Home Posts tagged Western Mass. (Page 2)

Shannon O’Connell

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2026

Facility Manager, The Good Dog Spot: Age 32

Shannon O’Connell has always had a heart for animals.

“My mom told me the first time I belly laughed as a baby was when we picked up our puppy; the mom dog started barking, and I started belly laughing,” she recalled. “So I guess I’ve always loved animals, even as a baby.”

O’Connell has been fortunate to turn that love into a career at the Good Dog Spot in Chicopee, which she joined in 2011 just out of high school. There, she’s grown through nearly every role in the organization to become facility manager.

“Shannon oversees daily operations across daycare, boarding, and grooming, while also handling scheduling, client relations, and the health and safety standards that define the business,” wrote Cory Staples, general manager of the Good Dog Spot and one of a whopping 10 individuals who nominated O’Connell for 40 Under Forty. “She leads with both competence and compassion.”

She also manages the company’s social media presence, among other responsibilities. But her favorite role is still daycare, she noted. “I love interacting with the dogs and just watching them interact with each other — the different behaviors, the funny things they do, the joy they have to be there socializing.”

But her journey into animal foster care has been impressive as well. In 2012, a rescue organization reached out to the Good Dog Spot, asking for help boarding some 8-week-old puppies until they could find homes.

“They were adorable. I said, ‘well, I can’t leave them at work. I’ll take them home,’” O’Connell recalled. “And that’s how my fostering happened. It was a lot of fun, so I kept asking for more. I started fostering kittens, and now we do a little bit of everything — mostly dogs and cats. I found it to be very rewarding.”

Indeed, she and her partner have opened their home to close to 300 animals, many from the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center — creating a calm, nurturing environment where they can safely grow, heal, learn to trust, and eventually find forever homes.

O’Connell has also fostered for Canine Companions, which provides service dogs to adults, children, and veterans with disabilities; and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice, and educational settings — all at no cost to clients.

“I love seeing the growth of each foster while we have them and watching them go to their new home,” she said, “and seeing how loved they are after starting out in the shelter.”

—Joseph Bednar

John Page

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2026

Executive Director, Amherst Business Improvement District: Age 29

It’s called Amherst Restaurant Week.

As that name suggests, it’s a week (in June) designed to promote, celebrate, and introduce people to Amherst’s eclectic mix of dining establishments.

And it’s just one of many initiatives created or enhanced by John Page, executive director of the Amherst Business Improvement District (BID) as he carries out the agency’s mission to support local businesses and cultivate a dynamic and vibrant downtown Amherst. Others include everything from the fall Downtown Block Party and summer concerts on the Common to the holiday-season Sip and Shop Stroll, which encourages holiday shopping.

Expanding that list is among the priorities for Page, a UMass Amherst grad who formerly worked for the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, which shares space with the BID, and came to understand and respect the latter’s mission. After a stint working on events at his alma mater, he eventually decided to seek the BID director’s job after the departure of Gabrielle Gould.

That’s eventually.

“I was reluctant at first because I didn’t know if I was ready,” he said, adding that the BID’s board asked him to help with some projects, such as the Block Party and summer concerts, in the interim, and while doing that, he became convinced he was ready.

And over the past two years, he has become a force in efforts to bring people downtown and create more vibrancy there.

“It’s an interesting time to be in the downtown because there’s a little bit of a renaissance, but there are also some really big challenges,” he said, adding that there’s been a changing of the guard, with the owners of some long-standing businesses retiring, and new ventures taking their places. “We’ve been very lucky to have several new businesses open up, expand, or move into the downtown over the past few years, and there’s still room for more.”

While being active in the community is part of Page’s job description, such work takes many forms and extends well beyond Amherst’s downtown, including service on the board of the Amherst Education Foundation. He also serves as co-chair of the Pelham Cultural Council and has been a lead organizer of Amherst’s LGBTQ+ Pride events in downtown Amherst, including the first-ever Amherst Pride Parade.

And when not doing all that, he loves to travel — including trips to Barcelona, Costa Rica, and Mexico — while always looking forward to returning home to a community where he plays a key role in setting the tone.

—George O’Brien

Robyn Miller

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2026

Owner, MorningBird Media: Age 37

Robyn Miller highly values being a mom — her daughter, Addy, is 8 — and is grateful she was able to launch a successful digital marketing and media business that not only helps clients succeed, but gives her the flexibility to raise her child.

“Everything is built around her — I’ve grown this business since she was little,” Miller said. “It was a bit tumultuous at the beginning, at the beginning of COVID; all the daycares were shut, and it was a very difficult, very isolating time, but we persevered.”

Today, she operates MorningBird Media in Springfield’s downtown Marketplace row, offering strategic marketing, media management, branding, website development, and content production. She’s also in the process of building out a podcast studio, a small product and headshot studio, and other services for clients and the community.

“We want to be more than a standard marketing agency,” Miller said, adding that she enjoys the work because every day is different and she’s constantly learning new things to stay ahead of the industry curve.

“The digital landscape evolves every day, so there’s an urgency to evolve with it — or be antiquated,” she noted. “I enjoy that there’s always something new to learn, and our product suite never stops evolving. What worked today might not work tomorrow, so it’s up to us to make sure we’re steering that ship properly.”

As part of that evolution, MorningBird has expanded into AI education and marketing master classes, equipping business owners with tools that prepare them for what’s next.

A connector outside of work as well, Miller has served in multiple leadership roles with the Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts, founded the Western Massachusetts Women’s Business Network, organized events such as the Creative Unconference at Holyoke Community College, and worked with area colleges to create internship and training opportunities for students.

In recent years, Miller and her husband owned the ShopRite of Enfield, through which they launched an initiative, in partnership with area middle and high schools, to present “The Act of Kindness Award.” This effort was inspired by the nonprofit agency Rachel’s Challenge. At the program’s peak, 84 students a year, in eight schools in four towns were presented awards and recognition for their efforts. When they began new business ventures, they passed the program to the North Central CT Chamber of Commerce, where it has continued, and Miller is looking to start a similar endeavor in Western Mass.

“We were also making donations to the charity of their choice,” she explained. “The award had nothing to do with their grades or how good an athlete they were — just simply, ‘you’re a good person.’”

—Joseph Bednar

 

Leanese Ramos

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2026

Owner, RCollaborative: Age 36

Leanese and Gio Ramos had a decision to make.

She was working in their church, in a marketing and communications role, while he was working for a local utility when he was suddenly laid off. Both people of faith, they talked to their pastor about what to do.

“He said, ‘definitely look for another job — but in the meantime, do you have any skills that are immediately marketable that you can monetize?’” she recalled. “And we did — we had all this knowledge for marketing and content creation.”

So, in 2019, they launched RCollaborative, a strategic marketing and content creation agency. In the first year alone, while Leanese was pregnant, they built a six-figure enterprise, and have grown exponentially from there.

“The operational backbone, the discipline, and the strategic structure … came from her,” Gio said in nominating his wife for 40 Under Forty. “Her strength is operational clarity. She brings structure where others bring ideas. She creates frameworks because she refuses to let businesses operate in chaos.”

Both see the enterprise as an example of solid teamwork.

“We own this business as a couple, and everything we do is through the lens of our faith to make decisions for our clients,” she said. “And we’ve also built a business around our strengths as a couple. You have to identify your strengths; you have to be able to create your own roles and not step on each other’s toes, and that has helped in our growth.”

In working for clients ranging from mom-and-pop restaurants to a multiple-location gym, Ramos said she most enjoys the personal connection with clients. “I get the most joy from having conversations with somebody, identifying with them, and figuring out what their issues are.”

She’s also still very active in Restoration City Church in Springfield — she directs its online campus, a program she helped build from the ground up — as well as serving as vice president of the Ad Club of Western Massachusetts and on the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce’s membership committee.

She also co-created Una Noche en Puerto Rico in collaboration with MGM Springfield, Explore Western Mass, the Latino Economic Development Council, and the Springfield Puerto Rican Parade Committee.

Summing all this up, she said, “I want people to know I am someone who deeply cares about the community we call home, which is why we are so involved in these different things outside of our business. And I live my life through the lens of my faith, putting family first and building something significant from that.”

—Joseph Bednar

Bianca Romero

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2026

Assistant Director of Student Engagement and Residence Life, Adjunct Professor, Bay Path University/Cambridge College: Age 29

Bianca Romero’s title is a long one, and indeed, it encompasses quite a few responsibilities, she said.

“But my biggest goal is always to help our students feel like Bay Path and Cambridge are their home away from home — to help them engage and find themselves,” she explained. “Every day, I think about how each student can change the world, and what I can do to help them get closer to their goals and bring their skills outside campus and into the community.”

Romero’s work can be fun — hosting fun events and promoting residential life — and less so, when having tough conversations around crisis response and student safety. She founded and scaled up residence hall associations at both institutions, led new student orientation strategy, implemented RA and RD training programs, launched a graduate student association, and much more.

“But the goal, every day, is to help students become leaders,” she said, and that applies to her work as an adjunct professor as well, teaching classes in legal studies, business, and criminal justice. “I remember being in their shoes, being nervous, having imposter syndrome as a first-generation college student. Whether it’s online or in person, I think about those moments and ask myself, how can I connect with students no matter where they are academically, financially, or emotionally?”

Early on, Romero took steps toward a career in law enforcement, graduating with honors from the NYPD Cadet Corps program aspiring to work in community policing, and later shifted gears, enrolling at Bay Path for legal studies, hoping to one day defend and advocate for people. But she then became student government president and met Bay Path’s then-president, Carol Leary, who mentored her. “I never in my life thought about being a college president until I met her,” Romero said, but that is, indeed, her current long-range goal.

“As a child, I wanted to be a businesswoman, a lawyer, in law enforcement, in community building — but education holds all of those things,” she explained.

“When you’re able to educate and give opportunities to people who never thought they’d have those opportunities, you are changing the world,” she went on. “You’re making the world a better place and building communities. Now it’s not only you, but others who can go out and use what you’re teaching them to make the world a better, safer, happier place, especially in the climate we’re in now.”

—Joseph Bednar

Amanda Shafii

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2026

Owner, CopyCat; President, Downtown Northampton Assoc.: Age 35

Amanda Shafii wasn’t thinking about entrepreneurship when she earned a psychology and neuroscience degree at UMass Amherst, but when a business ownership opportunity emerged, she found she had a passion for it.

“My parents had started a printing business in 1985 and created a commercial company called TigerPress,” she said, and when they were selling off their former CopyCat shops, Shafii decided to take over the one in Greenfield.

“I’d moved back to the area, and they needed a manager. So I started managing that store in 2015 with the intention of selling it. But I fell in love with being a business owner, so I moved the business to Northampton.”

“I really enjoyed the sense of community and saw how shopping small and supporting small businesses is important to keep a diverse downtown. Instead of having all big box stores, we have a lot of unique shops. I also really love the fact that, as a business owner, the sky’s the limit — you can do whatever you want.”

The first thing she changed was the company’s outdated logo, and she also created a new website and focused on modern services like digital design, which hadn’t been offered before.

“The next major pivot was during COVID when we started being a B2B instead of a B2C, focusing on our business customers,” Shafii said. “I realized how much I loved helping entrepreneurs, not just with the printing part, but with the strategy part.

“That’s where my neuroscience degree becomes helpful,” she added. “When you work with CopyCat, we are your strategic partner for smart design and print marketing. It’s an opportunity to watch a customer make smart investments in their business and see the results.”

These days, Shaffi also serves as president of the Downtown Northampton Assoc., which seeks economic and cultural vibrancy through programming, festivals, beautification efforts, and business collaboration. She was already volunteering on a host of local boards — “I have a problem saying no to things,” she noted — and leading the association was a natural next step.

“The goal is always foot traffic and bringing unique art downtown. It’s a cycle: if things are happening, it gets busier. My specialty is marketing and getting the word out on social media and trying to have a very strong digital presence that gets a lot of views and engagement. So my goal for downtown would be to see business owners succeeding and see amazing, unique artists gravitating toward this area because of what Northampton stands for.”

—Joseph Bednar

Corrine Ryan

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2026

Managing Attorney – Hampden County, Community Legal Aid: Age 37

Corrine Ryan wasn’t sure what she would do with the law degree she was earning at Georgetown University Law Center. But she knew it would be in the broad realm of public interest law, which is dedicated to representing and advocating for the rights and interests of individuals or groups that are typically underrepresented or marginalized in society.

And that is exactly the path she has followed, rising to the role of managing attorney at Community Legal Aid (CLA), which provides free civil legal help to low-income and elderly residents in Central and Western Mass. across several practice areas, ranging from eviction defense to education law; immigration to Social Security.

Ryan doesn’t handle many cases in this role; instead, her multi-faceted work is focused on staff development, professional development, grant writing, meeting with legislators to secure adequate funding, community engagement to build awareness of what CLA does, and direct oversight of its many operations, from the more than 100 calls the office receives each day to implementation of new programs.

Since becoming managing attorney, she has led several new initiatives, including the Commonwealth Care Alliance (CCA) Medical Legal Partnership, a collaboration between CLA attorneys and CCA medical staff that gave critical legal help in 350 cases to poor and elderly patients presenting with health-harming legal needs between 2022 and 2025, as well as the Family Preservation Project, a first-of-its-kind interdisciplinary team that helps families with open child welfare investigations, with the goal of keeping families intact.

“It’s an access-to-justice gap, really, and we try to fill that gap by providing representation to people who can’t afford attorneys,” Ryan said, adding that one of her biggest challenges is coping with the reality that CLA must turn away half the people who apply for help because it simply doesn’t have the capacity.

Active in the community, she serves on the board at Square One, an agency she’s passionate about, most recently as board chair. In addition, she is a board member with the Hampden County Bar Assoc.

Meanwhile, in her day job, she finds all aspects of the work — and fighting those legal battles — immensely rewarding.

“You can really move the needle in a huge way and change people’s lives,” she explained. “Whether it’s defending against a conviction or helping people get services in schools … we win a lot of the time, but even when we don’t, it’s that dignity and representation; they had their fair shake at due process.”

—George O’Brien

Aimee Salmon

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2026

CEO, Positively Africana by Aimee: Age 35

Aimee Salmon’s entrepreneurial journey began 18 years ago as a student at Mount Holyoke College, when a professor assigned students to start a business.

But her vision for that enterprise — and her personal journey — started earlier than that, before she immigrated to the U.S. from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Her business, Positively Africana by Aimee, brings authentic handmade gifts and cultural items to market in her downtown Northampton store, as well as nationwide through an e-commerce platform. She also offers African dance fitness classes in person and online. In all of this, she creates economic opportunities for women entrepreneurs and artists in Africa, while 25% of her profits directly support women in the Congo — funds that help create sustainable income opportunities, strengthen local businesses, and preserve cultural traditions through women-led entrepreneurship.

“I grew up in the Congo, and I wanted to create something that was not just a job, but a legacy to my grandmother and the women I saw working every day in my hometown in the Congo,” Salmon explained. “I also realized a need for cultural representation, through everyday African stories. I wanted to bring my voice and my entrepreneurial passion to this platform to highlight those stories and bring them to life, building a community around fitness and retail and media and storytelling — they’re all interconnected.”

The 10 individuals who nominated Salmon for 40 Under Forty all wrote eloquently of the connections she is forging between cultures — which is also reflected in her board service with the International Language Institute (ILI).

“Aimee’s business is not just retail — it is bridge-building,” ILI Executive Director Caroline Gear wrote. “As someone who has watched her leadership up close, I can say that Aimee combines entrepreneurial drive with deep integrity. She builds partnerships thoughtfully, invests in community relationships, and leads with purpose. Her business success is inseparable from her commitment to cultural representation and economic empowerment.”

In fact, Salmon said, her success is gratifying precisely because of its worldwide impact.

“It’s a work of love. I do it from the heart because knowing that I’m helping someone every day feels good to my soul. When people are supporting us here in the United States, the people we work with in the Congo and other regions in Africa are growing as well. Just watching their growth, seeing their businesses thrive, gives me so much joy and fulfillment. The African impact is a big piece of what I’m trying to accomplish here.”

—Joseph Bednar

Nicole Stevenson

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2026

Vice President, Consumer Lending, PeoplesBank: Age 36

Nicole Stevenson’s career path didn’t arc toward banking at first; she majored in early childhood education, but after an internship, she decided that might not be the field for her.

“I was at a standstill, wondering, what’s my next career move?” she recalled. Fortunately, she secured a job with Hampden Bank as a teller, and something clicked. “I loved the interaction with customers, and every day was different — so I learned as much as possible and stayed with it.”

Now, as vice president, Consumer Lending at PeoplesBank, Stevenson still has a varied set of roles that keep those days from getting stale, directing consumer lending processing, internet origination, compliance, and loan servicing. With 17 years of banking experience under her belt, she has risen through the ranks with a steady series of promotions.

“I’m not seeing customers anymore, but I get to help people in a different aspect — more strategic, making sure they have the products they need, making sure they’re getting into their first home and have a seamless experience and someone to support them, making sure customers have the best experience at PeoplesBank and know we’re their partner along the way.”

Stevenson’s leadership extends well beyond the workplace. She currently serves as second vice president of the West Springfield Boys & Girls Club, where she is also an active member of the fund committee and co-chair of the emerging leaders committee. She has also volunteered with Dress for Success Western Massachusetts, the West Springfield St. Patrick’s Committee, the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Committee, the Agawam St. Patrick’s Committee, the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England, and Credit for Life in Springfield, where she served as a booth chair helping educate young people about financial literacy.

“I’ve always worked for community banks, and I’ve always tried to find institutions that align with the same values as me. So I’m glad to work at a bank that promotes time away from the office to volunteer in the community,” she explained.

Having worked with area Colleens for a decade, she said it’s been “so great to teach someone about Irish heritage but also support them as they navigate high school and college. And with the Boys & Girls Club, when I see how happy the kids are to be with their friends, playing basketball, doing arts and crafts, working in the STEM lab … it brings joy to my heart.”

—Joseph Bednar

Brandon Towle

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2026

Manager, Rolling Meadows Country Club: Age 29

Brandon Towle says he’s never let his stutter get in the way of anything he wanted to do, be it earning a degree in business administration at Holyoke Community College or his current work as manager of Rolling Meadows Country Club in Ellington, Conn., or his multiple passions, including golf and collecting sports memorabilia.

“I started to stutter when I was 5, and throughout my schooling, I worked with several speech therapists to live with my stutter,” he said, adding that, with help from those therapists and others, he was able to gain the confidence and courage (both are necessary) to move past his stutter.

And today, he is helping others do the same through a Pittsfield-based nonprofit he founded called Camp Words Unspoken, the first facility of its kind in New England — its name chosen because, with stutterers, many of their words indeed go unspoken.

There, attendees ages 7 to 17 stay for four nights and, through speech therapy, recreational activities, and interaction with others who stutter, gain both self-confidence and self-awareness.

“Many of them feel alone many months of the year, but when they attend Camp Words Outspoken, they feel like a star,” said Towle, adding that attendees gather in ‘speech groups’ to talk about their stutter — and their lives.

“We do so many different activities at camp that make these children and teens feel welcome, but also feel like a shining star, so when they do leave camp, they gain more self-confidence, so they can now do something they’ve never done before,” such as ordering from a restaurant menu, he went on.

Inspired by a camp he attended in the Midwest for teens who stutter, Camp Words Unspoken has become a passion for Towle. Applying lessons learned in an entrepreneurship class at HCC, he handles all aspects of the operation, including marketing, fundraising, recruitment, program and leadership development, special events, and building donor relationships.

And to help families that cannot pay the full camp tuition, he created a fundraising golf tournament. Now approaching its seventh edition, the tournament draws more than 100 players and 36 hole sponsors to support this worthy cause.

As noted, the camp is a passion, but only one of many for Towle, who puts golf in that category, as well as collecting sports memorabilia (he counts a rare Tom Brady signed helmet among his prized possessions) and rooting for Boston’s sports teams.

It’s all part of a packed life — one unimpeded by his stuttering.

—George O’Brien

Yeselie Tulloch

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2026

Co-founder, Academic Leadership Assoc.: Age 37

Yeselie Tulloch has a lot on common with her husband, Vilenti — everything from entrepreneurial drive and a passion for helping young people to a deep commitment to family.

And now, they share something else — the designation of 40 Under Forty honoree. Vilenti secured his place in 2024, and now Yeselie is not only a member of the class of 2026, but the highest scorer among more than 120 nominees.

They owe their membership in this club primarily to the efforts to launch (in the middle of COVID) and expand the Academic Leadership Assoc. (ALA), a business and nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young people through school-based mentoring, literacy, support, social-emotional development, and self-advocacy programming.

In her role, Yeselie, who earned an MBA from Bay Path University with a concentration in entrepreneurial and small business operations, manages business operations — she helped develop the business plan — and plays a central role in overseeing organizational activities and strategic scaling efforts.

She said ALA has grown steadily and now has contracts with several area communities, including Springfield, East Longmeadow, Holyoke, and East Windsor, Conn. The agency recently launched a program involving Colonial Estates, a housing project in Springfield; the agency is piloting youth programs for the 500 families living there.

