Home 2026 (Page 30)

Year: 2026

Theory Skate Shop Owners Grab Some Air

By
Frank Langone (left) and Dan Dziuban at Theory’s Holyoke Mall location. Photo by Bob Zemba, Simple Truth Imaging
Cover Story

Top Entrepreneurs 2025

Frank Langone (left) and Dan Dziuban at Theory’s Holyoke Mall location.Photo by Bob Zemba, Simple Truth Imaging

Frank Langone (left) and Dan Dziuban at Theory’s Holyoke Mall location.
Photo by Bob Zemba, Simple Truth Imaging

A Thrill Ride

For Dan Dziuban, running a business is a lot like skateboarding and snowboarding.

“When you fall down, you’ve got to get right back up,” he said, offering one of many analogies between these activities, all of which feature twists and turns, trial and error, aches and pains (of either the figurative or literal variety), a fast pace, and an always-changing landscape.

Watch more from this year’s Top Entrepreneurs: 

Success in all these realms also requires persistence and some luck, said Frank Langone, Dziuban’s partner in the venture known as Theory Skate Shop, which is coming up on 30 years of growth, evolution, thrills, spills, no less than 18 moves within the Holyoke Mall, and rewards on many different levels.

“It’s been a real roller-coaster ride,” Langone said. “There have been a lot of ups and downs, but mostly, it’s been a lot of fun.”

More ups than downs, to be sure, for Theory, which also sells apparel, including its own brand of clothing, and a wide range of accessories, and now operates two locations, with the other in Northampton, and has a strong online presence as well.

But it’s not just the retail aspect of this venture that has earned Dziuban and Langone BusinessWest’s coveted Top Entrepreneur honor, first awarded 30 years ago. There is also the manner in which they have promoted these sports, and especially skateboarding, bringing the sport more into the mainstream and greatly upgrading facilities locally.

Indeed, they have worked with several area communities to design and build skateboard parks — the latest such initiative is in Westfield — and there have also been summer camps, an indoor skateboard park they operated in Springfield for 14 years called Junction, videos, skating events, and more to bring people into the sport — and sometimes, through their influence, into the professional ranks.

“We’ve had three local guys come up and become professional skateboarders, and one become a professional snowboarder who’s left a huge mark on the sport; he grew up riding at Blandford, shopping here, and working for us,” said Dziuban, adding that helping people get into these sports and then watching some excel at the highest level is among the greatest rewards from all their hard work.

Another is seeing and hearing from young people who attended their skateboard camps and frequented the indoor skateboard park and have not forgotten those experiences.

“You’ll be in a restaurant, and someone will tap you on the shoulder … you don’t recognize him because it’s 20 years later and he was just a kid then, but he’ll tell you how much the skate park impacted his life, kept him out of trouble, kept him busy,” Dziuban said. “You could be in Rhode Island and that would happen, and it would happen all the time. And that’s very rewarding.”

“You’ll be in a restaurant, and someone will tap you on the shoulder … you don’t recognize him because it’s 20 years later and he was just a kid then, but he’ll tell you how much the skate park impacted his life, kept him out of trouble, kept him busy.”

Our story begins in the mid-’80s, with both Dziuban and Langone becoming part of what could be called the rise of skateboarding, fueled by highly visible professionals, especially Tony Hawk, who pioneered vertical skateboarding and would go on to become a successful entrepreneur — with his own skateboard company, Birdhouse — and philanthropic, helping to build skateboard parks around the world.

Dziuban and Langone have essentially followed this pattern within the 413 and a little beyond. They started with a small store on Main Street in West Springfield in 1998, and would go to set up headquarters, if you will, in the mall. They would diversify — into snowboarding, as that sport became more popular, and also into footwear and a wide array of clothing, including Theory branded items, while also getting involved in the community, especially with building skateboard parks and operating skate camps. They would add several other locations over the years, most of which did work out long-term.

Dan Dziuban describes the company’s journey as a roller-coaster ride.Photo by Bob Zemba, Simple Truth Imaging

Dan Dziuban describes the company’s journey as a roller-coaster ride.
Photo by Bob Zemba, Simple Truth Imaging

Which brings us back to Langone’s reference to a roller-coaster ride, which this has been — a fun, rewarding thrill ride that has become a story not only of entrepreneurship, but of giving back; not just doing business in a community, but becoming a positive force within that community.

For this issue, we talked with Dziuban and Langone about the ride, about grabbing some air, as they say in the skateboarding world, and about the possible next chapters in an intriguing story.

 

Ramping Up

As he talked with BusinessWest in the Holyoke Mall just before it opened for the day earlier this month, Dziuban referenced the new Dick’s House of Sport soon to open in the old Sears footprint, just a few doors down from Theory’s current location.

The new Dick’s will be massive — and interactive — with batting cages, rock-climbing walls, a turf field, and much more, in addition to its vast inventories of sporting goods. Dziuban was asked if he worried about what would seem to be intimidating new competition.

Frank Langone says being an entrepreneur is much like mastering a skateboard or snowboard — there’s lots of trial and error.Photo by Bob Zemba, Simple Truth Imaging

Frank Langone says being an entrepreneur is much like mastering a skateboard or snowboard — there’s lots of trial and error.
Photo by Bob Zemba, Simple Truth Imaging

“The younger me would definitely be worried about what this might mean for us,” he said. “This older me? I can see how this will be good for the mall and bring more people here — and possibly to our store. I’d prefer to focus on the positive aspects of this.”

Those comments show a maturity that comes with nearly three decades of experience in retail; time in the trenches that has included countless learning experiences on many levels; coping with new challenges like COVID and, more recently, tariffs; and, as noted earlier, some falling and getting back up again.

Before doing it in business, both Dziuban and Langone were doing it on skateboards on the streets of Springfield.

“Someone in the neighborhood got a board … you tried it, and then you wanted one,” Dziuban recalled, adding that this pattern was being repeated countless times across the region and the country.

“A friend of mine and I … we bought our boards together and started from there,” Langone said. “We met new people, and then Dan and I met eventually down the line.”

In addition to some passion for the emerging sport of skateboarding, Langone, who left for California for a year in the mid-’90s before returning to Western Mass., and Dziuban also shared some entrepreneurial blood, if you will. Langone’s father owned a flower shop in Springfield’s South End, and Frank worked there growing up. Meanwhile, Dziuban’s father operated a cleaning service.

So they knew what they were getting into — sort of — when they opened their first store on Main Street in West Springfield, looking to tap into the growing popularity of the sport.

“I just had an idea — I thought starting a shop would be a cool thing to do, and Dan agreed. We pooled our money together and got started,” said Langone, who also worked for a time at the Board Room, one of the region’s first skateboard shops, in Northampton.

“When you’re 23 or 24 years old … at that age, you pretty much think you can do anything.”

Neither one quit what would be considered their day job as they set up shop — Langone was still working at the flower shop, and Dziuban was still stocking shelves in the frozen food aisle at the Food Mart on Allen and Cooley streets in Springfield — and they couldn’t afford to pay themselves for a while, either.

But they were laying a foundation for a business — and a brand.

Indeed, the name originated with a class in criminal theory that Dziuban was taking at Westfield State University, and the logo, an ornate ‘T,’ which has stood the test of time, was created by his roommate, a graphic design major.

Soon after they opened and established a firm footing, they started laying another foundation, this one for work in the community, specifically with West Springfield to create its first skate park within the city’s Cooks Park.

“We had built a lot of ramps for ourselves over the years, so we knew what to do, and we played a pivotal role in getting that park built,” said Dziuban, adding that they did so thinking the facility would be for the community, but also inspire more people to take up the sport.

The partners would soon get involved in more parks in communities such as Belchertown, Amherst, Monson, and Sturbridge, he went on, joking that, before long, the business had what could be called a construction division, often converting little-used tennis courts into skate parks.

Summer skate camps, like the one seen here, are among the many ways Theory and its founders get involved in the community and give back.

Summer skate camps, like the one seen here, are among the many ways Theory and its founders get involved in the community and give back.

Meanwhile, the two partners started conducting summer skate camps — they still participate in city-run camps in Agawam and Westfield — that bring more people into the sport and forge some relationships that have lasted for decades.

And in 2000, they started created their first skateboard video, called “Thesis,” featuring local skateboarders on the Theory team. It was designed to promote both the sport and the company, and it would be the first of many.

“It was the first of its kind for this area,” Dziuban said. “We premiered it at CityStage — there more than 400 people there; it sold out. That video was on VHS, we sold 1,600 copies — it was very well-received, and that was the tipping point for us doing eight more of those videos, and business boomed after that.”

 

On a Roll

Looking back on the early years, the partners acknowledged that, while there was some of that fear that comes with opening any kind of business, there was also a certain confidence that comes from youth — and perhaps from being able to master difficult skateboarding maneuvers.

“When you’re 23 or 24 years old … at that age, you pretty much think you can do anything,” Langone said.

Dziuban agreed, adding, “in all honesty, we didn’t have much time to think. We opened the store, then we built that skateboard park in West Springfield, and every year we were doing a new skateboard park or a new store or trying something new. There was no time to relax and little time to think.”

Soon after getting started, the partners would add snowboard equipment to the mix, as many skate shops have, bringing needed diversity to a business focused on a sport that more or less shuts down for the winter months. The sports are similar in many respects, and many who skateboard also snowboard.

They eventually set up a holiday pop-up store at the Holyoke Mall in 2006, an experience that would lead them to become year-long tenants there, although not with enough confidence to sign anything approaching a long-term lease.

Which explains the 18 moves within that facility, said Dziuban, humorously noting that he knows every inch of the mall because he’s operated in every corner of it.

“Sometimes, there were two moves in the same year,” he recalled. “It was every six months for a few years.”

The moves within the mall — in addition to four moves in West Springfield earlier in the life of the company — reflect the newness and trial-and-error aspect of this specific niche within retail, the partners noted.

And with the successes have come some setbacks. Indeed, Dziuban and Langone have opened shops or acquired existing facilities in various locations, including Amherst and Northern Connecticut, that have not worked out. There was also Junction, the indoor skate park that, though it eventually closed, was a huge part of the business and its efforts to introduce people to skateboarding.

“We were out there all the time, skating with everyone, teaching skate camp, working there — we were becoming friends with our customers. It was amazing,” Dziuban said.

“We were throwing a lot of darts, and we were younger and more eager to try things,” said Langone, adding that, collectively, these were learning experiences that have made Theory a stronger company and the partners wiser entrepreneurs.

Today, there are the two locations — in addition to two large booths at the Big E they’ve had for 20 years now — as well as the summer camps and events at the skate parks.

“We do ‘come skate with us’ events on Wednesday nights; we have a DJ, sometimes we have food, we have prizes for best trick,” Dziuban noted. “We have go-skate events, which are all-day events; we do a Halloween event … we do a bunch. We’re out there interacting with the skateboard community and doing everything we can to keep it fun.”

Such efforts are more difficult on the snowboarding side of the equation — the company used to run bus trips to area ski resorts — but the partners do what they can to build enthusiasm for that sport as well.

Meanwhile, Theory has diversified into brands, and products, that are not skate- or snowboard-related, especially at the mall location, which boasts everything from outdoor clothing (Patagonia and the North Face) to Yeti coolers and accessories, to a wide range of shoes and even sunglasses and backpacks. As for the Theory brand itself, it can be found on everything from T-shirts and hoodies to jeans and baggy shorts.

“The good thing is the skateboard culture itself is popular,” Dziuban said. “The clothing brands, the shoes … you don’t necessarily have to skate to want to buy those products.”

Overall, business has been good, but there is a fickleness to sporting goods in general and some specific sports, like skateboarding and snowboarding. Indeed, Langone and Dziuban referenced how the snows of last December, a stark departure from the past several years, to be sure, helped fuel sales of snowboards during the holiday season — and also how the recent years with little snow before January didn’t drive such sales.

“If you can’t see snow in your backyard, you’re not even thinking about snowboarding,” Langone said. “And with skateboarding, one day it’s really cool, and everyone wants a skateboard for Christmas, and then, five years later, every kid wants a soccer ball, and skateboarding is not cool.”

Dziuban agreed. “The thing about skateboarding and snowboarding is they’re both so volatile,” he explained. “The weather affects snowboarding, and skateboarding comes in and goes out of popularity. So we don’t have much time to think about what the business plan should be. The business plan is pretty much sent to us by the customer.”

 

Making the Jump

Right now, the plan calls for continuous efforts to listen to those customers and respond accordingly, growing the internet sales side of the business, and continuing to get involved with efforts that simultaneously promote the sport and bring new facilities to area communities.

The latest initiative is in Westfield, where the partners, along with Jeff Burke, a Theory team rider who came up through its skate camp, have helped design, coordinate, and raise money for a $1.6 million skate park facility in Amelia Park.

It’s the latest example of how these entrepreneurs have always been more then retailers. They’ve also been promoters — of skateboarding and snowboarding, to be sure, but also safe, healthy communities.

Previous Top Entrepreneurs

• 2024: John and Chris DeVoie, owners of Hot Table

• 2023: The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts

• 2022: Benson Hyde and Bruce McAmis, co-owners of Provisions

• 2021: Dinesh Patel and Vid Mitta, owners of Tower Square in Springfield

• 2020: Golden Years Homecare Services

• 2019: Cinda Jones, president of
W.D. Cowls Inc.

• 2018: Antonacci Family, owners of USA Hauling, GreatHorse, and Sonny’s Place

• 2017: Owners and managers of the Springfield Thunderbirds

• 2016: Paul Kozub, founder and president of V-One Vodka

• 2015: The D’Amour Family, founders of Big Y

• 2014: Delcie Bean, president of
Paragus Strategic IT

• 2013: Tim Van Epps, president and
CEO of Sandri LLC

• 2012: Rick Crews and Jim Brennan, franchisees of Doctors Express

• 2011: Heriberto Flores, director of the New England Farm Workers’ Council and Partners for Community

• 2010: Bob Bolduc, founder and CEO of Pride

• 2009: Holyoke Gas & Electric

• 2008: Arlene Kelly and Kim Sanborn, founders of Human Resource Solutions and Convergent Solutions Inc.

• 2007: John Maybury, president of Maybury Material Handling

• 2006: Rocco, Jim, and Jayson Falcone, principals of Rocky’s Hardware Stores and Falcone Retail Properties

• 2005: James (Jeb) Balise, president of Balise Motor Sales

• 2004: Craig Melin, president and CEO of Cooley Dickinson Hospital

• 2003: Tony Dolphin, president of Springboard Technologies

• 2002: Timm Tobin, president of
Tobin Systems Inc.

• 2001: Dan Kelley, president of
Equal Access Partners

• 2000: Jim Ross, Doug Brown, and Richard DiGeronimo, principals of Concourse Communications

• 1999: Andrew Scibelli, president
of Springfield Technical
Community College

• 1998: Eric Suher, president of E.S. Sports

• 1997: Peter Rosskothen and Larry Perreault, co-owners of the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House

• 1996: David Epstein, president and co-founder of JavaNet and the JavaNet Café

Coming Off Strong Year, Contractors Eye More of the Same in 2026

By
Dave Fontaine inside the new East Longmeadow High School, now under construction.
Construction Special Coverage

Building Momentum

Dave Fontaine inside the new East Longmeadow High School, now under construction.

Dave Fontaine inside the new East Longmeadow High School, now under construction.

 

 

Bill Laplante says it wasn’t that long ago when a whole-house renovation with a price tag of $400,000, $500,000, or more was extremely rare.

Now, it’s commonplace,” said Laplante, owner of East Longmeadow-based Laplante Construction, which specializes in high-end homes, remodeling, and some light commercial work. “People are staying where they are and just putting the money into the house.”

Still, somewhat high interest rates have something to do with this surge in large-scale remodeling, he said, adding that many people bought their current homes at roughly 3% and are now looking at something just north of 6% (and it’s been higher the past few years) if they want to buy something new. So, in many respects, it makes sense to invest in the current home and stay in it, he went on.

This thinking helps explain why 2025 was one of the best the company has recorded, said Laplante, and also why 2026 is lining up to be another very solid year. “It was probably the largest-volume year in our history. We had a very, very, very good year — we had a lot of projects.”

“There were a lot of questions early last year regarding interest rates and whether they would go down or go up. I think people are feeling a little more comfortable with what they’re seeing recently.”

Bob Provost, co-owner of Greenfield-based general contractor Mowry & Schmidt, agreed, noting that 2025 was a good year for the company, with a diverse mix of projects, including the new hockey rink at Northfield Mount Hermon School and renovation of the former Greenfield Public Library into part of what could now be called the Greenfield Savings Bank campus in the heart of the city’s downtown.

“This past year was a very good for us, and it’s looking very promising for 2026 as well for both commercial work as well as residential,” he told BusinessWest. “There were a lot of questions early last year regarding interest rates and whether they would go down or go up. I think people are feeling a little more comfortable with what they’re seeing recently, and mortgage rates are lower than they have been. All this bodes well for builders.”

Mark Sullivan, president of Northampton-based D.A. Sullivan & Sons, which specializes in commercial and institutional work, agreed. He said the firm handled a lot of work for colleges during the summer break — he calls them ‘summer slams’ — as well as municipal projects in Chicopee and other communities, and has a good amount of similar work on the books for 2026.

There are some issues and headwinds confronting builders — finding enough help remains difficult, scheduling becomes more of a challenge as the volume of work increases, and Dave Fontaine Jr., president of Fontaine Brothers Construction in Springfield, noted that a slowdown in private sector work in the eastern part of the state is creating more competition for public projects, such as a new middle school in East Bridgewater that the firm bid on.

Bill Laplante says a good number of whole house renovations contributed to a record year for his company.Staff Photo

Bill Laplante says a good number of whole house renovations contributed to a record year for his company.
Staff Photo

“Because the firms that generally focus on private work in Eastern Mass. are slow, we’re seeing a lot more competition for work throughout the rest of the state,” he explained. “We just interviewed for the project in East Bridgewater; generally, there would be anywhere between three and four other firms competing, but on that project, I think there were a total of nine firms that submitted bids.”

Still, for the most part, these are good times for construction firms, which are taking full advantage of somewhat greater stability on the national and global fronts (as of mid-January, anyway) and accompanying confidence among business owners and residents alike to move forward with projects.

“We just interviewed for the project in East Bridgewater; generally, there would be anywhere between three and four other firms competing, but on that project, I think there were a total of nine firms that submitted bids.”

Meanwhile, there is a solid amount of public work taking place and on the drawing board, which is good news for firms that specialize in that kind of work, including Fontaine.

Indeed, the firm is moving toward the conclusion of one major school project locally (East Longmeadow High School), in the middle stages of another (Agawam High School), and getting ready to start a third (the new Longmeadow Middle School). And there are projects in other corners of the state as well.

And if all goes well, the company will have to balance all that with construction of a new courthouse in Springfield, one that will likely have a price tag approaching or exceeding $500 million — Fontaine is one of the lead players in a proposal (one of 11 now being considered by the state’s Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance) to build a 15-story courthouse roughly across State Street from the current facility.

When asked if the firm could handle all that, Fontaine laughed and said, “I hope that’s a question we have to answer; we’ll manage somehow.”

Renovation of the former Greenfield Public Library into part of the Greenfield Savings Bank campus is one of many projects in the Mowry & Schmidt portfolio.

Renovation of the former Greenfield Public Library into part of the Greenfield Savings Bank campus is one of many projects in the Mowry & Schmidt portfolio.

Right now, most construction firms are managing quite well, and while all those we spoke with cautioned that the scene (globally and nationally) could change quickly, the outlook for 2026 is generally positive.

 

Going Up

Laplante told BusinessWest that, while there was a solid mix of work in 2025, with residential and light commercial contributing to that solid bottom-line performance, it was the high-end renovations that stood out and gave the year some definition.

As he noted, there were more of them, and they signify a trend that likely has some staying power until interest rates come down significantly.

And when he talks about whole house renovations, he means whole house.

“They want a new kitchen, they want new appliances, they want all the bathrooms done over, they want to change out the windows, the siding … everything,” he said, adding that, depending on the size of the house — and most of these are quite large — the final price tag can exceed $400,000, $500,000, or even $600,000.

This new home in Longmeadow is one of many built by Laplante Construction in 2025.

This new home in Longmeadow is one of many built by Laplante Construction in 2025.

As noted, Laplante’s firm did several of those in 2025, most in Longmeadow, East Longmeadow, and Wilbraham. In addition to these renovations, the firm built roughly a dozen high-end new homes — in Western Mass. and also on the Cape, where the company opened a satellite office a few years ago to better serve customers looking to build there or renovate existing homes.

There were also several commercial projects of various sizes and in different stages of completion, including a dental office in East Longmeadow, a warehouse building for Revitalize CDC in Springfield, and another warehouse for GoGraphix in East Longmeadow.

Commercial work comprises just 20% of the firm’s book of business, but it’s an important part of the portfolio, he noted, adding that the company has more from that sector on the books for 2026, including a 24,000-square-foot memory care facility expected to break ground in the spring.

Meanwhile, there is a steady diet of more residential work, especially those high-end renovations, slated for 2026, said Laplante, adding quickly that, as the volume of such work increases, getting on the schedule becomes more of a challenge.

“We have a dozen new home starts, the memory care facility, and more renovation work in the pipeline, to the point where we’re having to push out when it comes to scheduling them,” he explained. “One of the tough things is that we can’t start a major renovation in a month now … we’re having to space them out and schedule them well ahead of time and make sure we get everything ordered and ready to go.

“Overall, we have work on the books for 2026 that should make it as good if not better than 2025,” he went on. “We have a lot in the pipeline.”

Sullivan echoed those sentiments. He said 2025 was a solid year, joking that the firm took on maybe a few more summer slams than it should have, but it fit them all in.

“You can’t start until the students are out, and you have to finish before they get back,” he said, adding that firm handled work at Smith, Mount Holyoke, UMass Amherst, and other schools. “Everything gets squeezed in the middle, so you’re behind before you start, so those are always anxious projects, but they’re interesting.”

In addition, the firm had several anchor projects, as he called them, including renovation of the former public library in Chicopee into meeting space and ongoing renovations to City Hall there (see related story, page 13), as well as a library addition in Fitchburg, work at the Eaglebrook School in Deerfield, projects at UMass Amherst, and other initiatives.

He said colleges and municipalities have the resources and confidence to move ahead with projects after a few sluggish years following COVID.

And for 2026, the company already has a good amount of work on the books.

