorian: Trim and Proper,” master carpenter Charlie Silva tours TrimBoard’s Springfield facility to see how custom exterior window surrounds are fabricated before installation at the project site. During the segment, Doug Bell, architectural millwork expert at TrimBoard, demonstrates how the team manufactures custom trim using a rice hull composite material and precision, computer-controlled routing technology. The window surrounds are fabricated, assembled, sealed, and paint-matched at the company’s shop before being delivered ready for installation. The Needham project highlights how prefabricated millwork can help builders maintain historic architectural detail while improving efficiency and durability during renovations.

 

Bulkley Richardson Supports Baystate Children’s Hospital

SPRINGFIELD — From her tail wags to the instant smiles she inspires, Isabela, Baystate Children’s Hospital’s first-ever facility dog, earns her unofficial title of chief comfort officer every day. To help secure her future, Bulkley Richardson made a $10,000 donation to help sustain the Facility Dog Program, which provides goal-oriented, animal-assisted therapy to pediatric patients, families, and hospital staff. Unlike volunteer therapy dogs, facility dogs like Isa work full-time alongside specially trained clinicians to help children meet specific medical and emotional goals. Isa supports patients by providing comfort during stressful or painful procedures, assisting with physical and occupational therapy goals, offering emotional and bereavement support, and helping normalize the hospital environment for children and families. Isa also plays a meaningful role in supporting hospital staff, offering comfort during difficult moments and helping improve morale.

 

Allied Flooring Drive Generates $3,616 for Jenna’s Blessing Bags

AGAWAM — Allied Flooring, Paint and Design announced a donation of $3,615.97 to Jenna’s Blessing Bags, made possible through the generosity of customers and the local community during the company’s holiday donation drive. Throughout the holiday season, collection bins were placed at all three Allied Flooring showroom locations. Customers who donated at least 10 items to support Jenna’s Blessing Bags received 5% off their pre-tax purchase, and Allied Flooring matched the community’s generosity with a 5% monetary donation. The response from the community was overwhelming, with donation bins filling quickly across all locations. As a result, Allied Flooring was able to present a check for $3,615.97 to the organization. Jenna’s Blessing Bags is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals in need by providing essential items and care packages to those facing hardship.

 

GCAi Launches Monthly ‘Tower Square Times’

SPRINGFIELD — Garvey Communication Associates Inc. (GCAi) has officially launched Tower Square Times, a new, monthly digital publication created in collaboration with Tower Square management and dedicated to everything happening at the downtown Springfield office tower and retail destination. Each issue is packed with the latest news and announcements from Tower Square tenants and shops, buzzworthy updates on downtown events, and exclusive business spotlights. Tenants and businesses can get in on the action by submitting their news to [email protected] — spots fill up fast, so it’s first come, first served every month. Sign up and find out more at visittowersquare.com. In addition, every month, one Tower Square tenant will win a prize courtesy of Tower Square’s supporting businesses. The first prize is being sponsored by Springfield Wine Exchange, the wine shop on the first floor of Tower Square.

 

TRE Olive Earns Two Medals at World Olive Oil Competition

EAST LONGMEADOW — TRE Olive, a producer of premium extra-virgin olive oils, announced it has been awarded two silver medals at the 2026 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition for its TRE Olive AO Extra Virgin Olive Oil and its TRE Olive Select Extra Virgin Olive Oil. The honor places TRE Olive among a select group of producers recognized by the world’s largest and most influential olive oil quality competition. The NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition, held annually in New York, is widely regarded as the definitive standard for olive oil excellence. Each year, an international panel of expert judges evaluates thousands of oils from dozens of countries, awarding medals only to those that demonstrate exceptional flavor, aroma, and quality. A silver medal is among the most coveted recognitions in the global olive oil industry. The award-winning TRE Olive AO Extra Virgin Olive Oil is produced using organic farming practices, without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. The AO label reflects the olive oil’s organic certification in the European Union; the U.S. distribution warehouse was not inspected in time for USDA certification. TRE Olive Select Olive Oil is a well-balanced extra virgin olive oil that is slightly sharp and has a peppery finish. It’s made with 100% Carolea olives that are selected when the olives are perfect for making olive oil.

 

HCC Receives $245,000 Grant for Itsy Bitsy Child Watch

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) has been awarded a $245,000 grant from the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation to add additional staff and evening hours to its Itsy Bitsy Child Watch program. The grant will pay for the hiring of two more staff workers (one full-time and one part-time). That will allow the child watch center to increase capacity by operating a second classroom during its busiest daytime hours and also by adding care hours in the evenings, starting this fall, for students who take classes at night. Itsy Bitsy Child Watch is a free center on HCC’s main campus for parents in need of short-term childcare while they attend class, study, or meet with tutors and advisers. It opened as a pilot program in the fall of 2022 and was so successful, it quickly reached capacity in its original location. In September 2025, the child watch center opened in a larger, newly renovated space funded by a previous $600,000 grant from the Davis Foundation. The new Itsy Bitsy Child Watch Center, located on the second floor of the Frost Building, roughly doubled the capacity of children it can serve at any given time, from 10 to 19. It has two full classrooms for different age groups, a dedicated children’s bathroom, an office, an adjoining gross motor skills room, and an expanded kitchenette with a dishwasher and full-size refrigerator.

 

Phoenix Charter Academy, AIC Launch Pathway to College

SPRINGFIELD — Phoenix Charter Academy is expanding higher education access for Springfield students to earn free college credits while still in high school. The free, public school announced an innovative partnership with American International College (AIC). Through the new Pathway to College program, students can now earn fully transferable college credits at no cost, integrated directly into their high school experience. Two Phoenix faculty members, Marie Keith and Diarmaid King, have been formally accredited as AIC adjunct professors, allowing Phoenix to deliver rigorous, college-level coursework on site that meets AIC’s academic standards. Upon completion, students receive official transcripts from AIC, giving them a significant head start on their post-secondary journey and reducing the long-term financial burden of a college degree. The Pathway to College program exposes Phoenix students to college academics in a structured and supportive environment. Students gain familiarity with college expectations, assessment methods, and academic rigor, while continuing to receive guidance and support from their high school community. This approach helps reduce barriers that often discourage students from pursuing higher education by building confidence, academic momentum, and a sense of belonging.

 

Dakin Humane Society Honored with Community Impact Award

SPRINGFIELD — Dakin Humane Society was honored with the Harmony & Compassion Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Community Impact Award as part of the festivities during the Chinese American Cultural & Heritage Society’s 2026 Lunar New Year event at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on March 1. The award was given on behalf of the Asian American Pacific Islander community that has benefited from Dakin’s outreach and work. The 2026 Lunar New Year event marked the Year of the Horse and is one of the most significant cultural celebrations in Chinese and East Asian communities. It is a time for families and communities to come together to honor traditions, embrace renewal, and share hopes for prosperity and happiness in the year ahead. The gala’s theme celebrated the spirit of togetherness and the richness of cultural heritage, and featured world-class Chinese performing artists and internationally recognized groups, traditional music, dance, martial arts, acrobatics, and more, in addition to the awards presentation.