As she carries out her work and advances the agency’s mission, Tulloch draws on her own personal experiences for inspiration — and a drive to succeed.

“As a child growing up in Springfield, I come from a teen parent,” she explained, adding that she can relate to the challenges facing those served by the agency. “We’re providing student services to students that go underneath the radar. We’re mentoring and empowering youth — basically, being the adult I wish I had.

“Education is something that’s really important to me — that was instilled by my grandmother as a child,” she went on. “That’s why it’s so important to me to work with children and just be that adult that some kids might not have.”

Tulloch was recently honored by the Mason Square C3 Committee in Springfield in Springfield for her community service and her role in supporting young people throughout the region. This recognition highlights her strong leadership in youth empowerment, mentorship, and building partnerships within the community.

And for all those reasons and more, she is now not only a member of the 40 Under Forty class of 2026 — she sits at the top of that class.

—George O’Brien

Isaac Weiner

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2026

Owner, Familiars Coffee & Tea and Florence Pie Bar: Age 37

It’s called the Great Northampton Haunt.

This is an ambitious, 31-day, city-wide event designed to drive tourism, activate public spaces, and extend economic activity during October. And it’s just one example of how Isaac Weiner, co-founder of the Haunt, has become much more than a restaurateur doing business in Emerald City.

Indeed, he has become a force in economic developments within the city, efforts to promote its base of restaurants and retail establishments, and activities that increase foot traffic downtown, as we’ll see.

But first … he’s not just a restaurateur, but a successful one. He’s the co-owner, with his partner, Danny McColgan, of two popular eateries in Northampton — Familiars Coffee & Tea on Strong Street, and Florence Pie Bar on Main Street. Both establishments have become celebrated for their offerings, distinctive character, and ability to create welcoming experiences for their guests.

Success with these eateries helps explain why Weiner is a member of the 40 Under Forty class of 2026, but perhaps a bigger part of the story is his growing involvement in efforts to promote and bring more vibrancy to Northampton.

In addition to the Haunt, this involvement includes work with Summer on Strong, a transformative outdoor dining and social experience that has grown into a premier seasonal destination, and the Market Street Market, a seasonal marketplace created to amplify visibility for businesses in that section of the city.

Launched during the pandemic, Summer on Strong has become an institution in the city and the region, a summer-long block party, bringing together live music and food from several restaurants in a festive atmosphere — a section of Strong Street closed to vehicular traffic.

“That first year we closed down the street, we had live music, we had a ton of outdoor dining, and I think at that time we all knew we had just done something spectacular,” he said, adding that the celebration has been back each year by popular demand and through the support of the city and the hard work of organizers.

Meanwhile, Weiner currently serves as vice chair of the board of the Downtown Northampton Assoc., and he was recently appointed to the board of the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce.

Add it all up, and Weiner is much more than someone doing business in Northampton, He’s someone committed to the economic vitality and long-term sustainability of the city’s vibrant and ever-evolving downtown.

—George O’Brien

Picture This

By
DJ Nicki Nell, president of Visual Sound Productions Inc.,
Picture This

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

 

Answering the Call

bankESB recently announced a $10,000 donation to the Easthampton Fire Department, which will be put toward the purchase of portable radios, enhancing firefighters’ ability to communicate effectively in emergency situations. 

Pictured from left: Easthampton Fire Department Chief Christopher Norris and Captain Daniel Constantine; Easthampton City Council President Koni Denham; bankESB President Matthew Sosik; Easthampton Mayor Salem Derby; and bankESB Assistant Vice President and Branch Officer Jessica West, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Bozena Dabek, and Senior Vice President of Retail Banking Gary Turku.

Pictured from left: Easthampton Fire Department Chief Christopher Norris and Captain Daniel Constantine; Easthampton City Council President Koni Denham; bankESB President Matthew Sosik; Easthampton Mayor Salem Derby; and bankESB Assistant Vice President and Branch Officer Jessica West, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Bozena Dabek, and Senior Vice President of Retail Banking Gary Turku.

 

 

Creative Sector Advocacy Day

A delegation of the Western Mass Arts Advocacy Coalition (WMAAC) presented its seminal report, “Regional Perspectives from the 2025 Western Massachusetts Arts Economic Impact Summit,” to legislators on March 3 during MASSCreative’s third annual Creative Sector Advocacy Day at the Massachusetts State House. The report is a comprehensive presentation of the key issues identified and regional priorities and potential solutions raised at the Western Mass Arts Economic Impact Summit held last November at MASS MoCA in North Adams. 

Pictured from left: WMAAC economic impact planning team members Tiffany Allecia, state Sen. Paul Mark, Cassandra Holden, Fungai Tichawangana, Ruth Griggs, and Dee Boyle-Clapp.

Pictured from left: WMAAC economic impact planning team members Tiffany Allecia, state Sen. Paul Mark, Cassandra Holden, Fungai Tichawangana, Ruth Griggs, and Dee Boyle-Clapp.

 

 

Community Support

Greylock Federal Credit Union recently awarded 10 nonprofits with gifts of $10,000 each, totaling a $100,000 contribution to the nonprofit sector. The recipients include Elder Services of Berkshire County, Louison House, Childcare of the Berkshires, Volunteers in Medicine Berkshires (VIM), Arts in Recovery for Youth (AIRY), Soldier On, Greater Hudson Promise Neighborhood, Our Community Table, UCP of Western Massachusetts, and Berkshire Pride. 

Pictured from left: Johno Hinkell, vice president, market manager at Greylock; Child Care of the Berkshires President and CEO Amy Hall and CFO Billie Jo Sawyer; and Jamie Moncecchi, senior vice president, chief administrative officer at Greylock.

Pictured from left: Johno Hinkell, vice president, market manager at Greylock; Child Care of the Berkshires President and CEO Amy Hall and CFO Billie Jo Sawyer; and Jamie Moncecchi, senior vice president, chief administrative officer at Greylock.

 

Celebrating Fearless Women

At the Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s (SSO) “A Woman’s Voice” concert on March 14, the 2026 Fearless Women honorees were celebrated during a pre-concert reception recognizing their leadership, impact, and dedication to the community. Surrounded by their supporters and past Fearless Women honorees, each awardee was recognized for their meaningful work they are doing across industries to uplift others and create lasting change.

Pictured from left: Melina Phelps (accepting on behalf of Linda Thompson), Kisha Zullo, Megan Moynihan, Pat Ononibaku, SSO President and CEO Heather Caisse-Roberts, Terry Powe, Maeliz Colon, Erica Swallow, Rongbing Shen, Shannon Rudder, Claudia Quintero, and Ayanna Crawford.

Pictured from left: Melina Phelps (accepting on behalf of Linda Thompson), Kisha Zullo, Megan Moynihan, Pat Ononibaku, SSO President and CEO Heather Caisse-Roberts, Terry Powe, Maeliz Colon, Erica Swallow, Rongbing Shen, Shannon Rudder, Claudia Quintero, and Ayanna Crawford.

 

Rebecca Johnson Award Winners

The Loomis Communities, in partnership with Stone Soul Inc., hosted a Women’s History Month Celebration luncheon at Reeds Landing in Springfield. At the event, six area women were honored with Stone Soul’s Rebecca Johnson Award. The award, named in remembrance of the first Black principal hired by the Springfield Public School district, was given to women leaders who embody Johnson’s legacy of leadership and service. 

Pictured from left: Latonia Monroe-Naylor, Veronica McNair, Ella Holman, Zaida Govan, Gloria Williams, and Samantha Hamilton.

Pictured from left: Latonia Monroe-Naylor, Veronica McNair, Ella Holman, Zaida Govan, Gloria Williams, and Samantha Hamilton.

 

 

Pride and Representation

DJ Nicki Nell, president of Visual Sound Productions Inc., a Western Mass.-based entertainment and event production company, was selected to perform at the Boston Celtics game against the Atlanta Hawks on March 27 at TD Garden. The opportunity marked a significant moment for regional representation, as Nell was chosen to perform in one of the country’s most competitive entertainment markets. Boston’s deep roster of local DJ talent makes the selection especially notable. The performance was part of the Celtics’ annual Pride Night celebration, an event that highlights and supports the LGBTQ+ community within the sports and entertainment space.

DJ Nicki Nell, president of Visual Sound Productions Inc.,

DJ Nicki Nell, president of Visual Sound Productions Inc.,

Agenda

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Agenda

Lenox Job Fair

April 29: The Lenox Chamber of Commerce announced the fourth annual Lenox Job Fair, taking place from 4 to 6 p.m. at Lenox Town Hall, 6 Walker St. This annual event brings together local and regional employers with job seekers from across the Berkshires. The job fair provides an opportunity for candidates to meet with representatives from a broad range of industries — including hospitality, banking, healthcare, nonprofit, and cultural organizations — offering seasonal, parttime, and fulltime opportunities. The job fair is free and open to the public; no registration is required. Attendees are encouraged to bring multiple copies of their résumé and be prepared for onthespot conversations with recruiters. This is an ideal event for students, returning workforce participants, seasonal workers, and anyone exploring new career paths.

 

Quaboag Hills Chamber Open House, Member Showcase

April 29: In December, the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce relocated its office operations to a new rented space at Pathfinder Tech’s Four Corners building at 191 Sykes St. in Palmer. The building is the former Country Bank Four Corners branch and is now home to many of Pathfinder Tech’s Adult Continuing Education programs, as well as weekly meetings by the chamber’s Quaboag Referral Group, which will sponsor an open house and member showcase from 5 to 7 p.m., an event that will also feature music, food, and giveaways. The public is invited to see the former bank building renovations that have taken place and interact with more than a dozen businesses and organizations that will be set up both indoors and outside, promoting their products and services. Those businesses include the Valley’s Classic Hits, Quaboag Referral Group, Behavioral Health Network, Bucha Bros, Cedarbrook Village at Ware, Christopher Heights of Belchertown, Gray Craig Farm, Hardwick Vineyard & Winery, Holiday Inn Express Ludlow, J. Stolar Insurance Agency, Pathfinder Tech, Ravage Designs, Roberts & Ludlow Printing, the Quaboag Valley CDC and BAC, Steaming Tender Restaurant, and more. Guests are welcome to RSVP on the Chamber’s website, http://qhma.com or stop in at their leisure during the open house.

 

Eat, Drink, & Be Holyoke

April 30: The Holyoke Rotary Club announced that the 2026 Eat, Drink, & Be Holyoke, its premier tasting fundraiser and silent auction, will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the Holyoke Council on Aging & Senior Center, and will include live music performed by the Earls & Pearls. Eat, Drink, & Be Holyoke will feature food prepared by Amedeo’s Restaurant & Pizzeria, Day Brook Village Senior Living, Holyoke Hummus, Sweet Baby Rae’s Bakery, Rusty’s Place, Choo Choos, 110 Grill, Pic’s Pub & Pizzeria, Daruma BBQ & Sushi AYCE, and Hamel’s Creative Catering + Summit View Banquets. Beverage tastings will be provided by Quality Beverage. Tasting samples will include craft beer, seltzers, and wine. Tickets cost $50 and can be purchased at edbh2026.eventbrite.com. Eat, Drink & Be Holyoke is sponsored by Holyoke Medical Center; anonymous donors; D & S Plating Co.; Marcotte Ford; Brunault, Proulx & McGuiness; Greenfield and Northampton Cooperative Bank; Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.; the Dowd Agencies LLC; and the Greater Holyoke YMCA. The Holyoke Rotary Club is still identifying additional event sponsors, as well as food vendors. Local businesses interested in supporting and collaborating together with the Holyoke Rotary Club for this event are encouraged to visit www.holyokerotary.com. Proceeds will go towards supporting Rotary projects, mostly within the Holyoke Rotary district of Holyoke, South Hadley, and Granby. Ongoing Holyoke Rotary projects include providing several annual scholarships, providing food for those in need through community collaborations, and fostering community engagement with free summer concerts, as well as funding international clean water initiatives.

 

Mother’s Day Market

May 2: Wistariahurst Museum will welcome spring with its second annual Mother’s Day Market from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event features a variety of vendors selling locally made products such as art, jewelry, and food. Vendors will be stationed indoors throughout the first floor of the museum. As guests shop and explore, the Brookline Trio will play live music for visitors to enjoy. Guests are welcome inside the Carriage House as well, where they can shop the gift shop, take photos in the carriage, and view the frog circus. During the event, visitors can also participate in a free hands-on clay experience and cup exchange with Pots on Wheels. The Pots on Wheels truck will be parked in Wistariahurst’s driveway, ready for guests to come on board and get creative. During the Mother’s Day Market from 10 a.m. to noon, Wistariahurst’s gardeners will host the first on-site plant sale of the season. Witariahurst has an array of annuals and perennials to brighten up any garden. Best of all, visitors can take home one plant for free (while supplies last) thanks to bankESB, which is sponsoring this event. This event is free and open to the public.

 

Nacho Average Wellness Event

May 7: A group of local eldercare agencies and facilities are sponsoring Nacho Average Wellness from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Heritage Woods, 464 Main St., Agawam. The event is designed to offer caregivers and professionals time to step away from their busy lives, reconnect with themselves, and connect with others. The featured topic of the evening is “Don’t Be a Burnt Taco: How to Come Back to Yourself,” with a focus on conversation around simple, practical ways for caregivers to reduce stress and prevent burnout. Margaritas, including a non-alcoholic option, will be available, along with a taco bar and other light bites. In addition, guests will be able to enter a raffle for a wellness basket valued at $100. The event is sponsored by Chanda Care, Chanda’s House, Brookhaven Hospice, and Heritage Woods. There is no charge to attend. RSVP to tiffany.lagacy.genesishcc.com.

 

Free Community Shred & Share Day

May 8: The Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley invites the community to a free Community Shred & Share Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its new office located at 225 Park Ave., West Springfield. To celebrate its recent relocation to West Springfield, the association’s community service committee is hosting this rain-or-shine event to provide residents with a convenient and secure way to dispose of sensitive documents while supporting a meaningful local cause. Attendees are encouraged to bring old personal documents for secure, on-site shredding, helping protect against identity theft. In the spirit of giving back, attendees are also invited to donate non-perishable food items or other essentials to benefit Parish Cupboard, which supports local families in need. The event is free and open to the public, and no registration is required.

 

Outrun Hunger

May 17: Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts, a food rescue and hunger alleviation organization, is set to Outrun Hunger in its biennial 5K race and 1-mile family-friendly walk in Forest Park. The event begins welcome announcements at 8:30 a.m. and a 9 a.m. race start. Visit feedwma.org/outrun-hunger-2026 to register. The proceeds from the race go to fight hunger all year long, with programs that feed the immediate need as well as nourish long-term sustainable food secure solutions. The race/walk is also presented by the Rachel’s Table teen board, a youth leadership part of Rachel’s Table whose mission is to educate themselves and others about food insecurity while serving the local community with impactful projects that help fight hunger. The public is invited to register to run, walk, do a virtual run, or just come by to help raise awareness and make a difference. All registered runners and walkers will be able to visit the Zoo at Forest Park and Education Center for free on race day, sponsored by the Zoo at Forest Park and supported by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts. Boomer from the Springfield Thunderbirds will be in attendance, and DJ Matt Peterson will get attendees moving with fun music and entertainment. Local legislators have been invited to speak as well; State Sens. Oliveira and Adam Gomez and state Reps. Brian Ashe and Carlos Gonzales will be in attendance.

 

STCC’s College for Kids

June 22 to Aug. 14: Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) announced the return of College for Kids, a summer program offering engaging, week-long academic experiences for students ages 11 to 16. College for Kids provides hands-on enrichment opportunities in science, technology, engineering, arts, business, and leadership, all within a supportive college campus environment. Programs run Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Organized by STCC’s Division of Workforce Development, the program introduces students to college-level subjects while encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and skill development. Visit the College for Kids page on at stcc.io/cfk to view the full schedule and course descriptions, and complete the registration. Tuition costs $260 per week.

People on the Move

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People on the Move
Jim Sullivan

Jim Sullivan

Joe McMahon

Joe McMahon

The O’Connell Companies announced that President Jim Sullivan will retire from his role effective June 1, concluding a distinguished 44-year career with the organization. Chief Financial Officer Joe McMahon has been appointed president and will continue to serve as CFO. Sullivan joined the O’Connell Companies in 1982 and has played a central role in the organization’s growth and evolution. He was named president in 2019 and has overseen the strategic direction and operations of the company and its subsidiaries, including its construction, real estate development, and property management divisions. Over the course of his tenure, Sullivan held several key leadership roles, including president of O’Connell Development Group and general manager of NEFCO. His leadership spanned significant milestones in the company’s history, including large-scale project execution, ownership transition, and long-term strategic planning. Sullivan will remain actively involved with the company as chair of the board of directors, supporting long-term strategy and ensuring continuity in leadership and governance. A native of Holyoke, McMahon has more than 25 years of experience in a broad range of industries in the Boston and Western Mass. markets. As CFO, he leads the company’s financial strategy and governance, with experience in acquisitions, mergers, and organizational restructuring. A certified public accountant and graduate of Bentley University, McMahon has worked with privately held, venture-backed, and family-owned businesses. His appointment reflects a planned leadership transition and the company’s focus on continuity and future growth.

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Michelle Theroux

Michelle Theroux

Peter Benton, chairman of the board of directors of Sunshine Village, announced the appointment of Michelle Theroux as the next president and CEO of the organization. She succeeds Gina Kos, who will retire at the end of April after more than 30 years of leadership. Theroux brings more than 20 years of executive leadership experience in nonprofit, healthcare, and educational organizations. Most recently, she served as CEO of Berkshire Hills Music Academy in South Hadley for more than 12 years. Her earlier leadership roles included senior management positions at the Center for Human Development as well as Child and Family Services of Pioneer Valley, where she oversaw multi-site operations and expanded clinical services. She currently serves as chair of Mercy Medical Center, is a regional board member for Trinity Health Of New England, and sits on the boards of the ERC5 Chamber of Commerce and MicroTek. She also serves as chair of the South Hadley Redevelopment Authority. Her contributions have been recognized by BusinessWest, which named her both a 40 Under Forty honoree and a Woman of Impact. Theroux holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Springfield College and bachelor’s degrees in psychology and politics from Assumption University.

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Jessica Nicklin

Jessica Nicklin

Holyoke Community College (HCC) announced that Jessica Nicklin has accepted the position of HCC provost and vice president of Academic Affairs. She presently serves as associate provost for Faculty Affairs and Research and a professor of Psychology at the University of Hartford, where she has worked for nearly 17 years. Nicklin earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology as well as a PhD in industrial-organizational psychology from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Albany. Soon after completing her doctorate in 2009, she received an academic appointment at the University of Hartford as assistant professor of Psychology. Since then, she has risen through the academic ranks to tenured professor, while also taking on administrative responsibilities as program director, associate dean of Student Academic Services, associate vice president for Student Success, assistant provost for Graduate Studies and Research, and finally associate provost for Faculty Affairs and Research, a position she assumed in 2023. Her role at HCC begins July 1. A distinguished scholar in industrial-organizational psychology, Nicklin’s research focuses on workplace motivation, the work-family interface, and positive psychology. She is a prolific writer, consultant, and frequent speaker, and holds certifications in academic life coaching. She has received numerous awards and honors recognizing her scholarship, teaching, leadership, and service. In 2018, her alma mater, SUNY Albany, recognized Nicklin with its Outstanding Young Alumni Award.

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Katya Krasnova

Katya Krasnova

Abby LaValley

Abby LaValley

Greenfield Cooperative Bank announced the addition of Katya Krasnova as vice president, mortgage originator to its residential lending team. Krasnova brings more than 14 years of banking experience to the role, with a strong background in residential lending. A familiar face to many in the community, she has built a reputation as a trusted resource for homebuyers and those looking to refinance, known for her thoughtful guidance and commitment to helping individuals and families navigate the homebuying process with confidence. Krasnova holds a degree in economics from Chuvash State University in Russia. In her new role, she will work closely with customers across the region, supporting their homeownership goals and continuing the bank’s commitment to personalized, local service. Greenfield Cooperative Bank (GCB) also welcomed Abby LaValley as assistant vice president and branch manager of its Amherst branch office, located at 390 College St. LaValley brings more than 20 years of local banking experience to the role, having previously served as an assistant manager at two community banks in the region. Her deep knowledge of the local market and commitment to customer relationships make her a strong addition to the GCB team. A graduate of the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst, LaValley holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing. In her new role, she will oversee daily operations at the Amherst branch while continuing to build meaningful relationships with customers and support the financial needs of the community.

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Baystate Winair announced that Dan Suse Jr. will assume the role of president. With a robust background in the industry and a deep commitment to customer service, he is ready to lead Baystate Winair into its next chapter while upholding the values that have made it a trusted name in the region. Suse brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role. He has been with Baystate Winair for six and a half years and has consistently demonstrated integrity and a strong work ethic. He is an ambassador with the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce, showcasing his dedication to community engagement and local business development.