“We entered the year with probably 60% of our targeted year, which is where we want to be, and we have a few potential projects queued up,” he said. “They haven’t been finalized, but they’re trending in that direction, and if they happen, we’ll be over our annual volume goal.”

 

Firm Foundation

Provost offered similar sentiments, noting that, while the outlook is mostly positive, things can change quickly — and profoundly — and this is why diversity is so important for builders, including his firm.

“Being in this area, being in Western Mass., and especially Franklin County, for us, there’s always been a need to stay diverse,” he noted. “You never know where the market’s leaning, so we stay busy in both residential and commercial.”

The latter comprises 65% to 70% of the portfolio, he went on, adding that recent projects in that realm include the ice hockey arena at Northfield Mount Hermon, a $12 million undertaking that will be ready for the 2026-27 season, as well as the historic renovation of the former Greenfield Public Library, a project nearing its completion.

On the residential side, Mowry & Schmidt handles both new construction and renovation, with many extensive projects in that latter category.

“We do a lot of bathroom, kitchen, and addition remodels; we’ve got one going now that involves a sunroom addition, new mudroom entry, and full kitchen addition — basically a whole house renovation,” Provost said, echoing Laplantewhen he noted that more people are staying put and investing in their current home rather than trying to find another one, especially as prices increase and interest rates remain somewhat high.

And there is plenty potentially coming onto the books in 2026, he continued, adding that the firm is bidding on a number of projects — with many customers leaning toward the design-build model, with one firm handling both under a single contract.

By and large, there is confidence within the private sector, on both the commercial and residential sides of the ledger, to move ahead with projects.

“There was a stretch over the past six to eight months where people were a little uneasy,” Laplante said. “But I think they’re starting to relax and say, ‘the world isn’t such a bad place,’ and move forward and don’t worry about everything.”

Fontaine agreed, but said there is still a good amount of volatility to contend with, and the broad construction sector is especially vulnerable to such forces. “I think we’re seeing a market slowdown in the private sector, particularly in Eastern Mass.”

This slowdown began more than a year ago, by most accounts, he went on, adding that it has been fueled by still-high interest rates and uncertainly about if, when, and by how much they will fall, but also by tariffs and price increases on certain products.

Still, Fontaine is busy, with those school projects, in this market and elsewhere; other public sector work, such as an extensive renovation and expansion of Jones Library in Amherst (a project delayed by cost escalation and redesigns) and a public safety complex in Easton; as well as private sector work such as the $70 million initiative to expand and modernize Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington.

The firm generally handles a dozen or so projects at a time, he said, adding that it’s always working to keep a steady flow of work in the pipeline and balance out the projects that are being wrapped up with new initiatives.

And that’s the case with projects like East Longmeadow winding down (it will be ready for the new school year), and others, like Fairview Hospital and Jones Library, just getting started. And bidding never stops for new projects, such as the new middle school in East Bridgewater, Fontaine said, adding that it can be — and often is — several years between when a project first comes on the radar and when a shovel is put in the ground.

The firm is awaiting word on that project, as well as the courthouse — no word on when that verdict will be handed down — while also keeping a vigilant eye out for new opportunities.

By most accounts, there will be a good supply of them in the near future as confidence builds — and individuals, businesses, and municipalities look to build.

Simulation Coordinator Brings Realism to Health Education at STCC

By
Daniel O’Neill, Patient Simulation Information coordinator at the SIMS Medical Center at STCC.
Healthcare News Special Coverage

True to Life

Daniel O’Neill, Patient Simulation Information coordinator at the SIMS Medical Center at STCC.

Daniel O’Neill, Patient Simulation Information coordinator at the SIMS Medical Center at STCC.

When healthcare program students in Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) step into a patient room at the SIMS Medical Center, they’re entering a high-tech learning environment designed to mirror the real world of healthcare.

Daniel O’Neill, Patient Simulation Information coordinator at the SIMS Medical Center, helps make those experiences possible.

“I’m one of two simulation coordinators,” said O’Neill, referring to himself and his colleague, Daniel Taibbi. “Together, we oversee a team of 15 employees who essentially build small movie sets so that students can practice high-fidelity healthcare simulations in a risk-free environment.”

The SIMS Medical Center hosts about 16,000 simulated experiences each year for students enrolled in 26 degree and certificate programs. O’Neill and his team ensure each scenario runs smoothly and meets national accreditation standards.

Accreditation by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare is no small point of pride. Last year, SIMS Medical Center earned this designation, making it one of only a few simulation centers in Massachusetts to reach that level of recognition, which is considered the gold standard in healthcare simulation and serves as a benchmark for excellence in patient simulation.

“These patients can blink, breathe, cry, respond to pain, and more. With the exception of walking out of the bed, they can do everything a human patient can.”

The center’s fleet of approximately 120 high-fidelity robotic patients allows students to practice their clinical skills in a realistic but safe setting.

“These patients can blink, breathe, cry, respond to pain, and more,” O’Neill said. “With the exception of walking out of the bed, they can do everything a human patient can.”

 

Virtual Reality

Simulation offers a powerful advantage in healthcare education. Studies show students retain up to 80% of knowledge gained through simulated experiences. STCC graduates also complete their clinical onboarding more quickly than peers from other institutions, O’Neill said, because they arrive with extensive hands-on practice.

Faculty play a key role in the process. Professors define learning objectives, and the SIMS team brings those objectives to life. “It’s a deep partnership,” he said. “We make sure what we’re setting up aligns with their vision for student learning.”

O’Neill spends a growing portion of his time in training and development meetings with faculty, helping them understand and use emerging technologies to enhance student learning.

Since 2020, STCC has expanded its innovation lab, introducing virtual reality to multiple health programs. Students can step into immersive scenarios or even view care from a patient’s perspective.

“AI lets us create more realistic and dynamic encounters that reflect cultural, religious, and social diversity. It prepares students to care for people who aren’t just like themselves.”

One simulation left a lasting impact on a 6-foot-5 student who experienced what it was like to lie in a hospital bed with a tall doctor standing over him. “He took the headset off and said, ‘I never realized how intimidating that feels,’” O’Neill recalled. “From that moment on, he started sitting down when talking to patients. That’s empathy building — and it’s just as important as any clinical skill.”

The SIMS Medical Center is also embracing artificial intelligence (AI), which allows for more authentic patient interactions. “AI lets us create more realistic and dynamic encounters that reflect cultural, religious, and social diversity,” O’Neill said. “It prepares students to care for people who aren’t just like themselves.”

In recognition of his contributions, O’Neill received the 2025 Individual Contributor Award/Star Award, an annual honor presented to an employee who demonstrates outstanding dedication and signature contributions to the college community.

STCC President John Cook praised O’Neill’s impact on the SIMS Medical Center and on students preparing for healthcare careers.

“What a unique skill set,” he said. “Dan, we are so grateful for all that you contribute to a very high-profile asset for the college. Our SIMS Medical Center, with the talent of Dan along with staff and faculty colleagues, provides a national model for future-now healthcare in higher education.”

 

Patient Approach

O’Neill’s path to STCC wasn’t traditional. He previously worked in restaurant management, at Apple as an educator, in event production, and even as a photographer for Lego. He joined STCC nearly nine years ago, first as a part-time simulation operator.

“I’ve always loved building teams and improving systems,” he said. “This role lets me do that while helping students prepare for meaningful careers.”

Prospective students experienced STCC’s SIMS Medical Center during a recent Career Exploration Night, where live simulations showcased the technology and immersive learning opportunities available.

“It’s the best night of the year to see what happens here,” O’Neill said. “Our goal is to give students the skills and confidence they need before they ever step into a hospital.”

Chicopee Anticipates Movement on Stalled Projects

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The vacant Cabotville Industrial Park poses a huge challenge for Chicopee officials.
Community Spotlight Special Coverage

Community Spotlight

The vacant Cabotville Industrial Park poses a huge challenge for Chicopee officials.

The vacant Cabotville Industrial Park poses a huge challenge for Chicopee officials.
Staff Photo

John Vieau says he remembers the event vividly.

It was the fall of 2019. Vieau, a Chicopee city councilor at the time, was running for mayor, and he and many others were on hand for an event, a showcase of sorts, at the Silverbrook Mills Building, formerly Cabotville Industrial Park. Its owners had created two demonstration apartment units, and the event was essentially a party in anticipation of the 600 more to follow.

“We were all excited. I remember those beautiful demos — one-bedroom and an efficiency unit — high ceilings, beautiful views, granite counters, washer-dryer stacks. They were talking about renting the efficiencies for under $1,000 a month,” said Vieau, who would go on to win the election. “I realized the impact that would have on our renaissance that we were trying to create downtown; it would create foot traffic and bring residents who would be interested in goods and services downtown.”

To say things haven’t gone according to that script would be a huge understatement.

Indeed, the pandemic hit soon thereafter, and the plans for the huge, 700,000-square-foot mill, where those two demo units remain, have gone unfulfilled. The ensuing years have been marked by frustration, inaction, repeated scalingcback of plans, a court-ordered eviction of remaining commercial tenants in 2022 due to the property being deemed unsafe, the city being forced to step in pay for needed security measures, and more frustration and inaction, with the current owner “going dark,” the mayor said.

The matter reached a tipping point of sorts recently, when the city began the long, arduous process of taking the property for non-payment of taxes — something it really doesn’t want to do.

Instead, it would prefer to see the property redeemed — either by the current owner, 4 Perkins LLC, a subsidiary of Silverbrook Properties, or another entity — out of tax foreclosure, and then sold to a developer with experience with large mill conversions, said City Planner Lee Pouliot, adding that this remains a possibility, and it represents the best-case scenario at this point.

“We were all excited. I remember those beautiful demos — one-bedroom and an efficiency unit — high ceilings, beautiful views, granite counters, washer-dryer stacks. They were talking about renting the efficiencies for under $1,000 a month.”

“It has to be an entity that has knowledge of doing a conversion from the ground up and has a reputation particularly with public funders — because there will need to be public investment in this to make it happen,” said Pouliot, noting that the price tag for redeveloping the property could exceed $200 million. “Every public program that we could make it eligible for is in place; we just need the right partner now and a developer who can pursue them.”

Historic Chicopee City Hall is undergoing an ongoing, $30 million renovation.Staff Photo

Historic Chicopee City Hall is undergoing an ongoing, $30 million renovation.
Staff Photo

While the Cabotville mill remains a source of frustration, especially as the region and state are in the midst of a housing crisis, there are plenty of positive developments in the second-largest city in Western Mass. These include:

• The start of work to convert one of the remaining parcels within the former Facemate complex into 105 units of workforce housing, with two more phases of that project to come — redevelopment of a brick warehouse and an indoor sports complex;

• The selection of a preferred developer for the redevelopment of the four remaining buildings in the Uniroyal complex, bringing light to the end of a tunnel the city has been in for nearly 45 years as it sought reuse of the property;

• Ongoing work to renovate City Hall, a complex undertaking that involves revamping spaces while city government operates, a game of musical chairs that has reached its second phase;

• The recent opening of the Hub, community space created from redevelopment of the city’s former public library, next door to City Hall;

• Advancement of plans to build replace Berry Elementary School with a new, $124 million facility to be built on the grounds of Szetela Early Childhood Center;

• Plans to move the School Department out of temporary facilities (its former home was closed due to poor air quality) and into the Westfield Bank Loan Center, formerly Williamson’s clothing store, in the heart of downtown, bringing about 80 employees, and more vibrancy, to that area;

• Renovations to Szot Park and Sara Jane Sherman Park;

• A chamber of commerce that is enjoying growth in membership, new initiatives, and the return of its popular tabletop expo (more on that later); and

• Plans to hire the city’s first Economic Development director in several years. The mayor said he has been handling most of those responsibilities in the interim, but the City Council voted to fund that office again.

For this latest installment of its Community Spotlight series, BusinessWest looks at the many converging storylines in Chicopee and the many forms of progress in the community.

 

Milling About

As they talked about the Cabotville complex, both Vieau and Pouliot stressed that they don’t want this to become “another Uniroyal.”

By that, they meant property the city was forced to take for tax title and then essentially find someone to develop it — a long, difficult, and expensive process that has been playing out for many years now.

Instead, as noted earlier, the city would much prefer that 4 Perkins secure another buyer, one that can take the stalled project forward. And this is where much of the frustration comes in, said the mayor, adding that such a prospective buyer came forward a few months ago.

“He went through the permitting process, but it all came apart at the end; he said his agreement with the owner didn’t work out. He was frustrated and upset,” Vieau said. “In the meantime, entities have been calling and saying they’re interested; it’s a wonderful shell and has so much potential, and it’s really a key to the success of our downtown.

Indeed, several hundred units in that complex would bring people and vibrancy to the downtown area, bolstering existing businesses and probably inspiring new ones, he went on, adding that this is what the city was anticipating at that party back in the fall of 2019.

Chicopee at a Glance

Year Incorporated: 1848
Population: 55,560
Area: 23.9 square miles
County: Hampden
Residential Tax Rate: $15.24
Commercial Tax Rate: $32.60
Median Household Income: $35,672
Median Family Income: $44,136
Type of Government: Mayor; City Council
Largest Employers: Westover Air Reserve Base; J. Polep Distribution Services; Callaway Golf Ball Operations; Dielectrics; MicroTek
* Latest information available

That anticipation has been replaced by large question marks, and time is becoming increasingly a factor as the property sits idle.

“Structurally, the building is in fine shape for being vacant,” Pouliot said. “The concern that we have, and it was similar with Uniroyal, is that the longer buildings sit vacant, the more and faster they deteriorate. So, while it is in good shape, it’s the right time to get a developer experienced with mill conversions to pursue it.”

And the mayor is hopeful that the recent publicity about the city beginning the lengthy process of taking the property will bring more potential buyers to the table or spur the current owner to take some action. Recouping lost years of taxes, liens, and the money the city has spent on security, sprinkler system repairs, and other work is a priority, he noted, but the bigger priority is transforming that dormant property into a catalyst for vibrancy and more redevelopment downtown.

While that process enters its next phase, one clouded by uncertainty, the four-decade-long saga at Uniroyal is entering another phase as well.

Indeed, a preferred developer, Wisconsin-based J. Jeffers & Co., has been chosen and it is in very early-stage work to reimagine the four remaining buildings in the complex — the office building, a small retail building, and two large production facilities.

The company has a deep portfolio of mill conversions and related projects, including conversion of the Milwaukee Grain Exchange into event space and conversion of the former Milwaukee Journal Sentinel building into 141 market-rate apartments, and Pouliot said it is looking at a $300 million investment in the Uniroyal buildings, redeveloping them into roughly 600 residential units (a mix of market-rate and workforce) and some commercial space.

The city was recently awarded a $450,000 MassWorks grant to look into infrastructure improvements in the Chicopee Falls area to support such a project, Pouliot said, adding that, when needed work is identified, the city will apply for additional grants from MassWorks to pay for them. Meanwhile, J. Jeffers will put its financial stack together from an array of sources, and conversion work will take place over the next several years.

 

Opportunities Knock

While the city continues work on those fronts, it can celebrate the completion of another project that took years to conceive and bring to fruition — conversion of the former library into the Hub.

The ceremonial ribbon was cut last fall, and the space started hosting programs in November. These include a series of business development courses, led by Samalid Hogan, CEO of Greylock Management Consulting, as well as several one-offs, said Pouliot, adding that the city will soon launch a webpage on the facility highlighting its use policies, with the goal of filling out the spring schedule.

The library project is part of a larger effort to renovate, modernize, and reactivate historic city properties, including City Hall, built in 1871, which sits next door.

The work there is ongoing, with the recent completion of what Pouliot calls “phase 2, sequence 1,” which involved renovation of the City Clerk, Facilities, and Registrar of Voters spaces. Next will come sequence 2, the Human Resources and Retirement Office spaces, due to be completed later this month.

“I like to say that we’re retrofitting and maxing out every square foot of this building, and being a mayor in a building that’s been under construction since I took office — it’s been a challenge,” said Vieau, who talked with BusinessWest in a temporary office carved out of a portion of what had been City Council chambers. He will move to a new office on the third floor (near the Law Department and the renovated auditorium, which now hosts council meetings) later this year, although he joked that he likes his current space and would prefer to just stay there.

The mayor’s historic office is now a conference room, with its waiting space now part of a larger office for the city clerk.

There will be more shuffling to come in a project that will be completed in 2028 — because the work is being undertaken as city government continues its work — and a total cost of nearly $30 million.

While change comes to City Hall, the old library, and hopefully (eventually) Cabotville, it is also coming to the Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, said Melissa Breor, its executive director, noting that the agency is adapting to the changing wants and needs of its members.

For example, the traditional chamber breakfast has been replaced on the schedule with monthly coffee hours at member businesses. These gatherings take less time to plan and execute, she explained, and they provide additional opportunities for members to network and showcase their businesses.

“We’ve adjusted the style of event to suit the schedules of our members,” she said, adding that the chamber runs at least two events a month — a coffee hour, an after-hours function, or one of its signature events — to give members opportunities to network.

Meanwhile, the chamber is turning back the clock in some respects and bringing back a tabletop business expo, slated for April at the Castle of Knights.

A slimmed-down version of the program staged years ago, which included several different chambers, hasn’t been undertaken since before the pandemic, but this edition will feature Chicopee chamber members (and non-members), said Breor, adding that it’s being brought back at their request.

“Our current members have been asking for something like this,” she said, adding that it’s been so long since a tabletop event has been staged that newer businesses may not be familiar with the format. Thus, the chamber will be doing some Zoom orientation meetings to help participants make the most of their opportunities there.

Commonwealth Packaging Brings More Clients into the Fold

By
Elizabeth Gosselin Kouflie didn’t plan on taking over the family business, but she eventually found a passion for it.
Construction Special Coverage

Thinking Outside the Box

Elizabeth Gosselin Kouflie didn’t plan on taking over the family business, but she eventually found a passion for it.

Elizabeth Gosselin Kouflie didn’t plan on taking over the family business, but she eventually found a passion for it.

Elizabeth Gosselin Kouflie says she can’t pinpoint the time when she first came to realize the COVID pandemic was likely to be the best thing to ever happen to Commonwealth Packaging.

But she started to get that sense when customers and potential customers didn’t even bother asking for a price on a job — which, in this business, is saying something.

“Normally, it’s ‘I’d like a quote on this many.’ Then, it was ‘how fast can you get me this; I don’t care what it costs.’ That’s when we knew this was going to be a real opportunity,” said Kouflie, adding that, as the world shut down and people couldn’t get the products they wanted, everything had to be shipped. And that added up to a banner year for Commonwealth, the company started by Kouflie’s father, Joe, in 1982, which she was now managing.

Indeed, in a business where margins are as thin as the cardboard sheets in the warehouse and customers can be lured away by competitors offering to do things for a few pennies less per item, Commonwealth recorded more than 20% growth year over year in 2020, said Kouflie, adding that the plant was busier than it had ever been.

“COVID opened my eyes to what we can produce out of this one-shift factory, and that’s what I want to get back to,” said Kouflie, who officially took ownership of the business in 2019 and has been bringing much-needed change to a company where there had been little of it in the three and half decades prior.

That includes a thorough renovation of the plant on Sheridan Street in Chicopee, its first in decades, as well as new machinery, the addition of a design team, better use of IT — and now AI — as well as a stronger push, with the addition of a sales rep, into Rhode Island.

It also includes marketing, something the company had never really done before, previously relying almost entirely on word of mouth and its reputation for quality and customer service in a business where there is so much emphasis on price.

Commonwealth has started to reach out to customers and potential customers with materials highlighting everything from Kouflie’s ties to Rhode Island (she graduated from Providence College and wears a PC sweatshirt in one marketing piece) to Commonwealth’s status as woman-owned, to the fact that its packages “go out first class” — literally.

Indeed, the shipping and safety supervisor’s name is David First Class.

“His last name is Class, and his middle name is First,” said Kouflie, adding that the marketing efforts, which began roughly a year ago, are starting to pay off.

“A lot of people are talking about Commonwealth right now — people are calling me up that never called before,” she noted, adding that the marketing piece targeting Rhode Island businesses is an example of efforts that have helped grow sales.

“I spent a couple of years just keeping the ship afloat and doing everything so I wouldn’t mess it up, because I was terrified of messing it up, and then I finally got comfortable a few years ago and made this my business. And we’ve changed quite a lot since then.”

“It’s working … we’re getting a lot of business,” she said. “People in Rhode Island love to do business with Rhode Islanders; it’s definitely getting some traction.”

These marketing efforts comprise one of many ways Kouflie is putting her stamp on the company (more on this later), while also maintaining its traditional focus on quality, service, and a ‘customer is king’ philosophy.

For this issue and focus on construction and manufacturing, BusinessWest talked at length with Kouflie about Commonwealth and how this is not her father’s packaging company — or your father’s packaging company — anymore.

 

A Cut Above

As she was earning her degree in business management at Providence College, Kouflie wasn’t sure what she was going to do with it. And eventually running the family business was not a thought that really crossed her mind.

Indeed, while she remembers getting rides on the forklift at the plant’s first location across from the Big E in West Springfield when she was young, and then holding a succession of summer jobs at the company during high school and college, she never intended to make Commonwealth a career.

All that changed in 2003, when, a year after graduating, she returned home to help her father care for her mother, who was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. There was an opening for a bookkeeper at Commonwealth; she took that job thinking it would be a temporary assignment, but soon settled in at the family business.

“It was kind of trial by fire — help out wherever you can,” she recalled. “I started doing all the HR stuff, started learning how to spec build, started taking orders … in a family business, that’s typically how it goes — you do whatever needs to be done, help out with the IT, build a web page, whatever.”

Tracing the history of the company, Kouflie said her father worked for Mount Tom Box in West Springfield, gradually moving up in the ranks. When management wouldn’t make him a partner, he bought his own box company, Loreno Packaging in West Springfield.

“He used to tell me that he’d run the boxes in the morning, take customers out to lunch, get the orders, and come back in the morning and run the boxes,” said Kouflie, adding that the business continued to grow over the years, but always kept that customer-focused flavor.

Never big into titles — she says they don’t mean much in a family business — Kouflie held many in the years after joining the business, including Human Resource manager, her role when she was named to BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty class of 2011, when she was just 30.

In 2013, her father took a step back from the business to spend more time at home and be a caregiver, while also battling cancer himself. And Kouflie continued to take on more responsibilities.

