Company Notebook
MountainOne, Mechanics Receive Approvals to Merge
NORTH ADAMS, TAUNTON — MountainOne Financial, MHC, the mutual holding company parent of MountainOne Bank, and Mechanics Bancorp, MHC, the mutual holding company parent of Mechanics Cooperative Bank, announced that all regulatory approvals required to complete the merger of the two mutual holding companies have been received. The merger transaction is scheduled to take place on Jan. 1, at which time the newly combined mutual holding company will operate under the name MountainOne Financial, MHC, and will have approximately $1.9 billion in assets. MountainOne Bank and Mechanics Cooperative Bank will continue to operate as two separate, independently chartered community banks, and will each retain their existing names, headquarters locations, leadership teams, and boards of directors. Furthermore, customers will not experience any disruption, nor do they need to take any action. Upon completion of the merger, Robert Fraser will serve as chairman, and Joseph Baptista Jr. will be president and CEO, of the combined mutual holding company, MountainOne Financial, MHC. Fraser will continue in his role as president and CEO of MountainOne Bank, and Baptista will also remain as president and CEO of Mechanics Cooperative Bank. There are no staff reductions associated with the merger.
BrightBridge, Arrha Credit Union Members Approve Merger
LAWRENCE, SPRINGFIELD — The members of BrightBridge Credit Union and Arrha Credit Union voted in favor of merging the two financial organizations, following separate member votes at each organization’s corporate headquarters. BrightBridge will be the continuing credit union, with Arrha changing its name to Arrha Credit Union, a Division of BrightBridge Credit Union. The newly merged credit union will have 23 retail branches, combined assets of nearly $2.4 billion, and approximately 125,000 members. The merger will combine the resources, expertise, and values of two long-standing and like-minded credit unions. The merger is expected to be finalized on Jan. 1, 2026, pending regulatory approval. Built on a shared commitment to outstanding service, competitive financial solutions, and meaningful community engagement, this partnership allows BrightBridge to broaden its reach, now serving members in Massachusetts’ Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties, as well as Hartford and Tolland counties in Connecticut. In 2019, 2020, 2023, and 2025, BrightBridge completed successful mergers with Bridgewater Credit Union, Ocean Spray Employees Federal Credit Union, RTN Federal Credit Union, and Cabot Boston Credit Union, respectively.
March for the Food Bank Raises More Than $830,000
CHICOPEE — The 16th annual March for the Food Bank on Nov. 24-25 raised more than $830,000 after two days and more than 43 miles on foot. The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts blew past its ambitious $650,000 goal this year. Because every dollar helps create the equivalent of two nutritious meals, this year’s March will provide more than 1.5 million meals to families, elders, and children in all four counties. This year’s march was full of milestones. It welcomed the largest group of marchers in event history, achieved the highest fundraising total ever, and launched the region’s first Berkshire Mini-March in Pittsfield, drawing crowds, energy, and enthusiasm. With momentum at its peak, the Food Bank has raised its march goal to $1 million and will continue accepting donations through Dec. 31. Donations to the March for the Food Bank can be made by visiting www.marchforthefoodbank.org.
Mayflower Marathon Raises $260,000 for Open Pantry
SPRINGFIELD — Rock 102 (WAQY-FM) conducted its 32nd annual Mayflower Marathon food drive at MGM Springfield in the three days leading up to Thanksgiving, raising $260,000 in food and cash donations — a new record for the long-running tradition. Morning hosts Bax & Nagle powered through 52 hours of broadcasting, rallying listeners to donate non-perishable food items to benefit Open Pantry Community Services of Springfield. With food insecurity affecting more than 50% of households across Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties, the need for support has never been greater. The Mayflower Marathon’s success is fueled by unwavering community involvement. Local residents and businesses stepped up in a big way, including major partners like the Springfield Thunderbirds, Capitol Relocation and Logistics, Xfinity, Camping World of West Hatfield, Arment Trucking, and many more. Thanks to their efforts, four tractor trailers were filled with food, helping Open Pantry meet the growing demand for assistance. This year’s drive was dedicated to former Rock 102 morning co-host and Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Famer John O’Brien, who passed away recently after a courageous 14-year battle with cancer. He helped launch this event 32 years ago, and it will continue for many years to come in his honor.