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Timothy Wighton

Timothy Wighton

Stone House Properties LLC announced that Timothy Wighton has joined the team as a licensed real estate professional, bringing a blend of deep local heritage and extensive global leadership experience to the team. Raised in the heart of Southern Berkshire County, Wighton’s roots in the region run generations deep, with family history grounded in South Egremont, Great Barrington, and Mill River. An outdoor enthusiast since childhood, he learned to ski at Butternut the year it opened in 1964 and remains an active hiker on the trails of South County today. After a distinguished 35-year international career in clinical research and strategic leadership — which took him to major hubs like London, Brussels, Seattle, and San Francisco — he returned home to the Berkshires in 2023. He has since dedicated himself to the restoration of his 1766 home in Otis. Wighton’s background in high-stakes project management and negotiation allows him to navigate complex real estate decisions with disciplined execution and clarity. His lifelong passion for property is evidenced by his hands-on experience in home rehabilitation projects across the U.S. and Europe.

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Matthew Parise

Matthew Parise

Pittsfield Cooperative Bank announced the appointment of Matthew Parise as its new vice president, director of Facilities and Real Estate. In this role, he will oversee all aspects of facilities operations, property management, and long-term real estate planning. He will play a key role in ensuring all locations remain safe, efficient, and aligned with the organization’s evolving needs. Parise brings more than 28 years in managing building operations, leading capital improvement projects, and optimizing real estate portfolios at Beacon Bank, formerly Berkshire Bank, and Key Bank. His leadership will support ongoing efforts to maintain high-quality environments while positioning the organization for future growth.

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Charles Robertson

Charles Robertson

Greylock Federal Credit Union announced the hiring of Senior Vice President Charles Robertson, who joins the Retail Services team. He will be responsible for leading Greylock’s branch network, Contact Center, member-facing technology, and strategic retail initiatives. In this role, he will provide enterprise-level leadership across deposit growth, member retention, direct lending support, and experience optimization. Before moving back to Massachusetts, Robertson served as executive vice president and chief retail officer at Kitsap Bank in Port Orchard, Wash., where he directed the operations for the 15-branch, $1.7 billion community bank. In this role, he spearheaded the sales and service program and was responsible for executing multiple strategic initiatives including retail, mortgage, consumer lending, wealth management, business development, leading the learning and development team, and overseeing branch modernization and remodels. He is a graduate of Saint Joseph’s College of Maine and Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington.

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Alan Wosky

Alan Wosky

Belt Technologies, a manufacturer of PureSteel custom metal belt conveyor solutions, announced the retirement of President Alan Wosky after more than three decades of leadership. A Navy veteran who served as a machinist mate 1st class qualified in naval nuclear power plants, Wosky has been central to the company’s growth, innovation, and engineering excellence. He guided Belt through major advancements in precision metal belt systems, expansion into global markets, and the development of a strong technical culture that continues to define the company today. Following his retirement, Wosky’s responsibilities have been assumed by the Belt management team, with oversight from Rich Lunden, director of Engineering.

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Whittlesey announced that members of its Technology and Cybersecurity team have earned key Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) credentials, strengthening the firm’s ability to support government contractors and subcontractors across the defense industrial base. As Department of Defense cybersecurity requirements continue to evolve, these certifications position Whittlesey to help organizations navigate CMMC readiness with clarity and confidence. The following Whittlesey professionals have earned CMMC credentials: Mark Torello, certified CMMC professional (CCP); and Hadas Boyles and Carlos Ortega, CMMC registered practitioners (RP). In addition, Whittlesey’s Technology team holds a broad range of industry-recognized certifications, including CISA, CRISC, CISSP, and CEH, reflecting deep expertise in cybersecurity, risk management, and IT controls.

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Rachael Cavanaugh

Rachael Cavanaugh

Rush Insurance Group announced the addition of Rachael Cavanaugh to its team as an employee benefits associate. In this role, she will support the agency’s growing employee benefits practice, working alongside clients to deliver thoughtful, attentive service in the life and health insurance space. Cavanaugh brings a strong foundation in the insurance industry, having launched her career at Safety Insurance following her graduation from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst, where she earned a bachelor of business administration degree in operations & information management with a certificate in business data analytics. During her time at Safety Insurance, she gained hands-on experience across personal and commercial underwriting, the service center, and customer representative operations, most recently serving as a personal lines analyst. Cavanaugh is currently pursuing her life and health insurance licensure and is committed to building the expertise needed to serve as a trusted resource for Rush’s clients.

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John Williams

John Williams

Jacob Johnson

Jacob Johnson

Monson Savings Bank announced the promotion of John Williams to branch manager of the Wilbraham branch. Williams, who previously served as assistant branch manager at the bank’s East Longmeadow location, brings more than 11 years of banking and financial services experience, strong leadership abilities, and a deep commitment to exceptional customer service. In his new role, he will oversee the daytoday operations of the Wilbraham branch, guide and develop branch staff, and advance branch growth through new deposit account relationships. He will also continue strengthening local community connections through volunteer efforts and outreach initiatives. Before joining Monson Savings Bank, Williams worked at Fifth Third Bank in Sarasota, Fla., where he served as a personal banker assisting customers with new accounts, lending, maintenance, and retirement planning. His career also includes experience with additional financial institutions, contributing to his strong operational foundation and relationshipbuilding skills. He is active in the community as a member of the Western Mass Referral Exchange (BNI Group) and regularly volunteers to support local initiatives. Monson Savings Bank also announced that Jacob Johnson has joined the bank as assistant branch manager of the Hampden branch. Johnson brings a strong background in customer-focused relationship management and financial services to Monson Savings Bank. In his role, he supports the day-to-day operations of the Hampden branch, assists with staff development, and works directly with customers to provide a full range of personal and business banking solutions. He is focused on delivering personalized, attentive service that fosters trusted, long-term customer relationships. Prior to joining Monson Savings Bank, Johnson spent six years locally with Balise Ford of Wilbraham, most recently serving as a Finance and Insurance manager. In that role, he developed extensive experience assisting customers with financing options, financial products, and relationship-based service. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Westfield State University. In the community, he and his family support the YMCA of Greater Springfield, where his children participate in youth programs, and he is a dedicated supporter of Empty Arms Bereavement Support, participating annually in the organization’s Syrup Stampede 5K to raise awareness and funds for families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss.

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Laura Townes, an Edward Jones financial advisor in Northampton, recently received the firm’s exclusive Spirit of Caring Award, designed to recognize financial advisors who exemplify the values, culture, and spirit of giving back. Townes has demonstrated unyielding dedication to giving back, which has positively impacted her clients, colleagues, and community. The award is given to only one financial advisor in each of the firm’s 334 regions and is determined by a vote of their peers. “Edward Jones is a partnership. That structure is not just financial; it’s a philosophy,” Townes said. “We work together, help each other, and all share in the rewards of working with long-term individual investors. That brings out the best in everyone. I am humbled to be this year’s recipient of the Spirit of Caring Award.” Townes was presented with the award at her Edward Jones regional meeting in Hampden.

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Sarah Murphy

Sarah Murphy

Market Mentors LLC, a full-service marketing, advertising, and public relations agency, announced the promotion of Sarah Murphy to director of Operations. Having begun her career at the agency as an intern, Murphy has advanced through roles including account coordinator, traffic manager, and director of Resource Management. Throughout her tenure, she has played a key role in managing workflow, aligning resources, and strengthening project management processes across the agency. In her new role, Murphy will oversee day-to-day operations and provide senior oversight to ensure the agency is delivering at the highest level across the board. She will focus on strengthening teams, building structure and accountability, and supporting continued growth. Murphy was named to BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty class of 2021, recognizing her professional achievements and community involvement. She serves as vice president of the board of the Foundation for TJO Animals, supporting fundraising and outreach efforts for local animal welfare initiatives. She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Lasell University.

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The Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) announced that Rachel Heller has officially begun her role as executive director, marking an exciting new chapter in the organization’s impact on affordable housing in Massachusetts. With a track record of success and a deep and personal commitment to housing affordability across the state, Heller brings a wealth of expertise, vision, and leadership to MHP. As executive director of MHP, Heller will play a pivotal role in creating more housing opportunities, making a direct and tangible difference in the lives of thousands of families across Massachusetts. This includes leading implementation of MHP’s strategic plan. MHP is a public, nonprofit organization that expands access to affordable housing and promotes housing equity in communities across the Commonwealth. In September, after 40 years of leadership, Executive Director Clark Ziegler announced his retirement, effective at the end of March.

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Wellpoint recently recognized Steve Athas as an honoree in its Hometown Heroes program during a celebration held at Picknelly Field. In partnership with 98.5 the Sports Hub Bruins Radio Network, this initiative celebrates the contributions of individuals in public service across Massachusetts, shining a spotlight on everyday acts of dedication and kindness. For more than 50 years, including 48 years at Greenleaf Community Center in Springfield, Athas has dedicated himself to supporting youth through sports, recreation, and mentorship. In addition to his work with the Springfield Parks Department, he spent 35 years in Springfield Public Schools as a teacher and assistant principal. His lasting impact has earned him recognition in the Western Massachusetts Baseball Hall of Fame, and in 2024, the city of Springfield named a street after him.

 

Company Notebook

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Company Notebook

Adams Community Bank, Pittsfield Cooperative Bank Announce Merger

ADAMS, PITTSFIELD — Julie Fallon Hughes, CEO of Adams Community Bank, and Michael Daly, CEO of Pittsfield Cooperative Bank, announce that their boards of directors have unanimously approved a strategic merger estimated to be completed late fall 2026. This combination reflects a strategic partnership between two community banks coming together with a shared vision to better serve the Berkshires. The combined institution will operate as a mutual banking organization with approximately $1.5 billion in assets, nearly 200 employees, and 15 full-service branches serving communities throughout the county. The combined institution will be positioned as a centrally located, locally focused community bank dedicated to serving the businesses, individuals, and families of the region. A new name and brand are being developed to honor the values, history, and distinct contributions of both organizations. This merger of equals will bring together two boards of directors, creating a unified governance structure that represents both institutions. The merged bank will retain Adams Community Bank’s mutual holding company, with the current chairmen of each bank’s board of directors — Jeffrey Grandchamp of Adams Community Bank and John Martin of Pittsfield Cooperative Bank — serving as co-chairs. Hughes will remain CEO. Executive leadership of the new institution will include lifetime Berkshire residents Gregg Levante as president and Andre Charbonneau as COO, working in partnership to drive growth and long-term success while aligning talent from both organizations and maintaining strong regional insight. The merged bank will locate its headquarters and a full-service branch at 99 West St. in Pittsfield, a building recently purchased by Pittsfield Cooperative Bank. Upon completion, the combined institution will remain a locally focused community bank with decisions made in the Berkshires. The bank will continue to invest in local businesses and nonprofit organizations to support its customers and communities. All customer deposits will continue to be fully insured through the FDIC and the Depositors Insurance Fund. The merger is subject to customary state, federal, and governance regulatory approvals. Additional details, including timing, branding updates, and executive and senior leadership, will be shared as the process moves forward. Nutter McClellan & Fish LLP served as legal counsel for Adams Community Bank. Luse Gorman, P.C. served as legal counsel to Pittsfield Cooperative Bank. Piper Sandler provided strategic consulting for both institutions.

 

Hideaway Inns Launches Third Property in Lenox

LENOX — Hideaway Inns announced the opening of its third property, Hideaway Inn Lenox. This property also marks the brand’s first franchise agreement and the introduction of Hideaway Inns into franchise partnerships. Developed by Hideaway Inns and managed by Revival Hotels, the 24-room hotel is the third property under the Hideaway Inns brand, launching less than six months after the company’s first opening in Mount Sunapee, N.H. With several additional franchise opportunities already in the works, Hideaway Inns plans to partner with strong ownership groups to transform properties into thoughtfully designed, experience-driven destinations. The brand prides itself on delivering a hospitality experience that combines frictionless technology, design-forward guest rooms, and fun communal spaces in scenic regional destinations. Located in the historic downtown of Lenox and within walking distance to Tanglewood Music Center, the hotel is well-positioned to serve leisure travelers. The facility is powered by Revival Hotels’ proprietary Invisible Hospitality model, enabling seamless direct-to-door check-in. Each guest room is uniquely designed (no two are alike), and comes equipped with a Hideaway-branded Crosley record player, a rainfall showerhead, a white noise machine, and amenities from La Bottega. The hotel also offers access to the HI Innsider Guide, a mobile app that serves as a personal concierge, providing curated recommendations, local insights, and on-property information. The hotel offers a range of shared spaces suitable for guests of all ages. The living room includes a vinyl library, board games, and a fireplace in a relaxed, BYOB-friendly setting. The Hideout is a retreat for children, giving families a chance to relax. The Commons offers indoor recreation with ping pong, vintage game tables, and foosball. Guests also have access to a complimentary 24/7 specialty coffee bar, curated vending machines, and a co-working space called Work from Hideaway.

 

Beacon Bank Invests $2.6 Million in Local Nonprofits in 2025

PITTSFIELD — Beacon Bank and the bank’s foundation invested more than $2.6 million in its communities in 2025 through grants to more than 650 nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Vermont. “When we support our communities close to home, the impact is personal,” said James Morris IV, president of the bank’s Berkshire & Capital Region. “Our charitable giving reflects our belief that lasting change starts locally, where it can make the greatest difference.” Beacon Bank invests in the success and vibrancy of its local communities by supporting programs and organizations that focus on one of three areas: neighborhood revitalization and preservation, education, and critical services.

 

BFAIR, UCP Boards Discuss Possible Merger

PITTSFIELD, NORTH ADAMS — BFAIR and UCP of Western Massachusetts announced they are exploring the possibility of a future merger. The organizations emphasize that no final decisions have been made and that this process is in an exploratory phase. Discussions formally began in June 2025, with a shared goal of determining whether a combined organization could strengthen services, improve long-term sustainability, and enhance impact across the region. Over the past eight months, board members from both organizations have participated in a structured and collaborative process, supported by an external consultant, to guide planning and evaluation. As part of the process, both organizations conducted a comprehensive due diligence review of operations, governance, compliance, and risk. Financial records and assets were also closely examined to better understand opportunities and challenges. No significant concerns were identified. Following this work, both boards of directors approved and signed a non-binding resolution of intent to merge, reflecting a shared commitment to continue evaluating the opportunity. Further updates will be shared as the exploration continues.

 

TRE Olive Releases Custom UMass Bottle

EAST LONGMEADOW — UMass Amherst alumni and TRE Olive owners Joe and Michael Maruca announced the new release of a custom UMass 500-mL bottle of extra virgin olive oil. The UMass bottle features the award-winning TRE Olive Select, a well-balanced extra virgin olive oil that is slightly sharp and has a peppery finish. It’s made with 100% Carolea olives that are selected when the olives are perfect for making olive oil. The Maruca brothers are UMass Amherst alumni, graduates of the Isenberg School of Management, and members of the family behind TRE Olive, a business with deep roots in the Calabria region of Southern Italy. For generations, their family has been producing high-quality extra virgin olive oil, and in 2010, the TRE Olive brand was launched in the U.S. TRE Olive’s UMass bottle is available for purchase at the UMass campus store, the TRE Olive store in East Longmeadow, and online at www.treolive.com.

 

Hogan Technology Invited to National Convention

EASTHAMPTON — Hogan Technology participated in the 25th annual Technology Assurance Group (TAG) Convention on April 26-28 in Las Vegas — one of the technology industry’s premier events focused on innovation, collaboration, and the future of business technology. This year’s theme, “AI: Embrace, Capitalize, Dominate, Profit,” reflects a pivotal moment for business innovation. Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept — it is actively reshaping how companies operate, serve customers, and compete. For Hogan Technology, attending this milestone event is about one thing: bringing back real-world strategies and technologies that directly improve outcomes for customers. Throughout the convention, Hogan Technology participated and provided insight during sessions focused on how AI can be applied across service operations, cybersecurity, and internal workflows.

 

Berkshire Heart & Mind Therapy Opening in Pittsfield

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Heart & Mind Therapy will host its grand opening and ribbon cutting on Thursday, April 30 from 3 to 7 p.m. at its new office located at 34 Depot St., Suite 303, Pittsfield. The event is open to the public and will include a ribbon cutting ceremony, tours of the new therapy space, family-friendly activities, and opportunities to meet Executive Director Colleen Passetto, a licensed independent clinical social worker, and her team. Light refreshments will be available. Berkshire Heart & Mind Therapy is a group private practice offering traumainformed, inclusive mental health services for children, adolescents, teens, adults, and seniors. The practice provides inperson therapy in Berkshire County and telehealth services throughout Massachusetts, expanding access to care for individuals and families statewide.

Incorporations

By
Incorporations

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

ADAMS

Birch & Cork Co., 86-90 Park St., Adams, MA 01220. Lynsey Jordan, 3 Abbott St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Floral design, gardening design, horticulture, landscaping, care and management of plants, home decorative selling, furniture redesigning; all things retail, sales, and services such as teaching of courses, classes, and organizing of events.

BELCHERTOWN

App Springfield Inc., 24 Nathaniel Way, Belchertown, MA 01007. Walter Pacheco, same. Restaurant.

CHICOPEE

Chi Flow Bodywork Inc., 760 Memorial Dr., Chicopee, MA 01020. Kaiying Chen, 477 Britton St., #2 Chicopee, MA 01020. Bodywork for wellness and health.

Leonardo Inc., 81B Center St., Chicopee, MA 01013. Jose Figueiredo, 1714 North Grand St., West Suffield, CT 06093. Carpentry, renovations, and construction.

EASTHAMPTON

Easthampton XCTF Boosters Inc., 70 Williston Ave., Easthampton, MA 01027. Daniel Ritchie, 39 Pepin Ave., Easthampton, MA 01027. Supports the youth athletes, parents, coaches, and staff of the Easthampton High School cross country and track & field programs through fundraising, recruiting volunteers, and conducting events.

GREENFIELD

Shapara Inc., 10 Tulip Lane, Greenfield, MA 01301. Rizwan Ali, same. E-commerce.

HOLYOKE

Black and Pink Massachusetts Coalition Inc., 98 Lower Westfield Road, Holyoke, MA 01040. Aaron Umar Lester, same. Acts as a nonprofit to provide support and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals who are incarcerated.

LENOX

Rimmler Legal Studio, P.C., 29 Old Barn Road, Lenox, MA 01240. Deborah Forhan Rimmler, same. Professional legal and business advisory services.

LONGMEADOW

Stratonova Inc., 788 Longmeadow St., Longmeadow, MA 01106. Edward Carroll, same. Weather and atmospheric data and modeling consulting services.

MONSON

J&L Landscaping Services Inc., 72 Woodhill Road, Monson, MA 01057. Joseph Tetreault, same. Landscaping.

NORTH ADAMS

Tres Ninos Tacos Inc., 20 Marshall St., North Adams, MA 01247. Duncan Russell, same. Restaurant.

NORTHAMPTON

NH Shivalie Inc., 228 King St., Northampton, MA 01060. Shivananthan Vadivel, 24 Craig Dr., Apt. C4, West Springfield, MA 01089. Hair salon.

PITTSFIELD

Chickadee Biomedicines Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Mikael Dolsten, same. Biotech company focused on developing innovative therapeutics for diseases.

Hireteq Solutions Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Kawalpreet Kaur, same. IT staffing.

Marder Consulting Services Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Ido Marder, same. Marketing consulting services.

Scenetree Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Chad Stewart, 74 East Water St., North Andover, MA 01845. Provides education regarding video game design and development.

Summit to Success Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Binayak Gurung, same. Provides scholarships, educational materials, mentorship, and support programs to underserved students in the U.S., Nepal, and other international locations.

Xnew Edulink USA Ltd., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Xianwei Li, same. International competitions, study abroad consulting, study abroad tutoring, school selection planning, and organization of cultural and artistic exchange activities.

SPRINGFIELD

2 DJs Inc., 1060 Wilbraham Road, Springfield, MA 01109. Eddie Ortiz, same. Restaurant.

Beyond Oishii Inc., 136 Woodmont St., Springfield, MA 01104. Peter Elias, same. Food service and restaurant.

Global Harmony Initiative Inc., 140 High St., Suite 100, Springfield, MA 01105. Fredrick Odhiambo, 141 South Brook Road, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Operates an orphanage in Kenya to provide care and support for more than 100 orphaned and vulnerable children; provides access to education through scholarships and academic resources; supplies nutritious meals, clothing, and safe shelter to improve children’s quality of life; and promotes community development through initiatives that enhance the well-being and future opportunities of the children served.

Ocean Bites Sushi Inc., 56 Macomber Ave., Springfield, MA 01119. Tyrese Tillman, same. Sushi takeout.

Sourcio Inc., 756 State St., Springfield, MA 01109. M. Bilal Chaudhery, same. Consulting services.

STURBRIDGE

The Pilgrimage Inc., 198 Charlton Road, Unit 8, Sturbridge, MA 01566. Mitchell Varnum, 12216 Walter Hunter Road, Lithia, FL 33547. Exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, and/or scientific purposes.