“He stopped coming to the office every day … he gave me some freedom to show what I could do — as long as I did whatever he said,” she noted with a laugh. “I’d have to send him my monthly statements showing him what I did, and he would let me know all the things I could be doing better; that’s how we operated for six years.”

She officially took the helm when her father passed away in 2019, and, after a few years of essentially maintaining the status quo — while also coping with the challenges and huge opportunities presented by the pandemic — started putting her own mark on the business.

“Before, I was running the company the way my dad wanted me to — the same way we’d always done everything; it was just follow the dotted line and do what we’ve always done,” she told BusinessWest. “When he passed away, I spent a couple of years just keeping the ship afloat and doing everything so I wouldn’t mess it up, because I was terrified of messing it up, and then I finally got comfortable a few years ago and made this my business. And we’ve changed quite a lot since then.”

 

The Complete Package

When asked to elaborate, she said the business model has changed, with an emphasis on being more competitive on price, while also maintaining its traditional emphasis on quality and service.

Other changes have included the addition of a design staff with a full-time designer, putting in a CAD table, marketing, renovating the entire building, adding new machinery, updating computer hardware and software, and exploring the use of AI to streamline quoting and other processes.

These steps and others are positioning the company for growth in a highly competitive industry, one often described with the single word ‘cutthroat’ and dominated historically by “price, price, price, price, price,” Kouflie said.

But increasingly, quality is becoming more a factor for many customers, she went on, citing the example of a prominent regional brewer — for years one of the company’s larger customers (Commonwealth makes its beer trays), but one that left when a customer offered a lower price.

“They dumped me, and six or seven months later, they called and I asked if I could come and sit down,” she recalled. “With their new supplier, the glue wasn’t holding on the trays when they put the beer in; the trays are coming in, the bottles are dropping in, the boxes are blowing open, and the beer is going all over the floor. They lost so much product — the pennies they saved on the boxes, they lost in product.”

It’s a story that’s been repeated countless times over the years, she said, adding that, moving forward, the company is looking to retain existing customers and add new ones by more aggressively telling its story and stressing its many qualities and selling points.

These include everything from Kouflie’s Rhode Island ties to the recently garnered ‘woman-owned business’ status.

“It’s part of a multi-pronged effort,” she said of the latter. “I think it catches people’s eyes — there are not a lot of woman-owned box makers.”

Part of the storytelling will be a focus on people — from David First Class to Customer Service Manager Kim Weagraff, highlighted in a different marketing piece.

“We want to show the end users, the buyers, who we are — our people — and the fact that we’re a young group,” Kouflie said. “A lot of our customers feel like we’re their best friends, and a lot of customers think they can just call us up and we’ll take care of them, and we will. But we want our customers to think they’re our only customer, and that we’re sitting here waiting for them to call, and we’re going to take care of them.

“These kinds of things are helping them feel connected to Commonwealth,” she went on. “I like to say that we’re not your dad’s box factory anymore. Lots of box factories are run by older gentlemen who are set in their ways; we’re trying to show our buyers who we are.”

Whether Commonwealth can return to that frenetic pace achieved during the height of the pandemic remains to be seen, but Kouflie is pushing the envelope — or, in this case, pushing the two-piece folder box — to achieve continued growth.

SCORE Workshops to Tackle ‘Marketing Your Business in the Digital World’

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Daily News

WILBRAHAM — SCORE Massachusetts and Rhode Island announced a three-part series of free, live online workshops titled “Marketing Your Business in the Digital World.” They will take place on consecutive Saturday mornings, Feb. 7, 14, and 21, from 9 a.m. to noon.

“Marketing Your Business in the Digital World” was developed as a series of workshops that build on each other to offer an effective model for promoting a business. A $50 fee covers all three sessions, and participants will get maximum benefit from attending the entire program.

Session 1, “Marketing Building Blocks,” will cover the ‘4 P’s’ of marketing and the elements of a message set, including the all-important elevator pitch. It will also launch into the concept of integrated marketing communications, which includes one’s value proposition, go-to-market plan, and unique selling proposition.

Session 2, “Solutions Marketing, Solutions Selling, and Market Positioning,” starts from the idea that many, if not most, businesses think they are selling a product or service. But what a business needs to be selling for maximum return is a solution to a customer’s challenge. This workshop introduces solutions marketing and offers a step-by-step framework for implementing this proven business approach.

Session 3, “Digital Marketing,” builds on the knowledge gained in the first two workshops and helps participants optimize their approach to digital marketing. It provides an overview of key channels and proven practices, along with the role digital outlets play in one’s marketing mix.

Every workshop includes small-group breakout sessions facilitated by an experienced SCORE mentor. Each participant will create plans for integrated marketing communications, solutions marketing, and digital marketing to immediately put to work in their business.

To ensure that every attendee receives personalized attention, attendance is limited. Click here to register.

MCLA Seminar Series to Explore Climate Change Perceptions in Middle East

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Daily News

NORTH ADAMS — The Green Living Seminar Series at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) continues on Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 5:30 p.m. with a presentation by Nimah Mazaheri, professor of Political Science and dean of Academic Affairs at Tufts University.

The presentation, titled “Faith Under Fire: How Religion Shapes Climate Concern in the Middle East,” will take place in MCLA’s Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation, Room 121. The event is free and open to the public.

Mazaheri will discuss his research on how religion influences climate change perceptions across the Middle East, a region facing significant environmental challenges, including extreme heat, recurring droughts, and water salinization.

Drawing from Arab Barometer surveys of 13,700 people across 12 countries, Mazaheri’s research reveals unexpected patterns in how Middle Eastern populations view the climate crisis. His findings show that, while Muslims tend to be less concerned about climate change compared to Christians in the region, individuals with a strong sense of religiosity across all faiths demonstrate greater concern about environmental threats. The research also uncovers a ‘culture war’ dynamic, with religious Muslims who endorse Islamist government showing less concern than their secular counterparts.

“These findings show that religion exerts a nuanced and unexpected influence on how people evaluate the climate change crisis,” Mazaheri notes in his 2024 published paper on the topic.

Mazaheri’s work focuses on the political economy of the Middle East and North Africa, with particular emphasis on how oil wealth shapes politics and economics in the region. His research has been published in leading journals, including Comparative Political Studies, World Politics, and World Development.

This semester’s Green Living Seminar series explores “Nature and Spirituality,” a 12-week examination of how faith, religion, and spiritual traditions shape our relationship with the natural world. All presentations will be recorded as podcasts available at www.mcla.edu/greenliving.

Herrell’s Ice Cream Hosts Annual What’s Your Flavor Idea? Contest

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Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — Through the entire month of February, Herrell’s Ice Cream is asking customers to join in its annual What’s Your Flavor Idea? contest. This contest runs in both Herrell’s Ice Cream locations: 83 Cowls Road (Mill District), North Amherst, and 8 Old South St. (Thornes Marketplace), Northampton.

According to owner Judy Herrell, “one winner will be chosen from each location, and Herrell’s will make their ice cream concept. We hope people will get their creative juices flowing and come up with some new and unique ideas.”

To enter, customers may come into either Herrell’s store and fill out an entry slip and put it in the box (only one idea per entry slip). The winning flavor ideas will win a pint of their ice cream, a quartet of Herrell’s Hot Fudge, a Herrell’s T-shirt, and, of course, bragging rights.

“I’m anxious to see the innovative flavor combinations suggested to create new and exciting trends,” said Rose Ritter, Herrell’s kitchen manager. “We really love it when our community engages with us to make flavor history.”

Michael’s Café to Reopen on JGS Lifecare Campus on Feb. 19

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Daily News

LONGMEADOW — JGS Lifecare, a healthcare system serving seniors and their families and an affiliate of Legacy Lifecare, announced the grand reopening of Michael’s Café, the nonprofit organization’s popular dining venue, on Thursday, Feb. 19 at 2:30 p.m.

Michael’s Café is named in honor of Michael Frankel, past board chair, cherished friend, dedicated leader, and longtime supporter of JGS Lifecare. Following his sudden passing in 2013, the café was designed as a centerpiece of the Sosin Center for Rehabilitation — a kosher eatery to serve residents, families, staff, and volunteers, while also welcoming members of the broader community. Donations to build the café were raised through the Project Transformation Campaign.

“Michael’s Café is a lasting tribute to Michael Frankel, an extraordinary young man whose life was tragically cut short,” said Susan Halpern, vice president of Development at JGS Lifecare. “He was a cherished member of the JGS Lifecare organization and served as an inspiration to us all.”

Following its reopening, Michael’s Café will offer a refreshed menu featuring seasonal weekly specials, rotating sandwich options, and daily homemade soups. Additional offerings include convenient grab-and-go items, a full salad bar with specialty sides, snacks, and a wide selection of hot and cold beverages.

Staff and residents are looking forward to the café’s reopening. “My personal favorite is the tuna salad on multi-grain with lettuce and tomato,” Halpern said. “I also highly recommend the pastrami on rye with mustard and a side pickle.”

The Feb. 19 grand reopening event will include light refreshments, welcoming remarks, and a lively social hour. A spring reception is also being planned to celebrate all donors who made Michael’s Café possible.

Located at 770 Converse St. in Longmeadow, Michael’s Cafe will be open five days a week from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., staffed by volunteers working with café Manager Vivian Hatwood. For more information or to RSVP, contact Mary-Anne Schelb at (413) 935-1791 or [email protected].

Easthampton Skatepark Initiative Seeks Donations to Complete Project

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Daily News

EASTHAMPTON — The Easthampton Skatepark Initiative, a group of volunteer parents and skateboarders, is seeking donations to raise the final $85,000 needed to construct a new, all-wheels skatepark in Easthampton.

Since 2019, the initiative has worked closely with city officials to identify a suitable location and secure funding for a new skatepark to replace the David MacDonald Memorial Skatepark, which was dismantled in 2004.

“This is a great project for the city of Easthampton, and it will provide an important alternative to organized sports,” Mayor Salem Derby said. “I have supported these efforts since 2005, when the initial plans for Millside Park included a skatepark.”

The skatepark project is an official city of Easthampton initiative in partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department and Commission. In September 2024, the final location was selected at Millside Park, behind the basketball court. Since then, the project has secured major public funding, including $250,000 from the city’s Community Preservation Act and a $425,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities program.

“Our goal is to raise at least $60,000 by the end of June,” said Eddie Comini, an original member of the Easthampton Skatepark Initiative. “The park will be medium-sized and offer opportunities for beginners to learn and experienced riders to demonstrate their skills. If we exceed our fundraising goal, we may be able to expand the park or add features such as lighting or shade structures.”

The initiative has already received financial support and commitments from Monadnock Community Investments, Canon Real Estate, Easthampton Skate Club, and Greenfield Savings Bank.

Additional donations can be made online through the Easthampton Skatepark Initiative’s fiscal sponsor, Flywheel Community Arts Inc., a local nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible. To learn more or to donate, visit easthamptonskatepark.com.

FirstLight, Energy New England Expand Partnership

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Daily News

BURLINGTON — FirstLight, a leading clean power producer, developer, and energy storage company, announced the expansion of the company’s landmark municipal utility power purchase agreement (PPA) with Energy New England (ENE).

As part of the agreement, 21 New England municipal public power entities — including, locally, Westfield Gas & Electric — have agreed to purchase 197 gigawatt hours per year of clean, local, cost-competitive hydropower produced by two of FirstLight’s hydroelectric facilities in Massachusetts. The original PPA between FirstLight and ENE’s customer group was executed in 2020, and at the time, it represented one of the largest municipal electric department purchases of clean energy in New England history.

The expanded PPA will extend through 2040 and will provide enough energy to support the year-round power demands of approximately 20,000 homes in the participating communities per year for the duration of the deal, while allowing the municipal electric departments to keep costs low for ratepayers. All ENE member municipalities already meet Massachusetts’ requirement for municipal utilities to obtain 50% of their power supply from carbon-free sources by 2030, well ahead of the mandated deadline.

“We are proud to expand our successful collaboration with Energy New England and the 21 ambitious municipal utilities who’ve proven through strategic action that clean energy, affordability, and reliability can coexist to meet the energy needs of our communities without compromising on cost or service,” said Justin Trudell, president and CEO of FirstLight.

“As the clean energy future that we’re working toward faces new roadblocks, the value of existing clean energy generation has never been clearer,” he added. “FirstLight’s clean hydroelectric projects throughout New England have powered our communities for generations, providing good paying union and non-union jobs, creating accessible recreation spaces for the public to enjoy, and, through agreements like this one, supporting participating communities by delivering a reliable clean energy product and needed cost certainty during otherwise uncertain times.”

In addition to the original PPA structured with ENE in 2020, a subsequent expansion in 2022, and this expansion through 2040, FirstLight has executed a number of additional agreements with individual New England municipal utilities.

“We are excited to expand our partnership with FirstLight, and are incredibly proud that, despite headwinds with clean energy expansion, our members have doubled down on transitioning to clean energy sources and, years ahead of the Commonwealth’s mandate, have achieved power portfolios comprised of at least 50% clean resources,” said John Tzimorangas, president and CEO of Energy New England. “Our members have shown that these long-term procurements with existing clean energy resources and trusted partners like FirstLight are not only beneficial in supporting compliance with state mandates, but they also provide the reliable, local, and cost-competitive electricity our ratepayers depend on us to deliver.”

Through the expanded agreement, participating municipal utilities will receive power and equivalent renewable energy credits from FirstLight’s Cabot and Turners Falls hydroelectric facilities. FirstLight’s Cabot Generating Station, located on the Connecticut River in Montague, is Massachusetts’ largest conventional hydropower facility. First put into service in 1916, the facility comprises six generating units with combined output of 62 megawatts, enough to power more than 50,000 homes. Turners Falls, just upstream of Cabot, consists of five generators with combined output of six megawatts, and was commissioned in 1905.

Animal Aura Yoga to Host Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

By
Daily News

HADLEY — Animal Aura Yoga will celebrate its opening at the Hampshire Mall in Hadley with a ribbon cutting ceremony, hosted in partnership with the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, on Wednesday, Feb. 4 from 3 to 4 p.m.

Animal Aura Yoga offers a mix of classes, from Puppies & Yoga to Snuggle Sessions and more, providing a wellness experience that blends gentle yoga, mindful movement, and dedicated puppy snuggle time to support mental health, stress relief, and joy. The studio’s sessions also help young puppies build confidence and develop positive socialization skills in a calm environment, creating a win-win for both people and pups.

The studio hosts public classes and private events, including puppy yoga, guided sessions, and puppy power breaks and snuggle therapy sessions. It also provides custom offerings for birthday parties, corporate team building events, college groups and sports teams, community groups, and other special occasions. Sessions can be tailored to focus on relaxation, connection, or simple feel-good fun, depending on the group.

“I’m incredibly excited to join the chamber and become part of the Amherst area community. This community truly embraces wellness and is supportive of new ideas. It’s the perfect place for me to share my passion for mental health, emotional well-being, and helping puppies grow through positive socialization,” said Donna French, owner of Animal Aura Yoga. “I truly believe this community allows meaningful work to thrive, and I’m honored to be part of it.”

Jacob Robinson, executive director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, added that “Animal Aura Yoga is bringing a creative approach to mental, emotional, and physical wellness to the Amherst area. We’re delighted to welcome them to the chamber and the town of Hadley.”

The Feb. 4 event — which will offer an opportunity to explore the studio, snuggle some puppies, and meet Roxy, the studio’s mascot — is free to attend, with RSVP encouraged by clicking here.

Picture This

By
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Picture This

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

 

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

bankESB’s fifth annual Neighbors Helping Neighbors fundraising drive raised a total of $42,000 for 14 local food pantries, bringing the program’s five-year total to $161,734.92. Throughout October, the bank invited customers, employees, and members of the community to donate at bankESB branches. All donations received were matched, dollar for dollar, by bankESB. 

 

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Pictured from left: volunteers Lunette Shaw and Chitra Amarasiriwardena; Noelani Schober, kitchen leader with Not Bread Alone in Amherst; Bob Stove, program supervisor with Not Bread Alone; Deb Napier, administrative volunteer with Not Bread Alone; and George Michelakis, branch officer at bankESB.

 

Pictured: Theresa Allie, a volunteer coordinator with Westfield Soup Kitchen (left), and Denise Clark, senior assistant branch manager at bankESB.

Pictured: Theresa Allie, a volunteer coordinator with Westfield Soup Kitchen (left), and Denise Clark, senior assistant branch manager at bankESB.

 

Tackling Food Insecurity

A time-honored tradition at Bay Path University is coming together to support a designated charity at its employee recognition and holiday celebration event. This year, Bay Path partnered with Rachel’s Table, one of the largest organizations in Western Mass. working to address food insecurity. Bay Path was able to contribute 114 pounds of food towards Rachel’s Table’s goal of 1 million pounds of food raised in 2025. 

Pictured: Bay Path President Sandra Doran (far right) with, from left, Rachel’s Table’s Laura Katz, board treasurer; Chana Laila, office manager and Development assistant; Ellen Gold, immediate past board president; and Judy Yaffe, board president.

Pictured: Bay Path President Sandra Doran (far right) with, from left, Rachel’s Table’s Laura Katz, board treasurer; Chana Laila, office manager and Development assistant; Ellen Gold, immediate past board president; and Judy Yaffe, board president.

 

Happy 140th, AIC

American International College (AIC) marked its 140th anniversary on Nov. 19 with a time capsule sealing ceremony in the West Wing Gallery. AIC President Nicolle Cestero (left), Student Government Assoc. President Ireland Stevenson (right), and others spoke as attendees wrote notes to future Yellow Jackets. The capsule includes objects from AIC’s history as well as items reflecting life on campus today, and will remain on display until the college’s 150th anniversary in 10 years. Chartered in 1885 to educate immigrants arriving through New York, AIC opened in Lowell with 25 students and six faculty before relocating to Springfield three years later.

AIC President Nicolle Cestero (left), Student Government Assoc. President Ireland Stevenson (right), and others spoke as attendees wrote notes to future Yellow Jackets

AIC President Nicolle Cestero (left), Student Government Assoc. President Ireland Stevenson (right), and others spoke as attendees wrote notes to future Yellow Jackets

Agenda

By
Agenda

40 Under Forty Nominations

Through Feb. 24: BusinessWest is now accepting nominations for its 20th annual 40 Under Forty awards. The 40 Under Forty program was launched in 2007 by BusinessWest to honor young professionals in in the region, not only for their career achievements, but for their service to the community. Winners hail from a host of different industries; many are advancing the work of long-established businesses, while others have created their own entrepreneurial opportunities. Nominators help BusinessWest identify young professionals in the four counties of Western Mass. who have stories that deserve to be told. Nominations for the 40 Under Forty class of 2026 are due by Tuesday, Feb. 24. They can be submitted at businesswest.com/40-under-forty-nomination-form. For more information, call Natasha Mercado-Santana, Marketing and Events Manager, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or email [email protected].

 

MathAlive! Exhibition at Springfield Science Museum

Through May 3: On Jan. 24, the Springfield Museums opened Math Alive! at the Springfield Science Museum. On view through May 3, the exhibition brings to life all the different types of mathematics at work, whether in design, application, or use, behind the things kids love most — sports, games, design, entertainment, space, and robotics. Math Alive! uses immersive and innovative technologies to create fun experiences that help visitors understand how math is used in countless ways. Highlights include a downhill race in which visitors ride snowboards and a photo stage on which visitors can capture their own image in a 360-degree action photo, in the style made famous in contemporary action movies. Six themed areas featuring a range of high-tech, mechanical, and multi-media interactive experiences provide challenges that use various types of mathematics as tools to help the visitor compete, design, build, optimize, or just play, depending on the activity. Along the way, animated character guides known as the BotZ help visitors tackle the challenges, explaining the math involved, prompting and encouraging answers, and jumping in if visitors get stuck. Visitors can take the controls to master engineer various aspects of a modern city, jump into a ‘binary dance party,’ or program and control Curiosity, NASA’s Mars rover. Through a wide range of unique, interactive experiences, the exhibit takes math from its native form into the applied worlds of design, engineering, technology, and science.

 

MassHire Job Expo

Feb. 3: Hundreds of people are expected to attend MassHire Springfield Career Center’s Job Expo at the Basketball Hall of Fame. Forty to 50 companies are expected to attend the event, which will run from 4 to 7 p.m. Employers will be hiring to fill hundreds of openings. Job seekers will have opportunities available in many different industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, social services, education, and banking. The Job Expo is held in Center Court and is open to the public, providing an opportunity for applicants to meet recruiters face to face. Located at 95 Liberty St., MassHire Springfield Career Center served more than 11,000 job seekers and 1,600 business last fiscal year. It provides people with job search assistance and access to skills training, and its business services include no-cost job postings and recruiting events. A list of companies and positions available at the Feb. 3 Job Expo can be found at masshirespringfield.org.

 

Greenfield Winter Carnival

Feb. 6-8: The Greenfield Recreation Department welcomes the community to experience a winter wonderland during the 104th Winter Carnival. With a theme of “Yeti or Not,” this year’s carnival includes an assortment of beloved traditions. On Friday, Feb. 6, ice carvings will take place throughout the day downtown. Attendees can watch as simple ice blocks are transformed into sparkling masterpieces. A map can be found on the Greenfield Recreation Department website. Attendees are encouraged to vote for their favorite ice carving by Sunday, Feb. 8 at 10 a.m. Later in the evening, patrons can enjoy the Greenfield Business Assoc. Downtown Defrost before the Parade of Lights at 6 p.m. and the Beacon Field fireworks at 7 p.m. On Saturday, Feb. 7, visitors can participate in a variety of activities, from the annual Cribbage Tournament at the John Zon Community Center to a virtual puzzle contest. There will also be free family activities at 20 Sanderson St. and a free Fire and Ice Show at Greenfield Middle School. The evening concludes with the Glow Party at 5:30 p.m. in the Greenfield Middle School cafeteria. Sunday, Feb. 8 features the Winter Carnival’s various competition events at Beacon Field, including Cookie and Chili Bake-offs, the K-9 Keg Pull, and the Cardboard Sled Contest. Visitors can also enjoy a vintage snowmobile display and sleigh rides around Beacon Field. There are also several activities that will take place throughout the weekend, including a Yeti Hunt and Literary Quotes Walk.