D.A. Sullivan & Sons Inc. Named a Top Place to Work
NORTHAMPTON — D.A. Sullivan & Sons Inc. (DAS) has been named one of the 2025 Top Places to Work in Massachusetts in the 18th annual employee-based survey from the Boston Globe. The Top Places to Work issue is online at globe.com/topplaces and will appear in Globe Magazine on Sunday, Dec. 7. Top Places to Work celebrates the most admired workplaces in the state voted on by the people who know them best — their employees. The survey measures employee opinions about their company’s direction, execution, connection, management, work, pay, benefits, and engagement. DAS is recognized in the Small Business category with 50 to 99 employees.
Greylock Selects Berkshire County Kids’ Place for $20,000 Award
PITTSFIELD — On Nov. 5, Lori Goodell, senior vice president of Greylock Insurance Agency (GIA), presented a $20,000 check to Berkshire County Kids’ Place at the 20th anniversary celebration of Arbella Insurance Foundation, which funded the grant. GIA, which partners with Arbella Insurance, was one of 20 nonprofit organizations across New England invited to apply for the grant, and one of 10 to be selected to give away $20,000 to a nonprofit of their choice. Berkshire County Kids’ Place provides a safe, home-like environment for victims of child abuse and their non-offending family members. In 2025, regional nonprofits have faced heightened financial pressure, with many experiencing budget shortfalls and rising demand for services. The Arbella Insurance Foundation’s 20th anniversary initiative provides both funding and awareness to help address these challenges and celebrate organizations that are committed to making a lasting difference.
WNE, Bay Path Launch Articulation Agreement
SPRINGFIELD — Western New England University (WNE) and Bay Path University have signed a new articulation agreement that creates a streamlined academic pathway between two rapidly expanding fields, genetic counseling and pharmacogenomics. The partnership is designed to support the significant regional workforce demand for professionals trained in precision medicine, genomic testing, and personalized therapeutics. Under the agreement, WNE will reserve at least two seats annually in its master of science in pharmacogenomics (MSPGx) program for qualified graduates of Bay Path’s master of science in genetic counseling (MSGC) program. Conversely, Bay Path will reserve at least five interview seats in its MSGC program annually for WNE MSPGx graduates. Students accepted through this pathway will also receive six transfer credits toward the MSPGx or MSGC degree, which may reduce the cost of their graduate studies. To qualify for the reserved seats and transfer credits, interested students must meet established academic standards, including maintaining at least a 3.5 GPA and completing designated prerequisite coursework. Applications for the pathway must be submitted by April 1 each year. The agreement also outlines joint recruitment and advising initiatives, including co-hosted virtual and in-person information sessions to ensure students understand the academic requirements and career opportunities in both fields.
Rocky’s Ace Hardware Customers Round Up for Animal Shelters
SPRINGFIELD — Rocky’s Ace Hardware announced the results of its annual Round Up for Pets fundraiser. Customers at participating Rocky’s stores in Western Mass. helped raise a total of $7,663.06, while stores nationwide collected a combined $45,646.45. These donations will go directly to care for rescued and surrendered animals, ensuring their needs are met as they wait for their forever homes. Participating Rocky’s locations included the stores on Island Pond Road and Liberty Street in Springfield and the stores in Agawam, East Longmeadow, Ludlow, Palmer, South Hadley, and Westfield. Local shelters benefiting from the year’s round-up include the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center and Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society in Springfield, Second Chance Animal Services in East Brookfield, and Westfield Animal Control and Shelter.
