Day: April 1, 2026

SSO Invites Community to ‘Music on the Menu’ at White Lion on April 8

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO) will kick off concert week with “Music on the Menu” at White Lion Brewing Co., 1500 Main St., Springfield on Wednesday, April 8 from 4 to 7 p.m., featuring a meet and greet with the guest conductor for the SSO’s April 11 performance, Kedrick Armstrong.

The event is free and open to the community, with 10% of drink proceeds benefiting the Springfield Symphony Youth Orchestra’s Scholarship Fund. Light refreshments will be served at the event.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Armstrong, one of the few Black conductors in the U.S., who currently serves as music director of the Oakland Symphony. He will be the guest conductor at the SSO’s performance, “Gloria! From Vivaldi to Gershwin,” at Springfield Symphony Hall on Saturday, April 11 at 3 p.m.

Saturday’s performance will be highlighted by the voices of the Springfield Symphony Chorus, the UMass Amherst Chorale, and soprano Jamie-Rose Guarrine. Tickets for the concert are available, starting at $25, online at springfieldsymphony.org or by calling the SSO Box Office at (413) 733-2291.

Hideaway Inns Launches Third Property, First Franchise Agreement

By
Daily News

LENOX — Hideaway Inns announced the opening of its third property, Hideaway Inn Lenox. This property also marks the brand’s first franchise agreement and the introduction of Hideaway Inns into franchise partnerships.

Developed by Hideaway Inns and managed by Revival Hotels, the 24-room hotel is the third property under the Hideaway Inns brand, launching less than six months after the company’s first opening in Mount Sunapee, N.H. With several additional franchise opportunities already in the works, Hideaway Inns plans to partner with strong ownership groups to transform properties into thoughtfully designed, experience-driven destinations. The brand prides itself on delivering a hospitality experience that combines frictionless technology, design-forward guest rooms, and fun communal spaces in scenic regional destinations.

Located in the historic downtown of Lenox and within walking distance to Tanglewood Music Center, the hotel is well-positioned to serve leisure travelers. The facility is powered by Revival Hotels’ proprietary Invisible Hospitality model, enabling seamless direct-to-door check-in. Each guest room is uniquely designed (no two are alike), and comes equipped with a Hideaway-branded Crosley record player, a rainfall showerhead, a white noise machine, and amenities from La Bottega. The hotel also offers access to the HI Innsider Guide, a mobile app that serves as a personal concierge, providing curated recommendations, local insights, and on-property information.

The hotel offers a range of shared spaces suitable for guests of all ages. The living room includes a vinyl library, board games, and a fireplace in a relaxed, BYOB-friendly setting. The Hideout is a retreat for children, giving families a chance to relax. The Commons offers indoor recreation with ping pong, vintage game tables, and foosball. Guests also have access to a complimentary 24/7 specialty coffee bar, curated vending machines, and a co-working space called Work from Hideaway.

“We created Hideaway Inns to fill a gap in the market, giving travelers convenient access to destinations they love but in places that big brands often overlook,” said Saxton Sharad, founding partner and CEO of Hideaway Inns. “With a focus on thoughtful design, fun social spaces, and frictionless technology, we are building something different.

“Unlike our first properties, which are located at the base of ski resorts, the Lenox property continues to set the tone for the brand in a new way, and it is the perfect location for us to extend Hideaway Inns and showcase its regional diversity,” he added. “With six properties slated to open by the end of the year and 30 over the next five years, this is only the beginning.”

T-Birds, Sheriff’s Office, YWCA Partner for Domestic Violence Awareness Night

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Thunderbirds, in partnership with the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office and the YWCA of Western Massachusetts, announced the groups’ collaboration for Domestic Violence Awareness Night at the Thunderbirds’ game on Saturday, April 4 against the Syracuse Crunch.

The T-Birds and the Sheriff’s Office will work in conjunction with the YWCA of Western Massachusetts, which provides shelter, support services, and tools for self-sufficiency for women and girls in the community. Prior to the game, the Thunderbirds will wear specialty jerseys during pregame warmups. Fans will have the chance to win the jerseys with jersey raffle tickets. The proceeds will directly benefit the YWCA.