 

‘The Mission-Rich Experience Live’

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

 

Charley’s Tropical Bar & Board Game Palace

Feb. 13-14: The Shea Theater and Eggtooth Productions will present Charley’s Tropical Bar & Board Game Palace, a pop-up bar and immersive experience, at 71 Ave. A, Turners Falls. “Welcome to Charley’s — a moment’s escape to a cozy, analog bar replete with tabletop games, music, cocktails, and cozy community vibes — and, for the adventurous, an unexpected journey into the mind of its owner,” said John Bechtold, the creator of the piece. “Meet Charley, its fictional owner, who has invited you into his nostalgic bar full of 1990s mixtapes and warm memories. Set in the time capsule of the pre-2000s, we invite you to surrender your phone and your cares to an evening of live performances and more than a few immersive rewards along the way.” Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $20 or sliding scale, in advance at sheatheater.org or at the door

 

Springfield Leadership Institute

Feb. 19 to April 30: The Springfield Regional Chamber recently announced that applications are open for the 2026 Springfield Leadership Institute, an exclusive program designed to empower emerging and established leaders with the advanced skills and insights needed to thrive in today’s dynamic business landscape. The program will run on Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m. at the TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main St., Springfield. This year’s program features a cutting-edge curriculum delivered by professors from Western New England University (WNE). Participants will develop advanced skills in strategic thinking, decision making, and change management while honing their abilities in effective communication and team building. The curriculum covers emerging issues such as AI, digital media, and business analytics in leadership, and helps leaders to develop an organizational culture and personal mindset that fosters innovation and collaboration while promoting ethical business practices. This program is designed to empower executives to lead with confidence, vision, and integrity in increasingly complex and competitive environments. Participants in the 2026 Springfield Leadership Institute will also receive an invitation to enroll in a complimentary graduate course at the WNE College of Business upon completing the program, a benefit available only to institute graduates. Visit business.springfieldregionalchamber.com/eventcalendar to apply.

 

Shining Stars Gala

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

 

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 2025 will be announced in the Feb. 16 issue of BusinessWest. 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 and Westfield Bank. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. The Difference Makers program was launched in 2009 to recognize and celebrate the work of individuals, groups, businesses, and institutions that are positively impacting the Pioneer Valley. For more information on tickets or sponsorships, call Natasha Mercado-Santana, Marketing and Events manager, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or email [email protected].

Outlook 2026

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

 

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 2025 will be announced in the Feb. 16 issue of BusinessWest. 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 and Westfield Bank. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. The Difference Makers program was launched in 2009 to recognize and celebrate the work of individuals, groups, businesses, and institutions that are positively impacting the Pioneer Valley. For more information on tickets or sponsorships, call Natasha Mercado-Santana, Marketing and Events manager, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or email [email protected].

 

 

People on the Move

By
People on the Move
Peter Albero

Peter Albero

Greenfield Savings Bank (GSB) announced that Peter Albero, currently serving as chief financial officer and treasurer, will become the bank’s next president and CEO. Since joining GSB in September 2023, Albero has strengthened the bank’s financial operations and guided strategic initiatives. With more than 35 years of experience in the financial industry, he brings deep expertise and a strong commitment to community banking. Albero will succeed Thomas Meshako, who will retire in early 2026 after leading Greenfield Savings Bank with distinction. Under Meshako’s leadership, GSB achieved significant growth while maintaining its mission of serving customers and communities with integrity. Before joining GSB, Albero served as chief financial officer at Salisbury Bank & Trust. He also worked as a risk advisory consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers. For more than 26 years, he held senior roles in the Financial Controller group at Morgan Stanley. He is a licensed CPA in the state of New York and holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Manhattan College and an MBA in finance and international business from New York University.

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Matt Durkee

Matt Durkee

Community Bank, a subsidiary of Community Financial System Inc. (CFSI), announced that Matt Durkee has been appointed chief banking officer, effective Jan. 2. Durkee succeeds Jeff Levy, who retired at the end of the year following a distinguished banking career. As chief banking officer, Durkee will oversee Community Bank’s banking strategy and performance across commercial, small business, and retail banking. His responsibilities will include driving balanced growth, strengthening client relationships, advancing credit and risk discipline, supporting market expansion, and ensuring alignment between banking operations and the company’s broader strategic objectives. The role also plays a central part in talent development, operational excellence, and delivering consistent value to customers and communities. Durkee joined Community Bank in 2022 and made an immediate impact, first leading the bank’s New England market and most recently serving as president of Commercial Banking. In that role, he guided commercial growth initiatives, deepened client engagement, and partnered closely with regional leadership teams to deliver strong results.

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Nina Antonetti

Nina Antonetti

The Springfield Museums announced the appointment of Nina Antonetti as vice president of Advancement, effective Jan. 2. She will be responsible for strategic development, design, and direction for all philanthropic initiatives and programs in support of the museums. In addition, she will oversee the marketing and communications team, as well as special events and membership activities. Antonetti brings more than 20 years of senior leadership experience in fundraising across museums, cultural institutions, higher education, and international consulting. Most recently, she served as chief Advancement officer at the Mount, Edith Wharton’s Home in Lenox, where she inaugurated the role and held a central leadership position on multiple strategic planning and campaign task forces. Previously, she was managing director at Carter Global, where she provided governance, strategic, and fundraising counsel to major nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and Canada, including museums, cultural centers, disability services organizations, and international humanitarian institutions. Earlier leadership roles include chief Development officer at the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg, Fla., and associate vice president for Corporate and Foundation Relations at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Her career also includes senior advancement and donor relations roles at Williams College Museum of Art and the Conway School of Sustainable Landscape Planning and Design, alongside a distinguished academic career at Smith College, where she founded the nation’s first Landscape Studies program and served on the faculty for 15 years. Outside her professional work, Antonetti serves on the boards of Berkshire Country Day School and the Emily Dickinson Museum, with prior board service spanning museums, libraries, and educational institutions. She holds a PhD in art history from the University of London, with a concentration in architectural and landscape history, and has an extensive record of scholarly publications, exhibitions, and public engagement projects.

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Bacon Wilson, P.C. announced that attorneys Timothy Netkovick and Ryan O’Hara have been named shareholders of the firm, effective Jan. 1. These promotions reflect the firm’s continued commitment to recognizing outstanding legal skill, leadership, and dedication to client service. Netkovick joined Bacon Wilson in April 2022 and has quickly become an integral member of the firm. His practice focuses on employment law and general litigation. He brings more than 20 years of experience in commercial litigation and employment law, advising and representing clients across a wide range of industries. He earned his bachelor’s degree from American International College and his juris doctorate from Western New England University School of Law. He regularly represents clients before the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. He is admitted to practice in both Massachusetts and Connecticut state courts, as well as the U.S. District Courts for the districts of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Vermont. O’Hara joined Bacon Wilson in the summer of 2015 as an intern in the litigation department, working with Shareholder Mark Tanner. He later participated in the firm’s law clerk program during the 2016-17 academic year. Following a clerkship with Justice Jeffrey Kinder of the Massachusetts Appeals Court, O’Hara returned to Bacon Wilson and began his career as an associate attorney in September 2018. He received his bachelor’s degree cum laude from Tufts University and his juris doctorate summa cum laude from Western New England University School of Law. His practice encompasses significant experience in contract and business matters, land use litigation, personal injury and accident cases, as well as appellate matters. He is admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Federal District of Massachusetts, and the First Circuit Court of Appeals, and currently serves on the board of directors for the Hampden County Bar Assoc.

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Zach Chornyak

Zach Chornyak

Dan Holmes

Dan Holmes

Jason Urso

Jason Urso

Tighe & Bond announced the promotion of three new vice presidents. Zach Chornyak, Dan Holmes, and Jason Urso were recognized for outstanding project and client management skills, in addition to their leadership and organizational impact. Chornyak has been with the firm for more than 19 years and brings deep expertise in both horizontal and vertical infrastructure projects. Now a vice president in the Water Business Line, he has led complex, multi-disciplinary work across all of Tighe & Bond’s business lines. His project experience ranges from the rehabilitation of the historic Bridge of Flowers landmark in Shelburne Fallsto flood station rehabilitations for multiple communities, as well as capital planning and asset management initiatives. Chornyak serves as a client manager for clients throughout Western Mass. and New York, a resource manager for teams in Western Mass., and an advisory member to the firm’s board of directors. He is also active in industry associations, including the Massachusetts Municipal Assoc. and the New England Water Environment Assoc., and is a past president of the Western Massachusetts Water Works Assoc. With more than 20 years of professional experience, including nearly 19 years at Tighe & Bond, Holmes is a vice president focused on the planning, evaluation, design, and construction of public and private transportation projects. A licensed professional engineer in Massachusetts and Connecticut and a LEED-accredited professional, he brings a strong background in transportation infrastructure, roadways, culverts and bridges, public utilities, and civil/site engineering. Holmes currently serves as Business Development leader for the transportation sector in the firm’s Westfield office and is actively involved in the American Public Works Assoc., the Tri-County Highway Superintendents Assoc., and as chairman of his local Water Pollution Control Authority, demonstrating his commitment to public infrastructure and municipal leadership. Coming up on 14 years with the firm and with 23 years of experience, Urso is now a vice president in the Building Services Business Line, where he is responsible for a significant portfolio of projects, and is Client Service manager for two of the firm’s largest clients in the Building Services Business Line. As mechanical resource manager and a longstanding member of the firm’s quality management committee, he has been a consistent steward of quality in project delivery, proposal development, and in the development and maintenance of standards that helped set the foundation for the growth of the mechanical/HVAC engineering practice. Urso has been actively involved in ASHRAE (an international society for heating, refrigerating, and air conditioning professionals) for over a decade, having served in several committee roles on the local, regional, and national levels and receiving awards for his contributions. He also traveled to Sri Lanka to conduct training to ASHRAE committee members.

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Kenneth Conway

Kenneth Conway

Pioneer Landscapes Inc. announced the addition of Master Gardener Kenneth Conway to its team, strengthening the company’s focus on expert horticulture, sustainable design, and client education throughout Western Mass. and Northern Conn. Conway is a long-time Western Mass. master gardener and active community educator, known for leading workshops and public programs on topics such as soil health, beneficial insects, and climateadaptive gardening. He has worked with community gardens, libraries, and local organizations to help residents build more productive, resilient gardens suited to New England’s conditions. At Pioneer Landscapes, he will lead horticulturedriven services, including garden and landscape planning, plant selection, and onsite coaching for residential and commercial clients. He will also collaborate with local partners to develop educational events and speaking engagements that promote sustainable landscaping practices across the region.

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Alexander Moore

Alexander Moore

Alexander Moore, assistant professor of Mathematics at Westfield State University, has been invited to serve as a co-chair for the Philosophy of Mathematics and Mathematics Education research group at the 16th International Congress on Mathematical Education (ICME), taking place in Prague in July 2028. As the premier global forum for the field, ICME is held every four years under the auspices of the International Commission on Mathematical Instruction. The congress brings together thousands of researchers, educators, and policymakers to exchange innovations in curriculum development, pedagogy, and assessment. The upcoming 2028 event follows the 2024 congress in Sydney, Australia, which drew more than 2,300 international delegates. Moore will lead a diverse, five-person international leadership team consisting of two co-chairs and three vice chairs. In this capacity, he will oversee the direction of the research group, co-author position papers, and serve as an editor for the resulting scholarly reports. These documents are vital to the discipline, frequently evolving into influential edited volumes and published research that drive the worldwide development of mathematics education.

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Bulkley Richardson announced that Erin Thron has joined the firm as counsel. Thron is a litigator with nearly 20 years of experience in diverse practice areas, including hospital and medical malpractice defense, mental health litigation, employment, legal malpractice, healthcare law, and commercial and business litigation. With a particular focus on mental health litigation, she advises hospitals, psychiatric units, and healthcare facilities to obtain appropriate orders for treatment and/or safe discharge for incapacitated patients. She also has significant experience handling medical board investigations and defending licensed medical professionals. Thron graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 2001 and earned a juris doctorate from Western New England University School of Law in 2006.

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Ryan Hess

Ryan Hess

Florence Bank announced that Ryan Hess, vice president / commercial team leader, has been promoted to lead the bank’s commercial lending efforts as senior vice president / chief Commercial Banking officer. Hess replaces Mike Lynch, senior vice president / senior commercial lender, who will retire in 2026 after 21 years at Florence Bank. Hess joined Florence Bank in 2023 and has 14 years of banking experience as well as a strong affinity for commercial lending and solutions. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Stonehill College in Easton and believes his skill in collaboration and leadership will continue to inform his work for Florence Bank as he manages the commercial team. Active in the community, he sits on the board for United Way of Franklin & Hampshire County and serves as a committee member for Ronald McDonald House and Make-A-Wish of Massachusetts.

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Karolina Weagle

Karolina Weagle

Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C., a regional law firm with offices in Springfield and Northampton, announced that attorney Karolina Weagle has been selected to the 2025 Massachusetts Super Lawyers Rising Stars list in the area of estate planning and estate administration. This is the third consecutive year she has received this designation. Weagle concentrates her practice on estate planning, estate administration, and commercial real estate, providing client-centered guidance and emerging leadership in these fields. She has quickly established a reputation for thoughtful counsel and dedication to her clients’ needs. She is a cum laude graduate of New England Law | Boston. Prior to joining Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin in 2022, she practiced at a Boston firm representing clients in litigation and criminal defense matters. Upon returning to Western Mass., she began practicing in the areas of real estate, estate planning, and estate administration. She is fluent in Polish, allowing her to serve a diverse client base throughout Western Mass.

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Dan Cannity

Dan Cannity

Hellen Muma

Hellen Muma

Mark Seifried

Mark Seifried

Local food and farming justice nonprofit organization Grow Food Northampton announced the addition of a cohort of three new members to the organization’s board of directors. The new members — Dan Cannity, Hellen Muma, and Mark Seifried — bring a diversity of personal and professional experience to the work of governing Grow Food Northampton, and a deep commitment to the values and work of the organization to both feed community members who are experiencing hunger and establish a robust and just local food system for the Greater Northampton area for the long term. Cannity has been active in social justice causes for most of his life and served as co-chair of the Northampton Policing Review commission. As a self-described foodie, he frequents Grow Food Northampton’s Tuesday and Winter markets in search of things to try. He is excited by the possibilities and community-building spaces Grow Food Northampton is creating and is proud to help support these efforts.

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

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

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

•••••

Paragus IT, a strategic IT services firm for small to medium-sized businesses, recently welcomed Robyn Garcia as vice president of Security and Compliance, further strengthening the company’s leadership team as it continues its rapid growth. Garcia brings more than 20 years of experience across IT operations, cybersecurity, compliance, and infrastructure leadership in both public and private sector environments. In her new role, she will oversee Paragus’s security and compliance strategy, helping clients navigate increasingly complex regulatory, risk, and governance requirements — including frameworks such as CMMC and HIPAA — while advancing the company’s own internal security posture. As one of her first initiatives, Garcia will lead Paragus through its CMMC Level 2 certification, reinforcing the company’s commitment to meeting the highest standards for security and compliance in support of government contractors and regulated organizations. Most recently, she served as director of Operations at ArcLight IT, where she led company-wide operations, strategic planning, and process improvements to drive efficiency and scale. She previously held senior IT and cybersecurity leadership roles at Revolution Space, Howard Energy Partners, and Weaver Technologies. She began her career as an information systems technician in the U.S. Navy, where she worked within highly regulated and security-critical environments. Garcia holds an MBA and a bachelor’s degree in management information systems, along with industry-recognized certifications, including CISSP and CompTIA Security+. She is currently completing a master of liberal arts degree in cybersecurity at Harvard University.

•••••

H. Scott Sanborn

H. Scott Sanborn

Hometown Financial Group, the multi-bank holding company for bankESB, bankHometown, and North Shore Bank, and its Abington Bank and Colonial Federal Savings Bank divisions, announced the appointment of H. Scott Sanborn as its new executive vice president, chief commercial banking officer. He brings 36 years of banking experience to the role, along with a strong record of leadership, community involvement, and commercial banking expertise. He will oversee all aspects of commercial banking across Hometown Financial Group’s family of banks, including commercial lending, relationship development, and strategic growth. Sanborn, most recently with HarborOne Bank, served as executive vice president, chief lending officer. His distinguished career also includes senior leadership roles at TD Bank, Sovereign Bank, and Fleet Bank, where he helped guide business banking teams, commercial lending strategies, and regional growth initiatives. He holds a bachelor’s degree in international politics from Wesleyan University and a master’s degree in entrepreneurship and finance from Babson College. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to the community, serving on numerous boards and committees, including the Spirit of Adventure Council – Scouting America, New England Certified, the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, and the United Way leadership campaign and fundraising committee. He has also contributed his leadership to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and the Emerging Leaders Program at the University of Massachusetts.

•••••

John Barros

John Barros

The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) board of directors voted unanimously to appoint John Barros interim executive director of the authority, with a start date of Jan. 14. Barros brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, with a career focused on economic development, equitable growth, and community impact. From 2014 to 2021, he served as chief of Economic Development for the city of Boston, where he led the creation of a newly consolidated Economic Development Cabinet focused on equity and inclusion, and advanced initiatives to create jobs, strengthen tourism, train the workforce, and revitalize neighborhoods. Most recently, he served as managing principal at Civitas Builders, a Boston-based firm focused on improving communities through responsive real estate development and strategic project execution. As interim executive director, he will oversee the MCCA’s venue portfolio and operations, including the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center, the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center, the MassMutual Center, and the Lawn on D, while advancing the authority’s mission to drive economic impact through events and tourism.

•••••

Rachel Heller

Rachel Heller

The Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) board of directors announced the appointment of Rachel Heller as the new executive director of MHP. Heller, who currently serves as CEO of the Citizens’ Housing and Planning Assoc. (CHAPA), begins her new role on March 30. At CHAPA, a nonprofit organization that promotes affordable housing across Massachusetts, Heller leads organizational efforts to bring together diverse coalitions of stakeholders to stimulate the production and preservation of affordable housing, expand access to rental and homeownership opportunities, and foster diverse and sustainable neighborhoods through advocacy, planning, and community development. In her time at CHAPA, she led the creation of its Municipal Engagement Initiative, an education and technical assistance program for residents and municipalities to build diverse coalitions in support of housing development, and secured $1 million in seed funding for the creation of CHAPA’s Housing Policy Action Center. She was an advocacy lead for the MBTA Communities Act and multiple housing bond bills, served as a member of the Governor’s Housing Advisory Council, and currently serves on the Governor’s Interagency Housing and Homelessness External Advisory Council. She is known for her collaborative approach, having led, launched, convened, or supported several successful coalitions, including Our Massachusetts: Homes for a Thriving Commonwealth Coalition, the On Solid Ground Coalition, the MRVP Coalition, the Building Blocks Coalition on state budget advocacy, the New England Housing Network, and the Supportive Housing Pipeline Coalition.

•••••

The Michael J. Dias Foundation Inc., a leader in providing safe and supportive sober housing environments for people in recovery and family support groups, announced the appointment of Patrick Carpenter as its new executive director. He brings more than 14 years of experience in institutional advancement, development, fundraising, and nonprofit leadership, as well as advocacy in the substance use disorder and addiction recovery field. In this position, Carpenter will spearhead the organization’s strategic vision, and his focus will be expanding housing capacity by completing a capital campaign to open a new women’s sober house, enhancing recovery support services, forging stronger community partnerships, and growing a donor base to combat the ongoing addiction crisis in Western Mass. Prior to joining the Michael J. Dias Foundation, Carpenter served as vice president and chief Advancement officer at WMHT Educational Telecommunications, where he successfully strengthened philanthropic support, expanded community partnerships, and led strategic initiatives that advanced the organization’s mission across public media and education. He holds a master’s degree in higher education administration with a concentration in leadership from Bay Path University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in English from Elms College.

•••••

Holyoke Chicopee Springfield Head Start recently welcomed two new members, Monalisa Smith and Maritza Sostre, to its parent-led policy council. Across the country, Head Start organizations engage parents and community representatives to make up local policy councils, providing input and guidance on program decisions. Council members play a critical role in shaping policies, ensuring accountability, and representing the voices of the families and communities served by HCS Head Start. Their active participation helps ensure the program remains responsive, effective, and aligned with the needs of the children and families it serves. Other 2025-26 HCS Head Start policy council members include Jasarah Burgos (chairperson), Kathy Gasque (vice-chairperson), Gladys Rivera (shared governance liaison), Amber Cichowski, Cinnamon Smith, Esther Alicea, Fanny Perez, and Raven Core.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Egan, Flanagan & Cohen to Expand with Two Acquisitions

SPRINGFIELD — Egan, Flanagan & Cohen (EFC), a century-old law firm in Springfield, will expand in 2026 with the acquisition of two local law firms — Goldsmith, Katz and Argenio, P.C., effective Jan. 1, and the law practice of Henry Cropsey, effective Feb. 15. Through these acquisitions, three new attorneys will join the EFC team. With the Jan. 1 acquisition of Goldsmith, Katz and Argenio, P.C., Jonathan Goldsmith and Thomas Argenio will join EFC in the roles of counsel. Goldsmith has been practicing law for 39 years and specializes in bankruptcy, corporate, and real estate law. Argenio has been practicing law for 42 years and specializes in real estate and domestic relations. Effective Feb. 15, solo practitioner Henry Cropsey will close his solo law practice and join EFC in an of counsel role. Cropsey has been in practice for 39 years and specializes in the areas of estate planning, corporate law, and commercial real estate.

 

Sharp Sterile Manufacturing Invests $28 Million in Expansion

LEE — Sharp Sterile Manufacturing announced a $28 million expansion of its site in Lee. The enhanced, state-of-the-art facility will strengthen opportunities for highly skilled engineering and pharmaceutical manufacturing roles within the local life sciences community and represents a major milestone in Sharp Sterile’s development. The Lee facility, which has been in operation since 2014, offers a range of pharmaceutical aseptic fill-finish solutions, including vial filling, cartridge filling, syringe filling, lyophilization, formulation development, and analytical services. Sharp Sterile Manufacturing currently employs more than 200 people across the Berkshires. The expansion will more than double the facility’s filling capacity through the installation of a new fully automated IMA Life isolated filling line for ready-to-use vials. The system integrates advanced robotics, non-destructive weight checks, and a state-of-the-art lyophilizer to efficiently produce batches up to 100,000 units. These upgrades will boost Sharp Sterile’s throughput, helping pharmaceutical partners bring critical therapies to patients faster. In addition, the facility will be further upgraded to comply with the most rigorous regulatory standards for sterile drug manufacturing, ensuring the highest levels of quality and safety.