MountainOne Donates $25,000 for Food, Fuel Assistance
NORTH ADAMS — MountainOne announced it will donate $25,000 to local community organizations across the Berkshire County and South Shore regions to assist with combating food insecurity and providing winter fuel assistance. This financial commitment arrives at a moment when many local partners are seeing record need. Rising fuel costs have pushed many households to the edge, and increasing demand at food pantries has led to strained resources. MountainOne is stepping in with funding that will help keep homes warm and ensure families have access to healthy meals. In Berkshire County, MountainOne will contribute $10,000 to local food pantries, including Thanksgiving Angels Inc., Berkshire Grown Inc., Berkshire Food Project Inc., Al Nelson Food Pantry, and the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. In the South Shore region, MountainOne will contribute $5,000 to local food pantries, including End Hunger New England, which provides meal packages for South Shore Food Pantries, as well as the Rockland Emergency Food Pantry, Interfaith Social Services, and the Scituate Food Pantry. Lastly, MountainOne will direct its $10,000 donation for fuel assistance to the Pittsfield Area Council of Congregations (PACC) Hearth and Home Fuel Fund.
Bulkley Richardson Raises $11,000 to Battle Food Insecurity
SPRINGFIELD — Bulkley Richardson holds an annual campaign to raise funds for the United Way of Pioneer Valley through personal contributions from attorneys and staff. The campaign has become a tradition at the firm for many reasons, making an impact in the local community. This year’s campaign donations will go directly to battling food insecurity. The temporary increases to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits that were provided during the pandemic have now ended, leaving families across the Pioneer Valley with a significant reduction in their monthly food assistance at a time when grocery prices remain high. This means more households are struggling to keep food on the table and are turning to community resources for help.
Mama G’s Halal Platters, Frozen D Lite Open at Mall
HOLYOKE — Holyoke Mall recently welcomed two new eateries to the center, Mama G’s Halal Platters and Frozen D Lite. Mama G’s Halal Platters is now open on the JCPenney wing of the upper level, next to Pretzelmaker. It offers Middle Eastern flavors like chicken, lamb, shrimp, or falafel rice platters; chapli kabob; Indian dishes like chicken tikka and butter chicken; as well as classic American dishes like burgers, Philly cheesesteaks, and chicken tenders. All the food will meet halal dietary standards. Frozen D Lite opened recently on the lower level next to Mystery Bins. The snack shop offers a range of treats, from sweet crepes and waffles with ice cream to smoothies, shakes, and frozen yogurt.
Bueno y Sano Celebrates Holyoke Opening with Donation
HOLYOKE — Bueno y Sano marked the grand opening of its eighth location in Holyoke, a milestone event distinguished by a significant act of community support. The new restaurant, notable for being the chain’s first with a female franchise owner, Xiomara Rosa, immediately demonstrated its commitment to the city by making a donation to aid families recently affected by devastating local fires. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, moved by the recent tragedies that displaced more than 100 residents, Rosa announced a $500 donation to the Enlace de Familias Emergency Fund. Demonstrating a shared commitment to local well-being, Bueno y Sano corporate, represented by founder Bob Lowry, matched the contribution, bringing the total to $1,000 for families in need. This gesture came at a critical time for Holyoke, where two separate fires destroyed approximately 50 apartments, leaving numerous families and their pets without homes or belongings.
Daruma Hosts Grand Opening for Japanese BBQ Restaurant
HOLYOKE — Daruma Japanese BBQ celebrated its grand opening with a public ribbon-cutting ceremony on Dec. 5 at 241 Whiting Farms Road, Holyoke. The event marked the official launch of the first Japanese BBQ establishment in Western Mass., introducing a unique dining concept to the region. The Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce and Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia were in attendance to welcome the new business to the community. Demonstrating a strong commitment to the community, Daruma recently donated $1,000 to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts through the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce’s food drive. Daruma Japanese BBQ offers an interactive dining experience where guests can grill high-quality meats and vegetables at their own tables. In addition to its signature BBQ, the restaurant features a full sushi menu. Guests can enjoy all-you-can-eat sushi with two distinct options: a regular menu including classic favorites and a premium menu offering upgraded selections for a more elevated dining experience. The owners are also in the process of securing a liquor license.