WEST BROOKFIELD

A&M Auto, Truck & Equipment Repair Inc., 105 West Main Street, West Brookfield, MA 01585. Matthew Chalue, 34A Ainsworth Hill Road, Wales, MA 01081. Automobile repair.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Saint James Ave Tax Prep Inc., 61 Appaloosa Lane, West Springfield, MA 01089. Hasmukh Gogri, same. Tax preparation and bookkeeping services for the general public.

WILLIAMSBURG

Nature Medicine Foundation Inc., 170 Sugar Hill Road, Williamsburg, MA 01096. Ami Jean Aubin, same. Promotes human health and well-being through connection with nature; advances environmental conservation and restoration; supports research and public education about the health benefits of natural environments; and collaborates with individuals and organizations to create nature-based programs, retreats, and educational resources.

WINDSOR

GBOB Inc., 687 Shaw Road, Windsor, MA 01270. Stacy Litke, same. Promotes self-reliance, sustainability, and community resilience by providing educational resources, hands-on training, and charitable support to individuals, families, and organizations engaged in or supporting homesteading and other aligned practices.

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates

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

BELCHERTOWN

Bumble Bee Bakery
10 Eastview Dr.
Kelli Adams

Cartelli Trucking
278 North Liberty St.
John Cartelli

Chet and Son Painting
299 Turkey Hill Road
Robb Kapinos

Cognitive Behavioral Techniques
67 Turkey Hill Road
Patricia Bonneau

Fleetwood Environmental Solutions LLC
85 North Main St.
David Cameron

Morning Star Graphic
238 Rockrimmon St.
Roger Duffy

Moss End Press
17 Plaza Ave.
Gregory Brown

Nelson I. Garrow & Sons Partnership
419 Bay Road
Francis Garrow, Nelson Garrow, Joanne Garrow

Next Day Access of Central & Western Massachusetts
40 West St.
Richard Lynch

Overwatch Corp.
35 Turkey Hill Road
Rachel Barroso

S.L. Noyes Trucking
415 Gold St.
Scott Noyes

S.T. Hulmes & Sons Excavating
75 Rockrimmon St.
Steven Hulmes

RC Family Detail B-town
38 Underwood St.
Robert Camacho

Xpress Stop
122 Federal St.
Goe Griege

ZK Construction LLC
82 South Liberty St.
Zbigniew Krotki

NORTHAMPTON

Bet on Black Pet Care
8 Aldrich St., Apt. 2
Kadence Porter

Florence Sewing Buildings Too
5 Middle St.
Robert Nutting

Joia Beauty
6 Crafts Ave.
Mette Gustavsen

Jose Bou Catering Service
261 Florence Road
Jose Bou

The Molly Workshop
47 Round Hill Road, Apt. 32
Edward Munter

The Nest Nursery
64 Riverside Dr.
Candice Chouinard

Northampton Mind and Body Wellness
30 North King St.
Nancy Godbout

Pita Pockets
193 Main St.
George Ejja

Shop Therapy
175 Main St.
Keith Hazel

Wild Garden of Childhood
11 Ormond Dr.
Candice Chouinard

Ye Ol’ Watering Hole
287 Pleasant St.
Dan Brechner

PITTSFIELD

Berkshire Hills Health Inc.
294 First St.
Berkshire Hills Health Inc.

Berkshire Wedding Associates Inc.
313 North St.
Berkshire Wedding Associates Inc.

Divyabhav Corp.
524 North St.
Sonal Patel LLC

Indulgence Hair Salon for Men & Women Inc.
75 North St., Suite 160
Indulgence Hair Salon for Men & Women Inc.

Mahant Krupa LLC
93 West Housatonic St.
Mahant Krupa LLC

Modern Endeavors LLC
82 Wendell Ave.
Modern Endeavors LLC

TEC Staffing Services
45 Woodlawn Ave.
Berkshire Innovation Center

T-Mobile Northeast LLC
686 Merrill Road
T-Mobile Northeast LLC

WESTFIELD

Ben’s Construction
538 East Mountain Road
Veniamin Voytko

Beth’s Beauty
43 Union St.
Bethany Savard

Cabinet Restore Pro
39 Violet Circle
James Pavlyuk

Designing Women Craft Retreats
3 Pearl St.
Mary Jane Smith

Ellen A. Latour, DNP, LLC
88 Yeoman Ave.
Ellen Latour

Grady Does Hair
43 Union St.
Grady Steinberg

Hair by Jenna
43 Union St.
Jenna Modlish

HHS Class of ’76
85 Hillcrest Circle
Cathy Gendreau

Instrument Technology
33 Airport Road
Transom Scopes Inc.

Julie’s Nails
35 Mill St.
Julia Naranjo

RJ Sanding
26 Pontoosic Road
Roger Cortis Jr.

Tactical Tone Memorial Foundation Inc.
94 Franklin St.
Jennifer MacKenna

Tamed by Tina
43 Union St.
Kristina Schnopp

Wise Vapors
30 Main St.
Wise Vapors

WEST SPRINGFIELD

42 North Event Rentals
19 Norman St.
42 North Event Rentals

Ballard Truck Center
124 Ashley Ave.
Ballard Truck Center

The Bug Plug
827 Main St.
The Bug Plug

China Bodywork Center and Spa
2009 Riverdale St.
China Bodywork Center and Spa

Comfortable Rooms
1299 Riverdale St.
Kevco Group of Bernardston

Copper Cross Studios
1111 Westfield St., Apt. C4
Copper Cross Studios

Majestic Theater
131 Elm St.
Majestic Theater

MJOY Production
163 Sikes Ave.
MJOY Production

NorthEast Engineering Consultants
131 Ashley Ave., Apt. E6
NorthEast Engineering Consultants

Our Garlic Stuff
927 Dewey St.
Our Garlic Stuff

Severe Graphics
222 Kings Highway
Severe Graphics

Yara Market
470 Main St.
Yara Market

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

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

Allen, Mekhi A.
50 Mansfield St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/11/2026

Bridges, Sarah D.
12 Maple St., # 2
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/13/2026

Card, Kenneth F.
56 Oswald Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 012017714
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/14/2026

Chris Giorgio Concrete LLC
Giorgio, Christopher Adam
32b Fosters Road
Montague, MA 01351
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/12/2026

Hefner, Carolyn G.
427 Pinewood Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/12/2026

Hernandez-O’Neil, Rosaliz
a/k/a Hernandez, Rosaliz
74 South St.
Cheshire, MA 01225
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/14/2026

Lalumiere, Mark E.
97 Monrovia St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/13/2026

O’Neil, Patrick M.
74 South St.
Cheshire, MA 01225
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/14/2026

Prestigious One LLC
1883 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01101
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/12/2026

Sanchez, Kimberly
20 East Hill Road
Springfield, MA 011091430
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/14/2026

Scott, Thomas H.
126 Labelle Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/13/2026

Thans, Marissa
a/k/a Ramos, Marissa
41 Clement St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/14/2026
 
Trombly, Thomas P.L.
205 Breckenridge St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/14/2026

Real Estate Transactions

By
Real Estate

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY

ASHFIELD

Spruce Corner Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Matthew St. Louis
Seller: Charles J. Delaney
Date: 03/27/26

BUCKLAND

102 Elm St.
Buckland, MA 01370
Amount: $363,000
Buyer: Miranda Lynn Lapolice
Seller: Kimberly J. Longval
Date: 03/16/26

CONWAY

85 Dacey Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $1,100,000
Buyer: Dacey Farm Real Estate Holdings LLC
Seller: Elizabeth A. West
Date: 03/18/26

GREENFIELD

52 Canada Hill
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Isaac Gustafson
Seller: Bho Realty LLC
Date: 03/27/26

4 Pickett Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $545,000
Buyer: Emma Morrow
Seller: Barbara A. Mundy
Date: 03/25/26

163 South Shelburne Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Elizabeth West
Seller: Fayethe H. Hayes
Date: 03/18/26

LEVERETT

270 Montague Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $183,333
Buyer: Matthew W. Corcoran
Seller: Mpoh Partners LLC
Date: 03/16/26

MONTAGUE

8 Craig Ave.
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $358,000
Buyer: Martin Wiedersheim
Seller: Merriott, Cecil G., (Estate)
Date: 03/27/26

31 Park St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: John Marinelli
Seller: Antony Rudie
Date: 03/24/26

NEW SALEM

70 North Main St.
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $205,648
Buyer: Home Equity Mortgage Loan Asset-B
Seller: Richard Phanuef
Date: 03/25/26

ORANGE

51 East Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $447,900
Buyer: Dorothy Whiting
Seller: James M. Grimley
Date: 03/16/26

549 East Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $282,000
Buyer: Travis Dumais
Seller: Trystan M. Nardone
Date: 03/26/26

42 King St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Alden Buckingham
Seller: Robbi L. Curtis
Date: 03/17/26

SHUTESBURY

85 Lake Dr.
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $635,000
Buyer: Vollherbst LT
Seller: Michael J. McGrath
Date: 03/25/26

SUNDERLAND

62 Amherst Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Route 116 Properties LLC
Seller: Julia D. Kulessa LT
Date: 03/25/26

WHATELY

7 Christian Lane
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $377,000
Buyer: Andrew Placzek
Seller: Kelsey, Constance A., (Estate)
Date: 03/23/26

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

30 Barberry Lane
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Sell 2 Us LLC
Seller: Matthew Battista
Date: 03/27/26

22 Cooley St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: William J. Frink
Seller: Ruth Noemi Vasquez
Date: 03/17/26

122 Cottonwood Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $464,500
Buyer: Connor Devivo
Seller: Diane Devivo-Panico
Date: 03/18/26

44 Depalma St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Ivan Liang IRT
Seller: Kimberly F. McMullin
Date: 03/16/26

24 East View Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $584,000
Buyer: Laurie Ellen Connors
Seller: A. & Karol-Ann Rogers FT
Date: 03/18/26

105 Edgewater Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $397,000
Buyer: Colleen K. McGonagle
Seller: Piquette, Cecile, (Estate)
Date: 03/19/26

1077 Main St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $487,000
Buyer: Vitalii Tverdokhlib
Seller: John Houle
Date: 03/27/26

2-4 Moore St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Aleksandr Govor
Seller: Ginette M. Poirier
Date: 03/26/26

49 North St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $950,250
Buyer: 49Aha North LLC
Seller: Freedom Credit Union
Date: 03/20/26

85 Red Fox Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $517,500
Buyer: Sean C. Kennedy
Seller: Michael D. Johansen
Date: 03/18/26

144 River Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Holly Steinmetz
Seller: Duda IRT
Date: 03/27/26

47 Roberta Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $401,000
Buyer: Andrea Johansen
Seller: Steven D. Venne
Date: 03/18/26

354 Rowley St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Stephanie Mercorelli
Seller: Walter S. Pieciak
Date: 03/26/26

60 White Fox Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $266,000
Buyer: RCF 2 Acquisition TR
Seller: Thomas K. Lightcap
Date: 03/18/26

BRIMFIELD

97 Cubles Dr.
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $507,500
Buyer: Meredith Stone
Seller: Debra Cormier
Date: 03/27/26

34 Lyman Barnes Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Debra Cormier
Seller: Beth A. Goven
Date: 03/27/26

14 Paige Hill Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $615,000
Buyer: Kevin Paul Anctil
Seller: Van K. Nguyen
Date: 03/20/26

405 Palmer Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $242,617
Buyer: Kevin M. O’Malley
Seller: Donald C. Foster
Date: 03/18/26

15 Sturbridge Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $568,000
Buyer: Brionna Burke
Seller: Luiza J. Hopkins
Date: 03/23/26

43 Tower Hill Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $595,000
Buyer: Nathan Corriveau
Seller: Shihui Pang
Date: 03/20/26

CHESTER

67 Middlefield Road
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Jeremy Tanguay
Seller: Cora Boudreau
Date: 03/25/26

654 Skyline Trail
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Konstantin P. Khodunov
Seller: Michael B. Cronin
Date: 03/19/26

CHICOPEE

181 Beauchamp Ter.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Nadia Fuentes
Seller: Jeffrey Moore
Date: 03/27/26

30 Butler Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Natacha Nieves
Seller: RM Blerman LLC
Date: 03/26/26

344 Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Ilya Latoshkin
Seller: Virginia M. Bateman
Date: 03/27/26

549 Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: RM Blerman LLC
Seller: Franklin D. Surrette
Date: 03/18/26

87 Clarendon Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $387,000
Buyer: Rockson Otchere
Seller: Robai N. Chele
Date: 03/27/26

91 Haven Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Kmak LLC
Seller: Mary Louise Mailloux
Date: 03/24/26

15 Hyde Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Dylan Donoghue
Seller: Phyllis P. Chouinard
Date: 03/18/26

23 Jackson St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Kinsey Kolega
Seller: Jainis J. Colon Vazquez
Date: 03/26/26

153 Meadow St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Lemonade MM TD Chicopee LLC
Seller: TD Bank
Date: 03/24/26

330 Montgomery St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Hum Real Estate Holdings LLC
Seller: N. A. R. Realty LLC
Date: 03/26/26

35 Mt. Vernon St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $342,500
Buyer: Yazmilie Gomez
Seller: Bowers FT
Date: 03/27/26

32 Nassau St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $510,000
Buyer: Yanir Stein
Seller: Kamlesh Mistri
Date: 03/19/26

25 Ross Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $321,000
Buyer: Tyler Douglas Cyr
Seller: Penelope Ann Gagnon
Date: 03/17/26

101 Shepherd St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Devan M. Monroe
Seller: Andrew A. McNamara
Date: 03/27/26

115 St. James Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: West Jam Man LLC
Seller: Francis L. Bizon
Date: 03/23/26

EAST LONGMEADOW

31 Canterbury Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $634,900
Buyer: Harry Horton
Seller: Emily R. Quinn
Date: 03/20/26

62 Cooley Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $289,000
Buyer: Casey M. Moriarty
Seller: Gina Calabrese
Date: 03/17/26

HOLYOKE

329 Beech St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $1,245,000
Buyer: Pinc LLC
Seller: James A. Ryan
Date: 03/24/26

25-27 Elmwood Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Tori Laverdiere
Seller: Lead Funding LLC
Date: 03/20/26

284 High St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Penelope B. Bloodworth
Seller: Erin Brunelle
Date: 03/27/26

350 Homestead Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $303,000
Buyer: Kaila Tallman
Seller: Jennifer E. Sawyer
Date: 03/27/26

22 Liberty St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Quincy Mcginnis Lacwasan
Seller: Elizabeth A. Blumgarten
Date: 03/24/26

104 Lincoln St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $476,000
Buyer: Bianca Gonzalez-Lesser
Seller: A-O-K RT
Date: 03/24/26

165 Lincoln St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Ross L. Anjos
Seller: Sarah B. Bates
Date: 03/16/26

Mountain Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $389,000
Buyer: Eric Beattie
Seller: Adam J. Mulcahy
Date: 03/27/26

33 Vassar Circle
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Lindsey Peterson
Seller: Alice Kennedy
Date: 03/20/26

94 Vermont St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: William Joseph Sullivan
Seller: Jeffrey R. Auer
Date: 03/17/26

286 Westfield Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Edwin Diaz
Seller: SR Homebuyers LLC
Date: 03/18/26

LONGMEADOW

303 Captain Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $610,000
Buyer: Xian Wu
Seller: Chong Yuan Zhang
Date: 03/20/26

32 Edgewood Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Brandy Magdalino
Seller: Kristiana Alyssa Tadeo
Date: 03/25/26

11 Nevins Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $422,000
Buyer: Sean Germain
Seller: Elizabeth A. Kendall
Date: 03/16/26

189 Rugby Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $970,000
Buyer: Nathan A. Duval
Seller: Michael D. Bajakian
Date: 03/25/26

LUDLOW

22 Balsam Hill Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $950,000
Buyer: James Robert Donais
Seller: Dans Construction Service Inc.
Date: 03/17/26

173 Colonial Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Moises Elias Ramos
Seller: Donna Lee Scott
Date: 03/23/26

382 Holyoke St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Park LLC
Seller: Henry Mercado
Date: 03/27/26

184 Howard St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Peter J. Godbout
Seller: Andrey Katykhin
Date: 03/23/26

143 James St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $469,000
Buyer: Michael T. Gonzalez
Seller: Daniil Gerasimchuk
Date: 03/16/26

23 Oregon St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Miguel Goncalves
Seller: Y. & S. Properties LLC
Date: 03/26/26

26 Swan Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $599,900
Buyer: Jeffrey M. Reed
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 03/19/26

394 West St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $451,000
Buyer: Pamela Jumba
Seller: Daniel J. Whalen
Date: 03/24/26

MONSON

188 Bumstead Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $699,500
Buyer: Emma G. Mesa-Melendez
Seller: Stephen Murdoch
Date: 03/25/26

PALMER

34 Commercial St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Carlos Morales Torres
Seller: Zulma L. Lopez
Date: 03/18/26

69 East Palmer Park Dr.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $357,000
Buyer: Sarah Puffer Caron
Seller: Fumi Realty Inc.
Date: 03/23/26

3177-3179 Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Julie Dialessi-Lafley
Seller: Rachel Lane
Date: 03/25/26

4 Pioneer Dr.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $572,300
Buyer: Gavan Joseph W. Rice
Seller: Jason Joseph Hoffman
Date: 03/27/26

SPRINGFIELD

51-53 Abbe Ave.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Damian Lopez
Seller: Healthy Neighborhoods Group LLC
Date: 03/20/26

228 Acrebrook Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $289,900
Buyer: Katie Ann Archambault
Seller: Larry J. Cole
Date: 03/23/26

410 Allen St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Gary McDonald-Williams
Seller: Colleen O. Quintyne
Date: 03/26/26

22 Amanda St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Joseph Howe
Seller: Janice I. Matos
Date: 03/24/26

44 Amanda St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Joshua R. Wenzel
Seller: Katherine Theresa Mentor
Date: 03/25/26

16 Amherst St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Jose Manuel Melenciano
Seller: Sell 2 Us LLC
Date: 03/27/26

52-54 Andrew St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Manchester Enterprises LLC
Seller: Smith, Rupert E., (Estate)
Date: 03/25/26

79 Arvilla St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $292,000
Buyer: Steven Haguma
Seller: Mary E. St.Germain
Date: 03/19/26

73 Atwater Road
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Corey Connaughton
Seller: Joseph A. Pellegrino
Date: 03/27/26

198 Atwater Road
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: 198 Atwater Realty LLC
Seller: Paula M. Corridan
Date: 03/26/26

93 Balfour Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Cash Solution LLC
Seller: Marth-E LLC
Date: 03/26/26

1142 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Mei Nuan Li
Seller: Mei Nuan Li
Date: 03/16/26

108 Birchland Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Brian Enaworu
Seller: Sekar S. Dhanasekaran
Date: 03/27/26

120 Bridle Path Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Cameron M. Gilrein
Seller: Christopher J. Jacque
Date: 03/20/26

62-64 Bristol St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Marco Lervin N. Rodriguez
Seller: Fumi Realty Inc.
Date: 03/16/26

47-49 Brooks St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: A. Solomon Enterprises LLC
Seller: Wesley H. James
Date: 03/17/26

88 Brunswick St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Willy Pimentel Cuevas
Seller: Van Truong
Date: 03/16/26

40 Byers St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Robinah K. Nantale
Seller: Dalin Ou
Date: 03/27/26

67 California Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: New Journey Investors LLC
Seller: Saint James NT
Date: 03/18/26

571-573 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $412,000
Buyer: Lisa Mejia
Seller: William G. Sintiris
Date: 03/20/26

744-746 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Angel Lopez
Seller: JJJ17 LLC
Date: 03/26/26

834 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $758,000
Buyer: Onstar Properties AA LLC
Seller: Kelnate Realty LLC
Date: 03/20/26

1730 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Amanda Lee Blake
Seller: Carmen L. Montalvo
Date: 03/26/26

35 Carlton St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $286,000
Buyer: Cole Walker
Seller: Emma G. Mesa-Melendez
Date: 03/25/26

15 Crestmont St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Dnepro Properties LLC
Seller: Tracy M. Kelley
Date: 03/18/26

81 Crystal Brook Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $625,000
Buyer: Jessica Buzzell
Seller: Grahams Construction Inc.
Date: 03/27/26

251 Edendale St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Kenia Liz Hernandez
Seller: Jessica Kuelling
Date: 03/16/26

23 Eldert St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: S&M Holdings LLC
Seller: Citizens Bank
Date: 03/16/26

22 Eleanor Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $388,000
Buyer: Matthew Jarrett
Seller: Eleanor LLC
Date: 03/20/26

5 Fenimore Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $348,000
Buyer: Zachary C. Ouimette
Seller: Somchai Daniels
Date: 03/25/26

141 Hood St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $336,000
Buyer: Anabel Ortiz
Seller: Hummad Ijaz
Date: 03/20/26

63 Hope St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Hedge Hog Industries Corp.
Seller: 63 Hope Street RT
Date: 03/17/26

60 Jeanne Marie St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Ashley R. Desjardins
Seller: Afriyie, Kofie, (Estate)
Date: 03/27/26

79 Lancashire Road
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: David Larochelle
Seller: Normand Larochelle LT
Date: 03/27/26

99 Lang St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: DreamBigHomes LLC
Seller: George L. Quinn
Date: 03/26/26