 

Florence Bank Donates $40,000 to Valley CDC

FLORENCE — Florence Bank recently contributed $40,000 to Northampton-based Valley Community Development Corp. (Valley CDC), a nonprofit corporation that addresses the shortage of affordable housing and the needs of the community through economic and housing development. Valley CDC serves Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties for homeownership and small business services and primarily Amherst, Hadley, Northampton, and Easthampton for affordable housing development. The bank’s donation to Valley CDC will help support its ongoing work, which includes creating affordable housing and providing financial education to first-time and existing homebuyers, foreclosure prevention services to struggling homeowners, and small business services. Last year, Valley CDC worked with more than 200 local small businesses and 250 first-time homebuyers with education and counseling. It built 80 affordable apartments in Northampton, has 30 affordable homes under construction in Amherst, and plans to have another 120 apartments built over the next four years.

 

Flynn Law Title & Escrow Merges with Christine Webster

OXFORD — Flynn Law Title & Escrow announced a strategic merger with attorney Christine Webster, a practitioner known for her distinguished service to clients throughout Greater Springfield and Western Mass. Through this merger, Flynn Law will expand its presence into Webster’s established West Springfield office, which will continue operating from the same location with uninterrupted service to clients and partners. Webster’s West Springfield office will remain fully operational as it transitions under the Flynn Law umbrella, with expanded capabilities and support from the firm’s multi-state network of attorneys, paralegals, and client-service professionals.

 

UMass Amherst Receives $3.6 Million from MLSC

AMHERST — The Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS) at UMass Amherst received two grants totaling nearly $3.6 million from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) to acquire a next-generation mass spectrometer for molecular research and a cutting-edge two-photon 3D printing system for precision biofabrication. The investments, through MLSC’s Research Infrastructure Program, will significantly expand the university’s research, training, and industry collaboration capabilities. The IALS Mass Spectrometry Core Facility received a $1.98 million award for a timsTOF fleX mass spectrometer from Bruker Scientific. The instrument will enhance research across a range of disciplines by enabling highly sensitive and detailed studies in proteomics, metabolomics, and spatialomics — fields that examine how proteins, metabolites, and other molecules change in response to factors such as disease, environmental exposure, and medical treatments. A second award of more than $1.58 million will support the acquisition of an UpNano NanoOne Bio two-photon polymerization direct laser writing 3D printer and related characterization tools for the Advanced Digital Design and Fabrication core facility at IALS. The system enables the fabrication of complex three-dimensional structures with submicron precision, allowing applications that were previously impossible with conventional manufacturing techniques. The new 3D printing system will also support regional economic development by expanding access to precision fabrication for startups and small businesses, while serving as a training hub for undergraduate and graduate students and external users.

 

Ceres Foundation Awards Tech Foundry $2.35 Million

SPRINGFIELD — Tech Foundry, the regional leader in IT workforce development and training, was recently awarded multi-year grants totaling $2.35 million from the Ceres Foundation, the largest award in Tech Foundry’s history. While some of the funding will cover general operating expenses, the majority of the grant money will be used to enhance the organization’s data systems and fund stipends for alumni and students of Tech Foundry’s IT workforce training program, which was recently renamed Tech Launch. Research indicates that stipend programs for workforce training focusing on underrepresented people can have significant and measurable positive impact on participants, resulting in increased graduation and job placement rates and persistence in accessing living-wage jobs. Through this program, students and alumni in good standing from the 2023-29 cohorts will be eligible for stipends based on program and milestone completion. Details about the program can be found at www.thetechfoundry.org/stipend.

 

GCC Expands Access to Inclusive Higher Education

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Community College (GCC) is expanding access to inclusive higher education as part of a statewide investment in the Massachusetts Inclusive Postsecondary Education (MAIPSE) initiative. The Healey-Driscoll administration recently announced $3.6 million in grant funding awarded across Massachusetts public colleges and universities to support students with severe disabilities. Thanks to this investment, GCC has been able to hire a dedicated MAIPSE coordinator, Emily McClintock, who has been working since September to build the program and recruit potential candidates. At GCC, the initiative has been branded as the WINGS (Widening Inclusive Networks for Growth & Success) Program, and is currently recruiting students 18 or older for the fall 2026 semester. Through the program, students with intellectual disabilities, severe autism spectrum disorder, and other significant developmental disabilities will be able to participate in undergraduate academic courses, internships, work experiences, extracurricular activities, and on-campus student life alongside their non-disabled peers. GCC’s participation in the MAIPSE initiative builds on the college’s broader mission to promote equity and access in higher education, including its emphasis on wrap-around support services, workforce preparation, and inclusive campus culture.

 

MCLA Receives $684,096 Grant to Boost Retention, Degree Completion

NORTH ADAMS — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) received $684,096 in State University SUCCESS 2.0 funding to support student retention and degree completion efforts, according to an announcement from Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. The grant will enable MCLA to implement comprehensive support services focused on helping vulnerable student populations, particularly Pell Grant-eligible students, successfully complete their degrees. The State University SUCCESS 2.0 program is modeled on proven, research-based practices, including the SUNY ACE/CUNY ASAP initiatives that have demonstrated significant gains in retention and degree completion nationwide. These evidence-based strategies are designed to help students overcome barriers to degree completion and achieve increased economic mobility for themselves and their families.

 

Eversource Marks 100,000 Smart Meter Installations

BOSTON — Eversource has officially reached 100,000 smart meter installations in Massachusetts, a significant milestone in the company’s multi-year effort to upgrade more than 1.5 million meters statewide and deliver more modern, resilient tools and benefits to customers. Smart meters are a cornerstone of Eversource’s grid modernization strategy, enabling secure, two-way communication between the meter and the electric system. The technology supports faster outage detection and restoration and near real-time energy usage information that helps customers better understand and manage their electricity use. As a result, 100,000 customers can now benefit from usage alerts that help eliminate bill surprises, along with deeper insights into the drivers of their energy bills and the steps they can take to reduce them. The milestone installation took place in Easthampton, where Eversource crews have been steadily exchanging thousands of meters each month. Installations began in Western Mass. in the summer of 2025 and will continue into early 2026 before expanding into Eastern Mass., where the installation of communications devices to support the meters is more than 75% complete. As deployment continues, Eversource expects to exchange tens of thousands of meters per month, with substantial completion of the statewide rollout targeted for the end of 2027.

 

Greylock Federal Credit Union Earns 5-Star Superior Rating

PITTSFIELD — Greylock Federal Credit Union enters the new year with another 5-Star Superior rating from BauerFinancial, the nation’s premier credit union and bank rating firm. A 5-Star Superior rating indicates that Greylock Federal is one of the strongest credit unions in the nation, excelling in areas of capital, loan quality, stability, and more. This marks the 35th consecutive quarter that Greylock Federal has earned this top rating. Since its founding in 1935, Greylock Federal has invested in the success of its membership for 91 years.

 

MassDevelopment Provides $1.3 Million Loan to SCV Holdings

SOUTH DEERFIELD — MassDevelopment has provided a $1.3 million loan from its Emerging Technology Fund to SCV Holdings Inc., d/b/a Smart Connected Ventures (SCV), a South Deerfield-based company offering a portfolio of high-impact digital solutions for commercial businesses. SCV, whose multiple brands include ScentBridge scent solutions and the BlueStreak internet of things (IoT) platform, will use loan proceeds to hire new employees and for working capital to support the company’s continued growth. Founded in 2019, Smart Connected Ventures addresses the needs of both commercial product manufacturers and their customers in commercial facilities and other markets. Through its rapid integration process, the company adds intelligence to existing products, enabling smart, connected features within new and existing service offerings. SCV’s advanced communication infrastructure enables these smart products to improve service and optimize operational processes for commercial business owners and facility managers. The company’s BlueStreak division manages and secures remote connections for monitoring IoT devices.

 

Chanda Care Celebrates Five Years of Operation

AGAWAM — Chanda Care, a home care, education, and care coordination organization, is celebrating five years of service to individuals and families navigating aging, illness, and complex care needs. Founded in 2021 by registered nurse, educator, and case manager Chantal Bernard, Chanda Care was established to address persistent gaps in care coordination, caregiver education, and family advocacy across the healthcare continuum. The organization welcomed its first client in February 2021 and, over the past five years, has served hundreds of individuals and families across Western Mass.; built a multi-disciplinary team of caregivers, nurses, and care leaders; earned repeated national recognition as Employer of Choice and Provider of Choice; launched Chanda Care Academy, an education and compliance platform supporting caregivers, nursing students, and families; secured state funding to establish a Registered Apprenticeship Program, supporting workforce development and retention; expanded partnerships with ASAP programs and Veterans Affairs; and founded Chanda’s House, a nonprofit initiative focused on dignified end-of-life care, education, and access. In 2024, Bernard completed the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program, strengthening the organization’s strategic foundation while remaining deeply rooted in its mission. She also launched Real Talk, a series of community education sessions offering families practical guidance, emotional support, and honest conversations around caregiving, illness, and end-of-life planning. Looking ahead, Chanda Care will expand its community impact in 2026 through the growth of the Chanda’s House Scholarship Program, ensuring families can access compassionate end-of-life support regardless of financial barriers.

 

Windsor Federal Bank Again Earns 5-Star Superior Rating

WINDSOR, Conn. — Windsor Federal Bank announced it is starting 2026 with another 5-Star Superior rating from BauerFinancial, a premier bank rating firm. A 5-Star Superior rating indicates that Windsor Federal Bank is one of the strongest banks in the nation, excelling in areas of capital, loan quality, stability, and more. This marks the 43rd consecutive quarter that Windsor Federal Bank has earned this top rating, which secures it an even more elite status as an Exceptional Performance Bank, an honor reserved solely for banks that have maintained a 5-Star rating for 10 years (40 consecutive quarters) or longer.

 

Daruma Japanese BBQ & Sushi AYCE Aid Fire Victims

HOLYOKE — Daruma Japanese BBQ & Sushi AYCE announced the successful completion of its inaugural fundraising initiative in support of those impacted by the fires on Clemente and Franklin streets. Through the generous support of the community, Daruma raised a total of $3,584.11 for the Enlace de Familias relief fund. On Jan. 13, a check representing the full donation amount was presented to Enlace de Familias, directly benefiting the 36 families whose lives were affected by these devastating events. The campaign stands as a testament to Daruma’s commitment to stand with neighbors in times of crisis and foster a spirit of solidarity across Holyoke. By leveraging its platform and the enthusiasm of the local community, Daruma provided both immediate and meaningful aid, while delivering a dining experience that brings people together. Each ticket, valid for Daruma’s All You Can Eat menu, allowed guests to enjoy premium Japanese BBQ and sushi while ensuring that the full value of their purchase supported local relief efforts. Upgrades to the premium grill menu were available at redemption, further increasing the overall contribution. Every dollar raised went directly to the Enlace de Familias relief fund, maximizing the impact of each purchase.

 

Women’s Fund Awards $130,000 for Community Resilience

SPRINGFIELD — The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts announced $130,000 in Community Resilience grant awards this year to 17 organizations serving women, girls, and gender-diverse people across Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties. These awards were directed to nonprofits working in priority areas such as domestic violence prevention and recovery, immigration, trans justice, and proximate leadership movement building. This streamlined grant cycle bypassed the standard application process to strengthen organizations already leading critical work and reinforce community resilience. Point32Health Foundation made this rapid-response cycle possible. Its funding will elevate Women’s Fund grantmaking to support community-centered approaches addressing social, racial, and health inequities. Grant recipients for this funding round include 413 Cares, Alianza DV Services, All Inclusive Support Services, Ascentria Care Alliance, Berkshire Dream Center, Berkshire Resources for Integration of Diverse Groups and Education, Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts, the Gray House, Parent Villages, Resilience Center of Franklin County, Roca Inc., Safe Passage, Springfield Housing Authority, Tapestry Health, Transhealth, Translate Gender, and YWCA of Western Massachusetts.

 

O’Dell Women’s Center Foundation Distributes $550,000 in 2025

SPRINGFIELD — The O’Dell Women’s Center Foundation distributed $550,000 in 2025 funding to support women and families across Springfield, advancing economic stability through investments that address both immediate needs and long-term opportunities. Grounded in its mission to pave pathways to economic security, the foundation strategically invested across a range of support, from food access and basic needs to education, career development, and financial wellness. A total of $450,000 in grant funding was awarded to the following organizations serving women in Springfield: Bay Path University, Dress for Success Western Massachusetts, Girls Inc. of the Valley, the Gray House, It Takes a Village, MassHire Holyoke, South End Community Center, Tech Foundry, and United Way of Pioneer Valley. In addition, $100,000 was distributed directly to local food pantries in response to a sharp increase in food insecurity caused by delays in SNAP benefits during the federal government shutdown.

 

Community Foundation Issues More Than $3.3 Million in Grants

SPRINGFIELD — The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts announced the distribution of $3,347,000 in unrestricted grant funding through its Flexible Funding cycle, supporting 123 nonprofit organizations across Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties. Funding may be used at the nonprofit’s discretion to advance its mission, strengthen operations, support staff, or respond to evolving community needs. This round of Flexible Funding comes at a time when the majority of nonprofit applicants reported federal funding losses. The Community Foundation also announced it has received an increase in support for its next grant cycle. The MassMutual Foundation has committed $1 million toward 2027 Flexible Funding grants, which will help address barriers to financial well-being in Springfield while expanding the total amount available for next year’s Flexible Funding recipients. The increase builds upon steady growth in philanthropic support from the MassMutual Foundation since 2024 and allows the Community Foundation to support nonprofits on a greater scale.

 

Brick Marketing Launches Chamber Discount Program

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

 

T-Birds Donate Hats, Gloves to Springfield Public Schools

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Thunderbirds, in conjunction with the organization’s charitable foundation and Springfield Public Schools, announced it will present a donation of approximately 3,000 winter hats and gloves to students in the school system. Representatives from the Thunderbirds made donations of supplies to Walsh Elementary School on Jan. 16 and South End Middle School on Jan. 23. “We are deeply grateful to the Springfield Thunderbirds for their continued generosity and partnership,” Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Sonia Dinnall said. “Meeting students’ basic needs is essential to their ability to learn, grow, and thrive. A warm hat or pair of gloves is not a small gesture. It sends a powerful message that the community cares about students, supports them, and believes in their success every single day.”

 

North Brookfield Savings Bank Celebrates Food, Toy Drives

NORTH BROOKFIELD — North Brookfield Savings Bank (NBSB) announced the success of its annual holiday season food and toy drives, made possible by the generosity of its customers, community members, and employees. During the annual food drive, the bank’s communities came together to donate more than 950 non-perishable food items and more than $1,000 in monetary donations to support families in need. NBSB contributed an additional $3,000 in support of the food pantry operations. The drive benefited East Brookfield Baptist Church Food Pantry, Sharing Cupboard Food Pantry – First Congregational Church, St. Joseph’s Parish Food Pantry, First Congregational Church of North Brookfield, Trinity Episcopal Church – Jubilee Cupboard, St. Francis of Assisi Parish Food Pantry, and Palmer Food Share Inc. During the annual toy drive, community members, employees, and neighbors donated more than 430 toys for children in need, alongside more than $1,600 in monetary donations. NBSB contributed an additional $1,250 to bring joy to children in the communities it serves. The drive benefited North Brookfield Police Assoc. Toys for Joy Program, East Brookfield Toys for Joy Program, West Brookfield Police Assoc. Holiday Toy Program, Ware Police Department Christmas for Kids Program, Belchertown Firefighters Assoc. Adopt-a-Family Program, and Palmer Lions Club Holiday Toy Program.

 

Health New England Awards $176,000 to 49 Nonprofits

SPRINGFIELD — Health New England recently awarded $176,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations that are creating more inclusive, accessible, and supportive communities across Western and Central Mass. The company’s Community Benefits Mini-Grants went to 49 organizations in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, and Worcester counties, all working to help people reach higher levels of health and well-being. Health New England Community Benefits Mini-Grants are part of the company’s commitment to improving community health by addressing disparities in health outcomes, access, and experience. This year’s grants focus on initiatives that address at least one social factor known to impact health, such as access to nutritious food, education, safe housing, healthcare, transportation, and opportunities for connection and belonging. Now in its sixth year, the Health New England Community Benefits Mini-Grants program has awarded $595,000 to local nonprofits addressing health equity in Western and Central Mass.

Incorporations

By
Incorporations

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

 

AMHERST

Writers in Resistance Inc., 48 North Pleasant St., Suite 201, Amherst, MA 01002. Jillian Brevik, 494 Market Hill Road, Amherst, MA 01002. Uplift poets as essential to collective liberation by organizing community-centered literary events that provide support, visibility, and solidarity for emerging writers in the Western Mass. region.

 

CHICOPEE

A One Restaurant Group Inc., 296 Tolpa Circle, Chicopee, MA 01020. Mohammad Awan, 296 Tolpa Circle, Chicopee, MA 01020. Restaurant.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Mass Gun Vault Bonded Warehouse Corp., 173 Shaker Road, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Kendall Knapik, same. Bonded warehouse for police departments.

FLORENCE

TJM Consulting Inc., 20 Bridge Road, #21, Florence, MA 01062. Terry Minnick, same. Business consulting services to various individuals, business enterprises, and organizations.

GREENFIELD

LCW Enterprises Inc., 161 Smead Hill Road, Greenfield, MA 01301. Kelli Richardson, same. Real estate holding.

 

HOLYOKE

Holyoke Frozen D Lite Inc., 50 Holyoke St., Unit B216, Holyoke, MA 01040. Abdul Rashid, same. Food service.

HUNTINGTON

Arboreye Preservation Solutions Inc., 266 Goss Hill Road, Huntington, MA 01050. Tyler Pease, same. Tree and property services, including tree removal, pruning, planting, and plant health care, as well as consulting and tree risk assessment and management.

LENOX

Bea’s Lenox Inc., 154 Cliffwood St., Lenox, MA 01240. Molly Lyon-Joseph, same. Operation of a full-service restaurant.

PITTSFIELD

Aamian Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Wai Keen Choong, same. Investment services.

Americano Industrial Services Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Don Maler, same. Construction services.

C&R Development Co. Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Adlenia Robinson, One Financial Plaza, Suite 109A, Hartford, CT 06103.

The Early Developmental Education and Nurturing Foundation Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Miles Chapman, same. Nonprofit corporation working to expand and enhance early learning by designing, studying, supporting, and scaling effective programs in key areas like science, math, and literacy.

Eden Y Consultation Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Eden Yona, same. Marketing consulting services.

KCDC Enterprises Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Cosmo Macero, same. Establishes, acquires, and operates business ventures in the fields of media, advertising, sales and marketing, content creation and content consulting, professional and personal services, and certain categories of reselling and inventory log.

Med Supply Cabinet Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Thomas Doran, same. Durable medical equipment provider.

Nofar G Consulting Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Nofar Gorani, same. Marketing consulting services.

Scale to Win Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA, 01201. Matteo Banerjee, 455 Market St., Suite 1940, San Francisco, CA 94105. Software company that does tech messaging.

SHEFFIELD

The Tree Train Inc., 203 Veeley Road, Sheffield, MA 01257. Melissa Lavangie Ingersoll, same. Tree care instruction.

SPRINGFIELD

Hive Express Inc., 71 Chestnut St., Springfield, MA 01151. Rizwan Ali, same. Retail, e-commerce.

Springfield Grocery and Market Inc., 707 State St., Springfield, MA 01109. Tobias Billups, 42 Brown Ave., Holyoke, MA 01040. Grocery store selling fresh produce, meats, household items, and convenience items.

Staffing Boutique Inc., 64 Forest Park Ave., Springfield, MA 01108. Robens Joseph, same. Staffing and recruitment for skilled trades.

WENDELL

Gaugeanomaly Inc., 6 Farley Road, Wendell, MA 01379. Peng Zhao, same. Data analysis and investment.

WESTFIELD

Shoplicity Inc., 1029 North Road, #1040, Westfield, MA 01085. Hassan Raza, same. Retail, e-commerce, and truck dispatching.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Socialite Westside Inc., 68 Westfield St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Ayse Nur Karaaslan, 32 Melwood Ave., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Coffee shop.

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates

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

BELCHERTOWN

Derek Stebbins Construction
108 Shea Ave.
Derek Stebbins

MVM Cleaning Services
271 Aldrich St.
Maria Maravilha

HADLEY

Agni Institute
97 Mt. Warner Road
Kerry Kelley

Alligator Brook Farm
42 Lawrence Plain Road
James Gnatek

Born-Digital
84 Russell St.
Noah Smith

Czepiel Art & Design
15 Sunrise Dr.
Patricia Hayes

Devine Brothers Farm LLC
26 Knightly Road
Stephen Devine

Devine Farms Inc.
26 Knightly Road
Stephen Devine

Many Graces LLC
15 Lawrence Plain Road
Rebecca Maillet

Mill Valley Milk Co.
102 Mill Valley Road
Kristin Mayer

Plainville Farm
135 Mt. Warner Road
Walter Czajkowski

HOLYOKE

Friendly Mini Market
657 High St.
Farooq Shaikh

L&R Pantoja’s Tax Service
402 Hillside Ave.
Laura Pantoja, Rosa Pantoja

Milan Laser Hair Removal
42 Holyoke St.
Milan Laser Corporate LLC

Nova Leap Home Health
1593 Northampton St.
Nova Leap Health Corp. Holdings Inc.

Preform
287 High St.
Jonathan Davis

Reliance Electrical Service Co.
573 Canal St.
Vertus Inc.

TLC Construction
19 Longwood Ave.
Anthony LeBlanc

NORTHAMPTON

Catalpa Consulting
46 Graves Ave.
Gratienne Baskin

Community Chiropractic Center
100 King St., Suite 1
Susan Stobierski Denny

CyclePottery
42 Maple St.
Kathryn Kothe

Dey Summer, LMT
111 Pleasant St., Suite 304
Dey Summer

Lizzie’s Health Club
31 Trumbull Road, Suite 102
Elizabeth Barnett

Noho Vintage
2 Conz St., Unit 50
Carl Peterson

Ooh La La
150 Main St., Suite 50
Monica Fogg

Personal Property Consultations
2 Conz St., Unit 50
Carl Peterson

Skylight Hypnotherapy
53 Center St.
Talia Miller

Toward Harmony Tai Chi & Qigong
16 Center St., Suite 527
Charles Ryan

Valencia’s Way
491 Bridge Road, Apt. 321
Jennefer Graham

WESTFIELD

Across Nutrition
77 Mill St., #23
Amber Cross

Cassidy Murillo, Esq.
10 School St., #500
Cassidy Murillo

Canine Booth Dog Grooming
45 Southwick Road
Saribel Nunez

Ethera Yoga & Healing Arts
21 Pleasant St.
Jennifer Judd

Jetskies Unlimited
1110 Southampton Road, #2
Douglas Connaugton Jr.