“The Hampden County Sheriff’s Office has been proud to stand with the YWCA of Western Massachusetts for many years in supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. The work they do every day changes lives across our region,” Sheriff Nick Cocchi said. “We’re grateful to partner with the Springfield Thunderbirds to turn a great night of hockey into something even bigger — an opportunity for our community to come together, have some fun, and support an organization that provides hope and safety to so many families. I hope people will join us on April 4 and help make it a great night for a great cause.”

Central to the YWCA’s mission is supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, while working to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Each year, the organization provides critical services to nearly 12,000 individuals across Western Mass.

“We at the YWCA of Western Massachusetts are extremely grateful for Sheriff Cocchi’s continued support and partnership to help spread awareness for domestic violence,” said Elizabeth Dineen, CEO of the YWCA of Western Massachusetts. “To be recognized during a Springfield Thunderbirds game will help us expand our reach and ensure that more children and families receive the care they need. It is especially apropos, given that April is Sexual Assault Awareness and National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Thank you to the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office and the Springfield Thunderbirds for making this event possible.”

Thunderbirds President Nathan Costa added that “we’re proud to stand hand-in-hand with the YWCA of Western Massachusetts and the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office to raise awareness around domestic violence and support the critical work being done for survivors in our community. Using our platform to amplify causes like this is not just important — it’s our responsibility. Nights like this are about more than hockey; they’re about coming together as a community to show support, foster understanding, and help ensure that those impacted know they are not alone.”

Nominations Close on April 9 for Alumni Achievement Award

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — 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 by clicking here.

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. Nominators help BusinessWest find the best of the best.

For more information, visit businesswest.com/40-under-forty/alumniachievementaward or contact Natasha Mercado-Santana, Marketing and Events Manager, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or [email protected].

BusinessTalk with Lois Nesci, CEO, Gándara Mental Health Center: A Broad Mission to Serve

By Ryan Leary
Business Talk Podcast Special Coverage

With new episodes airing every other Monday, BusinessTalk features in-depth interviews and discussions with local industry leaders who offer thoughtful perspectives on the Western Massachusetts economy and the many business ventures that keep it running. BusinessTalk is sponsored and presented by Greenfield Cooperative Bank.

Go HERE to view all episodes

Episode 255: April 1, 2026

Joe Bednar talks with Lois Nesci, CEO, Gándara Mental Health Center

When Lois Nesci took the reins at Gándara Mental Health Center in early 2020, she did so during a time of pandemic challenge, but this large, regional agency — with more than 70 locations serving the mental health and other needs of people across all ages and demographics — has overcome plenty of challenges in its nearly 50-year history. As that milestone approaches next year, Lois sits down with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar for this episode of BusinessTalk, explaining how Gándara identifies and then meets needs, how it continues to expand, and why the work of helping clients achieve healthier, happier lives is so gratifying. It’s must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest over both audio and video platforms, and sponsored by Greenfield Cooperative Bank.

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Tim Wighton Joins Stone House Properties LLC

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Daily News

Tim Wighton

WEST STOCKBRIDGE — Stone House Properties LLC announced that Timothy Wighton has joined the team as a licensed real estate professional, bringing a blend of deep local heritage and extensive global leadership experience to the team.

Raised in the heart of Southern Berkshire County, Wighton’s roots in the region run generations deep, with family history grounded in South Egremont, Great Barrington, and Mill River. An outdoor enthusiast since childhood, he learned to ski at Butternut the year it opened in 1964 and remains an active hiker on the trails of South County today. After a distinguished 35-year international career in clinical research and strategic leadership — which took him to major hubs like London, Brussels, Seattle, and San Francisco — he returned home to the Berkshires in 2023. He has since dedicated himself to the restoration of his 1766 home in Otis.

Wighton’s background in high-stakes project management and negotiation allows him to navigate complex real estate decisions with disciplined execution and clarity. His lifelong passion for property is evidenced by his hands-on experience in home rehabilitation projects across the U.S. and Europe.