 

MGM Springfield Opens Luxxe Spa

SPRINGFIELD — MGM Springfield officially celebrated the opening of Luxxe Spa, a luxury wellness destination designed to offer guests a place to relax, recharge, and rejuvenate, on March 12. The curated spa experience features a range of services designed to restore both body and mind, including invigorating massage therapies, exfoliating body scrubs, hydrotherapy head spa treatments, infrared and steam saunas, an oxygen bar, customized facials tailored to individual needs, and more. Luxxe Spa aims to provide a serene and tranquil escape, creating a fully immersive self-care experience for guests. MGM Springfield is partnering with local entrepreneur Jessica Monteleone, founder and CEO of First Look Med Spa, who has more than 26 years of experience in the aesthetics industry. Monteleone is joined by business partner Lisa Davis, co-owner of First Look Med Spa and founder of Longmeadow-based Davis Practice Management.

 

Herrell’s Unveils Flavors from UMass Ice Cream Competition

AMHERST — On March 13, Herrell’s Ice Cream introduced five new flavors from the UMass Amherst Food Science Department’s 2025 Ice Cream Competition. The new flavors will be sold in both the Mill District and Thornes Marketplace locations The flavors being introduced are: $treet Nut$ (this year’s winner), a smoky molasses-cinnamon base with peanut butter, caramel swirl, and chocolate-covered pretzels; Guavalicious, a guava-cardamom base with cream cheese chunks; Date Night, floral date ice cream with a goji berry swirl; Tahini in a Bottle, a tahini-almond base with both pomegranate/raspberry and chocolate swirls; and Funky Monkey, a banana, goat cheese, cream cheese, gorgonzola cheese, and brie cheese base with apricot and graham cracker pieces.

Building Permits

By
Building Permits

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

CHICOPEE

KPR US LLC
171 Padgette St.
$130,000 — Renovate two bathrooms, one break room, and one locker room

HADLEY

Town of Hadley
131 Russell St.
N/A — Air sealing

W/S Hadley Properties II LLC
325 Russell St., Suite 30
N/A — Commercial tenant fit-out

LEE

AJT Realty Trust, American Tower
335 Forest St.
$30,000 — Verizon to remove and install equipment

Berkshire Corporate Realty LLC
480 Pleasant St.
$115,709 — Alter tenant space in existing sterile manufacturing facility, including renovations to three restroom areas on mezzanine level

Berkshire Sterile Manufacturing
480 Pleasant St.
$19,804 — Modify fire sprinkler coverage for renovated layout

Town of Lee
49 Railroad St.
$2,000,000 — Foundation for new public safety complex

LENOX

MRG CRW Holdings LLC
55 Lee Road
$291,200 — Roofing

NORTHAMPTON

City of Northampton
Reservoir Road
$93,000 — Demolish water tank and foundation

City of Northampton
Turkey Hill Road
$112,500 — Demolish water tank and foundation

The College Church Inc.
48 Pomeroy Ter.
$15,000 — Create accessible toilet room from existing bathroom

D.A. Sullivan & Sons Inc.
504 Easthampton Road
$185,809 — Install roof-mounted solar system on four-bay garage

G&G Real Estate Investments Noho LLC
203 King St.
$1,000 — Illuminated wall sign for Taco Bell

J-Barc Inc.
25 Pleasant St.
$2,400 — Add dividing wall with doorway

Northampton Revolver Club
519 Ryan Road
$33,486 — Install roof-mounted solar system on roof with underground conduit to main building

Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield
101 King St.
$10,000 — Ground sign alterations at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish

Trident Realty Corp.
76 Main St.
$150,000 — Alterations to fifth floor

Trident Realty Corp.
76 Main St.
$3,000 — Non-illuminated wall sign for Shah’s Halal Food

PITTSFIELD

AC Enterprises LLC
50 North St.
$400,000 — Interior renovation, exterior masonry repair, elevator upgrade, roofing, and window replacement

AdLib Inc.
211 North St.
$186,500 — Roofing

Allendale Shopping LLC
5 Cheshire Road
$9,000 — Remove and replace damaged ceiling tiles; patch, prep, prime, and paint interior walls; remove temporary partitions, fixtures, and furnishings

AMC Properties LLC
236 South St.
$4,979 — Insulation

Bruno’s Box LLC
113 West St.
$167,400 — Renovate and alter existing building into two tenant spaces, including restroom and accessibility improvements

CW Acquisitions LLC
1685 West Housatonic St.
$10,000 — Change portion of existing warehouse space to mercantile space, including construction of new office and service counter

Dan Fox Drive Pittsfield LLC
1 Dan Fox Dr.
$35,000 — Construct partitions, bathrooms, and commercial kitchen to convert office space into pizzeria

International Union of Laborers
264 West Housatonic St.
$30,000 — Insulation and sheetrock repair due to water damage

MCP Pittsfield Properties LLC
50 Downing Two
$4,500 — Replace existing fire alarm control panel and cellular communicator

O’Connell Oil Associates Inc.
1025 South St.
$18,360 — Roofing

Seven Oh Three Nominee Trust
703 West Housatonic St.
$4,000 — Construct interior dividing wall

Incorporations

By
Incorporations

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

AGAWAM

Far Trucking Inc., 1001 Suffield St., Agawam, MA 01001. Abdulrahman Rajee, same. Transportation.

BELCHERTOWN

Pioneer Valley Search and Rescue Corp., 497 Michael Sears Road, Belchertown, MA 01007. Joseph Gohra Jr., same. Volunteer search and rescue.

CHICOPEE

Sonia Demaio LMHC Inc., 1262 Memorial Ave., Chicopee, MA 01020. Sonia Demaio, same. Mental health.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Wall & Word Inc., 33 Crestview Road, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. James White, same. Construction contractor.

FEEDING HILLS

Auto Nation Inc., 48 Bessbrook St., Feeding Hills, MA 01030. Danail Galabov, same. Used car sales.

HOLYOKE

Gomez Enterprises Group Corp., 170 Main St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Mariano Gomez Jr., same. General auto services including but not limited to auto sales, auto repair, auto body, auto transport, towing, and auto storage.

INDIAN ORCHARD

Christiansen Corp., 15 Hampden St., Indian Orchard, MA 01151. Daniel Christiansen, same. Wholesale distribution of bakery products.