Hot Plate Brewing Launches Innovative Loyalty Program
PITTSFIELD — Hot Plate Brewing Co., the award-winning, Latina-owned craft brewery known for its community-driven ethos, announced the launch of the Scrum, a first-of-its-kind loyalty program inspired by Agile software development. Instead of a traditional mug club built around spending, the Scrum invites guests to become ‘community developers’ who earn points through participation, engagement, and showing up. Borrowing from the Agile methodology of collaborative ‘sprints,’ the Scrum transforms everyday taproom experiences into opportunities to contribute to the revitalization of downtown Pittsfield. Members earn points for attending events, checking in during visits, taking part in special releases, supporting local businesses and artists, and helping shape the experience of the taproom. Points can then be redeemed for rewards ranging from exclusive merch to special access to exclusive beers, private events, and more. The Scrum is now open for signups. More information is available at www.hotplatebeer.com/the-scrum.
Two Jewish Organizations Fund Emergency Assistance Efforts
PITTSFIELD — Responding to the needs of the nearly 20% of Berkshire neighbors who may face food and fuel insecurity this winter, Jewish Federation of the Berkshires has approved emergency allocations of $11,000 to support food assistance and $10,000 for fuel assistance to help its neighbors across Berkshire County. The Jewish Women’s Foundation of Berkshire County has also approved an emergency allocation of $10,000 to support local food pantries. Together, these allocations represent a $31,000 commitment from the local Berkshire Jewish community to help ensure that neighbors have access to food and warmth during this critical time. Additionally, the Jewish Federation offers affordable kosher meals for older adults (ages 60 and above), which are available for pickup on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at Knesset Israel in Pittsfield through the winter months. Contact the kitchen reservation line at (413) 442-2200 up to 24 hours in advance to reserve a meal for pickup.
Rick’s Place Selected for Community Bank Donation
WILBRAHAM — Rick’s Place, a nonprofit providing free grief support programs for children, teens, and their caregivers, was selected for a community donation by Community Bank, N.A. as the bank prepared to open its new branch on Boston Road in Springfield in early December. During the branch’s soft launch period, Community Bank will donate $25 for every new account or loan opened, with a guaranteed minimum gift of $2,500 to Rick’s Place. Community Bank representatives shared that Rick’s Place was chosen because of the organization’s mission and its long-standing service to local families. Rick’s Place offers peer-based grief support groups for youth ages 5-18 and their caregivers, training for schools and community partners, and resources that help families navigate life after a significant loss. All programs for youth and caregivers are provided at no cost.
Jessy’s Fight Donates $38,820 to D’Amour Center for Cancer Care
SPRINGFIELD — The Sullivan family presented a donation of $38,820.68 to Baystate Health’s D’Amour Center for Cancer Care in Springfield on Nov. 25. The funds represent the combined proceeds from the sixth annual Jessy’s Fight Golf Tournament, held at the Country Club of Wilbraham, and Cloud 9 Marketing Group’s 10-year anniversary fundraiser. Since 2017, Jessy’s Fight has raised money to support patients and families affected by cancer throughout Western Mass. What began as a personal battle has grown into a major community effort driven by family, friends, local businesses, and supporters across the region. This year’s golf tournament was originally rained out and forced to be rescheduled, yet every golfer, sponsor, and supporter returned on the rain date. The donation was presented by John and Jessica Sullivan, their daughters, Willow and Autumn, and Dylan Pilon of Cloud 9 Marketing Group. Jessy’s Fight hopes to bring joy and reassurance to those who feel lost and alone. Jessy has been cancer-free eight years and counting.
Dakin Receives $40,000 Grant from Windsor Charitable Trust
SPRINGFIELD — Dakin Humane Society has been named a recipient of a 2025 grant in the amount of $40,000 from the Shirley Shattuck Windsor Charitable Trust, whose purpose is to give primarily for the relief of poverty and the prevention of cruelty to animals. The funding will be directed toward the care of feral kittens rescued by Dakin’s Kitten Street Team (KST). The all-volunteer team responds to calls from the public identifying the locations of colonies of feral cats and kittens by going on-site, assessing the cats’ habits and whereabouts, meticulously setting humane traps, and capturing members of each colony, one by one. The cats are brought to Dakin for spay/neuter surgery. Kittens who can be socialized and live as domestic pets are adopted through Dakin. Adult cats, unable to live as domestic pets, are ear-tipped and returned to their colonies using the humane methods of TNR (trap/neuter/return). By curbing the population of feral cats, so many are spared the brutal conditions of outside living: attacks from predators, disease, and harsh elements.