63 Lawton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Shawn A. Dixon
Seller: Fidelis A. Lemchi
Date: 03/27/26

52 Lebanon St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $162,500
Buyer: Mhi Properties LLC
Seller: Verna Martin
Date: 03/19/26

446 Liberty St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $565,000
Buyer: 446 Liberty LLC
Seller: Mindruns Properties LLC
Date: 03/19/26

2220 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $1,500,000
Buyer: Hammond Bus Center LLC
Seller: 2024R&L LLC
Date: 03/23/26

42 Marquette St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Marimar T. Cedrez
Seller: Aileen Ramos
Date: 03/27/26

181 Marsden St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $269,900
Buyer: Ann Marie Carmody
Seller: Douglas Dichard
Date: 03/16/26

782 Newbury St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $179,000
Buyer: William Raleigh
Seller: William G. Treadwell
Date: 03/19/26

55-57 Oak St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $236,000
Buyer: Emtay Inc.
Seller: Zain Azam
Date: 03/19/26

150 Old Lane Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Naomy Martinez
Seller: Xavier Delvalle
Date: 03/20/26

41 Olive St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Ruben Zeno
Seller: Jose Olique-Ortiz
Date: 03/17/26

225 Osborne Ter.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Angel Manuel Acevedo
Seller: Victor M. Santiago
Date: 03/20/26

46 Overlea Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $358,000
Buyer: Jared Arias
Seller: Frank D. Roda
Date: 03/18/26

1323 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $161,846
Buyer: Bear Stearns Asset Backed SE
Seller: Linda Jubrey-Mcneal
Date: 03/25/26

17 Pebble Mill Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Ernesto E. Jimenez
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 03/27/26

63 Peer St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $264,000
Buyer: Shakira M. Guzman
Seller: Arslan Asif
Date: 03/17/26

15 Pine Acre Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Tyler Stratton
Seller: Steven J. Martinez
Date: 03/26/26

46 Puritan Circle
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $389,900
Buyer: Kenneth R. Close
Seller: Carol E. Nicholson
Date: 03/23/26

18 Riverton Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Raquel Wood
Seller: Joseph John Carron
Date: 03/23/26

20 Sachem St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: CJ Harding Realty Inc.
Seller: Junior Properties LLC
Date: 03/26/26

19 St. James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $770,000
Buyer: Amado Vazquez Morales
Seller: MD Trading Corp.
Date: 03/27/26

51-53 Suffolk St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Naples Home Buyers Inc.
Seller: Angela Streeter
Date: 03/25/26

30 Sunset Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Devan J. Washington
Seller: Robin C. Smith
Date: 03/17/26

39 Thyme Lane
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Bryan D. St. Amand
Seller: Nicholas Turnberg
Date: 03/18/26

19 Warner St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $875,000
Buyer: Warner Greenfield LLC
Seller: Paula Ventura RET
Date: 03/16/26

28 Warriner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $159,382
Buyer: First Franklin M. T. 2006-FF18
Seller: Venancio Marrero
Date: 03/16/26

19 Westford Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Christopher Ledoux
Seller: Graham & Lumpkin LLC
Date: 03/17/26

944 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $272,000
Buyer: Tamara Ortiz Hernandez
Seller: Richard J. Bertrand
Date: 03/26/26

86 Wildwood Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $128,000
Buyer: Halina Lefort
Seller: Lorenzo Quinones
Date: 03/25/26

134-136 Woodlawn St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Dayana Yubilee L. Medina
Seller: Elizer Vasquez
Date: 03/23/26

SOUTHWICK

8 Curtis Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Ruslana Popa
Seller: LSF10 Master Partnership TR
Date: 03/27/26

3 Evergreen St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Madison Shelby Girouard
Seller: Wicked Deals LLC
Date: 03/26/26

116 Granville Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: Brandee Thomas
Seller: Jeffrey V. Bertrand
Date: 03/19/26

368 Granville Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: IHI Wave LLC
Seller: Robert E. Wheeler
Date: 03/25/26

242 Russellville Road
Southwick, MA 01085
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Tyler Jaeger
Seller: Ehret, Charlotte, (Estate)
Date: 03/25/26

5-A Sawgrass Lane
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Steven Gardner
Seller: Jeremy Pepin
Date: 03/25/26

TOLLAND

6 Path Road
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $459,000
Buyer: Jacqueline McDowell
Seller: Kat Vacation Rentals LLC
Date: 03/17/26

WEST SPRINGFIELD

63 Allston Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Kemran Lachinov
Seller: Andrea Barstis
Date: 03/18/26

10 Beauregard Ter.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $585,000
Buyer: Jennifer A. Courtney
Seller: Diana Panetta
Date: 03/17/26

404 Brush Hill Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Samuel E. Bienia
Seller: Ann A. Sikorski
Date: 03/20/26

61 Clarence St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Donald Lamica
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 03/20/26

23 Hickory St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Jason A. Brazee
Seller: Barrett, Sandra J., (Estate)
Date: 03/19/26

5 Nelson St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Larkspur LLC
Seller: Maryann Santillo
Date: 03/27/26

43 West School St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Xpb-2 LLC
Seller: Burhan Holdings One LLC
Date: 03/23/26

188 Windsor St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $159,700
Buyer: Ali Yahya
Seller: Jess A. Payant
Date: 03/27/26

63 Worcester St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Lockhouse Development LLC
Seller: W&M Paltz FT
Date: 03/27/26

WESTFIELD

798 Airport Industrial Park Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $1,050,000
Buyer: John A. Morin
Seller: Del Holdings LLC
Date: 03/27/26

2 Cycle St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Kimberlee Cartwright
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 03/24/26

25 Dubois St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $247,500
Buyer: Vasyl Matichyn
Seller: James M. Pettengill
Date: 03/23/26

300 Eeast Main St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $855,000
Buyer: King Barrett LLC
Seller: Direct Auto Realty Inc.
Date: 03/27/26

24 Elise St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $880,000
Buyer: N. A. R. Realty LLC
Seller: Hum Real Estate Holdings LLC
Date: 03/26/26

178 Falcon Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Raymond Turgeon
Seller: Tatro, Gordon F., (Estate)
Date: 03/18/26

113 Franklin St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $427,000
Buyer: Jason Schrecke
Seller: Clifford W. Laraway
Date: 03/20/26

31 George St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $382,500
Buyer: Vyacheslav Babinov
Seller: Robert J. Corcoran
Date: 03/20/26

605 Granville Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $174,000
Buyer: Peter Cardullo
Seller: Gretchen L. Ingraham
Date: 03/20/26

122 Hillside Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $187,500
Buyer: Todd W. Duval
Seller: Duval FT
Date: 03/27/26

60 Mill St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Jake Squires
Seller: Manada V. Troiano
Date: 03/25/26

Nathaniel Hill, Lot 5
Westfield, MA 01109
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Christian Gezotis
Seller: Nathaniel Hill Realty LLC
Date: 03/27/26

Nathaniel Hill, Lot 12
Westfield, MA 01109
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Nicholas Gezotis
Seller: Nathaniel Hill Realty LLC
Date: 03/27/26

274 Prospect St. Ext.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Arpc LLC
Seller: Meyer Jr., Earl J., (Estate)
Date: 03/18/26

558 Russellville Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Tyler Jaeger
Seller: Ehret, Charlotte, (Estate)
Date: 03/25/26

103 Woodcliff Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $710,000
Buyer: Hae Ae Kim
Seller: Labbe FT
Date: 03/27/26

WILBRAHAM

2589 Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $212,575
Buyer: H. P. Rum LLC
Seller: 2589 Boston Road LLC
Date: 03/27/26

2597-2599 Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $212,575
Buyer: H. P. Rum LLC
Seller: 2589 Boston Road LLC
Date: 03/27/26

2599 Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $212,575
Buyer: H. P. Rum LLC
Seller: 2589 Boston Road LLC
Date: 03/27/26

3076 Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $389,000
Buyer: Alexander Ouimet
Seller: Fumi Realty Inc.
Date: 03/16/26

4 Hillcrest Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $625,000
Buyer: Kazimierz Borawski
Seller: Wilson & Family Real Estate LLC
Date: 03/20/26

16 Maple St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $399,900
Buyer: Taylor A. Dupuis
Seller: Wicked Deals LLC
Date: 03/27/26

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

48 Gray St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $832,000
Buyer: Barton Ramos
Seller: Matahari RT
Date: 03/27/26

473 Pine St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Seunghun Kang
Seller: T. B. Jr. & M. L. Likens JRET
Date: 03/27/26

BELCHERTOWN

10 Cottage St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $282,000
Buyer: Nabi Fahmy
Seller: Kellye B. Lupica
Date: 03/18/26

58 Dana Hill
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Derek Lafreniere
Seller: Keileigh M. Keizer
Date: 03/20/26

78 Federal St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: M&H Property Ventures LLC
Seller: Donna L. Miskiv
Date: 03/27/26

308 North Liberty St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $739,000
Buyer: Ali Shirzadeh Chaleshtari
Seller: Evergreen Design Build Inc.
Date: 03/26/26

26 Plaza Ave.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $627,000
Buyer: Remy M. Taghavi
Seller: Zachary C. Almond
Date: 03/24/26

232 Rockrimmon St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Samantha Isbell
Seller: Jordan Ross
Date: 03/27/26

Woodland Lane #T
Belchertown, MA 01069
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Alyssa Maggi
Seller: Joshua M. Slovack
Date: 03/18/26

CUMMINGTON

13 Jordan Road
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $333,000
Buyer: Joe D. Craft
Seller: Deborah Rae Nancy Gavito
Date: 03/27/26

EASTHAMPTON

10-12 Glen Cove Place
Easthampton, MA 01075
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: Avery N. Chartier
Seller: Lazy D. Construction LLC
Date: 03/20/26

33 Knipfer Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $217,000
Buyer: Norwich Properties LLC
Seller: Roman Catholic Bishop Of Springfield
Date: 03/25/26

4 Laurel Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $579,000
Buyer: Michael Joseph Natale
Seller: Lisa M. Fitzpatrick
Date: 03/20/26

179 Northampton St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $1,950,000
Buyer: 179 Hamp Street LLC
Seller: 179 Northampton LLC
Date: 03/27/26

245 Park St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $209,480
Buyer: Robin R. Sheldon
Seller: Citimortage Inc.
Date: 03/16/26

GRANBY

332 Batchelor St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $259,000
Buyer: Rcaf Acquisition TR
Seller: Ian Paxton
Date: 03/25/26

149 Pleasant St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $156,000
Buyer: Robert M. Barry
Seller: Ann Marie Bragiel
Date: 03/20/26

HADLEY

6 Highland Circle
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Malia MacDonald
Seller: Michael MacDonald
Date: 03/27/26

HATFIELD

62 Bridge St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Lagoy INT
Seller: Joe Kabat FT
Date: 03/20/26

71 Chestnut St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Mary C. Powers
Seller: Geraldine D. Smith
Date: 03/27/26

HUNTINGTON

4 Stage Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Lica Nova Webb
Seller: Jade L. Fleury
Date: 03/18/26

NORTHAMPTON

13-A Finn St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $551,000
Buyer: Catalina Mullan Baker
Seller: Rachel Sachs Riverwood
Date: 03/27/26

218 Elm St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Pablo F. Medina
Seller: Stephen R. Watson
Date: 03/20/26

110 Pleasant St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $850,000
Buyer: Wotsedom LLC
Seller: Iris Realty LLC
Date: 03/19/26

633 Ryan Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $166,500
Buyer: Lori D. Reynolds
Seller: Jacqueline M. Burt
Date: 03/18/26

832 Westhampton Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $615,000
Buyer: Sarah Gray
Seller: Lionel G. Romain
Date: 03/23/26

PELHAM

29 Gulf Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Zachary P. Finkle
Seller: Frank Citino
Date: 03/19/26

SOUTH HADLEY

12 Sycamore Knolls
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Richard J. Jolivet
Seller: Karen A. Romano IRT
Date: 03/26/26

41 Woodbridge St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $582,000
Buyer: Adriao M. Dos Reis
Seller: Catalano, Paul Robert, (Estate)
Date: 03/20/26

SOUTHAMPTON

242 Russellville Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Tyler Jaeger
Seller: Ehret, Charlotte, (Estate)
Date: 03/25/26

WARE

4 Bank St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Bright Star Enterprises LLC
Seller: Country Bank For Savings
Date: 03/20/26

75 Main St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Bright Star Enterprises LLC
Seller: Country Bank For Savings
Date: 03/20/26

207 Monson Turnpike Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Daniel Daigle
Seller: Yellowbrick Property LLC
Date: 03/23/26

27 Morse Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Sydney Ocran
Seller: Kevin P. Slattery
Date: 03/24/26

310 Palmer Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $282,000
Buyer: Jessica Lee Dulak
Seller: Kristy L. Smith
Date: 03/27/26

44 South St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $334,000
Buyer: Elian Morfe Aria
Seller: Nasser H. Chehimi
Date: 03/23/26

73 South St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $28,193,817
Buyer: 73 South Street Propco LLC
Seller: Ware Senior Living LLC
Date: 03/20/26

2 Susan Dr.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Scott Slattery
Seller: John F. Slattery
Date: 03/27/26

WILLIAMSBURG

3 Deer Haven Dr.
Williamsburg, MA 01039
Amount: $839,000
Buyer: Cyrus Jones
Seller: Wycherley, Brian R., (Estate)
Date: 03/23/26

14 North Main St.
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $131,175
Buyer: Jane Ellen Cody
Seller: Joan T. Cody
Date: 03/26/26

6 Williams St.
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $247,500
Buyer: Sean P. Ryan
Seller: Brittany Superba
Date: 03/23/26

Twenty Years of Celebrating Excellence

By
Opinion

Editorial

An even 800.

That’s how many people are now members of ‘the club.’

That would the 40 Under Forty club, which BusinessWest launched back in the spring of 2007. It is comprised of rising stars in this region, people who are making a difference in their business, nonprofit, school, or seat in government — and also in the community.

This is the 20th class of honorees to be chosen by independent panels of judges. Members of the class of 2026 are officially in the club, but they will get their plaques at the annual gala on June 11 at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield.

Like the 19 classes that came before, this one is diverse in every respect, but especially with regard to what earned individual honorees a spot among the 40. For some, it’s professional accomplishments. For others, it’s primarily their work within the community. For most, it’s a combination of both, as the stories that begin on page A6 clearly relate.

Here are some snapshots that convey the depth of this class and the many ways its members stand out.

• Inspired by his father, a commercial banker who passed away in 2012 after battling ALS, Paul Accorsi Jr. has followed in his footsteps, not merely as an assistant vice president and business banking lender for PeoplesBank, but as a leader in the community, getting involved with groups and causes ranging from the Springfield Kiwanis Club to the South End Community Center to a wide range of charitable road races.

• Alexandra Balise ultimately decided to join the family business — a growing collection of auto dealerships and related ventures that bears her family’s name — but while she has made her mark there, now as director of Corporate Strategy, she has been a force in the community as well, especially with the early childhood education provider Square One, but also Benjamin Swan School, Link to Libraries, the Zoo in Forest Park, and other instititions and causes.

• Alicia Brown is an English teacher at Springfield’s John J. Duggan Academy who created ‘the Royals,’ an after-school program to empower young women through mentorship, leadership development, and life skills education — “helping them build healthy coping mechanisms to navigate life,” as she put it.

• Shannon O’Connell turned a lifelong heart for animals into a long-running stint as facility manager at the Good Dog Spot in Chicopee — but, more impressively, a role as foster mom to more than 250 animals (and counting) over the years, creating a calm, nurturing environment where they can safely grow, heal, and learn to trust.

• Almost two decades ago, Aimee Salmon launched Positively Africana by Aimee, a thriving retail, online, and fitness enterprise that works directly with women entrepreneurs and artists across Africa, creating economic opportunties for them while bringing authentic African gifts and experiences to Western Mass.

• Brandon Towle is the manager of Rolling Meadows Country Club in Ellington, Conn. And while he excels in that role, he’s an honoree for the manner in which he has gained the confidence and courage to move past a severe stutter and, even more importantly, create Camp Words Unspoken in Pittsfield, where young people are provided with the tools to do the same.

• Yeselie Tulloch, this year’s top scorer among the five independent judges, co-founded the Academic Leadership Assoc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth through school-based mentoring, literacy support, social-emotional development, and self-advocacy programming. “It’s so important to me to work with children and just be that adult that some kids might not have,” she said.

That last quote speaks to another thread that runs throughout this year’s 40 Under Forty class: impact. Real impact that goes well beyond personal success. We’re once again honored to share their stories with you in the 20th edition of BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty. Here’s to 20 more years, and so many more stories waiting to be told.

A Heartbreaking Reality on Many Levels

By
Opinion

Editorial

 

The news that came out of Hampshire College on April 14 — that the nearly 60-year-old, unconventional liberal arts institution will be closing — was hardly a surprise.

The news came maybe a little sooner than many expected, but the handwriting has been on the wall for some time now. Indeed, this quirky school had fought a brave fight to keep the doors open over the past decade or so, but in the end, it simply could not overcome a powerful mix of forces, everything from a sharp drop in enrollment to an inability to refinance its bond debt to a waning unrestricted endowment.

“Despite this herculean effort, the financial pressures on the college’s operations have become increasingly complex, compounded by shifting external factors,” according to a public letter released by the board and college President Jennifer Chrisler, noting that attempts were made to increase enrollment, refinance existing debt, and realize new revenue via the sale of a portion of land.

“We have long known that addressing these issues is essential to establishing a stable financial foundation, supporting long-term operations, and meeting regulatory requirements,” the letter noted. “We are faced with the clear, heartbreaking reality that progress on each of these three key factors has fallen far short of what we had hoped.”

Another reality is that, while Hampshire’s situation was dire and certainly magnified by the fact that it became increasingly difficult to attract students to a college with a seriously uncertain future, many private colleges are struggling and may soon face hard choices themselves.

Indeed, a new forecast by the Huron Consulting Group projects that nearly one-quarter of the nation’s 1,700 private, nonprofit four-year colleges and universities are at risk of closing or having to merge within the next 10 years.

To survive, these schools must find ways to increase enrollment at a time when the number of high school graduates continues to fall, and convince enough families of the value of a four-year college degree.

If current trends continue, this will become an increasingly tall order, and the higher education landscape in this region and this country could change considerably.

That, too, is a heartbreaking reality.

Area Landscapers Say Business Is in a Growth Mode

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Brian Campedelli says the harsh winter benefited landscapers in a few ways; it gave a solid start to those that plow snow, and it created great anticipation for spring.
Construction Special Coverage

Spring in Their Step

Brian Campedelli says the harsh winter benefited landscapers in a few ways; it gave a solid start to those that plow snow, and it created great anticipation for spring.

Brian Campedelli says the harsh winter benefited landscapers in a few ways; it gave a solid start to those that plow snow, and it created great anticipation for spring.

 

After the long, hard winter of 2025-26, Brian Campedelli notes, “people are saying, ‘get me outside — I don’t want to be in my house anymore.’”

And not just get out there, but enhance their outdoor spaces and make it so they can spend more quality time there.

He knows this because of the number and nature of the phone calls to his Easthampton-based business, Pioneer Landscapes, and also because of the turnout at the company’s booth at the recent Home & Garden Show at the Eastern States Exposition and the eagerness of many visitors to do something with their backyards.

“We got a lot of quality leads,” he said. “And these are people who came prepared; we saw people who came in with sketches, photos on their phones, and the ones who didn’t have photos were bringing up their ring cameras and showing us their yard. They knew the sizes of the patios they wanted, the water features … everyone was driven this year; they were ready to go.”

An overwhelming desire to move on from this past winter is just one of the many factors likely to contribute to a good year for businesses in the broad landscaping category in 2026. Another factor is that winter itself; indeed, many companies in this realm, like Pioneer, also handle commercial and residential snow removal, and Campedelli counted 14 plowable events and dozens more salting events over the past four months, helping the bottom line in 2025 and getting 2026 off to a solid start, much better than many recent winters.

“Everything that takes your weekend away from you throughout the summer … we can handle that for you.”

Other factors include a still-strong market for everything from patios and retaining walls to waterfalls and koi ponds, the need for many residents to put a fresh face on work done years ago, and an improved labor market generated by slower times in other sectors. The landscape professionals we spoke with also describe a growing reluctance among homeowners to give up quality time to mowing, fertilizing, and trimming, and a growing desire to let someone else do all that.

“Everything that takes your weekend away from you throughout the summer … we can handle that for you,” said Campedelli, noting that, while a segment of the population has always been willing to pay to let professionals tend to their lawn and gardens, that constituency is growing, based on interest in the different packages offered by the company (more on them later).

Jacob Hall, an enterprising 17-year-old Minnechaug High School student who started his own landscaping business with two friends two years ago, agreed.

“They just don’t have the time to it, and they don’t want to get dirty,” he said, adding that this trend has helped him grow the mowing client list at Caesar’s Lawn & Landscape to more than 50. “In many cases, it can be cheaper in the long run to hire someone, and people are really busy; it just takes one thing off their plate.”

As for those backyard elements, everything from pavilions to firepits to waterfalls large and small, Stephen Roberts says they are part of an ongoing trend toward making these spaces entertainment centers that meld technology with comfort. And the list of what goes into backyards today continues to grow and evolve.