LUDLOW

Sono Ventures Inc., 681 West St., Ludlow, MA 01056. John Stefanidis, same. Preparation, sale, and distribution of food and beverage items.

PITTSFIELD

Espresso Clinical Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Yoran Bar, 117 Kendrick St., Suite 300, Needham, MA 02492. Provides Al-powered solutions that support and optimize clinical trials.

ICAD Services Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Carlos Cavallone, same. Construction.

L&T Brothers Corp., 90 Sherwood Dr., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Lovepreet Singh, same. Commercial real estate.

Peak Neurofitness Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Chelsey Carroll, 805 Haverhill St., Unit B10, Rowley, MA 01969. The purpose of this organization includes but is not limited to enhancing mental wellness and striving for peak performance.

Saint AI Foundation Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Ricardo Saint Albert, P.O. Box 7. Whitman, MA 02382. Provides technology and artificial intelligence education, workforce training, and community development programs to underserved populations in Massachusetts and beyond.

Sweet & Associates International Ltd., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Kenneth Sanders, 30100 Telegraph Road, 150 Bingham Farms, MI 48025. Insurance.

Zen Pro Inc., 8 Daralyn Court, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Prashant Chaturvedi, same. Consulting and advisory for international businesses.

SPRINGFIELD

Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts Inc., 333 Bridge St., Springfield, MA 01103. Megan Burke, same. Engages exclusively in charitable, scientific, literary, and educational purposes.

Khushipatel158 Inc., 158 Island Pond Road, Springfield, MA 01118. Shilpaben Patel, same. Real estate holding company.

Seagull Development Inc., 50 Washington Road, Springfield, MA 01108. Yassine Zian, same. Real estate investment and leasing.

Tropical and Italian Ice Inc., 20 Fort St., Springfield, MA 01103. Angel Ortiz, same. Makes, manufactures, and sells ice cream, Italian ice, and related items at retail and wholesale.

WARE

Quabbin Plumbing and Mechanical Inc., 188 Greenwich Plains Road, Ware, MA 01082. Lyle Salka, same. Residential and commercial plumbing and mechanical work.

WESTFIELD

V&D Bright View Corp., 77 George St., Westfield, MA 01085. Vladyslav Cherepanov, same. Doors and window installation.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Empower Supply Inc., 268 Cold Spring Ave., Suite B, West Springfield, MA 01089. Fernando Blanco, same. Wholesaling and brokering supply warehouse.

WILLIAMSTOWN

Samson Guitars Foundation Inc., 35 Thistle Path, Williamstown, MA 01267. Roger Samson, same. Builds and assembles guitars to provide at no cost to children and others who desire to learn to play the instrument.

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates

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

GREAT BARRINGTON

2001 Inc.
935 Main St.
George Abdalla

Barrington Brewery and Restaurant
426 Stockbridge Road
Gary Happ

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Barnbrook Realty
271 Main St.
Mary White

Berkshire Mountain Brewers Inc.
426 Stockbridge Road
Gary Happ

Beauty Times Nails and Spa
350 Stockbridge Road
Nhan Troung

Bogies Restaurant
935 Main St.
George Abdalla

Danny Bell’s LLC
195 State Road
Daniel Bell

DHB 7 & 23 Inc.
195 State Road
Daniel Bell, Hilary Rush

Downing Lane, P.C.
623 Main St., Suite 1
Courtney Lane

Drake Petroleum Co. Inc.
969 Main St.
Stacy Caldwell

DUET Gallery
33 Pope St.
David Unger, Ettore Toppi

Fiddleheads Grille
999 Main St.
Cynthia Joyner, David Pullaro

Four Brothers Pizza Inn
100 Stockbridge Road
Peter Stefanopoulos

Front Street Gallery
28 Front St.
Kate Knapp

GB ATM
760 Main St.
Matthew Masiero

The Guthrie Center
2 Van Deusenville Road
ShivaDas Guthrie

Jonny’s Allstar Joint
77 Egremont Plain Road
Jonathan Banks Shapiro

Kenyon’s Cabin
30 Division St.
Peter Hadsell

Law Office of Ann Maurer
224 Long Pond Road
Ann Maurer

Okun
535 Main St., Apt. 3
Ted Okun

Sarah Donaldson
1 Cypress St.
Sarah Simpson

Simplify Wellness LLC
40 Railroad St., Suite 3
Heather McDonald

Soupcon
55 Pleasant St.
Andrea Krest

South Main Mobil
969 Main St.
Stacy Caldwell

Sturdy Jobs
30 Kirk St.
Anthony Conway Jr.

NORTHAMPTON

Alejandra Hajduk LMT
111 Pleasant St., Suite 303
Maria Hajduk

Black Orchid Jewelry Inc.
162 Main St.
Katelyn Rennie

Daily Hampshire Gazette
23 Service Center Road
Edwin O’Connor

Everything Is Life
65 Roe Ave.
Patrizia De Libero

J Brandworks
34 Sheffield Lane
Janet Bennett

Kairos Pilgrimages
65 Roe Ave.
Patrizia De Libero

Ken Hobbs Design Build
95 South St., Apt. 2R
Kenneth Hobbs

Many Graces
33 West St., Units A-B
Kel Komenda

Native Edges
222 Bridge St.
Huxley Polson-Filas

Soham Yoga School
65 Roe Ave.
Patrizia De Libero

SOUTHWICK

ACIM Services
18 Great Brook Dr.
Michael Hanifan

AMS Facility Services
18 Ham Hill Road
Alexander St. Aubin

Attorney Laurence J. Cohen
21 Grove St.
Laurence Cohen

Competitive Door
152A South Longyard Road
Shawn Kana

Grace Martell Hair
587 College Highway
Grace Martell

Hany’s Barber Shop
587 College Highway
Hany Fares

JD’s Auto Care LLC
555 College Highway
John Isbister

Laci M. Morin
587 College Highway
Laci Morin

Lion Express Inc.
271 Granville Road
Lev Bazukin

My 3 Tees
14 Shore Road
Tristan Simonds

Tomahawk Restoration Services
142 Point Grove Road
Thomas Larkin

Western Mass Enterprise LLC
271 Granville Road
Lev Bazukin

WESTFIELD

Aleks
9 Bush St.
Oleksandr Petrovskyi

Ben Construction
29 Montgomery St.
Veniamin Ovsiichuk

Ducharme and Sons Tree Services
101 East Mountain Road
Sam Ducharme

Lana’s Flowers
143 Llewellyn Dr.
Svetlana Ryabchukova

Musa and Sons Excavating
419 Little River Road
Aaron Musa

TJ Construction
132 Lapointe Road
Timothy Tomala

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

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

Cohen, Sonia M.
a/k/a Emerson, Sonia
16 Crandall St., Apt. Upper
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/19/2026