Journey Massage & Wellness
33 Phillip Ave.
Jean Fisher

Lifetime Tilers Inc.
565 North Road
Lifetime Tilers Inc.

Mass Signs LLC
988C Southampton Road
Mass Signs LLC

RGB Industries Inc.
82 Mederios Way
RGB Industries Inc.

Sage Organic Wellness
65 Springfield Road
Linda Martin

Side Street Books
38 School St.
Colin McGrady

Techniq Support
94 King St.
Megan Gentile

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Classic Burgers
1261 Westfield St.
C&B of West Springfield

Eddie Wright Agency
1111 Elm St.
Eddie Wright

Hallie’s Comet
28 Van Horn St.
Hallie’s Comet

Hooters
1290 Riverdale St.
West Springfield Wings LLC

Management Consulting Services
121 Westwood Dr.
Management Consulting Services

Union Street Auto Sales LLC
697 Union St.
Union Street Auto Sales LLC

Westside Cuts
84 Westfield St.
Westside Cuts

Wright Associates
1111 Elm St.
Eddie Wright

Wright Insurance Agency
1111 Elm St.
Eddie Wright

Zahrah Q Online
475 Main St.
Zahrah Q Online

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

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

Baez Madrigal, Sergio A.
a/k/a Baez, Sergio A.
21 North St.
Three Rivers, MA 01080
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/29/2025

Brazauskas, David Stanley
Brazauskas, Donna Marie
352 Massachusetts Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/17/2025

Collazo-Rodriguez, Ivette
1204 Hampden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/22/2025

Determan, Emily I.
203 West St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/22/2025

Frisbie, Robert
85 Manchonis Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 13
Date: 12/18/2025

Ghalayini, Abdallah Faozi
180 Bridge Road
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/29/2025

Kenny, Teresa A.
114 Lake Shore Dr.
Cheshire, MA 01225-9726
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/31/2025

Lajoie, Robert L.
81 Dickinson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/29/2025

LaFleur-Sheltra, Dori-Ann
378 Main St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/31/2025

Marcotte, Jason R.
Marcotte, Sarah A.
Sarah Marcotte, LICSW
104 Bondsville Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/23/2025

Olaverria, Julio M.
46 Railroad St., Apt. 102
Lee, MA 02138
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/23/2025

Peterson, Ross E.
405 Adams Dr.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 13
Date: 12/24/2025

Silvano, Santino Sonny
154A Lockhouse Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/23/2025

Strempek, Debra Marie
160 Sabin St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/24/2025

Szawlowski, Jacklyn M.
24 North Hatfield Road
Hatfield, MA 01038
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/24/2025

VanPelt Precision
Vanpelt, Gerald J.
Vanpelt Precision, Inc.
9 Norman Ave.
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/20/2025

Real Estate Transactions

By
Real Estate

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY

BERNARDSTON

775 Brattleboro Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $492,500
Buyer: Holly R. Funston
Seller: David W. Brady
Date: 12/30/25

BUCKLAND

16-18 State St.
Buckland, MA 01370
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Guardian Falls Holdings LLC
Seller: 16 State Street LLC
Date: 12/22/25

CONWAY

820 East Guinea Road
Conway, MA 01096
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Ian M. Healy
Seller: Barose Projects LLC
Date: 12/22/25

GREENFIELD

43 Crescent St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: John G. Tardif
Seller: Sohail A. Waien
Date: 12/22/25

104 Leyden Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Peter R. Krejmas
Seller: Laurie Newsome
Date: 12/29/25

2 Orchard St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Tracy O’Brien
Seller: David L. Boutros RET
Date: 12/30/25

28 Revere Circle
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Ryan Spitzer
Seller: Killeen M. Stempel
Date: 01/02/26

LEVERETT

55 Putney Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $381,864
Buyer: Catherine Atteridge
Seller: Dona L. Wheeler
Date: 12/23/25

MONTAGUE

194 Millers Falls Road
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Water Walk LLC
Seller: Millers Falls II RT
Date: 12/31/25

89 Montague St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Alexander Giguere
Seller: Murley, Bernard F., (Estate)
Date: 12/26/25

114 Montague St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Dylan Tucci
Seller: Diana M. Sainz-Close LT
Date: 01/02/26

NORTHFIELD

71 Lyman Hill Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Bartolo Castaneda
Seller: Mwd Asset Servicing LLC
Date: 12/31/25

ORANGE

525 East Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Bjeb LLC
Seller: Donald K. Lamoureaux
Date: 12/23/25

140 Mechanic St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $347,000
Buyer: Juana Guerra-Diaz
Seller: David P. McCarthy
Date: 12/30/25

SUNDERLAND

238 North Main St.
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $710,000
Buyer: Emma H. Becker
Seller: 238 North Main Street TR
Date: 12/23/25

92 Plumtree Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $725,000
Buyer: Yao S. Kouame
Seller: Expedio Group LLC
Date: 12/23/25

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

50 Howard St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $379,500
Buyer: Sayed M. Latifi
Seller: Elliot F. Stevens
Date: 12/29/25

4 Liquori Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $426,000
Buyer: Oleksandr Osiichuk
Seller: Sheryl A. Richard
Date: 12/30/25

795 Main St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Samantha E. Sanocki
Seller: Michael C. Buoniconti
Date: 12/29/25

92 Juniper Ridge Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $760,000
Buyer: Paul W. Taylor
Seller: Howard I. Safford
Date: 12/22/25

50 Muriel Lane
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $570,000
Buyer: Jason M. Wai
Seller: Peter E. White
Date: 12/22/25

23 Peros Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $401,000
Buyer: Nicholas Crescentini
Seller: Marlene RET
Date: 12/22/25

51 Reed St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Allison Reid
Seller: Shane Dearborn
Date: 12/30/25

8 Ridgeview Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $332,000
Buyer: Meghan McDonough
Seller: Douglas Dichard
Date: 12/22/25

689-691 South West St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Silver Walnut LLC
Seller: Mark E. O’Malley
Date: 12/29/25

697-699 South West St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Silver Walnut LLC
Seller: Mark E. O’Malley
Date: 12/29/25

BLANDFORD

Otis Stage Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Curt Thiem
Seller: Niver, Anthony, (Estate)
Date: 12/30/25

BRIMFIELD

224 East Hill Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: David P. Cameron
Seller: Paul H. Grignon
Date: 12/29/25

31 Sturbridge Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Nicole Damon
Seller: Michael Siemaszko
Date: 12/30/25

50 Tower Hill Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $740,000
Buyer: Michael T. Scott
Seller: Jennifer L. Hebert
Date: 12/31/25

CHESTER

17 Bromley Road
Chester, MA 01050
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Chase Fournier
Seller: Chad Stevens
Date: 12/22/25

689 Skyline Trail
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Alfredo Cunha
Seller: Anna R. Bienia
Date: 12/30/25

CHICOPEE

123 Beesley Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $307,500
Buyer: Gian M. Laboy-Davila
Seller: Manchester Enterprises LLC
Date: 12/23/25

55 Bromont St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $269,000
Buyer: Daryl Beaumier
Seller: Percy Brown
Date: 12/30/25

12 Dallaire Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $827,000
Buyer: 12 Dallaire Avenue LLC
Seller: Savida Management Inc.
Date: 12/26/25

47 Dorrance St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Christopher J. Guz
Seller: Wanda Lockett
Date: 12/29/25

187 East Main St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $495,000
Buyer: Redwan Kabbout
Seller: Ireneusz Legowski
Date: 12/22/25

24 Edmund St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Joanne Cruz
Seller: Cedar Investment Group LLC
Date: 12/23/25

41 Ellerton St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Cgo LLC
Seller: Thomas A. Duda
Date: 12/30/25

320 Fairview Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Francisco Rivera
Seller: Alfredo A. Cunha
Date: 12/30/25

58 Hearthstone Ter.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Yocasta M. Lara
Seller: Beverly A. Stepno
Date: 12/22/25

26 Leeds St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Joe L. Damon
Seller: Kevin M. Candon
Date: 12/30/25

196 Pendleton Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Billy B. Severino
Seller: Jeremy A. Torres
Date: 12/23/25

76 Roy St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Frank Brucknak
Seller: Melanie Konopacki IRT
Date: 12/31/25

157 Sunnymeade Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Emtay Inc.
Seller: Czerapowicz, John J., (Estate)
Date: 12/30/25

21 Tourtelotte Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: J&S Group 21 LLC
Seller: Menard, Dennis Norman, (Estate)
Date: 12/31/25

66 Wayfield Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Tyler St.Onge
Seller: Denise A. Dulude
Date: 12/23/25

1601 Westover Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Abdullah Mutar
Seller: Carol A. McCarthy
Date: 12/22/25

EAST LONGMEADOW

139 Brookhaven Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Michelle Garcia
Seller: Jared D. Smith
Date: 12/29/25

Elm St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: John A. Grimaldi
Seller: Pro Olive LLC
Date: 12/31/25

131 Maple St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $308,000
Buyer: Tracey Nguyen
Seller: Cioccolate RT
Date: 12/23/25

218 Maple St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Michael Pope
Seller: Patricia G. Condon
Date: 12/22/25

GRANVILLE

401 Main Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Andrew Y. Zuev
Seller: Alden, Robert D., (Estate)
Date: 12/31/25

557 North Lane
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $449,900
Buyer: David Burl
Seller: Patrick Comeau
Date: 12/22/25

HAMPDEN

19 Forest Hill Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Matthew Dinatale
Seller: Jeffrey M. Grossi
Date: 12/31/25

31 Glendale View Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Dwayne Lipinski
Seller: Citizens Bank
Date: 12/30/25

HOLLAND

1 Leno Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Melissa Ryzewski
Seller: Denise M. Knight
Date: 12/30/25

73 Stafford Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Tyler McIntyre
Seller: Kelvin J. Zayas
Date: 12/26/25

HOLYOKE

42 Arnodale Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Lincoln Allis
Seller: Dylan A. Bradford
Date: 12/30/25

Beaulieu St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $522,600
Buyer: Jll Real Estate LLC
Seller: Jahjan LLC
Date: 12/22/25

167 Clemente St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Gongiti R. Reddy
Seller: South Holyoke Homes II LLC (Holyoke Housing Authority)
Date: 12/22/25

442 Homestead Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Zachariah E. Cree
Seller: Roberts, George A., (Estate)
Date: 12/23/25

18 Kane Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $296,000
Buyer: Robert Colvin
Seller: Benjamin Surner
Date: 12/24/25

689 Main St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $127,400
Buyer: Jll Real Estate LLC
Seller: Jahjan LLC
Date: 12/22/25

689 Main St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $522,600
Buyer: Jll Real Estate LLC
Seller: Jahjan LLC
Date: 12/22/25

63-65 Mosher St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Nelson A. Balvin
Seller: Jozef Wrzesinski
Date: 12/29/25

100 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Nora Wine
Seller: David B. McKenney
Date: 12/30/25

1212 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $535,376
Buyer: Joanne Custance-Smith
Seller: Martha L. Brown
Date: 12/22/25

Route 5
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Nora Wine
Seller: David B. McKenney
Date: 12/30/25

12 Saint James Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Yaphet Marinez
Seller: Equity Trust Co.
Date: 12/31/25

66 Saint James Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $232,000
Buyer: Kevin J. Moskal
Seller: Josephine B. Nartowicz
Date: 12/29/25

309 Walnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $182,000
Buyer: Fefabo Management LLC
Seller: Esmeralda Gomez
Date: 12/22/25

84 Woodland St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $327,000
Buyer: Christopher R. Brown
Seller: Evelyn Riffenburg
Date: 12/22/25

LONGMEADOW

196 Cambridge Circle
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $557,500
Buyer: Mohamed Suliman
Seller: Jonathan D. Raynor
Date: 12/23/25

85 Inverness Lane
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Brian J. Collins
Seller: Vello Bendt
Date: 12/23/25

32 Longview Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Mikayla Boothby
Seller: Setian, Charles, (Estate)
Date: 12/30/25

207 Lynnwood Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $615,000
Buyer: David Lipke
Seller: Lawrence Lipke
Date: 12/23/25

757 Shaker Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $413,000
Buyer: I&D Home Solutions Inc.
Seller: Dorian Ayala
Date: 12/31/25

911 Williams St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $531,000
Buyer: Vijay Realty LLC
Seller: Karen L. Coughlin RET
Date: 01/02/26

LUDLOW

41 Deroche Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $601,501
Buyer: Alexandre P. Pereira
Seller: Akehurst Homes LLC
Date: 12/30/25

166 Kendall St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Kelsea Cristoforo
Seller: Krawczyk, Dolores, (Estate)
Date: 12/31/25

45 Meadow St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $297,000
Buyer: Harrison G. Ford
Seller: Christine Martins
Date: 12/30/25

88-90 Miller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Peter J. Godbout
Seller: Joaquim G. Machado
Date: 12/30/25

251 West St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $392,000
Buyer: Sherry Taylor
Seller: Pellegrini, Joanne T., (Estate)
Date: 12/22/25

319 West St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $555,000
Buyer: Ashley Quinones
Seller: Jeffrey A. Grassette
Date: 12/29/25

148 Yale St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Andre Costa
Seller: Rachel Siano
Date: 12/30/25

MONSON

110 Beebe Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Ssv Watershed LLC
Seller: Robin D. Carpenter
Date: 12/23/25

124 Brimfield Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Emily Caudy
Seller: David W. Sanborn
Date: 12/23/25

26 Brimfield Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Brien Couture
Seller: Ark Rentals LLC
Date: 12/24/25

56 Margaret St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $705,000
Buyer: Fitzroy D. Fearing
Seller: Stephany A. Kostorizos
Date: 12/23/25

57 Town Farm Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $1,150,000
Buyer: Ssv Watershed LLC
Seller: Carpenter Realty LLC
Date: 12/23/25

290 Wilbraham Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $625,000
Buyer: Robert Pafumi
Seller: Charyl A. Pafumi RET
Date: 12/22/25

MONTGOMERY

1582 Russell Road
Montgomery, MA 01085
Amount: $377,325
Buyer: Aidan W. Pike
Seller: Hebert, Joanne T., (Estate)
Date: 12/23/25

PALMER

160 Breckenridge St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $226,500
Buyer: Robert P. Davis
Seller: Brouillette, Simone E., (Estate)
Date: 12/30/25

8 Chamber Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: Alico Farms LLC
Seller: New England Recreation & Healing
Date: 12/29/25

1573 North Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: John W. Ryan
Seller: Leslie M. Skowyra
Date: 12/30/25

9 South St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Jacob G. Fedora
Seller: C. G. & Jeanne M. Nothe FT
Date: 12/23/25

275 State St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: Veteran Stan LLC
Seller: Cascade Funding
Date: 12/30/25

1029 Wilson St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: All Surface Technology Inc.
Seller: Lloyd, Norman J., (Estate)
Date: 12/31/25

RUSSELL

140 Highland Ave.
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $269,000
Buyer: Leah J. Sylvester
Seller: Shawn Reinford
Date: 12/22/25

SPRINGFIELD

742 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $545,000
Buyer: Joseph Proia
Seller: Shawn M. Summers
Date: 12/30/25

820 Boston Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $1,370,000
Buyer: Dwr Genesis LLC
Seller: Membos LLC
Date: 12/29/25

31 Crawford Circle
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: William J. McMahon
Seller: Karl E. Hulseberg
Date: 12/23/25

31 Denton Circle
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: KB Estates LLC
Seller: 31 Denton Circle LLC
Date: 12/29/25

234 Draper St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Naples Home Buyers TR
Seller: Jeffrey C. Maurer
Date: 12/31/25

122 Drexel St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Erika L. Climaco
Seller: Jazmin I. Martinez
Date: 12/23/25

333 East Columbus Ave.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Blue Park Management LLC
Seller: S&L RT
Date: 01/02/26

337 East Columbus Ave.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Blue Park Management LLC
Seller: S&L RT
Date: 01/02/26

24 Fairmount St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $165,501
Buyer: William T. Raleigh
Seller: Movement Mortgage LLC
Date: 01/02/26

65 Firglade Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $488,000
Buyer: Kevin M. Perez-Delgado
Seller: Yassine Zian
Date: 12/30/25

181 Freeman Ter.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $352,000
Buyer: Isamar O. Marrero
Seller: Salim Abdoo
Date: 12/24/25

157 Gardens Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Brian P. Benoit
Seller: Barbara A. Abdow
Date: 12/30/25

55 Governor St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $267,500
Buyer: Christopher J. Smith
Seller: Fumi Realty Inc.
Date: 01/02/26

94-96 Hancock St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Jazmin Gonzalez-Lazu
Seller: Willie L. Colon
Date: 12/29/25

28 Juliet St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $432,000
Buyer: Ha N. Nguyen
Seller: Jomaris Vasquez
Date: 12/31/25

118 Keddy St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $266,000
Buyer: Djenne Washington
Seller: Naples Home Buyers TR
Date: 12/30/25

62 Kenyon St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $182,000
Buyer: Main Street Realty Advisors LLC
Seller: Naples Home Buyers TR
Date: 12/31/25

116 King St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $222,000
Buyer: Leo M. Grant
Seller: Yuriy Rudenko
Date: 12/23/25

99 Lehigh St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Faith Mercado
Seller: Abdel Dejesus-Cortes
Date: 12/23/25

21 Lemnos Lane
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Adelaide Boateng-Okyere
Seller: Craig M. Outhouse
Date: 12/23/25

11 Leroy Place
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Valkyrie Morowski
Seller: Leonardo T. Otalvaro
Date: 12/22/25

750 Liberty St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Tascon Homes LLC
Seller: Sweeney, Ann Marie, (Estate)
Date: 12/30/25

298 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Chamber Investment Group LLC
Seller: Smith, Peter Frank, (Estate)
Date: 12/31/25

128 Mill St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $1,100,000
Buyer: 128 Mill Street LLC
Seller: 128 Mill LLC
Date: 12/29/25

92 Miller St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $272,000
Buyer: Clara Santiago
Seller: Ashley A. Kelley
Date: 12/29/25

58-60 Montgomery St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Rahme Eldada
Seller: Ziad O. Awkal
Date: 12/23/25

28 Mountainview St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $349,900
Buyer: Sabine T. Fleury-Germain
Seller: Maria A. Maldonado
Date: 12/23/25

91 Mulberry St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Rohan Polanco
Seller: MCLP Asset Co. Inc.
Date: 12/23/25

765 North Branch Pkwy.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Michael J. Drake
Seller: Drake, Jeanne B., (Estate)
Date: 12/30/25

28-30 Nelson Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Jose R. Martinez
Seller: 2830 Nelson LLC
Date: 12/30/25

164-166 Northampton Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Vicente O. Garcia
Seller: Family First Construction LLC
Date: 12/31/25

208 Osborne Ter.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Luis A. Rivera
Seller: Unlimited Construction Services Inc.
Date: 12/30/25

207 Overland St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Celso A. Arriola
Seller: Joseph M. Santaniello
Date: 12/22/25

155 Powell Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Marisol Riggins
Seller: Cindy Blackshear-Reid
Date: 12/29/25

12 Prescott St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Elina Grigorian
Seller: Robert Foster
Date: 12/30/25

43 Princeton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Nres LLC
Seller: Betty E. Jones
Date: 12/24/25

767 South Branch Pkwy.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $361,600
Buyer: Francisca Takyi
Seller: John L. Wajdula
Date: 12/29/25

42 Queen St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $148,000
Buyer: Mass. Pine Street LLC
Seller: Phoenix Development Inc.
Date: 12/30/25

223-225 Saint James Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Tory Greaves
Seller: Mazal Real Estate LLC
Date: 12/24/25

228 Tamarack Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Von Eisen Properties LLC
Seller: David A. Cross
Date: 12/23/25

107 Thompson St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Mariah A. Ruiz
Seller: Rbt Enterprise LLC
Date: 12/30/25

80 Tulsa St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Carmen Y. Semidey
Seller: Naples Home Buyers TR
Date: 01/02/26

20 Vermont St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Millicent L. Frimpong
Seller: Teresa Scala
Date: 12/22/25

77 West Allen Ridge Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Damian Rutkowski
Seller: Joejoe Properties LLC
Date: 12/30/25

63 Webber St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Christina Prairie
Seller: Brown-Morgan, Kathleen, (Estate)
Date: 12/31/25

52 Wilmont St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Ml Keystone Holdings LLC
Seller: Edward G. Gosselin
Date: 12/30/25

SOUTHWICK

17 Bonnie View Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Yuriy Yukhimets
Seller: Charles Sfakios
Date: 12/23/25

139 Congamond Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Bo Zhao
Seller: Michael Hollander
Date: 12/30/25

33 Iroquois Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $675,000
Buyer: Bianca C. Plourde
Seller: Steven F. Singley
Date: 12/30/25

WEST SPRINGFIELD

39 Bonnie Brae Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Jackie Menard
Seller: Nicholas G. Kraver
Date: 12/31/25

225 Cayenne St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Larkspur LLC
Seller: Caroline M. Harty
Date: 12/30/25

23 Day St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: Matthew W. Greenia
Seller: Grundy, Nelson J., (Estate)
Date: 01/02/26

56 Exposition Ter.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $281,500
Buyer: Hussein Alsultani
Seller: Melanie Nunez-Allen
Date: 12/31/25

150 Front St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $1,600,000
Buyer: 73 Chestnut Realty LLC
Seller: Mill City LLC
Date: 12/23/25

92 Grove St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Michael Riley
Seller: Maria Hiciano
Date: 12/23/25

81 Laurence Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $452,000
Buyer: Jordan Honahan
Seller: Nicole Kerrigan
Date: 12/29/25

182 North Blvd.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Ismail Khutsishvili
Seller: Nuraddin Usmonov
Date: 12/29/25

50 Overlook Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Ryan Ruef
Seller: Katherine Halpy
Date: 12/23/25

760 Prospect Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Brian J. Kolodziej
Seller: Catherine L. Murdzia
Date: 12/30/25

1228 Riverdale St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $1,650,000
Buyer: Membos LLC
Seller: Vereit Real Estate LP
Date: 12/31/25