“There’s a lot that goes into creating a nice backyard with all the amenities,” the owner of Springfield-based Stephen A. Roberts Landscaping told BusinessWest. “There’s the shed, the pool house, fencing, retaining walls, paving, lighting, sound systems, and structures that can protect furniture from the elements.”

Roberts said his firm has a full slate of projects for the months to come — all of them booked last fall — and he’s spending his time now scheduling projects for later in the summer and fall, while also managing the expectations of those who thought they could call in March and get a pool put in by the start of summer.

 

Overall, he said the volume of work has declined from the boom times during the COVID years, when seemingly everyone was investing in their backyard. But it has picked up from a few years ago, when he was in “downsize mode” and doing more of the work himself.

If there is a concern heading into the meat of the landscaping season, it involves whether residents and businesses will continue to spend on their outdoor spaces amid rising prices for many items and general uncertainty about the economy and global conflicts, said Dan Ziomek, general manager of Sugarloaf Gardens in Sunderland, the retail arm of Snow & Sons Landscaping, which sells to the general public as well.

“People are investing more in their yards and gardens, but given the price of gas and the price of groceries, are people going to spend their disposable income with us?” he asked rhetorically. “We’re just going to have to see as we go along.”

But, overall, he and others we spoke with were generally optimistic that 2026 will be a year to grow — literally and figuratively.

 

A Cut Above

As he talked with BusinessWest, Roberts was working with a repeat customer — a Holyoke resident who was replacing a pool put in 20 years ago while also putting in a new backyard complete with retaining walls — and coping with a tight deadline.

“It’s a big project, and a lot goes into it because he wants to be swimming by May, and there’s a lot of pressure to get it done,” said Roberts, adding that this project typifies the opportunities and challenges facing those in this business.

“People are investing more in their yards and gardens, but given the price of gas and the price of groceries, are people going to spend their disposable income with us? We’re just going to have to see as we go along.”

There are many homeowners putting in new installations or upgrading old ones, he said, adding that managing expectations for many of these customers is now a big part of the job.

“A lot of people call and want miracles done in the spring,” he explained. “They need to realize that we’re booked up with projects that were signed up in the fall.”

Overall, business is good across the broad spectrum of the landscape business, from mowing lawns to designing and building those backyard elements.

Pioneer Landscapes does all of that, Campedelli said, adding that, on the design side, much of the project work involves designing and building what the industry calls outdoor rooms.

“They give you a space that makes you feel relaxed and cozy, between using all the elements such as lighting and music, waterfalls, and fire rocks — if you can dream it, we can do it.”

And what people are dreaming about are spaces where they can entertain, but that are also easy to maintain and protect from the elements, said Roberts, adding that many homeowners are moving from gazebos to pavilions.

“We’re seeing the outdoor rooms, the covered space outside, more than just a gazebo, which was a quick fix — those were mostly underutilized because there’s only so much you can do under a gazebo,” he explained. “People are putting in outdoor entertainment systems — maybe a drop-down TV, a fireplace, some nice couches that don’t get wet, sound systems, and outdoor lighting systems that are controlled by Wi-Fi so they can change colors and dim the lights.”

And, by and large, there remains strong interest in these big investments, said those we spoke with. While demand is not as strong as it was at the height of the pandemic, when the backyard was the only place people could go for vacation, it remains solid.

The Home & Garden Show provided ample evidence of this, said Campedelli, adding that most visitors to the Pioneer booth were driven and ready to move forward with projects.

“They were saying, ‘I want a fence,’ or ‘I want irrigation,’ or ‘I want a backyard makeover’ … there was a lot of that,” he said, adding that, while there is some uncertainty with the economy and concern over recent events globally, many consumers still have the requisite confidence to move forward with what can be a big-ticket item.

Roberts agreed, but said there is certainly some lingering angst concerning inflation and tensions overseas.

As for the businesses handling this work, the hard winter of 2025-26 was the best in years when it came to plowing, generating solid cash flow, and creating momentum for the seasons to follow.

“We’re rolling right now, and I hope it just keeps on going,” Campedelli said, adding that he expects it will, given all those factors he listed earlier.

 

Mow of the Same

These include that trend toward letting someone else mow the lawn and trim the hedges, he told BusinessWest, adding that, in addition to their backyards, people also value the time they spend in them.

And this has translated into growing interest in the company’s maintenance programs, which range in price from $130 to $995 a month, such as the ‘carefree weekend package,’ which includes mowing and trimming around beds, fences, and walkways, and blowing off driveways, sidewalks, and patios; the ‘outdoor living protection package,’ which includes a fertilization plan and mosquito and tick control services; and the ‘complete outdoor care and seasonal maintenance bundle,’ which includes spring and fall cleanups, aeration and overseeding, irrigation maintenance, and much more.

“These programs are becoming more popular,” he explained. “We just started offering the packages, and so far, they’re a hit.”

This trend helps explain the fast, steady growth of Caesar’s Lawn & Landscape, a company that, like many in this sector, started with a young person mowing lawns for family, friends, and neighbors, and eventually turning it into a business.

And like most entrepreneurs, Hall has been involved in all aspects of this endeavor, from naming it — Caesar is his middle name, and “I thought it had a nice ring to it” — to taking calls and giving estimates; from mowing lawns himself to doing the legwork on forming an LLC.

He started in 2024 with a small portfolio of 10 to 12 lawns and has since worked with partners Trevor Plante and Jonathon Knight to grow the venture and its list of services to include hardscape work such as patios and retaining walls, tree trimming, brush removal and land clearing, lawn maintenance, and, starting a few months ago, snow removal, using snow throwers and a salter on his truck.

“Those two big storms really helped us get that side of the business going, and we’re going to get more into that next year,” said Hall, a junior at Minnechaug, who works after school and on weekends, with his Ford F-250 serving as his workhorse vehicle and office.

Long-term, he and his partners plan to continue growing the venture, build on the momentum they’ve generated, and, for the short term, at least, find ways to balance school and work.

“It’s definitely fun, but also challenging to have your own business,” he said, noting that most high-schoolers work for someone else. “It’s rewarding to work hard and build something like this.”

The same can be said of homeowners and their gardens, said Ziomek, adding that gardening has always been a release for people, and he expects this will continue amid the economic uncertainty and global tensions of the moment.

“We’re hopeful that gardening remains an outlet for people to get away from all the noise happening the world,” he said. “And they’ll garden more because of that.”

Elaborating, he said that, in tough or uncertain times, people will grow more of their own vegetables and fruits as a hedge against higher prices, and he expects to see more of that this year.

“The other thing we notice is people just wanting to build a small oasis, if that’s the right word, to escape from all the stuff that’s going on in the world,” he went on. “It might just be a small perennial garden, or a few flowers in a spot where they see them all the time — just something to make them smile as they go in or out of the house.”

If these trends and the others mentioned above continue into 2026 and beyond, it will be all those in the broad landscape sector who will be smiling.

Area Mental Health Organizations Tackle Growing Community Demand

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Lois Nesci says Gándara Center has its finger on the pulse of where regional mental health needs exist, and strives to meet them through a broad array of programs.
Healthcare News Special Coverage

Mindful Approach

Lois Nesci says Gándara Center has its finger on the pulse of where regional mental health needs exist, and strives to meet them through a broad array of programs.

Lois Nesci says Gándara Center has its finger on the pulse of where regional mental health needs exist, and strives to meet them through a broad array of programs.

 

When Shelley Zimmerman arrived at MiraVista Behavioral Health Center in Holyoke in 2023, the facility had 56 inpatient adult beds.

Now, with the opening of 10 new beds only a few weeks ago, there are 98 in all, including 16 for adolescents.

“We’re planning for more in the future,” said Zimmerman, MiraVista’s hospital administrator. “Of those 98 beds, I’m running 95% full every single day. We’re full all the time.”

The reason is simple. “Across the region, we’re seeing sustained demand outpacing inpatient behavioral health capacity, particularly for high-acuity or dual-diagnosed patients. So length of stays are being extended due to that. And emergency departments are kind of a bottleneck. My background is as an emergency room nurse, so I understand what that’s like for patients and for the hospital system; it reinforces the need to expand beds.”

Larger behavioral health organizations are seeing similar needs and responding accordingly. Lois Nesci, CEO of Springfield-based Gándara Mental Health Center, recently spoke with BusinessWest about that growing health system, which now boasts 70 different locations with 1,100 staff serving 18,000 people statewide.

“We look at that all the time — we look at where is the need, do we have the expertise to offer something, where is it in the geographical area, and do we have the capacity?”

“We’re very fortunate to have this kind of presence and the ability to offer services,” she said — and those services are broad. They include:

• Behavioral health, which encompasses a broad array of clinical and substance use services for adults, families, children, and adolescents, including individual and group psychotherapy, diagnostic assessments, and treatment;

• Youth, young adult, and family services, including children’s behavioral health, foster care, and youth and young adult residential ​homes;

• Substance use and recovery, with services include recovery coaching, peer recovery centers, and long-term residential treatment for men, women, and young adults with substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health disorders;

• Community and prevention, including health education programs and initiatives that provide resources and information addressing numerous public health areas while representing the multicultural needs of the region; and

• Intellectual and developmental disability services, which promote the health and well-being of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those with behavioral health and/or substance use disorders.

“We have our finger on the pulse. We know where the needs exist,” Nesci said, noting that some of this is anecdotal data from program participants themselves, while Gándara also works with the state and other entities to determine where the gaps are, and strive to fill them.

SHELLEY ZIMMERMAN

Shelley Zimmerman

“Across the region, we’re seeing sustained demand outpacing inpatient behavioral health capacity, particularly for high-acuity or dual-diagnosed patients.”

“We look at that all the time — we look at where is the need, do we have the expertise to offer something, where is it in the geographical area, and do we have the capacity?”

Take the organization’s residential recovery services, which include seven transitional homes across the state, soon to be eight with one coming online in South Hadley.

“The homes are designed to help individuals who are getting ready to transition into the community to have a place to live, be able to secure employment and housing, and maintain their sobriety before they move back into the community,” Nesci said.

Cutchins Programs for Children and Families in Northampton is another regional mental health organization evolving with growing need. It recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the first floor of its Children’s Clinic, an expansion that increases access to outpatient mental healthcare for children and families in Western Mass.

Meanwhile, Springfield-based Behavioral Health Network (BHN) continues to add programs to meet growing needs. For example, in January, it launched a Family-based Intensive Treatment (FIT) program, which expands the organization’s commitment to delivering behavioral healthcare to children, youth, and families through a community-centered approach.

The FIT program helps families in crisis to stabilize by providing intensive, home-based support. Each family is supported by a dedicated team that provides clinical support, 24/7 availability, and peer support from someone with lived experience. The team teaches practical skills to help children thrive at home and connects families with community resources for long-term success.

MICHELLE MICHAELIAN

Michelle Michaelian

“FIT expands the continuum of care within BHN’s child and family programs, ensuring families receive intensive, home-based support when they need it most. These programs reflect our commitment to building stronger, healthier communities.”

“FIT expands the continuum of care within BHN’s child and family programs, ensuring families receive intensive, home-based support when they need it most,” said Michelle Michaelian, senior vice president of Child and Family Community-Based Programs. “These programs reflect our commitment to building stronger, healthier communities.”

 

On the Front Lines

At MiraVista, Zimmerman said, services for adults and adolescents range from inpatient psychiatric treatment to outpatient substance abuse services. Its direct admission model allows patients to be admitted directly, often from outpatient resources and community mental health crisis centers.

“It eliminates some of that bottlenecking that I mentioned that happens in the emergency room. It reduces delays, and it lowers stress for patients and families,” she explained. “We’re the subject matter experts, essentially. When patients come to us for care, they experience care that’s therapeutic and patient-centered. An ER is a very difficult place for someone in a mental health crisis.”

But to provide that care effectively, organizations need to provide appropriate levels of staffing, and that can be a hurdle. Zimmerman understands the challenges of being a behavioral health nurse, but she also touts the personal rewards.

“It’s very gratifying to help someone go from their very lowest to stable and able to function and be part of society again,” she told BusinessWest, adding that there’s an intuitive quality that comes into play when diagnosing and treating this population — one that people at home don’t really have.

“We understand if someone has a cardiac issue; we understand if someone has diabetes; we don’t seem to understand mental health,” she said. “It takes intuition, it takes compassion, it takes care to help these patients, and an understanding of mental health and what that looks like. So they come in at their worst, at their lowest, and then you get to support them, lift them up, and help get them back so that they can function and integrate with their families, with their jobs, with their lives.”

One of the biggest challenges of the job is being able to handle both physical and mental wellness, as many patients have co-morbid conditions, Zimmerman added. Meanwhile, the reasons professionals choose this path vary.

“A lot of times, folks are drawn to this aspect of nursing because they have a family member that suffered with mental health, or they have a loved one that tried to commit suicide, or a friend.”

And adolescents are dealing with more pressures today than in years past because of how technology and social media have turned peer pressure and bullying into a 24/7 experience.

“Kids don’t know how to handle that. And it can be very upsetting for a parent if a child is starting to become reclusive, maybe not eating as much, doesn’t want to go to school because there’s cyberbullying stuff that’s going on, the social media stuff. We help our staff understand what those things are, how they impact our patients, and then how they can help our patients.”

For both adults and young people, she added, there remains some stigma around seeking mental healthcare, though conversations are more open and frequent than they were decades ago.

“People are hesitant to tell their jobs if they need time off to seek treatment. And they’re hesitant to seek that treatment, whether it’s for addiction services or mental health,” Zimmerman said. “I think it’s getting better, but there’s a lot of opportunity for more global understanding of how mental health affects your total person. I tell our team here all the time, ‘mental health doesn’t discriminate, and neither do we.’ And by that I mean, it can be your neighbor, it can be your pastor, it can be your grandma, it can be a famous athlete, it can be your mother, it can be anybody. It could be you.”

“It’s very gratifying to help someone go from their very lowest to stable and able to function and be part of society again.”

Nesci also said she has seen more willingness from people to either self-identify or say a family member needs help.

“People who know that I work in this industry often ask me, ‘how can I help my friend, my nephew, my niece, my sister, my brother?’ So people talk about it. Years ago, it was never spoken of. I think we’ve come a really long way.

“At the same time, there’s a lot of bias that still exists because people make judgments about the people we serve — the way they look, the way they dress, the language they speak, whether they’re employed, all that stuff,” she added. “So we still have a long way to go.”

 

Changing Lives

As it approaches its 50th anniversary next year, Gándara continues to add programs and services where it sees a need. For instance, a few years ago, it invested in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-traditional method of managing depression for patients who have not been successful with other modalities.

“Substance use is another big need,” Nesci said. “More and more people are identifying as having that as a major issue or stressor in their lives. So we need people where they’re at, which is why we’re providing recovery coaching services to people in the community.”

As Zimmerman noted earlier, a lot of this capacity building comes down to staffing. “Staff is our greatest resource — without staff, we can’t provide the services,” Nesci added. “So I have a great team that is focused on hiring and retaining people.”

In the end, meeting these critical needs in the community, especially at a time of such demand, is challenging work to be sure, but can also be tremendously rewarding.

“I believe that people have the ability to change behavior, and I have a team that believes the same thing,” Nesci said. “That’s what I find most gratifying — when we hear the stories of people who have gone through our program. That’s really heartwarming.”

Picture This

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Baystate Health announced that gastroenterologist Dr. Kais Zakharia recently completed a medical mission to Ghana, where he delivered the first-ever training in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) ever offered in the country.
Picture This

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

 

Landmark Medical Mission

Baystate Health announced that gastroenterologist Dr. Kais Zakharia recently completed a medical mission to Ghana, where he delivered the first-ever training in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) ever offered in the country. ERCP is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat complex biliary diseases. Prior to this training, patients in Ghana with these conditions faced no alternative but invasive surgery, which is a far riskier path. By equipping local gastroenterologists with this advanced technique, Zakharia’s mission created an immediate and lasting impact on patient care across the region. In 2024, he traveled to Ghana to train local physicians in general gastrointestinal procedures, laying the groundwork for this more advanced, focused mission.

Baystate Health announced that gastroenterologist Dr. Kais Zakharia recently completed a medical mission to Ghana, where he delivered the first-ever training in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) ever offered in the country.

Baystate Health announced that gastroenterologist Dr. Kais Zakharia recently completed a medical mission to Ghana, where he delivered the first-ever training in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) ever offered in the country.

 

 

Supporting Food Security

Westfield Bank recently announced a $10,000 donation to Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts in support of the organization’s Outrun Hunger 5K race and 1-mile fun walk on Sunday, May 17 in Forest Park in Springfield. Rachel’s Table addresses hunger by rescuing surplus food from local grocery stores, restaurants, farmers markets, and bakeries for delivery to food pantries, shelters, afterschool programs, and more. It also operates food purchasing programs and a gleaning program to connect communities with fresh local farm produce, and supports the development of community gardens. Pictured, from left: Daniel Marini of Westfield Bank, Kara Wood and Jodi Falk of Rachel’s Table, Kevin O’Connor of Westfield Bank, and Judy Yaffe of Rachel’s Table.

Pictured, from left: Daniel Marini of Westfield Bank, Kara Wood and Jodi Falk of Rachel’s Table, Kevin O’Connor of Westfield Bank, and Judy Yaffe of Rachel’s Table.

Pictured, from left: Daniel Marini of Westfield Bank, Kara Wood and Jodi Falk of Rachel’s Table, Kevin O’Connor of Westfield Bank, and Judy Yaffe of Rachel’s Table.

 

 

Medical Student Advocacy

Thirteen medical students from the Population-based Urban & Rural Health (PURCH) program at UMass Chan Medical School – Baystate gathered at the Massachusetts State House on March 26 for PURCH on the Hill 2026, an initiative that equips future healthcare professionals with the skills and confidence to advocate for policies that address non-medical factors that greatly impact health. During their visit, students met with legislators and aides to champion two public health measures: Clean Slate legislation and increased funding for the Healthy Incentive Program (HIP). They urged lawmakers to help advance the Clean Slate bills sponsored by state Sens. Cindy Friedman and Adam Gomez that are currently in the Senate Ways & Means Committee, and to increase HIP funding for FY 2027.

Thirteen medical students from the Population-based Urban & Rural Health (PURCH) program at UMass Chan Medical School – Baystate

Thirteen medical students from the Population-based Urban & Rural Health (PURCH) program at UMass Chan Medical School – Baystate

Agenda

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Agenda

BCDA Roundtable on Stewardship Best Practices

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

 

Young Women Suited for Growth

April 18: Follow My Steps Foundation announced Young Women Suited for Growth, an inspiring college and career exploration event designed to equip young women with the confidence, resources, and connections needed to shape their future success. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bay Path University, and will bring together students, community leaders, and professionals committed to advancing opportunities for young women. Young Women Suited for Growth provides participants with firsthand exposure to college life, meaningful mentorship opportunities, and interactive sessions focused on leadership development, career exploration, and personal empowerment. Attendees will hear from current college students and guest speakers representing diverse professional backgrounds who will share real-world insights and guidance. Event highlights include college life exploration experiences, leadership and empowerment sessions, networking with students and community leaders, career pathway discussions, and scholarship and mentorship opportunities. The Follow My Steps Foundation is also launching a fundraising initiative to provide scholarships that remove financial barriers and allow participating young women to continue their educational journeys. Registration is limited. Participants may register at www.followmysteps.org.

 

Tri-State SHRM Conference

April 20-22: Human resource professionals from across New England will gather for the 2026 Tri-State SHRM Conference, a professional development event hosted at Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino in Uncasville, Conn. The conference theme — “Balancing Acts & Bold Moves: The Future of HR Starts Here!” — invites HR leaders to explore innovative ideas and strategies shaping the future of the workplace. Known as one of the region’s most dynamic HR events, the Tri-State SHRM Conference brings together hundreds of HR professionals for two and a half days of learning, networking, and inspiration. Attendees will engage in expert-led sessions, connect with industry partners, and explore emerging tools and solutions designed to help organizations succeed in today’s evolving workplace. The 2026 conference will feature educational sessions led by experienced HR practitioners and thought leaders covering key topics such as leadership, talent management, workplace culture, compliance, and the future of work. Participants will also have opportunities to build meaningful connections through networking events and visit the exhibition hall to discover innovative HR products and services. Registration is now open. For full conference details, speaker information, and registration, visit www.tristateshrm.com.

 

Free Community Shred & Share Day

May 8: The Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley invites the community to a free Community Shred & Share Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its new office located at 225 Park Ave., West Springfield. To celebrate its recent relocation to West Springfield, the association’s community service committee is hosting this rain-or-shine event to provide residents with a convenient and secure way to dispose of sensitive documents while supporting a meaningful local cause. Attendees are encouraged to bring old personal documents for secure, on-site shredding, helping protect against identity theft. In the spirit of giving back, attendees are also invited to donate non-perishable food items or other essentials to benefit Parish Cupboard, which supports local families in need. The event is free and open to the public, and no registration is required.