Cornelius, Mark
Cornelius, Michele
145 Robin Ridge Dr.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/16/2026

David, Christopher J.
a/k/a Bisner, Christopher D.
PO Box 90001
Springfield, MA 01139
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/25/2026

Dean, Rebecca S.
435 Greylock St.
Lee, MA 01238
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/24/2026

Dela Cruz, Emily
a/k/a Delacruz, Emily Herrera
103 Davenport St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/28/2026

Deleon, Debra
14 Taber St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/18/2026

Diciocco, Gaetano T.
258 Commonwealth Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/17/2026

Disley, Kyle W.
Disley, Emilie M.
a/k/a Maio, Emilie
38 Ednson Court
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/27/2026

Felton, Leigh A.
35 Forest Hill Road
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/25/2026

FIRESAFE CHIMNEY SERVICES, INC.
Central Mass Chimneys, LLC
Walling, James J.
PO Box 40
South Barre, MA 01074
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/27/2026

Gelula, Jonathan C.
25 Redfern Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/27/2026

Heck, Kassie L.
1 Murray St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/27/2026

Jasnia Realty, LLC
1162 – 1176 Springfield St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 11
Date: 02/16/2026

La Rosa-Stellato, Ann M.
54 Kendall St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/17/2026

Lebron, Chastity Leticia
122 Wolcott St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/27/2026

Lemon, Richard
Lemon, Christine
2 Country Club Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/28/2026

Lyrio, Camila DeOliveira
35 Oak St.
Ashland, MA 01721
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/20/2026

Moody, Howard G.
80 3rd St.
Lee, MA 01238
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/20/2026

Nguyen, Nga T.
82 Cherry St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/27/2026

Olmo, Carmen M.
36 Winnipeg St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/24/2026

O’Neil, Veronica Pearl
a/k/a Decker, Veronic
a/k/a Mickelson, Veronica Pearl
a/k/a Mickelson, Decker Veron
50 Pleasantview Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/18/2026

PCR Agawam LLC
1176 Springfield St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 11
Date: 02/16/2026

Perri, Dominic Jacob
Perri, Brandi Lee
a/k/a Wagner, Brandi Lee
142 Michigan Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/25/2026

Sanchez, Jorge L.
a/k/a Sanchez-Vazquez, Jorge
157 Ellsworth Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/28/2026

Seiffert, Richard Charles
42 Washington Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040-3516
Chapter:
Date: 02/25/2026

Streeter, Joshua B.
Streeter, Melanie A.
5 Whispering Pines Ave.
2Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/27/2026

Strong Trucking
Santiago, Carlos Jose
117 Enfield St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/25/2026

Tomlinson, Thomas J.
89 Sunnyslope Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/27/2026

Vega, Carmen B.
a/k/a Cruz, Carmen B.
49 Worcester Ave., 2nd Fl.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/27/2026

Weber, Jenny Lynn
a/k/a Waterman, Jenny Lynn
NOHO Nutrition
58 Kensington St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/20/2026

Wright, Benjamin T.
8 Simpson St.
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/18/2026

Zepke, Stephen K.
62-64 Howes St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/27/202

Real Estate Transactions

By
Real Estate

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY

ASHFIELD

374 Watson Spruce Corner Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $625,000
Buyer: Todd S. Soos
Seller: Lagoy INT
Date: 02/27/26

CONWAY

473 North Poland Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $725,000
Buyer: Jacqueline Chieh Pigott
Seller: Andrew E. Desguin RET
Date: 02/20/26

DEERFIELD

13 Captain Lathrop Dr.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Haley A. Dumas
Seller: Douglas A. Ducharme
Date: 02/20/26

33 Eastern Ave.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Kodi Dalton Lanou
Seller: Michael D. Clift
Date: 02/20/26

30 Lee Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $660,000
Buyer: Allison L. Howard
Seller: Peris Line Inc.
Date: 02/26/26

ERVING

8 Semb Dr.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $297,000
Buyer: Allison N. Boswell
Seller: Jeffrey J. Cullen
Date: 02/20/26

GILL

10 Center Road
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Emily Tourigny
Seller: Richard C. French
Date: 02/20/26

GREENFIELD

25 Arnold Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $151,500
Buyer: Robert Bergeron
Seller: John Mills
Date: 02/27/26

249-251 Chapman St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Mark A. Skinder
Seller: M. Hunter Kratt
Date: 02/20/26

94 Columbus Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Ihcb LLC
Seller: Christopher Guyre
Date: 02/26/26

72 Meadow Wood Dr.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $596,000
Buyer: Leah Morton
Seller: Ann H. Blanker RET
Date: 02/24/26

HAWLEY

112 East Hawley Road
Hawley, MA 01339
Amount: $129,500
Buyer: Currier Realty LLC
Seller: Hawley Preserve LLC
Date: 02/27/26

LEYDEN

83 Eden Trail
Leyden, MA 01337
Amount: $1,100,000
Buyer: Brian Patrick McCarthy
Seller: David H. Howe
Date: 02/17/26

319 Greenfield Road
Leyden, MA 01301
Amount: $540,000
Buyer: Steven Colon
Seller: Carol S. Dougherty
Date: 02/25/26

MONTAGUE

150 Millers Falls Road
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Great Falls Enterprises Inc.
Seller: Brenda L. Denison
Date: 02/26/26

NEW SALEM

72 North Main St.
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $352,000
Buyer: Kristopher M. Burgess
Seller: Mary Charlotte Mars
Date: 02/20/26

ORANGE

37 Cottage St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Frida Vasquez Gomez
Seller: 37 Cottage Street RT
Date: 02/26/26

20 Marjorie St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Allah Abou-Harb
Seller: Barkley Enterprises LLC
Date: 02/25/26

75 Sandrah Dr.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: William Ellis
Seller: Reginald C. Haughton
Date: 02/27/26

395 South Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $349,000
Buyer: Bryan Alec Valeri
Seller: Nicholas McGovern
Date: 02/27/26

9 Sunset Dr.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $289,900
Buyer: Brandi King
Seller: Johnson, Kay F., (Estate)
Date: 02/19/26

92 Wheeler Ave.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $303,000
Buyer: Lacey Allain
Seller: Thomas H. Allain
Date: 02/20/26

SHUTESBURY

January Hills Road, Lot 2
Shutesbury, MA 01054
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Robert P. Devine
Seller: Dolores M. Conway
Date: 02/20/26

SUNDERLAND

297 Montague Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Heather Willard
Seller: Julia D. Kulessa LT
Date: 02/20/26

WHATELY

116 Christian Lane
Whately, MA 01373
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Lisa C. Gustavsen
Seller: Marilee P. Kloc
Date: 02/17/26

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

7-G Castle Hills Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Clifford Baulkman
Seller: Derek D. Panaia
Date: 02/20/26