1448 Riverdale St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $725,000
Buyer: Aaron Properties LLC
Seller: Gorecki RET
Date: 12/23/25

260 Wolcott Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Chase H. Crean
Seller: Jonathan E. Ruel
Date: 12/22/25

WESTFIELD

3 Angelica Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $629,900
Buyer: Sophia L. Sfakios
Seller: Nathaniel J. Brown
Date: 12/23/25

40 Barbara St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Shane Mastello
Seller: Bishop Doris M., (Estate)
Date: 12/24/25

225 East Main St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $1,900,433
Buyer: Saymain Associates LLC
Seller: Panther Development Westfield LLC
Date: 12/31/25

194 Lockhouse Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Cathy M. Wright
Seller: Matthew Slowik
Date: 12/23/25

32 Noble Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $502,500
Buyer: Serena Lansing
Seller: Lois Cuddy
Date: 12/29/25

402 Paper Mill Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Michael T. Clegg
Seller: Mark H. Derouin
Date: 12/31/25

14 Pinewood Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Michaela Crowther
Seller: Karen M. Guy
Date: 12/22/25

781 Western Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Valentyn Veva
Seller: David L. Wallis
Date: 12/22/25

13 William St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $328,000
Buyer: Mejias LLC
Seller: Robin Sheldon
Date: 12/30/25

88 Woodmont St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Round Two LLC
Seller: Kathleen Benoit
Date: 12/22/25

16 Yale St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $307,000
Buyer: Maria H. Espinoza-Vega
Seller: William Cavanaugh
Date: 12/23/25

WILBRAHAM

34 Blacksmith Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Colondres Company LLC
Seller: Ciecko Jr., Michael A., (Estate)
Date: 12/30/25

6 Hawthorne Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Catherine Rohan
Seller: Andrew McAlary
Date: 12/22/25

14 Lake Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: William J. Kern
Seller: Rolando L. Bones
Date: 12/30/25

68 Monson Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $530,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Hulbert
Seller: Judith Bordenuk
Date: 12/31/25

500 Springfield St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Kristopher R. Gobeille
Seller: Anselm A. Falcetti
Date: 12/30/25

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

BELCHERTOWN

Keith Ave.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Sticks & Stones Inc.
Seller: Laurie J. Robinson
Date: 12/30/25

37 Oakridge Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $625,000
Buyer: Rachel Siano
Seller: Geoffroy FT
Date: 12/30/25

54 Rural Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $880,000
Buyer: Regina A. Gordon
Seller: M&G Land Development LLC
Date: 12/29/25

147 Sargent St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $312,500
Buyer: Emily A. Gay
Seller: Hilltop 141 LLC
Date: 12/30/25

EASTHAMPTON

30 Admiral St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Jordyn M. Gagnon
Seller: Hewes, Kimberly Ann, (Estate)
Date: 12/29/25

2-4 Clinton St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Kelley Properties LLC
Seller: Donald Polonis
Date: 12/23/25

6 Emily Lane
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $497,000
Buyer: Michael D. Bauman
Seller: Jeffrey L. Pelly
Date: 12/23/25

6 Lincoln St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Belisario Buri
Seller: Frederic A. Englander RET
Date: 12/31/25

262 Loudville Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Bruce B. Wilmer
Seller: Steven M. Hawkes
Date: 12/22/25

5 Lownds Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Chad Worley
Seller: Diane M. Renaud
Date: 12/30/25

157 Park St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Richard Hartman
Seller: Hartman, Daniel James, (Estate)
Date: 12/29/25

22 Phelps St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $376,000
Buyer: Nathaniel J. Kirst
Seller: Dufraine, Richard, (Estate)
Date: 12/22/25

16 Picard Circle
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $309,000
Buyer: Andrew Placzek
Seller: Cristie Frost
Date: 12/22/25

190-192 Pleasant St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: Pause & Pivot Properties LLC
Seller: Dalton-Lavallee Post 224
Date: 12/30/25

52 Williston Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $536,500
Buyer: Joshua H. Cornehlsen
Seller: Katie L. MacCallum
Date: 12/30/25

GRANBY

84 Batchelor St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Kyle Johnston
Seller: Hilary N. Piquette
Date: 12/30/25

121 Cold Hill Road
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Michael C. Dunn
Seller: Mark S. Haley
Date: 12/23/25

HADLEY

34 Hockanum Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: David H. Tran
Seller: Susan D. Dixon TR
Date: 01/02/26

231 Russell St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $810,000
Buyer: 231 Russell St. Landlord LLC
Seller: One Northampton Street Enterprises Inc.
Date: 12/22/25

NORTHAMPTON

76 Cooke Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $261,500
Buyer: Collin J. Burt
Seller: Janet R. Cleary
Date: 12/31/25

107 Front St.
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $879,000
Buyer: Alexandra W. Creighton
Seller: Julio A. Sanchez
Date: 12/30/25

56 Olive St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $647,000
Buyer: Ella Wise
Seller: Barbara H. Sharp
Date: 12/31/25

58 Phillips Place
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $900,000
Buyer: Kipa Realty LLC
Seller: Michael J. McGrath
Date: 12/30/25

23 West Center St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $155,550
Buyer: Frances Riddle
Seller: Alexia Manin
Date: 12/23/25

PELHAM

41 Arnold Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $832,200
Buyer: Todd Walker
Seller: Shulamith Oppenheim TR
Date: 12/29/25

SOUTH HADLEY

108 College St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Danielle Verlee
Seller: Joe Villanueva
Date: 12/22/25

19 Hildreth Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $324,000
Buyer: Andre Bowser
Seller: Sharon M. Kelly
Date: 12/23/25

150 Pearl St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Alicia E. Erwin
Seller: Gerald P. Basile
Date: 12/31/25

43 Prospect St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $298,147
Buyer: Levreault Family Realty LLC
Seller: Susan Levreault
Date: 12/29/25

48 School St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $322,500
Buyer: RB Homes LLC
Seller: 48 School Street RT
Date: 12/31/25

18 Susan Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $318,000
Buyer: Cody Ferro
Seller: Karl E. Grochowalski
Date: 12/30/25

32 Tampa St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Brianna L. Zimmerman
Seller: Zimmerman, Carl C., (Estate)
Date: 12/30/25

SOUTHAMPTON

12 Kingsberry Lane
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Karen J. Wright
Seller: Patrick Jr., Aaron O., (Estate)
Date: 12/23/25

93 Pequot Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Nicole M. Stevens
Seller: Matthew T. Biron
Date: 12/29/25

WARE

36 Berkshire Circle
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Jack A. Halliday
Seller: Robert P. Chartier
Date: 12/30/25

130 Greenwich Plains Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Mary L. Fountain
Seller: Brian Errante
Date: 12/31/25

152 North St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Christopher B. Magoon
Seller: Jonathan Mahoney
Date: 12/22/25

Building Permits

By
Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the month of January 2026.

CHICOPEE

VSH Realty Inc.
37 Montcalm St.
$45,525 — Roofing

EASTHAMPTON

Cheharkrupa Inc.
20 Cottage St.
$51,250 — Frame three studio rooms for sound recording, add one bathroom, and renovate one bathroom

Park Hill Orchard Holdings
82 Park Hill Road
$220,500 — Install small-scale ground-mounted photovoltaic system

Nick Robinson
4 Holyoke St.
$30,500 — Roofing

HADLEY

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

W/S Hadley Properties II LLC
337 Russell St.
N/A — Buildout of new HomeGoods retail store

LENOX

10 Richmond Mountain Road YT LLC
10 Richmond Mountain Road
$75,000 — Install foundation

PVI Lenox Village LLC
17 Housatonic St.
$40,000 — Repair and replace 20 windows

PITTSFIELD

Agree Stores LLC
555 Hubbard Ave.
$20,000 — Fire sprinkler upgrade

Agree Stores LLC
555 Hubbard Ave.
$20,000 — Replace fire alarm panel, power supplies, and annunciators; install four new pull stations, notification devices, and security alarm devices

Berkshire Dream Center Inc.
130 Elm St.
$40,000 — Repairs to building and egress

Berkshire Dream Center Inc.
475 Tyler St.
$175,000 — Demolish and rebuild areas of brick work at tower location, repoint, and cast stone repair

Four Forty Nord Strasse LLC
436 North St.
$44,500 — Tenant buildout for wellness center, to include a new handicap-accessible bathroom

Armando Lopez
636 West Housatonic St.
$23,027 — Roofing

New Amsterdam LP
421 North St.
$35,000 — Frame and drywall ADA-compliant bathroom; add fixtures for bath and hand washing station; add water and drain lines and install venting at pedicure and manicure stations

OBCC Holdings LLC
74 Downing Parkway
$87,000 — Install storage units

United Veterans of America Inc.
360 West Housatonic St.
$11,450 — Metal building

Celebrating Entrepreneurship

By
Opinion

Editorial

Thirty years ago this month, BusinessWest launched a new recognition program.

We called it Top Entrepreneur, and from the beginning, this award has been about paying homage to this region’s long history of entrepreneurship — more than 300 years of it — and recognizing those who continue that tradition today. 

And for 30 years, we’ve enjoyed telling the stories of people who follow in the footsteps of Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson, Milton Bradley, Everett Barney, inventor of the ice skate, the Picknelly family, William Skinner, and so many others. Entrepreneurship played a huge role in the development of this region and communities like Springfield, Holyoke, Westfield, Lee, and North Adams, and it continues to shape our region today, in ways large and small.

As the list on page 9 reveals, this award has been given to individuals, families, and institutions across the broad spectrum of business — from car dealers (the Balise family) to hardware (the Falcone family) to technology, healthcare, energy, education, and the nonprofit realm.

This year, there is a new twist, sort of. We’ve chosen to recognize Dan Dziuban and Frank Langone, founders and owners of Theory Skate Shop. It’s a different kind of story, but one with many of the same threads as the ones we’ve told starting in 1996.

Only this one lends itself to some poetic analogies between business and the sports of skateboarding and snowboarding — the twists and turns, ups and downs, thrills and spills, and the need to keep getting right back up when you’ve fallen.

Dziuban and Langone, like all entrepreneurs, have experienced all of this on a journey that will soon mark 30 years itself. They started with a small shop in West Springfield and gradually set up headquarters in the Holyoke Mall, with a second location in Northampton and a large presence at the Big E. They sell a broad range of items and have created their own line of clothing.

But they’re being honored not just because of their success in the challenging, ever-changing, ever-fickle world of retail, but also because of the way they have changed the landscape in the region — literally, by helping several area communities create skateboard parks — and also changed the lives of countless young people by introducing them to a new sport, and, in some cases, providing them with a new passion.

They’ve done this through the skateparks, summer skate camps, and through countless other efforts to promote a sport they discovered themselves in the late ’80s.

As for being entrepreneurs, like skateboarding, it’s something you get better at over time, and they’ve done that, applying lessons they’ve learned over nearly three decades to continue on their growth trajectory and grab some air, as they say in the skateboarding world.

We started this program to recognize the very important role entrepreneurship has played in this region, and how it continues to not only provide jobs and fill spaces on Main Street and in industrial parks, but shape our cities and towns.

Dziuban and Langone continue that proud tradition, and they are quite worthy of the title Top Entrepreneurs.

Why Proper Recycling Matters

By Contributor
Opinion

Opinion

By Sean Hogan

In the fast paced world of IT, cybersecurity often brings to mind firewalls, encryption, and phishing scams. But one of the biggest threats to your data security could be sitting in plain sight, stacked in a dusty corner of your office.

Whenever we onboard a new client at Hogan Technology, we find it almost every time: a room or closet overflowing with obsolete equipment. It becomes a tech graveyard filled with old desktops, servers, printers, copiers, battery backups, fax machines, label makers, access points, and firewalls.

Technology changes fast. A typical desktop or file server lasts about six years, but best practices call for a refresh every five years to maintain performance and security. Many manufacturers limit warranties on equipment older than that, which leaves you exposed when hardware fails.

We churn through a lot of gear in this industry, and it is not just computers. Printers, access points, and other peripherals pile up as businesses upgrade. That mound might look harmless, just junk taking up space, but it poses a serious physical cybersecurity risk.

Cyberthreats are not limited to software. Physical access to hardware can be just as damaging, especially when devices contain stored data. Nearly every piece of equipment in that forgotten pile has local storage of some sort, whether a hard drive, SSD, or embedded memory. Obsolete tech poses risks in numerous ways:

• Data remains long after use. Old devices retain confidential information ranging from employee records and finances to emails and proprietary files. If these devices are not handled correctly, that data can be recovered and exploited.

• Dumpster diving and theft. Discarded or unsecured tech can be scavenged. Cybercriminals know that unscrubbed drives hold valuable data. One overlooked hard drive can expose your network.

• Supply chain weakness. Even when not in use, equipment stored on site creates opportunities for insider threats or break-ins. Outdated hardware may also have unpatched vulnerabilities if someone reconnects it by mistake.

That pile is not just clutter. It is a potential entry point for data loss. Ignoring it is like leaving your front door unlocked.

We take a holistic approach to cybersecurity that includes the physical side of protection. Our recycling program manages your end-of-life equipment with strict security and environmental responsibility.

Specifically, we inventory obsolete devices during onboarding or routine audits. Our team collects everything securely with minimal disruption. After data scrubbing, drives and storage media are physically shredded by certified partners. Scrub plus shred removes any chance of data recovery.

Remaining components are recycled through certified e-waste programs that reclaim valuable materials and keep harmful substances out of landfills. The client then receive certificates of destruction and recycling reports to support compliance requirements and audit needs.

By recycling in this way, you clear space, strengthen your security posture, and support a cleaner environment.

With data breaches in the news daily, ignoring the physical side of cybersecurity is a risk you cannot afford. That forgotten pile of equipment could be the weak point that leads to expensive consequences.

 

Sean Hogan is president of Hogan Technology Inc.

Third Annual Keeper of the Dream Dinner to Celebrate Black History Month

By
Daily News

WESTFIELD — On Thursday, Feb. 12, Westfield State University will partner with the cities of Westfield and West Springfield to host the third annual Keeper of the Dream Dinner in celebration of Black History Month. The event honors community members whose leadership and service carry forward the legacy and vision of Martin Luther King Jr. through their commitment to social justice and inclusive excellence. This year’s event is sponsored by Westfield Bank.

The evening will begin with a VIP reception, followed by a cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m. and dinner and awards at 6:30 p.m., held at the Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel, One Monarch Place, Springfield.

The evening will feature keynote remarks by Angela Sadler Williamson, an internationally recognized author, Emmy-nominated filmmaker, and award-winning broadcaster. Williamson is the cousin of civil rights icon Rosa Parks and the creator of the acclaimed documentary My Life with Rosie, which examines Parks’s life, activism, and enduring legacy.

She is also the author of the companion book, My Life with Rosie: A Bond Between Cousins, named Best Children’s Book on Black History by Mothering magazine. Through her scholarship and creative work, Williamson advances Parks’s philosophy of activism by inspiring future generations to lead with courage and purpose. A former producer and copywriter for major broadcast and cable news networks, Williamson currently serves as producer and host of the award-winning PBS series Everybody with Angela Williamson, which highlights stories that honor the human spirit and shared civic responsibility.

The Keeper of the Dream Awards honor six individuals who have made significant social, academic, and communal contributions to their communities. The 2026 honorees include Agma Sweeney, president of the Westfield Puerto Rican Assoc.; Becky Gonzalez, owner of En3rgy Up in Westfield; Lt. Paulita Hannah of the West Springfield Police Department; Morad Majjad, district family liaison coordinator with West Springfield Public Schools; Thomas Gardner, professor of Communication at Westfield State University; and Dr. Cheryl Stanley, faculty emeritus from Westfield State University.

“In his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech in 1964, Dr. King said, ‘I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.’ These words remind us that we have a vital role to play in building a society grounded in compassion, understanding, and mutual respect,” Westfield State University President Linda Thompson said. “I am proud to partner with the cities of Westfield and West Springfield to honor students and community members who embody Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring commitment to humanity.”

In addition, four Westfield State students will receive Keeper of the Dream Scholarships from the Westfield State University Foundation in recognition of their contributions to their community and selfless leadership in the spirit of promoting justice and equality. These students include Lorraine Fernandez ’26, Dianyeliz Ozuna Sandoval ’26, Roka Poku-Mensah ’26, and Omar Aydah ’27.

For additional information, visit www.westfieldalumni.org/celebrate/kotd2026.

American International College Expands Online EdD for Greater Personalization

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) relaunched its online doctor of education (EdD) program, expanding opportunities for personalization through leadership-focused specializations and flexible project options. Designed for experienced professionals, AIC’s online EdD empowers educators, administrators, and organizational leaders to advance their careers while addressing complex challenges across education and organizational settings.

The fully online EdD program reflects AIC’s long-standing commitment to access, equity, and transformative education. Through a cohort-based learning model, students engage in collaborative, practice-driven coursework while developing advanced leadership, research, and critical thinking skills that can be applied directly to real-world contexts.

The program offers multiple concentrations, enabling students to customize their degree to their interests and career goals. Specialization options include teaching and learning, educational leadership, higher education, and organizational leadership and development. Graduates are prepared to pursue leadership roles across K-12 education, higher education, nonprofit organizations, and corporate or community-based settings.

In addition to selecting a concentration, online EdD students can choose between a dissertation or a culminating experience (capstone) for their final project, allowing learners to shape their educational path around professional aspirations while developing meaningful, career-ready skills.

Designed with working professionals in mind, AIC’s online program can be completed in as little as two years through a focused curriculum delivered 100% online. A blend of asynchronous coursework and live sessions help students balance their education with professional and personal responsibilities, without the need for travel to campus.

The online EdD combines applied research with reflective practice, along with faculty mentorship. Students are also paired with accountability partners, creating a collaborative community in which peers support each other through regular check-ins, goal setting, and dialogue. This partnership model encourages active engagement, shared learning, and steady progress, helping students stay motivated and connected throughout their doctoral journey.

“The relaunched online EdD reflects AIC’s mission to prepare leaders who are equipped to drive meaningful change,” said Susan Henrichon, dean of the School of Education. “By offering flexible, personalized pathways and a fully online format, the program meets learners where they are while supporting their long-term professional growth.”

Graduates of AIC’s online EdD program develop the skills and expertise to lead in instructional, administrative, and policy-focused roles, empowering them to cultivate progress across schools, districts, organizations, communities, and beyond. To learn more, visit online.aic.edu/programs/online-edd.

Elan Charitable Giving Celebrates Five Years with $250,000 in Donations

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Daily News

CHICOPEE — Polish National Credit Union (PNCU) announced it has been selected as one of the nonprofit partners in the Elan Charitable Giving program’s 2026 celebration, marking five years of community support and impact.

As part of this year’s initiative, Elan Credit Card delivered $250,000 in donations to 25 nonprofit organizations across the U.S., with each contribution made on behalf of a participating credit union or community bank partner. PNCU’s selected beneficiary for 2026 is Alianza Domestic Violence Services in Holyoke, which will receive a $10,000 donation through this effort.

Since its launch in 2022, the Elan Charitable Giving program has provided more than $2.5 million to more than 175 nonprofits nationwide. In addition to financial support, Elan employees have contributed more than 300 volunteer hours, reinforcing the value of community engagement alongside partner institutions.

“We are honored that PNCU was selected as a partner in this meaningful initiative, and we are proud to support Alianza Domestic Violence Services through this donation,” PNCU leadership stated. “Giving back to organizations doing critical work in our community aligns with our mission to serve members and neighbors with care.”

Real Estate Sales Licensing Course Starts March 2

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Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Beginning March 2, the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley (RAPV) will offer a live, in-class, 40-hour, 16-class sales licensing course to help individuals prepare for the Massachusetts real estate salesperson license exam. The course will be completed on April 6. Tuition is $425 and includes books and materials.

The course curriculum includes property rights, ownership, condos, land use, contracts, deeds, financing, mortgages, real estate brokerage, appraisal, fair housing, consumer protection, Massachusetts license law, and more. Classes meet on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the RAPV office, 225 Park St., West Springfield.

Applications will be accepted until Feb. 20. For an application, visit www.rapv.com or contact Laura Herring at (413) 785-1328, ext. 5, or [email protected].

Loomis Communities to Host Chowder Bowl on Feb. 13 to Benefit Food Bank

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Daily News

SOUTH HADLEY — The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts will be the beneficiary of a fun competition to select a favorite chowder hosted by the Loomis Communities. The Chowder Bowl will take place on Friday, Feb. 13 at noon, and is free to the community with the suggested donation of a non-perishable food item for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.

The Chowder Bowl will take place simultaneously at all three Loomis Communities the Friday following the Super Bowl, with attendees participating in the taste testing event at Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing, 807 Wilbraham Road, Springfield; Loomis Village, 20 Bayon Dr., South Hadley; and Applewood, 1 Spencer Dr., Amherst.

This is a reservation-based event in order for each community to plan attendance accordingly, and RSVPs can be made at www.loomiscommunities.org/chowderbowl.

Each community will create their version of a chowder, with all three being offered for sampling at each of the Loomis Communities. Attendees will vote for their favorite chowder, votes will be tallied at all three communities, and the favorite will be announced.

The Loomis Communities, the longest-serving provider of senior living in the Pioneer Valley, has a reputation for its culinary offerings. The executive chefs at each of the three communities have created their own chowder recipes, to be presented at the Chowder Bowl: Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing will present Nova Scotia seafood chowder, Loomis Village will present New England clam chowder, and Applewood will present Mexican street corn chowder.

“It’s football bowl season, and with our beloved Patriots making it to the Super Bowl, we felt this was the ideal time to host the community in a friendly competition to find our favorite version of chowder while benefiting another beloved institution, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts,” said Margaret Mantoni, president and CEO of the Loomis Communities.

“Food insecurity continues to demand our attention in the region, and we hope through the Chowder Bowl to raise awareness of the great work of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and address in a small way the needs of individuals and families who are confronting many economic challenges at the peak of the winter season,” she added. “We hope to warm hearts and help fill a few bellies by this friendly competition that will engage our entire community.”

While no one will be denied admission to the free chowder competition, attendees are strongly encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Headquartered in Chicopee, the Food Bank has been partnering with the community to end hunger in the region for more than 40 years. Serving the four counties of Western Mass., the organization sources, stores, and provides more than 17 million pounds of food a year — the equivalent of more than 14 million meals.