People on the Move

By
People on the Move
John Anz

John Anz

Jack Brown

Jack Brown

The Northampton Jazz Festival has welcomed two new board members who bring broad skills and experience in marketing, design, music production, and fundraising: John Anz, who joined in January, and Jack Brown, who came on board in January 2025. Anz is currently director of Development & Community Engagement for the Loomis Communities. An alumnus of Williston Northampton School and Trinity College in Hartford, he moved permanently to Western Mass. in 2002 from his native New York City and deeply involved himself in the local music, arts, and culture scene. He has served on several boards of arts organizations, including the Northampton Community Music Center and the South Hadley Cultural Council, including two years as chair. He has also created, produced, and presented live music in the area as co-chair of the SHOWCASE South Hadley arts and culture festival and, under JAzz Productions, produced Music Mondays Cafe at the Gaylord Memorial Library in South Hadley. After careers in college coaching and real estate management, Anz has been in the development and philanthropy fields of nonprofit fundraising for more than 20 years, including music and arts organizations such as Springfield Symphony Orchestra and Berkshire Hills Music Academy. Brown is Marketing director at the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce and the Hampshire County Regional Tourism Council. He has worked in Northampton’s cultural circles for three decades as an artist, writer, and musician, and promotes the region in his current role. He creates and executes the strategies for marketing to constituents of both organizations across all digital, social and print communications channels. Brown’s expertise also includes content creation, graphic design, and setting and analyzing marketing metrics across all channels. He is also a musician (guitarist), illustrator, and graphic designer, having earned a bachelor of fine arts degree at the University of Hartford’s Hartford Art School.

•••••

Anthony Casabianca

Anthony Casabianca

Laurel Williams

Ashlie Baker

Ashlie Baker

Robert Knight

Robert Knight

Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. (MBK) announce the following new hires: Anthony Casabianca, associate; Laurel Williams, associate; Ashlie Baker, senior associate; and Robert Knight, CPA, manager. Casabianca started his career in public accounting as an administrative intern during the 2025 tax season and recently transitioned into his new role as an associate in MBK’s audit and accounting department. He brings fresh perspective to his engagements as a recent college graduate and believes customer service starts with listening to clients’ unique needs so that he can better understand their business and help them achieve their goals. Casabianca received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Springfield College and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in accounting with a concentration in forensic accounting at UMass Amherst. Williams recently joined MBK as an associate focusing on bookkeeping and taxation. In addition to her experience in bookkeeping and taxation, she also brings expertise in operations, financial planning, and customer service. Her approach to customer service combines open communication with a focus on longterm relationshipbuilding. By clarifying expectations early and staying accessible and supportive, she creates a dependable and welcoming experience for every client she engages with. Williams holds a bachelor’s degree from Boston University. Baker recently joined the team as an a senior associate in the audit and accounting department. She brings her Big 4 experience in the insurance field to her work in public accounting with MBK. From her experience, she has developed strong communication and time management skills, and brings a high level of attention to detail and experience working with complex data. She approaches customer service by listening carefully to understand the individuals needs, then following through with clear communication and a reliable completion. She views customer service as creating a positive and trustworthy experience that reflects well on long-term relationships and on the organization. Baker holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from Scared Heart University. MBK recently welcomed Knight to the firm as a manager. He practiced public accounting from 2017 to 2021, and in recent years, his professional focus has been in financial planning and tax advising for high-net-worth individuals. His experience has made him a strategic partner to individuals, helping them grow while developing thoughtful solutions to the challenges they face. Knight holds a bachelor’s degree in corporate finance and accounting from Bentley University and a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Michigan’s Stephan M. Ross School of Business. He is also a member of the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants.

•••••

Bulkley Richardson recently welcomed Joshua Weatherwax to the firm as an associate in the Business Department. “We welcome Joshua to our busy practice, where he will focus on all areas of transactional work, including mergers and acquisitions,” said Scott Foster, chair of Bulkley Richardson’s Business Department. “In addition to his law degree, Joshua’s past business experience allows him a better understating of our clients and how their businesses operate.” Weatherwax earned his juris doctorate in 2025 from Western New England School of Law, where he was an Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. scholar and CALI award recipient. He also earned a bachelor’s degree from Westfield State University in 2019 and an MBA from Western New England University in 2024.

•••••

Kerri Jarzabski

Kerri Jarzabski

Bay Path University announced the appointment of Kerri Jarzabski as its new dean of Retention and Advising. She brings more than two decades of leadership experience in higher education and a deep commitment to student success. Jarzabski most recently served at UMass Amherst in the Office of Student Affairs and Campus Life while completing her doctoral work. Prior to that, she spent more than 20 years at Western New England University, where she held a series of increasingly senior leadership roles, including vice president for Student Affairs. In her new role at Bay Path, she will lead the university’s efforts to strengthen retention and advising strategies across its newly unified institution (Bay Path University and Cambridge College), with a focus on leveraging data, enhancing the student experience, and supporting student success at every stage of the academic journey. Jarzabski earned her PhD in higher education from UMass Amherst. Her doctoral research focused on the first-year experience and supporting neurodivergent students, reflecting her dedication to inclusivity and holistic student support. She also holds a certificate of advanced graduate study in higher education leadership from UMass Amherst, a master’s degree in higher education: student personnel administration from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a bachelor’s degree in English literature and communications from Western New England University, where she graduated magna cum laude.

•••••

Debbie DePaola

Debbie DePaola

Freedom Credit Union announced that Debbie DePaola has been appointed branch officer for its West Springfield location. DePaola joined Freedom in 2023 as an assistant branch manager, bringing more than a decade of experience in the banking industry. In her new role, she leads the daily operations of the branch with a focus on service, efficiency, and member satisfaction. She oversees branch performance, coaches and develops staff, ensures regulatory and compliance standards are consistently met, and supports business development and community relations efforts throughout the region. A graduate of the College of Central Florida with an associate degree in business administration, DePaola has been recognized for her dedication, leadership, and commitment to Freedom’s mission. In 2025, she received the Freedom Credit Union President’s Award.

•••••

Monson Savings Bank (MSB) announced the recipients of its 2026 President’s Award, the highest honor presented by the bank, which recognizes employees who exemplify the bank’s mission and values through outstanding customer and community service, teamwork, professionalism, and integrity. This year, two employees have been selected from peer nominations: Melanie Garcia, senior commercial loan administrator; and Terry Poloski, vice president, residential lending officer. Employed with Monson Savings Bank since November 2013, Garcia has long been a pillar of excellence within the Commercial Lending department. Chosen from 22 nominees in the non-officer/manager category, she received five heartfelt nominations highlighting her expertise, organization, communication skills, and the positive influence she brings to the team. Colleagues describe Garcia as knowledgeable, humble, and exceptionally dedicated, consistently strengthening customer relationships and enhancing the bank’s reputation. Her commitment to her role, her team, and the bank’s partners is both remarkable and inspiring. Since joining Monson Savings Bank in December 2011, Poloski has been a trusted leader within the Residential Lending department. Selected from 16 nominees in the officer/manager category, she also received five nominations, each recognizing her professionalism, compassion, and significant impact on both customers and colleagues. Poloski is described as humble, hardworking, an outstanding mentor, and a leader who consistently prioritizes the bank’s success over personal recognition. Her dedication has helped shape the strength and reputation of the bank’s mortgage department and continues to set the standard for exceptional customer care at MSB.

•••••

Ashik Mubarak

Ashik Mubarak

Caolo & Bieniek Associates Inc. announced that Ashik Mubarak has officially passed all of his architectural exams and is now a registered architect, awaiting the arrival of his license. “We are proud to announce that Ashik has successfully passed his final architectural registration exam,” the firm stated. “This significant achievement marks the culmination of years of dedicated study, professional experience, and commitment to excellence in design. Ashik represents the next generation of architectural talent, bringing creativity, technical expertise, and fresh perspective to our team. We congratulate him on this outstanding accomplishment and look forward to his continued contributions to our projects and the communities we serve.”

•••••

Ashley Menard

Ashley Menard

The Irish Cultural Center of Western New England announced the hiring of Ashley Menard as general manager of the Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub. Menard has been working in restaurants since 2002, most recently in the beverage distribution industry. She is excited to share her passion and knowledge within this new role. “I am thrilled to join the Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub as it has built a strong reputation for quality and hospitality,” she said. “I appreciate the opportunity to work alongside this team as we continue to grow and successfully meet the needs of our guests.”

•••••

Springfield Prep Charter School, a free charter public school, announced Meghan Wagner as its new executive director starting April 1. Wagner has served as a senior operations and finance leader for more than a decade, and currently serves as the school’s chief operating & financial officer. The move comes after an extensive, months-long hiring process by the board of trustees after Springfield Prep’s founder and current Executive Director Bill Spirer, announced plans to pursue a new professional chapter early this fall. Wagner, a leader with more than 16 years of experience in public education, is celebrated for her collaborative approach to problem solving, ability to unify people, and unwavering dedication to achieving positive outcomes for students and families. Over the past decade at Springfield Prep, she has been instrumental in the school’s success, leading operations, finance, and human resources. Her contributions have been key to the school’s expansion, encompassing management of the school budget, oversight of the new school building’s construction, and leadership of critical initiatives for teachers, staff, and students. Furthermore, she has consistently empowered instructional leaders to implement student-centered, data-driven approaches to learning.

•••••

Aaron Vega

Aaron Vega

Aaron Vega, president and CEO of the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council, has been appointed to the Holyoke Community College (HCC) board of trustees by Gov. Maura Healey. Vega attended his first HCC board meeting on March 24, and his five-year term runs until March 2031. Until the end of 2025, Vega was director of the Office of Planning & Economic Development for the city of Holyoke. From 2013 to 2021, he represented the 5th Hampden District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. He started his career in public service in Holyoke as a two-term city councilor at large. No stranger to HCC, Vega is a 1990 alumnus and received a Distinguished Alumni Award from the college in 2015. He is the son of the late Carlos Vega, the Holyoke social activist and co-founder of the nonprofit Nueva Esperanza, himself a 1971 graduate of HCC who was honored with a Distinguished Service Award at Commencement in 2004. Vega’s daughter, Courtney Joaquin, graduated from HCC in 2018. Vega’s work for Holyoke as a city councilor and director of Planning & Economic Development has also kept him in close contact with the college through the years. After HCC, Vega transferred to Keene State University, where he earned bachelor’s degrees in psychology and film studies. He spent the first part of his career as a documentary filmmaker, working for Ken Burns’ Florentine Studios. He and his wife, Debra, are the owners of Vega Yoga & Movement Arts in Holyoke. Aside from the HCC board of trustees, Vega serves on the boards of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, Mass Humanities, and New England Public Media, and is chair of the Carlos Vega Fund for Social Justice.

•••••

Margaret Nugent

Margaret Nugent

Greenfield Community College (GCC) announced the appointment of Margaret Nugent to its board of trustees. A seasoned leader in vocational education and workforce development, Nugent brings a wealth of experience in bridging the gap between secondary technical education and higher learning. Nugent’s appointment reinforces GCC’s commitment to strengthening regional educational pathways and fostering a resilient, skilled workforce in the Pioneer Valley. As the current vocational director at Franklin County Technical School, she is well-positioned to align the college’s strategic vision with the needs of local industry. Before transitioning into education, Nugent spent two decades in the hospitality and food service industry. In the early 2000s, she began teaching culinary arts at Putnam Vocational Technical High School, sparking a passion for vocational training that led her to earn a master of education degree from Westfield State University. Over the past 15 years, she has served in diverse administrative roles, including cooperative education coordinator, adult education administrator, and grant writer.

•••••

Two Holyoke educators were recently honored by the city and state for their work engaging students in civic learning. During a Civics Learning Week ceremony at Wistariahurst Museum on March 9, Vanessa Martinez, professor of Anthropology at Holyoke Community College (HCC), and Nicholas Cream, an Ethnic Studies and History teacher at Dean Technical High School, received proclamations recognizing their work from Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia, the state House of Representatives, and the state Senate. Martinez, a health anthropologist, is co-founder of the Springfield-based Women of Color Health Equity Collective and coordinator of Community-based Learning at HCC. In 2023, Martinez’s students began collecting stories from Holyoke residents for two oral history projects, one on the COVID-19 pandemic and another that examines living conditions in the city and their impact on public health. Those interviews have become part of the Wistariahurst Museum’s permanent archives, and those projects continue. Cream is president of the Holyoke Teachers Assoc. and an advocate for civic participation and for teachers striving to improve education in Holyoke.

•••••

Ben Lamb

Ben Lamb

Berkshire Agricultural Ventures (BAV) announced that Berkshire-based economic development expert Ben Lamb has been appointed to BAV’s board of directors. Lamb is vice president of Economic Development at 1Berkshire, where he works to support a broad range of rural businesses and industries across the region. His local leadership roles include serving as a trustee of MASS MoCA, board vice chair for the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition, clerk of the board of the North Adams Partnership, and co-founder of the NAMAzing Initiative, a community group committed to creative placemaking and grassroots economic development initiatives in North Adams. Other public service positions include four terms as a North Adams city councilor. A graduate of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Lamb holds a master’s degree from the College of Saint Rose and a PhD in higher education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His diverse professional background encompasses ecotourism, historic landscape restoration, and café ownership in downtown North Adams.

•••••

DJ Nicki Nell

DJ Nicki Nell

DJ Nicki Nell, president of Visual Sound Productions Inc., an entertainment and event production company, was selected to perform at the Boston Celtics game against the Atlanta Hawks on March 27 at TD Garden. The performance is part of the Celtics’ annual Pride Night celebration, an event that highlights and supports the LGBTQ+ community within the sports and entertainment space. The initiative is supported in part by the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce, whose partnership has been instrumental in shaping the evening’s programming and community impact. Nell brings prior experience performing in high-profile sports environments, including two seasons performing with the Miami Heat, further reinforcing her ability to deliver in front of large-scale, high-energy audiences. Known for her ability to read a crowd and keep the energy high, Nell brings a performance style that fits seamlessly into the fast-paced world of live professional sports.

•••••

The Applied Mortgage Team of HMA Mortgage announced that Lindsay Barron LaBonte, branch manager and senior loan officer of the Applied Mortgage team, received the Peter V. Kocot Community Service Award from the Northampton St. Patrick’s Assoc. This recognition celebrates a chosen person who has distinguished himself or herself through substantial community service contributions in Western Mass. LaBonte was recognized for her outstanding commitment to community service and local impact. Through her leadership and volunteer efforts across Western Mass., she has consistently invested her time, resources, and voice in initiatives that strengthen families and expand opportunity. Her dedication reflects the spirit of the award: uplifting others, building meaningful partnerships, and creating lasting change in the communities she proudly serves.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

MountainOne Insurance Agency Opens Great Barrington Office

GREAT BARRINGTON — MountainOne Insurance Agency Inc. announced the opening of an office at 4 Castle St., Suite 201, in Great Barrington, marking a meaningful expansion of its presence in Southern Berkshire County. The appointment-only office will be staffed by account executive Dan Blaisdell, providing a local point of connection for clients throughout the Southern Berkshires. Blaisdell specializes in business insurance and brings deep knowledge of the region, along with long-standing relationships built through years of working closely with local organizations and entrepreneurs. The new Great Barrington office brings MountainOne Insurance closer to the clients it serves across Southern Berkshire County, offering personalized insurance guidance from a trusted local advisor who understands the community and its needs.

 

Dean’s Beans Earns High B Corp Impact Score

ORANGE — Dean’s Beans Organic Coffee Co. announced that its most recent B Corp recertification has earned the company a B Impact Score of 168.5, an increase of 57.9 points since its last certification in 2022. The new score places the Massachusetts-based, worker-owned coffee company as the highest scoring B Corp-certified coffee roaster in the world. B Corp certification is widely recognized as the gold standard for companies committed to balancing purpose and profit. Administered by the nonprofit B Lab, the certification evaluates companies against rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Businesses are assessed across key areas, including governance, treatment of workers, environmental practices, and community impact. Dean’s Beans is part of a global community of nearly 10,000 B Corps operating across more than 100 countries and 150 industries. Companies must earn a minimum score of 80 points to become certified. With a score of 168.5, Dean’s Beans lands in the top 25 B Corp companies certified since 2023. Since its last certification, the company transitioned to a worker-owned cooperative, giving employees shared ownership and a direct voice in how the company operates and grows. Founded in 1993 by environmental and Indigenous rights lawyer Dean Cycon, Dean’s Beans was built on the idea that a coffee company could prioritize people and the planet and still be profitable. The company sources organic, fair-trade, shade-grown coffee through long-term partnerships with farmer cooperatives. It also helps fund social, economic, and environmental projects identified and led by those communities. Dean’s Beans roasts all of its coffee at its ‘beanery’ in Orange, supplying cafés, grocery stores, and coffee drinkers across the U.S.

 

Country Bank Donates $10,000 to Quaboag Valley CDC

WARE — Country Bank announced a $10,000 donation to the Quaboag Valley Community Development Corp. (QVCDC) to support programs that strengthen local businesses and promote economic development throughout the region. QVCDC plays an important role in supporting entrepreneurs, small businesses, and community members by providing access to resources, technical assistance, and business development services. Through its work, the organization helps foster sustainable economic growth and opportunity across the Quaboag Valley. Country Bank remains committed to supporting organizations that strengthen communities and expand economic opportunities throughout Central and Western Mass. Contributions like this help ensure local organizations have the resources they need to continue serving residents, businesses, and entrepreneurs in meaningful ways.

 

BusinessRate Recognizes Sugar Maple Trailside Inn

NORTHAMPTON — BusinessRate recently rated the Sugar Maple Trailside Inn the number-one bed and breakfast in Florence for endurance, momentum, and quality of its reviews on Google and Tripadvisor. In mid-February, owners Craig Della Penna and Kathy Della Penna received the ranking for the owner-occupied inn at 62 Chestnut St. in Florence, which sits on the rail trail that passes through the village and opened in February 2003. Sugar Maple Trailside Inn offers two rooms for guests, both of which have windows that face the trail. A bicycle strung with white bulbs lights up at dusk and becomes a welcoming beacon for arriving guests. The inn has roughly 350 guests in a year, a quarter of which have a connection to Smith College. Eighty percent of guests use the trail. The Sugar Maple Trailside Inn has received other accolades over the years, including the Historic Preservation Award from the city of Northampton and three times as a Valley Advocate Best in the Valley winner, and it has been featured on HGTV’s Restore America and Boston’s WCVB Channel 5’s Chronicle twice, and in Yankee magazine’s 70th-anniversary issue.

 

HCC Giving Day Campaign Raises More Than $131,000

HOLYOKE — The Holyoke Community College (HCC) Foundation raised more than $131,000 for scholarships and student support programs during its “Together HCC” one-day giving campaign on March 4, surpassing its six-year, $1 million goal. The sixth annual “Together HCC: Drive to Change Lives” campaign received donations worth $131,278 from 455 alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends of the college during the 24-hour fundraising drive. All of the money raised goes directly to six areas that support HCC students: academic excellence and innovation, scholarships, the Thrive Student Resource Center and Food Pantry, the President’s Student Emergency Fund, the President’s Fund for Opportunity, and the HCC Foundation’s general, unrestricted fund. The HCC Foundation, the college’s charitable, nonprofit foundation, launched “Together HCC: A Campaign for Caring” in March 2020 to build community support and raise money for students experiencing financial distress during the pandemic. In 2021, with Holyoke auto dealer Gary Rome signed on, HCC added the “Drive to Change Lives” theme and collectively raised more than $1 million for student support programs.

 

AIC Launches Partnership with Western Mass Youth Sports

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) Athletics announced a landmark partnership with Western Mass Youth Sports, designating AIC as the official home for all Western Mass Youth Sports programming and Play 4 Her Flag Football activities. The partnership reflects AIC’s deep commitment to serving the broader community and creating an open, welcoming campus where youth and adults throughout Western Mass. can access world-class athletic facilities. Western Mass Youth Sports has quickly become a growing leader in youth athletics in the region, serving more than 300 young athletes across Western Mass. in sports including basketball, flag football, and more. Through this new partnership, all Western Mass Youth Sports events, practices, and competitions will be hosted on the AIC campus, giving young athletes access to collegiate-level facilities and a vibrant, supportive environment. A highlight of the partnership is AIC’s role as the official host of Play 4 Her Flag Football, a program dedicated to expanding opportunities for young women and girls in the sport. By providing a premier home for Play4Her, AIC continues its tradition of championing inclusivity and equal access to athletic opportunities for all members of the community.

 

HCC Production Earns Three Regional Theater Awards

HOLYOKE — The Holyoke Community College (HCC) Theater Department’s fall 2025 production of The Last Living Gun received three awards at the recent American College Theater Festival (ACTF) in Albany, N.Y. Collectively, the cast and crew of The Last Living Gun earned a merit award for Ensemble Work. The play by Ryan Stevens follows a mercenary across a post-apocalyptic landscape on an epic quest to find the last gun in existence. The show was guest-directed by Cordelia Winters Dwyer, a graduate student from the University of Massachusetts Theater program. HCC students Ivy Wrenne Demetriou and Toby Stearns received individual merit awards for their work as stage manager and musical director, respectively. Stearns also performed in the production as an actor and musician. HCC belongs to ACTF Region I, whose 2026 festival was held in January in Albany and hosted by Siena College. Region I includes colleges and universities in northern New York and all six New England states. Awards are based on the recommendations of respondents, who travel around the country to view college theater productions and offer critiques. The HCC Theater Department has won more than 20 ACTF awards over the past 15 years in multiple categories, including individual acting, ensemble acting, dedication to a script, stage management, musical direction, best original music, playwriting, and collaboration.