304-306 Cooper St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Hmood Aljashaam
Seller: Lht Realty LLC
Date: 02/27/26

130 Cosgrove Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Brittney Bryant
Seller: James, Philomeau, (Estate)
Date: 02/27/26

60 Elizabeth St.
Agawam, MA 01089
Amount: $397,000
Buyer: Edward John Brewer
Seller: Robert E. Carter
Date: 02/20/26

32 Lealand Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Ruslan Yankevych
Seller: Benjamin A. McCormick
Date: 02/27/26

1730 Main St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $580,000
Buyer: Tacettin Arici
Seller: A&H Legacy LLC
Date: 02/27/26

27 Marlene Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $495,000
Buyer: Joseph Judd
Seller: Paul R. Gauthier
Date: 02/20/26

40 Nolan Lane
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $560,000
Buyer: Ky Nguyen
Seller: Ba Van Tran
Date: 02/26/26

47 Norris St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $193,000
Buyer: Timothy P. Veighey
Seller: Richard D. Veighey
Date: 02/20/26

52 Peros Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Peter Anthony Rodriguez
Seller: Joshua M. Dufrane
Date: 02/18/26

491 South West St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Danylo Verbakhivskyi
Seller: Ana Kaletina
Date: 02/27/26

29 Valentine St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $333,000
Buyer: Corey Kuang
Seller: Louis F. Bonavita
Date: 02/19/26

BRIMFIELD

258 East Old Yarmouth Road
Brimfield, MA 01585
Amount: $304,000
Buyer: Lucy Ndurere
Seller: Alberts FT
Date: 02/25/26

281 Warren Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Benjamin Peters
Seller: Jason R. Richard
Date: 02/27/26

CHESTER

24 Bromley Road
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Berkshire Land Co. LLC
Seller: Clark W. Jones
Date: 02/27/26

11 Campbell Road
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Georges E. Nasr
Seller: J. Sperry Realty LLC
Date: 02/20/26

500 East River Road
Chester, MA 01050
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Robin Quinn
Seller: Daniel S. Reider
Date: 02/17/26

CHICOPEE

27 Bostwick Lane
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Carrasquillo Fix Up LLC
Seller: Plata O. Plomo Inc.
Date: 02/25/26

103 Catherine St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Anna Murphy
Seller: Scott Family Properties LLC
Date: 02/17/26

16 Edmund St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Cynthia Gonzalez
Seller: Gloria Gonzalez
Date: 02/20/26

451 Center St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $1,750,000
Buyer: Ludlow Construction Co. Inc.
Seller: Baystate Medical Center Inc.
Date: 02/25/26

109 Church St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Burhan Holdings Two LLC
Seller: Manasa LLC
Date: 02/27/26

180 Fletcher Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $344,000
Buyer: Carrie Desmarais
Seller: Berube, Charles F., (Estate)
Date: 02/27/26

71 Florence St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Kyle Gemme
Seller: Edward J. Brewer
Date: 02/20/26

60 Hawthorn St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $253,000
Buyer: Jason Breault
Seller: Duane E. Sivard
Date: 02/26/26

34 Jennings St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $228,000
Buyer: Kyle R. Laplante
Seller: Neece, Paul Richard, (Estate)
Date: 02/26/26

79 Kaveney St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Veteran Stan LLC
Seller: Donna Marie Weber
Date: 02/20/26

40 Lauzier Ter.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Adnaloy Lugo
Seller: Joseph R. Nichols
Date: 02/24/26

134 Lukasik St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $361,000
Buyer: Ryan F. Neal
Seller: Daniel J. LeClair
Date: 02/20/26

39 McCarthy Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $288,000
Buyer: Joseph Latour
Seller: David S. Triffletti
Date: 02/24/26

844 McKinstry Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Nguyen Nguyen
Seller: Christina A. Hedges
Date: 02/25/26

135 Newbury St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $255,900
Buyer: Joselito Lozada
Seller: Amy M. Janulewicz
Date: 02/19/26

88 Prospect St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Cassandra Ortiz Colon
Seller: Chenevert Properties LLC
Date: 02/17/26

141 Simonich Circle
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $362,000
Buyer: James V. Arone
Seller: Joseph T. Judd
Date: 02/20/26

EAST LONGMEADOW

19 Anne St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Susan Thibault
Seller: Gabrielle L. McEvoy
Date: 02/26/26

153 Chestnut St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $283,420
Buyer: Freedom Mortgage Corp.
Seller: Jaime L. Hernandez
Date: 02/18/26

145 Gates Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Campagnari Construction LLC
Seller: Damthi, Sueyen, (Estate)
Date: 02/20/26

20 Halon Ter., Lot 11
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $1,100,000
Buyer: Rosanny Amaro Ret
Seller: East Coast Contracting LLC
Date: 02/19/26

1 Jeffrey Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $788,000
Buyer: Tianzhixi Yin
Seller: Best Home Builders LLC
Date: 02/17/26

78 Meadow Neck Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Filipe J. Americano
Seller: Price, Dixie C., (Estate)
Date: 02/18/26

4 Millbrook Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Thomas Vuong
Seller: Amanda Torres-Alvarado
Date: 02/25/26

123 Mountainview Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01020
Amount: $520,000
Buyer: Jason Van Buren
Seller: Brian L. McClelland
Date: 02/25/26

13 Park Place
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $515,500
Buyer: Carol A. Dube
Seller: Pooler FT
Date: 02/19/26

61 Westernview Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Gordon Francis Dambrosio
Seller: Westernview IRT
Date: 02/26/26

HAMPDEN

59 Baldwin Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $304,000
Buyer: Heather Turcotte
Seller: Allen E. Warren
Date: 02/27/26

178 Penrose St.
Hampden, MA 01109
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Manchester Ent LLC
Seller: Valois, Patricia, (Estate)
Date: 02/27/26

HOLYOKE

205 Clemente St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Julia Colon
Seller: HHA-S Holyoke Home II LLC
Date: 02/27/26

1114 Hampden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Michael Lavalley
Seller: Heather Cahillane
Date: 02/18/26

27 Lexington Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $565,000
Buyer: Robert Burkey
Seller: Stephen B. Pelhan
Date: 02/27/26

49 Linden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $266,000
Buyer: Michael Reardon
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 02/18/26

30 Lindor Heights
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $387,500
Buyer: Martin Amaya-Barraza
Seller: Kathryn M. Zweir
Date: 02/18/26

201 Locust St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $289,000
Buyer: Adalgiza Ortiz
Seller: Jjj17 LLC
Date: 02/27/26

268-270 Sargeant St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Candaisey Cox
Seller: Stephen Sheldon
Date: 02/27/26

12 Temple St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Nakari Jimenez
Seller: Naples Home Buyers Inc.
Date: 02/19/26