“More than 135,000 people seek food assistance every month across the four counties of Western Massachusetts,” said Andrew Morehouse, executive director of the Food Bank. “We carry out our mission to build lasting food security by providing nutritious food and partnering with communities to end hunger. We are grateful to Loomis Communities for their partnership.”

The Loomis Communities will air its own local Super Bowl commercial on Feb. 8, raising regional awareness about the event and encouraging attendance at the Chowder Bowl.

Ventfort Hall to Host Gilded Age Trivia on Feb. 8

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Daily News

LENOX — Richard Dauchy, beloved Berkshire docent, will host a spirited game of Gilded Age Trivia on Sunday, Feb. 8 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. in the library at Ventfort Hall Gilded Age Mansion & Museum. Teams of three will face off against other Gilded Age aficionados on trivia of the era and about the Berkshire Cottages. A cash bar for beer and wine will be available.

Admission is $20 per person and free for members. Reservations are required, as seating is limited. Register online at gildedage.org/pages/calendar or by calling (413) 637-3206. Walk-ins will be accommodated as space allows. All tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. The historical mansion is located at 104 Walker St. in Lenox.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated by the Massachusetts Cultural Council as an important partner of the Lenox Cultural District, one of five such Berkshire County districts, Ventfort Hall Gilded Age Mansion & Museum was built in 1893 for George and Sarah Morgan, the sister of legendary financier J. Pierpont Morgan.

Self-guided tours of the historic mansion are offered daily, as well as Tea & Talks, exhibitions like the Bellefontaine Collection, concerts, theater, ghost tours and hunts, as well as other programs. This elegant Jacobean-Revival Berkshire cottage is open to the public year-round and is available for private rental. Ventfort Hall, also an official project of Save America’s Treasures program sponsored by the White House, has undergone substantial restoration, which continues.

American Eagle Financial Credit Union Launches Reimagined Member Website

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Daily News

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. — American Eagle Financial Credit Union announced the launch of its newly redesigned website. This mobile-first, member-centric platform is designed to enhance access, elevate the brand experience, and serve as a digital branch for more than 165,000 members across Connecticut and Western Mass. Located at the same legacy URL, www.americaneagle.org, the new website officially went live on Jan. 20.

Guided by American Eagle’s brand promise, ‘Freedom to Soar,’ the new website reflects the credit union’s continued investment in digital innovation while remaining grounded in its nearly century-long commitment to member service and community impact. Designed to function as a true digital branch, the platform provides intuitive navigation, streamlined access to key services, and content tailored to members’ financial goals and life stages. Whether they are opening an account, comparing products, or accessing educational resources, members can engage with American Eagle seamlessly across devices.

Key enhancements to the new website include: a responsive, mobile-first design optimized for all devices; intuitive navigation with enhanced search and quick links; clear pathways supporting account opening and product engagement; and ADA-compliant functionality to ensure inclusive access.

“Keeping pace with digital innovation and evolving member expectations is essential to being an effective financial partner,” said Howard Brady, CEO of American Eagle Financial Credit Union. “This is an ongoing commitment for us, and we recognize that our website plays a critical role in how people engage with our offerings and manage their finances. This new platform expands access to the tools, education, and personalized guidance our members need to make confident financial decisions, through a more intuitive, seamless digital experience.”

The new website integrates advanced personalization capabilities that allow American Eagle to deliver more relevant content and offers aligned with member needs. Robust financial calculators — accessible from every page — support informed decision making, while mobile-friendly product comparisons make it easier for members to explore products on their own terms. Built on Kentico CMS, the platform provides the flexibility and scalability needed to evolve alongside member expectations, enabling teams to update content efficiently and keep the digital experience current.

“Our goal was to build a digital experience that is both highly functional and deeply reflective of who we are as a community-centric credit union,” said Brian Kennedy, chief Strategy and Revenue officer at American Eagle Financial Credit Union. “This platform gives us the flexibility to personalize content, surface the right tools at the right moments, and continually evolve as member needs change, while still showcasing our community and the impact we make every day.”

Visual storytelling throughout the site reinforces American Eagle’s local roots in Connecticut and Western Mass., featuring authentic photography of regional landmarks and animated metrics that highlight community impact. A refreshed ‘Why Us’ section further underscores the value of membership and the benefits of banking with a member-owned financial institution.

MP CPAS Announces Promotions

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — MP CPAs recently announced the following promotions:

Meghan Boone has been promoted to audit manager with the firm. She manages audits, reviews, and compilations for small to medium-sized businesses. She also manages audits of Massachusetts charter schools (governmental entities), non-profit organizations, and employee benefit plans. Boone joined the firm in 2020. She holds both a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a master’s degree in Accounting from Westfield State University. She is a certified public accountant and a member of the Mass. Society of Certified Public Accountants. In addition to her professional responsibilities, she is active in the community by participating in various fundraising and networking events.

 

Tony Trinchini has been promoted to tax manager with the firm. He provides consulting and tax solutions to a diverse group of clients including individuals, estates, trusts, partnerships, and corporations. He specializes in working with high-net-worth clients and with family offices. Trinchini joined the firm in 2020. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from Western New England University and a master’s degree in Accounting from UMass Amherst. He remains involved in the recruiting and mentorship efforts with his alma maters.

 

 

ServiceNet Clinics to Join River Valley Counseling Center Feb. 1

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — Two of the leading non-profit community mental health care providers in Western Mass. will be taking the next step in making a good thing even better, when ServiceNet’s outpatient clinics become part of River Valley Counseling Center (RVCC) on Feb. 1. 

“Since July 1, 2025, RVCC has been operating under the ServiceNet umbrella of services,” explained Dr. Elaine Campbell, ServiceNet’s Senior Vice President of Clinical Services, who previously served as assistant executive director of RVCC.  “By combining ServiceNet’s clinical operations with RVCC’s, we can offer more services to more people living throughout our communities, build on each other’s strengths and expertise, share resources more effectively, and further develop our areas of clinical excellence.

“This is also a move that is good for the therapists who work in our outpatient clinics and schools,” she added. “It provides more flexibility and opportunities for growth, and more colleagues with whom to share our ideas and experience.”

RVCC’s outpatient clinics serve people across Western Mass., with a strong commitment to community-based care and access to bilingual services. With the addition of ServiceNet’s clinics to the mix, they now have a unified system of offices in Greenfield, Northampton, Amherst, and Pittsfield, as well as Springfield, Chicopee, Holyoke, Westfield, and Easthampton. Working with people of all ages to address concerns such as depression, anxiety, OCD, hoarding, substance use, gambling, relationship challenges, and major life changes, RVCC’s team of therapists, psychiatrists, nurses, and support staff recognize that the most meaningful progress happens when people are truly partners in their own treatment.

ServiceNet and RVCC chose to affiliate last year in response the growing mental health care needs of the populations each was serving and where they saw that trend going over time.

“We already knew each other well,” said ServiceNet President and CEO Bruno Calouro, who is now CEO of RVCC, as well. “And through our transition process over the past several months, we have learned even more about how we can best share our knowledge and support as well as our values. In bringing our clinics together, we will help to assure even greater stability for these vital services our communities rely on.”

United Way of Pioneer Valley Slates Leaders Lounge

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — United Way of Pioneer Valley (UWPV) will host Leaders Lounge on Feb. 12, from 8:30 to 10 a..m.

Leaders Lounge is a free, informal meetup on the second Thursday of every month for nonprofit leaders and community builders.

Hosted by United Way of Pioneer Valley’s Community Leadership Connect, it’s a space to share ideas, test solutions, and learn of best practices. All are welcome to join the conversation.

To register, register through the Facebook event https://www.facebook.com/share/1FW8bKXp1M/

on the UWPV Facebook page, or visit the UWPV website and click the rotating banner on the home page to locate the event.

SSO Slates ‘Planet Earth: A Symphonic Journey’

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD —The Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO) will present ‘Planet Earth: A Symphonic Journey,’ a family-friendly matinée on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, at 3 p.m. at Springfield Symphony Hall. 

The afternoon performance will feature a Planet Earth film over the orchestra, and pre-concert activities for all ages hosted by the Springfield Museums, the SSO’s community partner for this concert. 

The concert will have the Springfield Symphony Orchestra performing  both U.S. and world premieres of compositions by renowned guest conductor and composer Johan de Meij. Tickets for ‘Planet Earth’ are now on sale, starting at $25, online at SpringfieldSymphony.org, or by calling the SSO Box Office at (413) 733-2291. 

The 3 p.m. concert is envisioned to be a family-friendly Valentine’s Day experience, with a multimedia performance and pre-concert activities for adults and children alike.

“This concert is about opening the doors wider at Symphony Hall and reimagining what a symphony experience can be for families today,” said Heather Caisse-Roberts, president & CEO of the SSO. “From Holst’s Jupiter to Johan de Meij’s Planet Earth and the world premiere of his T-Bone Concerto, this program blends big orchestral sound with film, storytelling, and a sense of discovery. 

“Our partnership with the Springfield Museums adds hands-on fun before the music even begins, giving families a chance to explore, ask questions, and connect science and art in real time,” she went on. “It’s immersive, it’s accessible, and yes, you’ll still be out in time for Valentine’s Day dinner.”

De Meij’s Symphony No. 3 Planet Earth is an ode to Mother Earth, performed for the first time in the U.S. on the Springfield Symphony Hall stage. The film, created by de Meij’s wife, Dyan Machan, and directed by Jed Parker, will accompany the music on a big screen over the orchestra, making for a multi-dimensional experience for concertgoers. Also of note is the world premiere of de Meij’s T-Bone Concerto, consisting of three movements: Rare, Medium and Well Done. This piece will be highlighted by legendary trombonist Joseph Alessi, principal trombone of the New York Philharmonic, performing with the orchestra. The concert will also feature Gustav Holst’s famous Jupiter.

Concertgoers of all ages are encouraged to arrive early to take part in activities hosted by various science clubs affiliated with the Springfield Museums. Featured clubs will include the STARS Club, the Connecticut Valley Mineral Club and Naturalists Club, among others, and the Springfield Museums will also have a table with activities and information.

Dutch composer and conductor Johan de Meij (photo attached) has garnered international acclaim for his compositions. He has written five symphonies including Symphony No. 2 The Big Apple andSymphony No. 3 Planet Earth, and 10 solo concertos, including T-Bone Concerto (trombone) and Casanova (cello). His Symphony No. 1 The Lord of the Rings was awarded the Sudler Composition Prize in Chicago and has been recorded by myriad ensembles including The London Symphony Orchestra and The North Netherlands Orchestra. 

De Meij has conducted in prestigious venues and has received 31 awards and nominations, including 1st Prize at the International Composition Competition of Corciano, Italy for Casanova, the Dutch Wind Music Award, the Buma Classical Award and the Buma Wind Music Award. De Meij received his musical training at the Royal Conservatory of Music in The Hague. 

Before devoting his time exclusively to composing and conducting, de Meij enjoyed a successful professional career as a trombone and euphonium player, performing with the major orchestras and ensembles in The Netherlands. 

Trombonist Joseph Alessi was appointed principal trombone of the New York Philharmonic in the spring of 1985. He is an active soloist, recitalist, and chamber music performer and has also participated in numerous festivals. In 2002, Alessi was awarded an International Trombone Association Award for his contributions to the world of trombone music and trombone playing, and in 2014, was elected president of that association.

Alessi is currently on the faculty of The Juilliard School; his students now occupy posts with many major symphony orchestras in the U.S. and internationally. 

MassMutual and Mass. Cultural Council are Season Sponsors for the 2025-26 season. For more information and to purchase tickets for the 2025-26 season’s concerts, visit springfieldsymphony.org.

Greenfield Cooperative Bank Unveils Co-op ROOTS, New Employee Volunteer Program

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Daily News

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank announced the launch of Co-op ROOTS, a new employee volunteer program designed to reflect the bank’s deep commitment to the communities it serves. 

With the newly unveiled Co-op ROOTS program, employees are given the opportunity to volunteer with partner organizations across Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties. From serving pizza lunches to Westover Airbase service members with USO, to lending a hand with Rachel’s Table at the Boys & Girls Club of Chicopee’s garden, employees will have a chance to make connections and give back. 

Along with committed community service hours, the program also highlights Co-op Acts of Kindness, an outreach initiative giving GCB employees the opportunity to sponsor acts of kindness in the community such as purchasing supplies for a local dog shelter or sending valentines to a senior community. Each year, the bank will award one employee with the “COOP-teer” Volunteer of the Year Award, and will provide employees with volunteer shirts displaying GCB’s “Rooted in Community” slogan.  

“Co-op ROOTS gives our employees another meaningful way to show up, lend a hand, and make a positive impact where it matters most,” said Sean Sormanti, senior vice president – Human Resources. “I am incredibly excited to see the connections and care that grow from this program.”

The program was spearheaded by GCB’s Strategic Planning Associate, Samantha Tefft. As an avid community volunteer, she was motivated by the opportunity to help strengthen connections and build lasting relationships between her colleagues and the community, bringing Co-op ROOTS from concept to reality. 

“I’m really excited to see the program come to life and to watch how our employees embrace it,” said Tefft, “There’s a lot of energy around it already, and I think it’s something the team is going to truly enjoy being a part of.” 

Co-op ROOTS reflects the bank’s ongoing commitment to being an active and engaged community partner. By supporting employee volunteerism and acts of kindness, the program helps strengthen local connections and reinforces the values that guide Greenfield Cooperative Bank. 

Breeze Airways Announces Nonstop Service from Bradley International Airport to Louisville

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Daily News

WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) announced that Breeze Airways will soon launch nonstop service between Bradley International Airport (BDL) and Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) in Louisville, Kentucky.

The summer seasonal service will begin on May 29, 2026, and operate twice a week on Mondays and Fridays using an Airbus A220 aircraft.

“The service to Louisville offers our passengers a new nonstop destination, providing additional convenience at affordable fares,” said Michael W. Shea, executive director & CEO of the CAA. “We are very thankful to Breeze for once again expanding its footprint at Bradley International Airport and the investments they continue to make to serve our community.”

“As one of our original bases, Hartford has played an important role in shaping how we’ve built our network,” said David Neeleman, founder and CEO of Breeze Airways. “This new summer seasonal route will give our guests in Connecticut an easy way to visit a beautiful region in northern Kentucky with easy access to great attractions like the Louisville Slugger and Kentucky Derby Museums.” 

In addition to service to Louisville (SDF), Breeze also flies nonstop between BDL and 22 other cities, including Charleston (CHS), Cincinnati (CVG), Columbus (CMH), Daytona Beach (DAB), Fort Myers (RSW), Greensboro/Winston-Salem (GSO), Greenville/Spartanburg (GSP), Jacksonville (JAX), Las Vegas (LAS), Myrtle Beach (MYR), New Bern (EWN), Norfolk (ORF), Orlando (MCO), Phoenix (PHX), Pittsburgh (PIT), Raleigh/Durham (RDU), Richmond (RIC), Sarasota/Bradenton (SRQ), Savannah (SAV), Tampa (TPA), Vero Beach (VRB), and Wilmington (ILM).

MountainOne Distributes $363,200 in Donations and Sponsorships During 3rd and 4th Quarters of 2025

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Daily News

NORTH ADAMS —  MountainOne announced that in the third and fourth quarters of 2025, it distributed $363,200  in donations and sponsorships to not-for-profit organizations across the Berkshires, Pioneer Valley, and the South Shore.

Organizations supported by MountainOne during the second half of 2025 include, but are not limited to:

• The Brien Center — $10,000 to support in-school prevention programming, counseling services for middle and high school students in high-need districts, caregiver education events, and staff training to ensure equitable access across rural communities;

• The Berkshire Innovation Center — $10,000 to serve as the MountainOne Pavilion sponsor, supporting workforce development, innovation programming, and career pathways in advanced manufacturing and technology.

• Quincy College Foundation — $10,000 to expand access to higher education and invest in the next generation of leaders by supporting Quincy College students with financial need and demonstrated academic potential.

• ServiceNet, Inc. — $10,000 to support the launch of The First, a collaborative daytime community resource center in downtown Pittsfield providing meals, hygiene services, and personalized resource navigation to help individuals experiencing housing instability move toward long-term stability and independence.

• Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plymouth — $5,000 to support affordable housing development through its annual Gala, helping build energy-efficient homes for local families through volunteer-driven construction and community partnership.

• Williamstown Rural Lands — $5,000 as lead sponsor of the fall benefit and auction, supporting the organization’s 40th anniversary celebration and helping maximize funds raised for land conservation, stewardship, and community engagement in Williamstown.

• 1Berkshire — $5,000 to serve as lead sponsor of the annual Fall Foliage Parade in North Adams, fostering community connection, local pride, and vibrant downtown activity through a beloved seasonal event.

• Elizabeth Freeman Center — $2,500 to sponsor the Rise Together Walk and fundraiser, supporting critical survivor services including the 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, counseling, legal and housing advocacy, and economic empowerment programs serving Berkshire County.

• Friends of Marshfield Hockey — $1,000 to support Marshfield High School hockey by helping fund uniforms, ice time, and transportation for student athletes on teams not fully funded by the school.

• North Adams Veterans Services — $2,500 to cover the cost of engraving names of additional veterans to the Veterans’ Memorial Park. The park stands as a place of reflection and gratitude, reminding us of the sacrifices of our veterans.

• South Shore Peer Recovery, Inc. — $1,000 to sponsor the Recovery Rocks 2025 event, supporting free recovery support groups, coaching, and family services for individuals impacted by substance use disorder across the South Shore.

MountainOne also continued its support of key cultural and educational institutions within the Berkshires, including commitments to MASS MoCA and the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. These contributions align with broader, multi-year capital campaign efforts and reflect MountainOne’s long-term investment in regional vitality. These ongoing partnerships build on prior years of support and help sustain institutions that play a critical role in the identity, economy, and future of the region.

“It is our privilege to support the work of organizations that uplift, empower, and enrich the communities we serve,” said Brenda Petell, vice president of Community Engagement. “These outstanding nonprofits represent just a portion of the many organizations we support throughout the year to help drive positive work in our communities.”

PeoplesBank Increases Donations to $1.8 million in 2025

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — PeoplesBank, a mutually chartered bank serving Western Mass. and Connecticut, increased its charitable contributions to more than $1.8 million over the past year, and its associates also increased volunteer hours serving area nonprofits by 15%. 

“We felt it was important to act to address a significant need in our communities,” said Amy Roberts, executive vice president and chief administrative officer, at PeoplesBank, when the bank’s Executive Leadership Team announced an additional $100,000 in donations late last year. “As a mutual bank, corporate responsibility and volunteering are part of our culture, so we do all we can to support nonprofits that are best positioned to deliver immediate, measurable impact to help people.”

PeoplesBank also reported that it’s associates pledged an additional $40,000 of their own salaries as part of its Workplace Giving program and that it sponsored 300 community events in its market.

“What makes PeoplesBank different, I think, is our commitment to the community,” said Matthew Bannister, senior vice president of Corporate Responsibility and Sponsorships. “A mutual bank is really just an ownership structure, and for most consumers, it doesn’t really matter. What does matter is what happens as a result of being a mutual bank, and that is that we have more funds and more resources to invest in the community.”

In 2025, PeoplesBank supported nearly 500 charitable organizations, including The Care Center, The Center for Human Development, the Hampshire Regional YMCA, Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services, Celebrate! WeHa, CT Foodshare, The Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, and Hands on Hartford.

“When community leaders like PeoplesBank step forward in partnership, it’s more than a donation — it’s a powerful act of solidarity,” noted Shannon Rudder, CEO of Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services. “This support helps us respond to the overwhelming need, and when we come together like this, we remind our neighbors that they’re not alone.”

UMass Amherst Online Programs Among Top 20 in US News & World Report 2026 Rankings

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Daily News

AMHERST — UMass Amherst’s online education programs have again been recognized as among the best in the nation, placing in the Top 20 public and private colleges and universities for its undergraduate and graduate programs according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 rankings released Tuesday.

The university’s Isenberg School of Management online bachelor’s degree in business program ranks No. 4 out of 218 institutions and was the only New England university — public or private — to place in the Top 10. The school’s bachelor’s program for veterans maintained its No. 11 spot from last year.

Two of Isenberg’s online master’s programs placed in the Top 5 out of 206 institutions in their respective categories: master’s in business and master’s in business programs for veterans. Isenberg’s online MBA program ranks at No. 14, up two spots from 2025, while the online MBA ranks at No. 13.

“Our groundbreaking online MBA program — one of the oldest and most respected in the country — is clearly a leader in this space and provides today’s students with career-building skills and learning experiences,” said Isenberg Dean Anne Massey, Thomas O’Brien Endowed Chair. “These rankings — particularly the online MBA’s rise over last year — demonstrate the continued quality and importance of our online master’s business programs for training the next generation of professionals.”

UMass Amherst online bachelor’s degree programs moved up two spots, to No. 17 among 348 public and private colleges and universities, while the Elaine Marieb School of Nursing climbed one spot to No. 29 and is the only Massachusetts institution in the Top 40.

In other graduate program recognitions, the university’s master’s in education program surged up 45 spots to No. 64.

“These rankings acknowledge the national reputation of UMass Amherst as a leader and innovator in the delivery of online education,” said Scott Davidson, associate provost for Interdisciplinary Studies and interim executive director of Lifelong Learning. “The quality of our programs is enhanced by our Course Design Institute (CDI) that helps faculty to create accessible and engaging online courses as well as by the commitment of our entire faculty and staff to the success of each individual student.”

WooSox Foundation Honors Country Bank’s Jodie Gerulaitis

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Daily News

WORCESTER — The WooSox Foundation recognized Jodie Gerulaitis, first vice president of Community Relations at Country Bank, during its recent Fourth Annual WooSox Foundation Honors Gala. She was honored for her outstanding contributions to the community, particularly in advancing education across Central and Western Massachusetts.

Although Gerulaitis was traveling internationally at the time of the event, her parents proudly accepted the award on her behalf, while she joined the celebration virtually.

In her role at Country Bank, Jodie leads the bank’s community relations and financial literacy initiatives, delivering education programs that empower children with essential money management skills. She also spearheads Country Bank’s partnership with the WooSox Foundation Most Valuable Teacher program, an initiative that celebrates and elevates educators who make a meaningful difference in students’ lives throughout the region.

“Jodie’s passion for education and her commitment to recognizing the true MVPs in our communities, our teachers, reflect the very heart of what this award represents,” said Dr. Charles Steinberg of the WooSox. “Her impact reaches far beyond the classroom and continues to strengthen our region for generations to come.”