“After returning to the Berkshires a few years ago, I’m proud to be part of Stone House Properties,” he said. “I bring an in-depth knowledge of what makes the Berkshires so special, from its unique communities and rich character to its natural beauty. While I have a lifelong passion for restoring and reimagining older homes, I’m dedicated to helping every client uncover the potential to make a property truly their own, whether they are looking at modern builds, historic gems, or a piece of land.”

HCC to Host ‘Green Ventures’ Discussion, Nature Walk on April 23

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) will host “Green Ventures: Lessons from Environmental Entrepreneurship,” a free public lecture, discussion, and guided nature walk, on Thursday, April 23.

The event, featuring retired environmental entrepreneur Bob Saul and HCC graduate Jamal Cumberbatch, begins at 10 a.m. in the PeoplesBank Conference Room in HCC’s Kittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development, 303 Homestead Ave.

HCC President George Timmons will introduce the speakers, followed by an interview led by Cumberbatch, highlighting Saul’s journey as an environmental entrepreneur. The pair will examine four business ventures through the lenses of vision, funding, implementation, and long-term impact, concluding with an audience question and answer session.

The event will provide students and community members with insights into building successful environmental businesses in Western Mass., featuring case studies from Saul’s career and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the sustainability sector.

Following the indoor program, at about 11:30 a.m., HCC Environmental Science Professor Heather Ruel will lead a nature hike along the forest trails behind the college, featuring tree identification and observations at a vernal pool.

Saul is a retired businessman and environmental entrepreneur with more than four decades of experience in sustainable business development in Western Mass. and beyond. His professional ventures have included water reallocation in the West; maple syrup production in Vermont; large-scale forestry operations in Maine, New York, the Pacific Northwest, and Central America; as well as his own private enterprises involving retail furniture, black walnut plantations, and table making.

Cumberbatch, a member of the HCC class of 2026, completed his studies in December, earning an associate degree in liberal arts. An adult student and community organizer, he is a development and engagement associate for the Holyoke-based Eagle Eye Institute, a nonprofit agency that organizes programs for area youth to learn about forests.

Environmental nonprofits are invited to reserve free table space to promote their programs. To reserve a table or for more information about the event, contact John Sieracki, HCC leadership gift officer, at [email protected] or (413) 552-2746. To register as an attendee, visit hcc.edu/greenventures.

Hogan Technology Invited to Technology Assurance Group’s 25th Annual Convention

By
Daily News

EASTHAMPTON — Hogan Technology, a leading managed technology services provider, announced that the company has been invited to attend the 25th annual Technology Assurance Group (TAG) Convention, taking place April 26-28 in Las Vegas — one of the technology industry’s premier events focused on innovation, collaboration, and the future of business technology.

This year’s theme, “AI: Embrace, Capitalize, Dominate, Profit,” reflects a pivotal moment for business innovation. Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept — it is actively reshaping how companies operate, serve customers, and compete. For Hogan Technology, attending this milestone event is about one thing: bringing back real-world strategies and technologies that directly improve outcomes for customers.

“AI isn’t about automation or replacing people,” said Sean Hogan, president of Hogan Technology. “It’s about helping businesses make better decisions, respond faster, and deliver a higher level of service without increasing overhead. Every single business is looking for ways to do more with less, but few are leveraging AI significantly. We have been educating our customers for quite some time, and we’re constantly looking for new ways to utilize AI.”

Throughout the convention, Hogan Technology will participate and provide insight during sessions focused on how AI can be applied across service operations, cybersecurity, and internal workflows. A keynote presentation by Matt Mayberry, a two-time Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author, will share applications and forecasts on how AI can be used as a strategic thought partner, helping leaders think more clearly, identify opportunities faster, and execute with greater confidence.

“Hogan Technology has always focused on helping our customers maximize their profitability and productivity,” Hogan said. “What excites us about this year’s convention is the emphasis on turning AI into real business outcomes — not just theory, but practical strategies that improve profitability, enhance and protect operations, and elevate the customer experience. We’re excited to teach what we know to others in the industry, while also gaining exclusive, battle-tested insights from other technology leaders.”

TAG President Brian Suerth added that “we’re thrilled to have Hogan Technology share their expertise and valuable insight with TAG members throughout the U.S. and Canada. Hogan Technology is at the forefront, and our members have great appreciation and respect for their knowledge.”