49 View St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Lennox C. Williams
Seller: Marolis Acosta Cruz
Date: 02/24/26

LUDLOW

67 Hill Ter.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Robert K. Barnard
Seller: Raphael Marrero
Date: 02/27/26

28 Miller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Lauren Gobler
Seller: Emtay Inc.
Date: 02/24/26

50 Warsaw Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Catarina Marafuga
Seller: Pauline C. Perham
Date: 02/18/26

MONSON

Beebe Acres Road, Lot 169-22
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Brian McGurk
Seller: Despina Proios
Date: 02/20/26

42 Bethany Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $311,000
Buyer: Michael Burgos
Seller: Taylor Pronowicz
Date: 02/19/26

179 Bumstead Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $459,000
Buyer: Jullian Coleman
Seller: Lori-Ann Dyer
Date: 02/20/26

221 Cedar Swamp Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $607,000
Buyer: Elizabeth J. Starzyk
Seller: James P. Bailey
Date: 02/26/26

24 Flynt Ave.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Kristen Lombardo
Seller: Ajv Investments LLC
Date: 02/27/26

26 Green St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Dam Nguyen
Seller: Andre J. Cormier
Date: 02/27/26

54 High St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Hannah Grocott
Seller: Michael Grochowski
Date: 02/26/26

115 Peck Brothers Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $314,000
Buyer: George Parent
Seller: Michael A. Dupuis
Date: 02/23/26

150 Stafford Hollow Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Danielle Lacroix
Seller: Charles & Phyllis Grace
Date: 02/27/26

4 Thayer Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $590,000
Buyer: Michael C. Gouin
Seller: Debarge, Lawrence F., (Estate)
Date: 02/25/26

PALMER

54 Bourne St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $294,000
Buyer: Lindsey Manick
Seller: Revampit LLC
Date: 02/27/26

142-146 Breckenridge St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $208,500
Buyer: Kelli M. Trzeciak
Seller: Jason R. Aliengena
Date: 02/24/26

144 Breckenridge St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $208,500
Buyer: Kelli M. Trzeciak
Seller: Jason R. Aliengena
Date: 02/24/26

146 Breckenridge St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $208,500
Buyer: Kelli M. Trzeciak
Seller: Jason R. Aliengena
Date: 02/24/26

148 Breckenridge St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $208,500
Buyer: Kelli M. Trzeciak
Seller: Jason R. Aliengena
Date: 02/24/26

305 Burlingame Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $364,000
Buyer: Rebecca G. Shea
Seller: Sarah McPartland
Date: 02/26/26

33 Chudy St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Phillip Jefferson Fana
Seller: Ayers, Nancy M., (Estate)
Date: 02/26/26

79 Griffin St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Chad Bradway
Seller: Sheila A. Zajac
Date: 02/25/26

2018-2020 High St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Solun LLC
Seller: 18-26 High St. RT
Date: 02/27/26

2034 Pleasant St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $317,525
Buyer: Olivia L. Szydziak
Seller: Byron Fonville
Date: 02/27/26

140 Shearer St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Ann Harrington
Seller: Ann V. Wright
Date: 02/23/26

127 Summer St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $386,925
Buyer: Katelyn N. Parent
Seller: Rebecca G. Shea
Date: 02/26/26

RUSSELL

161 General Knox Road
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $357,310
Buyer: Cassandra Lee Roche
Seller: 161 General Knox Road Land Trust
Date: 02/20/26

1172 Huntington Road
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Perry Boudreau
Seller: Elizabeth Millay
Date: 02/17/26

 

SPRINGFIELD

138 Abbott St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $391,000
Buyer: Rafael J. Perez
Seller: Darrick Dwyer
Date: 02/20/26

1201 Allen St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Patricia A. Watkins
Seller: Roberto Cruz
Date: 02/27/26

25 Amherst St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $126,000
Buyer: Thomas Minutillo
Seller: Renaissance Home Equity 2004-4
Date: 02/27/26

86 Belvidere St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $307,000
Buyer: Jasmine Taylor
Seller: Sonarik M. Ruiz
Date: 02/27/26

54 Bernard St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Destiny Pemberton
Seller: Steven Hull
Date: 02/27/26

85 Bircham St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: Skyspec LLC
Seller: Pellerin, Patricia A., (Estate)
Date: 02/26/26

16-18 Blanding St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $379,000
Buyer: Sophyrady Sar
Seller: Jorge Ferreira
Date: 02/19/26

44 Border St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Raquel Hernandez
Seller: Melvin Coleman
Date: 02/25/26

616 Boston Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: First Group LLC
Seller: Stughton L. Smead RET
Date: 02/20/26

140 Cherry St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Wilmane W. Alcin
Seller: Phantom Holdings LLC
Date: 02/26/26

186 Chestnut St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $1,100,000
Buyer: Bar Belmont LLC
Seller: Bruce Wright Group LLC
Date: 02/27/26

11 Cheyenne Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Herman Lee Pittman
Seller: Juan G. Perez
Date: 02/24/26

77 Coleman St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Taina Lundi
Seller: Our Legacy LLC
Date: 02/26/26

49 Corona St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Xtreme Homes LLC
Seller: Thomas E. Whelihan
Date: 02/24/26

13-15 Decatur Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Joel Luis Cruz
Seller: Mary T. Popko
Date: 02/27/26

127 Dickinson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $459,000
Buyer: Angelina Marte Pena
Seller: Osagie Efosa Omo
Date: 02/20/26

785 Dickinson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Joan I. Annexy
Seller: Pederzani, Dyann A., (Estate)
Date: 02/26/26

552 Dwight Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $329,000
Buyer: Xiomara Perez
Seller: Megan C. Masse
Date: 02/27/26

55 Florida St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Joshua D. Wheeler
Seller: Nicole Barnett
Date: 02/24/26

95-97 Forest Park Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $181,000
Buyer: Kenneth A. Keppler
Seller: Gary C. Kennett
Date: 02/19/26

55 Gardens Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Arimendi Batista
Seller: Geoffrey Frost
Date: 02/24/26

83 Gilman St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Damarys Ocasio
Seller: Aisha T. Williams-Garcia
Date: 02/27/26

61 Glenmore St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: J. & Jacqueline Dutko FT
Seller: 53-61 Glenmore Street TR
Date: 02/24/26

63 Granger St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Michael Masciadrelli
Seller: Marc A. Mercado
Date: 02/27/26

11-15 Groveland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $319,000
Buyer: Frantztes Chery
Seller: Tac P. Diep
Date: 02/24/26

68 Hamilton St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Donald R. Napolitan
Seller: Raymond J. Larose
Date: 02/18/26

16-18 Haumont Ter.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $397,000
Buyer: Victor L. Rivas
Seller: Cig2 LLC
Date: 02/26/26

80 Jean Dr.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Mario Coplin
Seller: Krol, Hilda A., (Estate)
Date: 02/26/26

30 Jerilis Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Christiane Bitar
Seller: Mik Wedel
Date: 02/24/26

29-31 Knox St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Michele Golding
Seller: Wilfredo J. Semidey
Date: 02/26/26

120-C Lamplighter Lane
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $122,600
Buyer: Estate Whiz LLC
Seller: Headley, Keith Anson, (Estate)
Date: 02/25/26

72 Larkspur St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: DNE Properties LLC
Seller: Andrew Joseph Bennett
Date: 02/17/26

66-70 Leyfred Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: All In One Realty Development LLC
Seller: Adelino Valencia
Date: 02/18/26

101-127 Lyman St.
Springfield, MA 01013
Amount: $1,100,000
Buyer: Bar Belmont LLC
Seller: Bruce Wright Group LLC
Date: 02/27/26

130-134 Lyman St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $1,100,000
Buyer: Bar Belmont LLC
Seller: Bruce Wright Group LLC
Date: 02/27/26

39-41 Malden St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $286,000
Buyer: Yeslin Gonzalez Perez
Seller: Gryszowka, Lucy A., (Estate)
Date: 02/18/26

55 Malden St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Luis E. Lorenzo Quezada
Seller: Ysabel Santana
Date: 02/18/26

32-34 Marsden St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Resi Cassistant President
Seller: Resi Cassistant President
Date: 02/27/26

56 Marshall St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $289,000
Buyer: Juan Angel Pagan
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 02/25/26

57-59 Martha St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Majestic Partners LLC
Seller: Equity Trust Company
Date: 02/20/26

27 Middlebrook Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Pine Hill Management LLC
Seller: Ivelisse Morales
Date: 02/27/26

188 Moss Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $186,000
Buyer: RM Blerman LLC
Seller: John W. Thomas
Date: 02/27/26

100 Nagle St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Fred Batchelder
Seller: Master Investment Group LLC
Date: 02/20/26

125 Oakland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Keila Nakary L. Dediaz
Seller: Orozco, Jorge E. G., (Estate)
Date: 02/25/26

290 Oakland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $495,000
Buyer: Rafael Lendof
Seller: Oakland Street Properties LLC
Date: 02/26/26

294 Oakland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $495,000
Buyer: Rafael Lendof
Seller: Oakland Street Properties LLC
Date: 02/26/26

320 Oakland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Keanu Mercado
Seller: Juan C. Crespo
Date: 02/27/26

273 Orange St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $523,000
Buyer: Onstar Properties AA LLC
Seller: Emtay Inc.
Date: 02/25/26

56 Pennsylvania Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $293,000
Buyer: Ryan Dean
Seller: Ann C. McCarthy
Date: 02/19/26

59-61 Pinevale St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Andre Ferdinand
Seller: Raddy O. Nunez
Date: 02/19/26

52 Price St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $346,900
Buyer: Eduard Yanyuk
Seller: Amjad Real Estate LLC
Date: 02/27/26

54 Price St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $346,900
Buyer: Eduard Yanyuk
Seller: Amjad Real Estate LLC
Date: 02/27/26

114 Riverton Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Victor C. Colon Vazquez
Seller: Reynaldo Espada-Lombay
Date: 02/26/26

99 Rosewell St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Yolanda Ivette Montalvo
Seller: Patrick A. Donnelly
Date: 02/24/26

321 Rosewell Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Barbara Starks
Seller: Tonya L. Shippy
Date: 02/17/26

156 Saffron Circle
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Vicki M. Gainer
Seller: Mars Real Properties Inc.
Date: 02/27/26

2 Signal Hill Circle
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Dino J. Zamboni
Seller: Zamboni, Jacqueline T., (Estate)
Date: 02/17/26

1688 South Branch Pkwy.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Sen Thi Huynh
Seller: William Brown
Date: 02/27/26

865 South Branch Pkwy.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Ryan J. Kelder
Seller: Lillian G. Habin
Date: 02/27/26

658 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $429,000
Buyer: Hugo Guzman
Seller: Karina Curl
Date: 02/27/26

42 Talmadge Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $299,900
Buyer: Cesar J. Reyes
Seller: James W. Fiore
Date: 02/26/26

67 Villa Pkwy.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $277,000
Buyer: Mer Franco Reyes
Seller: Nres LLC
Date: 02/25/26

20 Webster St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Webster Units LLC
Seller: Emilio Arroyo
Date: 02/25/26

34 Wellesley St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Jose Martinez
Seller: Fabiloa S. R. De Meuses
Date: 02/27/26

62-64 Whittier St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Juan Crespo
Seller: Edison Santana
Date: 02/19/26

1606 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $339,000
Buyer: Tonya Shippy
Seller: Evan Pope
Date: 02/17/26

61-63 Wilcox St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $249,987
Buyer: Rolando A. Vasquez
Seller: Kokoleka RT TR
Date: 02/18/26

79-81 Windemere St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Jacqueline Heredia
Seller: Richard A. Gibbons
Date: 02/18/26

SOUTHWICK

2 Lakemont St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Eric Dziewit
Seller: Mhi Properties LLC
Date: 02/27/26

WEST SPRINGFIELD

151 Capital Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $4,120,000
Buyer: 151 Capital LLC
Seller: 151 Capital Drive LLC
Date: 02/27/26

110 Monastery Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $4,864,500
Buyer: Monastery Realty LLC
Seller: Pc Monastery LLC
Date: 02/20/26

2025 Riverdale St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $1,250,000
Buyer: Y. & S. Properties LLC
Seller: Joan L. Solomon TR
Date: 02/25/26

545 Rogers Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $444,000
Buyer: Kathleen Hart
Seller: Eglin, Mary Jane D., (Estate)
Date: 02/19/26

53 Warren St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $308,000
Buyer: Andrew Crory
Seller: Kate Dinatale
Date: 02/26/26

Wolcott Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Thomas M. Daley
Seller: Tara LLC
Date: 02/17/26

210 Wolcott Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Richard M. Kuras
Seller: Scott M. Blair
Date: 02/25/26

WESTFIELD

3 Butler St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Bruce Fowler
Seller: Benjamin N. Seguin
Date: 02/26/26

5 City View Blvd.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $234,000
Buyer: 1900 Capital Trust II
Seller: Joseph R. Martin
Date: 02/27/26

315 Holyoke Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $414,900
Buyer: Daniel Blair
Seller: Bodendorf, Christina A., (Estate)
Date: 02/19/26

47 Jaeger Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $329,900
Buyer: Luke Ottarson Gaida
Seller: Barbara A. Sullivan
Date: 02/19/26

35 Jefferson St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Zachary Brown
Seller: Thatcher, Mary A., (Estate)
Date: 02/19/26

13 Madison St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Olena Nimets
Seller: Olga Misiruk
Date: 02/27/26

166 Montgomery Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $376,000
Buyer: Marin Timircan
Seller: Brian William Parent
Date: 02/26/26

153 Prospect St., Ext.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $438,000
Buyer: Oleg Kaletin
Seller: Brian S. Marshall
Date: 02/27/26

61 Ridgecrest Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Scott Goodwin
Seller: Mohammad Saleem
Date: 02/20/26

19 Sherwood Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Denise A. Dulude
Seller: Rene J. Soucy
Date: 02/25/26

29 Sunrise Ter.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Vivette S. Thompson
Seller: Jerry Peake
Date: 02/26/26

25 White St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Abdulghafoor Almafraji
Seller: Joseph P. Nangle
Date: 02/18/26

67 Woodside Ter.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Robert M. Levesque
Seller: Lsf9 Master Part TR
Date: 02/27/26

WILBRAHAM

22 Brainard Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Neil Horner
Seller: Frank Kulig
Date: 02/27/26

12 Brooklawn Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $512,000
Buyer: J. D. & C. L. Lightner RET
Seller: Todd Dennis Heald
Date: 02/27/26

1 Conifer Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Arlana Kaye Cordeiro
Seller: Michael Tetreault
Date: 02/26/26

70 Manchonis Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Gary A. Daula
Seller: Mark-Andrew T. Theocles
Date: 02/20/26

225 Maynard Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Robert F. Engel
Seller: Paul Henry
Date: 02/27/26

89-91 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Sedanur Bilir
Seller: Stony Hill LLC
Date: 02/19/26

2 Vista Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Shane Foley
Seller: Daniel Fenton
Date: 02/18/26

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

270 North East St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Christopher Lee Cox
Seller: Joyce, Patricia Ellen, (Estate)
Date: 02/27/26

BELCHERTOWN

20 Brandywine Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: William Wallin
Seller: Christine M. Wallin
Date: 02/19/26

16 Martin Circle
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Daniel J. Fusari
Seller: Carol E. Fisher
Date: 02/18/26

137 Old Meeting House Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Drew Delorey
Seller: Rathanavuth Yin
Date: 02/17/26

CHESTERFIELD

8 Ring Road
Chesterfield, MA 01084
Amount: $580,000
Buyer: Timothy J. Kent
Seller: Jack C. Henry
Date: 02/27/26

South St.
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Liza Beth Weldon
Seller: Pablo De Leon
Date: 02/25/26

CUMMINGTON

64 Cole St.
Cummington, MA 01098
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Jordan C. Sherman
Seller: Fern Hearth LLC
Date: 02/18/26

EASTHAMPTON

64 Ferry St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Ivaan LLC
Seller: Paul A. Goehlert
Date: 02/20/26

19 Parsons St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $340,881
Buyer: Pancho Diaz LLC
Seller: John P. Yagmin
Date: 02/19/26

26 South St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Christopher J. Belsito
Seller: Alpi Properties Inc.
Date: 02/20/26

GRANBY

73 Amherst St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $371,000
Buyer: Robert Morin
Seller: David K. Toplon
Date: 02/18/26

42 East St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $680,000
Buyer: Alpi Properties Inc.
Seller: Zhi Tan
Date: 02/19/26

41 Morgan St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Robert Scibelli
Seller: Jon F. Miller
Date: 02/18/26

46 North St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $570,500
Buyer: Elio M. Pereira
Seller: Luis Builders Inc.
Date: 02/27/26

HATFIELD

12 Dwight St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Roger H. Piekarski
Seller: Tascon Homes LLC
Date: 02/27/26

HUNTINGTON

46 Worthington Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Joseph B. Raco
Seller: Anna Murphy
Date: 02/17/26

208 Worthington Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Asherah Allen
Seller: Jeffrey Keeney
Date: 02/26/26

NORTHAMPTON

14 Arlington St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $842,000
Buyer: Russo-Savage FT
Seller: Candice A. Reffe
Date: 02/27/26

723 Florence Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: David L. Faytell
Seller: Manmeet Singh Saini
Date: 02/20/26

PELHAM

15 Gulf Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Lara S. Friedman
Seller: Linda Bersee
Date: 02/27/26

 

SOUTH HADLEY

50 Bardwell St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Josephine Wermuth
Seller: Thomas A. Douglas
Date: 02/25/26

31 College View Hts.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $597,500
Buyer: Zihao Qu
Seller: Trevor A. Baptiste
Date: 02/17/26

200 East St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Matthew Simpson
Seller: Asherah B. Allen
Date: 02/26/26

34 Hildreth Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $388,000
Buyer: Michael Lebert
Seller: David Archambault
Date: 02/25/26

73 Lyman St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Beth Pearlstein
Seller: Tamara Adkins
Date: 02/27/26

5 Marion St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $289,900
Buyer: Monique Lauren Camuse
Seller: Matthew J. Simpson
Date: 02/25/26

47 Pynchon Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Thomas Douglas
Seller: Analytical Sciences Marketing Group
Date: 02/25/26

Silver St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Dgl Properties LLC
Seller: Colondres & Co. LLC
Date: 02/27/26

36 Silver St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $498,000
Buyer: Katharine Hastings Lowry
Seller: Colondres Co. LLC
Date: 02/27/26

115 Woodbridge St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $565,000
Buyer: Sarah J. Meirs
Seller: Elizabeth Jane Starzyk
Date: 02/26/26

SOUTHAMPTON

22 Bluemer Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $218,530
Buyer: Village Capital & Investment LLC
Seller: Donald Krivicky
Date: 02/24/26

10 Golden Circle
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Julio A. Miranda Sanchez
Seller: Symborski FT
Date: 02/26/26

46 High St.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Benjamin Arthur McPherson
Seller: Caryl J. McPherson
Date: 02/25/26

WARE

7 Dugan Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $237,500
Buyer: Jay Mooney
Seller: Yellowbrick Property LLC
Date: 02/20/26

14 Laurel Dr.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Norman William Brown
Seller: Srv Properties LLC
Date: 02/19/26

209 Osborne Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $388,500
Buyer: Taylor Pronowicz
Seller: William Edward Wallin
Date: 02/19/26

22 Warebrook Village
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Naples Home Buyers Inc.
Seller: Javier Lugo
Date: 02/19/26

WESTHAMPTON

200 Easthampton Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $1,450,000
Buyer: Robert A. Lindberg
Seller: Sprague Lt
Date: 02/19/26

95 Easthampton Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $126,952
Buyer: Gary P. Talbot
Seller: Gary P. Talbot
Date: 02/18/26

Northwest Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Liza Beth Weldon
Seller: Pablo De Leon
Date: 02/25/26

376 Northwest Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Milyoung Cho
Seller: Matthew T. Whipple
Date: 02/17/26