 

Greylock Federal Credit Union Reports Strong Performance

PITTSFIELD — Greylock Federal Credit Union reported a strong balance sheet, robust capital position, and impressive earnings for 2025 during its 91st annual meeting held on March 24. Total assets equaled nearly $1.7 billion at year end. Net income finished at $17.8 million for 2025, including the one-time benefit of $6.8 million of net proceeds from the Employee Retention Credit program, which was created by the federal government under the CARES Act to offset some of the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on organizations across the country. The credit union reported loan growth of $25 million, or 1.9%, during 2025. This growth was reflected across nearly every major loan category, as total loan balances exceed $1.3 billion. On the funding side, deposit balances increased $49 million, or 3.6%. At the end of 2025, Greylock deposit balances equaled $1.4 billion.

 

Farm Credit East Reports Strong 2025 Financial Results

ENFIELD, Conn. — Farm Credit East reported solid 2025 financial results at its annual meeting held on March 23. Continued loan growth coupled with strong earnings allowed Farm Credit East to distribute a combined $145 million in patronage dividends to eligible customer-owners based on 2025 earnings. In 2025, Farm Credit East’s net income grew to $367 million. Following more than two decades of growth, the cooperative closed out the year with $14.3 billion in loan volume and $2.6 billion in capital. This level of equity allows Farm Credit East to maintain competitive interest rates, while returning a portion of earnings to eligible customer-owners through patronage dividends.

 

Cancer Connection to Launch New Springfield Location

NORTHAMPTON — Cancer Connection announced it will open a new location in Springfield this spring, providing supports for people with a cancer diagnosis and their caregivers. This new site, in Bicentennial Plaza on Allen Street, will allow convenient access to its free services for more people in the Springfield community. The organization will also open a curated version of its popular thrift shop a few doors down in the same plaza. Like its flagship thrift shop in Northampton, the store will feature high-quality goods at low prices, and all proceeds will help fund Cancer Connection’s services for cancer patients and their caregivers. On Saturday, April 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., a ribbon cutting and soft opening will take place at the new thrift shop location at 1510 Allen St., with friends and supporters joining the team to celebrate. This new location will be part of the Integrative Health Group at 1502 Allen St. and will have a dedicated program director on site. The Springfield thrift shop will offer a curated selection of gently used items, including clothing, housewares, jewelry, art, and books, all at reasonable prices and with all profits supporting Cancer Connection. Meanwhile, Cancer Connection will continue to offer its full range of services and programs at 41 Locust St. in Northampton and its thrift shop in that city. Many programs are offered in hybrid format, so they may be accessed anywhere.

 

United Way of Pioneer Valley Featured at Empath Conference

SPRINGFIELD — United Way of Pioneer Valley (UWPV) announced the successful participation of Victoria Accorsi, community financial coach, mobility mentor, and AFC candidate, as a speaker at Economic Mobility Pathways’ (Empath) 2026 Disrupting Poverty Conference, held March 23-26 at Boston University. Accorsi served as a panelist in the session titled “Climbing Without Falling: New Ideas to Fix the Benefits Cliff,” which explored how sudden losses in food, housing, childcare, or health benefits can leave working families worse off after small wage increases. The session highlighted innovative approaches to benefit phaseouts, income transitions, and system redesign to ensure that work truly pays. Accorsi shared insights from her coaching work on the Bridge to Prosperity Cliff Effect Pilot, a three‑year initiative led by Springfield WORKS in partnership with United Way of Pioneer Valley and other community-based organizations across Massachusetts. The pilot supports up to 100 residents who receive public assistance by helping them pursue higher‑paying careers while mitigating the financial risks associated with benefits cliffs. Through the pilot, families receive supplemental cash assistance when rising wages trigger benefit losses, one-on-one financial and career coaching through partners such as UWPV, and access to employer partners offering training and living‑wage opportunities. As a United Way community financial coach, Accorsi works directly with participants to navigate budgeting, wage changes, benefits reductions, and long-term goal setting, providing crucial on‑the‑ground perspective to the statewide innovation effort.

 

Tighe & Bond Expands New Hampshire Presence

WESTFIELD — Tighe & Bond, a Northeast leader in engineering, environmental, planning, and design consulting services, announced the opening of the firm’s new office in Manchester, N.H.

Located at 1750 Elm St., Suite 902 within the Brady Sullivan Tower, this new location will allow Tighe & Bond to better service its growing client base in the Merrimack Valley and beyond. This strategic move expands the firm’s New Hampshire presence, joining its existing Portsmouth location, to serve communities on a local level. Tom Mahanna, who will serve as location manager, has been instrumental in leading the opening of this new space. A vice president within the firm’s Water Business Line, he brings more than three decades of experience in municipal consulting and construction in water resources and wastewater engineering, as well as managing resources and staff for multiple teams in the firm’s offices across the Northeast. This new office opening represents the latest growth opportunity for the firm, following the acquisition of New Hampshire-based hydrogeology and environmental firm Geosphere Environmental Management Inc. last year.

 

The Dowd Agencies Acquires Insurance Agency in Vermont

HOLYOKE — The Dowd Agencies, the oldest insurance agency in Massachusetts under continuous family ownership, today announced it is acquiring Royer Camp & Associated Insurance in Newport, Vt. Founded more than 50 years ago, Royer Camp & Associated Insurance has earned the trust of generations of Vermont and New Hampshire families and businesses by providing highly personalized service and tailored personal and commercial coverage. In keeping with that legacy, the agency will continue to operate under the name Royer Camp & Associated Insurance, a Member of the Dowd Agencies. Local customers will work with the same staff in the same location, with no changes to day-to-day service, policies, points of contact, or coverage. This marks the Dowd Agencies’ second location in Vermont, joining Lonergan & Thomas Insurance in Bennington, and complements its six offices serving communities across Western Mass.

 

Big Y Recognized for Workplace Culture

SPRINGFIELD — Big Y has been recognized as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Culture, Belonging & Community for 2026. The award is presented by Newsweek in partnership with Plant-A Insights Group, based on one of the nation’s largest independent studies of employee experience. The recognition highlights organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to workplace culture, inclusion, and community, as evaluated through extensive employee feedback and independent research. The study analyzed millions of employee reviews nationwide, incorporating survey data, public information, and third-party analysis to assess how employees experience culture, belonging, and support in the workplace.

Doing Business as Certrificates

By
DBA Certificates

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

AMHERST

Amherst Youth Soccer Assoc.
10 Stagecoach Road
Megan Rhodes

Cultivation Health Coaching
66 Bridge St.
Celia Maysles

Dixie Brown Writer & Teacher
52 Valley View Circle
Sarah Brown

Handy Human
1420 South East St.
Jett Craze

Nkosi & Associates
6 University Dr., #206
Gazit Chaya Nkosi

Randall Guitars and Mandolins
18 Old Town Road
Thomas Randall

GREAT BARRINGTON

amyblumkin.com
29 Burning Tree Road
Amy Arnoff Blumkin

Aroma Bar and Grill
485 Main St.
Muthaiah Subbaiah

Art in the Berkshires
8 Castle St.
Shany Porras

Autism Treatment Center of America
490 Main St., Unit 2C
Kelly Healy

Barrington Pack and Ship
67 State Road, Suite 2
Alexander Ervin

Berkshire Rental Properties
29 Benton Ave.
Claudia Laslie

Body Lab GB
47 Railroad St., Suite 4
Bridget Ford Hughes

Café Adam
420 Stockbridge Road
Adam Zieminski

De La Cruz Painting
265 Stockbridge Road, Apt. 1
Alfredo De La Cruz

Do Autism Differently
490 Main St., Unit 2C
Kelly Healy

Elfrow Flower Co.
11 Bentley Ave.
Kelly Holt

Going Gnome
276 North Plain Road
William VanSant

Sacred IFS
Lisa Solomon
291 Main St.

The Short List
292 Main St., #16
William Short

Sweet Solutions
65 Seekonk Road
Christopher Sweet

VCA All Caring Animal Hospital
440 Stockbridge Road
VCA Animal Hospitals Inc.

W.E.B. Du Bois Freedom Center
9 Elm Court
Dan Bolgnani

NORTHAMPTON

Allison L. Potter, LMT
150 Main St.
Allison Potter

An Affair of the Heart
43 Center St., Suite G304
Ross Hackerson

Being in a Body Better
92 Main St., #202
Molly McLaughlin

Coles Music Studio
470 Coles Meadow Road
William Hunt Jr.

Crestal Health Periodontics
241 King St., Suite 120
Daniel Stiefel

Florence Hardware
12 North Maple St.
Todd Sienkiewicz

FLOW Bodywork & Massage Therapy
84 Williams St.
Devin Clark

Foliar Group
114 Nonotuck St.
Landry Kwawu

Kate Hennessey, Massage Therapist
150 Main St.
Kathryn Hennessey

Martinson Golly US Inc.
17 New South St., Unit 305
William Golly

Nelson & Ligia House Cleaning
84 High St., Unit 2
Ligia Rubio

 

Ostberg and Associates Financial Services and Insurance LLC
351 Pleasant St., Suite D
Robert Ostberg

Recalibrate
53 Center St.
Leslie Kelly

Stefiny’s
150 Main St., Suite 355
Stefiny Coimbra

Tart Bakery
192 Main St.
Madalyn Palmer

Toad’s Kin Car Too
5 Middle St.
Robert Nutting

TommyCar Auto Group
347 King St.
Carla Cosenzi Zayac

Transformations Home Improvement
139 Damon Road, Unit D
Manuel Deida

Transformations Kitchen and Bath Design Center
139 Damon Road, Unit D
Manuel Deida

Warner Tree
67 Bradford St.
Robert Aldrich

WEST SPRINGFIELD

All Things Art by Felicia
96 Fairview Ave.
Felicia Dow

Christian D. Smith, LICSW
141 Westwood Dr.
Christian Smith

Cyber Exchange Group
1053 Riverdale St.
Adam Buynicki

Gwiddon Atelier
203 Circuit Ave.
Katherine Pratt

Lucky Sevens Carpet
1752 Riverdale St.
Gabriel Khatchaourian

Magic Keys Piano Studio
40 Windsor St.
Tetiana Somkina

Mercy LIFE
200 Hillside Circle, Suite 1
Dawn Szymczyk

Quality Life Adult Day Services #1
52 Wayside Ave.
Gina Martin

Quality Life Adult Day Services #2
52 Wayside Ave.
Gina Martin

Rahma Care Services
58 Hill St.
Faiza Abdulla

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

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

Abreu Arnaud, Juan A.
140 Chestnut St., Apt. 612
Springfield, MA 01103
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/09/2026

Breton, Jeanne M.
401 Irene St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/09/2026

Cabreja Bautista, Osvaldo
58 Olmsted Dr.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/06/2026

Eckert, Alice F.
101 Amherst St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/04/2026

Flores Melendez, Abraham Jessie
Flores Fernandez, Alondra Maries
866 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/04/2026

Gagnon, Cynthia M.
8 Fairmont St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/02/2026

Goldberg, Verity A.
128 Williams St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/09/2026

Haas, Peter F.
Haas, Linda L.
P.O. Box 602
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/09/2026

Harris, Heidyn J.
22 Pleasant St., Apt. 3
Greenfield, MA 01301-2461
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/03/2026

Henshaw, David B.
79 Long Plain Road
South Deerfield, MA 01373-9637
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/04/2026

Kimball, Morgan Dunbar
89 Howard St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/04/2026

Lorenzi, Rosa J.
559 Main St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/03/2026

McBride, Lisa
257 Maynard St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/04/2026

Palacios De Jimenez, Margarita
15 Yorktown Dr .
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/10/2026

Renee, Alexus
128 College Highway, Apt. 110
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/04/2026

Rodriguez, Jose E.
33 Stockman St., Apt. 2
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/05/2026

Santiago, Victor
26 Wing St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/03/2026

Soto Noel Y.
a/k/a Soto Cruz, Noel Y.
29 Pocantico Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/02/2026

Spaulding, Kristopher W.
5 Gaugh St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/10/2026

Sullivan, Patrick M.
74 Ferry Hill Road
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/03/2026

Vatter, Charles
Vatter, Catherine
24 Greenwood Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/04/2

Vega Perez, Chris
154 Oak St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/10/2026

Real Estate Transactions

By
Real Estate

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY

ASHFIELD

393 Baptist Corner Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Mount Grace Land Conservation
Seller: Double Edge Theatre Productions
Date: 03/09/26

5 Clesson Brook Road
Ashfield, MA 01339
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Michael Issaev
Seller: Baird, Lawrence J., (Estate)
Date: 03/13/26

286 Creamery Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Allen J. Gabriel
Seller: Rimbach Jr., Albert H., (Estate)
Date: 03/06/26

BERNARDSTON

118 Brattleboro Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Ayden Stacy
Seller: Beth A. Melnik
Date: 03/05/26

BUCKLAND

5 Clesson Brook Road
Buckland, MA 01339
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Michael Issaev
Seller: Baird, Lawrence J., (Estate)
Date: 03/13/26

143 East Buckland Road
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Brian Godin
Seller: Diana Weatherby
Date: 03/09/26

87 State St.
Buckland, MA 01370
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Marc Carcio
Seller: Peter Smith
Date: 03/13/26

CHARLEMONT

400 Zoar Road
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Joia Verde LLC
Seller: Casper Martin
Date: 03/13/26

CONWAY

559 Main Poland Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $346,666
Buyer: Ramey Ret
Seller: Roger Freeman Clapp
Date: 03/11/26

DEERFIELD

59 North Hillside Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $399,000
Buyer: Elaine Henderson
Seller: Philip C. Hayes
Date: 03/13/26

ERVING

24 State Road
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Custom Art Const LLC
Seller: Flanigan, Joseph R., (Estate)
Date: 03/09/26

GILL

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

GREENFIELD

26-28 Devens St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Make Investors Great Again LLC
Seller: Shannon M. Petrin
Date: 03/04/26

63 James St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $378,000
Buyer: Danielle Saint Louis
Seller: James Ryan Gleason
Date: 03/06/26

187 Plain Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $850,000
Buyer: Andrew C. Chase
Seller: Walter N. Leutz RET
Date: 03/10/26

18 Power Court
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Caleb Walk
Seller: Stephen E. Walk
Date: 03/13/26

63 Pleasant St.
Greenfield, MA 01376
Amount: $236,750
Buyer: Scott M. Dredge
Seller: Sandra Lamont-Golden
Date: 03/05/26

46 Turners Falls Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: John Dunphy
Seller: Roberta A. Monette
Date: 03/06/26

NORTHFIELD

94 Main Road
Northfield, MA 01354
Amount: $959,500
Buyer: Purple Iris LLC
Seller: Stephen J. Stoia
Date: 03/09/26

396 Mt. Hermon Station Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Jared Erho
Seller: Kellie L. Martin
Date: 03/04/26

ORANGE

37 Dexter St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Virginia Realty Inc.
Seller: Modena Inc.
Date: 03/03/26

260 East Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $457,000
Buyer: Luis Quinonez
Seller: G. & Denise J. Corrigan RET
Date: 03/02/26

900 North Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $281,000
Buyer: Manuel A. Figueredo-Chavez
Seller: Megliola Realty LLC
Date: 03/11/26

39 Terrace St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $264,900
Buyer: Ernst Simon
Seller: John A. Millett
Date: 03/13/26

520 South Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Cameron James Clark
Seller: James E. Hause
Date: 03/06/26

ROWE

147 Plumtree Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $625,000
Buyer: Dieu Le
Seller: Vincent J. Tran
Date: 03/06/26

201 Ford Hill Road
Rowe, MA 01367
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Kyle Buxton
Seller: Kevin Johnson
Date: 03/06/26

SUNDERLAND

38 South Plain Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Jacob D. Morgan
Seller: Robert Jackson Beaulieu
Date: 03/13/26

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

126 Barry St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Paul Gauthier
Seller: Anthony P. Strycharz
Date: 03/11/26

19 Greenwood St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Brendan Hanna
Seller: Alan James Desroches
Date: 03/11/26

230-232 Main St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $5,250,000
Buyer: Agawam 230-232 MP Wrk7 LLC
Seller: Welltower OM Group LLC
Date: 03/13/26

192 Regency Park Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Haley Begley
Seller: Craig E. Miloz
Date: 03/06/26

73 Silver Lake Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Lyubov Suprunets
Seller: Jeffrey Alyn Smith
Date: 03/03/26

4 Sunrise Ter.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Alana Parnell
Seller: Jon C. Daniels
Date: 03/10/26

BLANDFORD

32 Nye Brook Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $616,500
Buyer: Farm East LLC
Seller: Josephine J. Taudel
Date: 03/09/26

BRIMFIELD

92 Five Bridge Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: John J. Buday
Seller: Alfred J. Albano
Date: 03/02/26

CHESTER

10 William St.
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $197,500
Buyer: William F. Barry
Seller: Olit 2024-HB1 Alternative
Date: 03/10/26

CHICOPEE

26 Belcher St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: Rihab Al Zubaidi
Seller: Muni Management Inc.
Date: 03/12/26

66 Bromont St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Philip Crump-Willis
Seller: Dgl Properties LLC
Date: 03/12/26

219 Clarendon Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Joan M. Hernandez Martinez
Seller: Leo Fugler
Date: 03/09/26

35 Dublin St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $263,000
Buyer: Janusz Baran
Seller: Yelle, Helen L., (Estate)
Date: 03/04/26

438 Front St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Doloma Realty Of Chicopee LLC
Seller: Manioudakis NT
Date: 03/02/26

440 Front St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Doloma Realty Of Chicopee LLC
Seller: Manioudakis NT
Date: 03/02/26

442 Front St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Doloma Realty Of Chicopee LLC
Seller: Manioudakis NT
Date: 03/02/26

444 Front St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Doloma Realty Of Chicopee LLC
Seller: Manioudakis NT
Date: 03/02/26

81 Kirby St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Brian E. McKay
Seller: McKay, Elizabeth E., (Estate)
Date: 03/05/26

103 Lauzier Ter.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Robert Beaulieu
Seller: Jennifer L. Gonzalez
Date: 03/13/26

341 Montcalm St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $349,900
Buyer: Jeu Petterson O. A. Ribeiro
Seller: Kazimierz Borawski
Date: 03/10/26

Pendleton Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Hassan Saleh
Seller: Arelia G. Tumidajewicz
Date: 03/09/26

340 Pendleton Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Hassan Saleh
Seller: Arelia G. Tumidajewicz
Date: 03/09/26

16 Sesame Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Ryan Brunelle
Seller: Eugene Kida 2023 RET
Date: 03/11/26

57 Stearns Ter.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Ibweam LLC
Seller: Deren RT
Date: 03/09/26

29 Sunnymeade Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $309,900
Buyer: Richard R. Lafleur
Seller: Carl D. Roy LT
Date: 03/02/26

90 West St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: 346 Britton Street LLC
Seller: Hathi Nguyen
Date: 03/06/26

EAST LONGMEADOW

55 Allen Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Susan J. Austin
Seller: Jonathan D. Stone
Date: 03/13/26

62 Baymor Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Huy Quoc Nguyen
Seller: Ebak Projects LLC
Date: 03/11/26

101 Dearborn St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Dennis Henriques
Seller: Trevor Devine
Date: 03/06/26

118 Hampden Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $545,000
Buyer: Pro Olive LLC
Seller: Lisa L. Scarnici
Date: 03/13/26

46 Holland Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Anthony Monteiro Gomes
Seller: Elite Home Creation LLC
Date: 03/05/26

15 Lynwood Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Aaron Champagne
Seller: Cash Solution LLC
Date: 03/02/26

171 Maple Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Karen S. Nash
Seller: Roy F. Gelineau
Date: 03/10/26

123 Mountainview Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $520,000
Buyer: Jason Van Buren
Seller: Brian L. McClelland
Date: 02/25/26

25 Pembroke Ter.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Michael J. Grossane
Seller: Basile FT
Date: 03/02/26

3 Princeton St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Frank Daniele
Seller: Luis Gutierrez
Date: 03/11/26

101 Smith Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Shaukat Matin
Seller: Francis A. Desautels RET
Date: 03/06/26

HAMPDEN

534 Main St.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Mass. Postal Holdings LLC
Seller: Hatch Property Mgmt. LLC
Date: 03/10/26

95 Martin Farms Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Bryce Gore
Seller: Sean D. Gore
Date: 03/06/26

HOLLAND

2 Farrar Dr.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Wendy M. Tomlinson
Seller: David J. Gates
Date: 03/10/26

7 Hisgen Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $443,000
Buyer: Seth Finley
Seller: Jane A. Corriveau
Date: 03/02/26

HOLYOKE

72 Allyn St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $237,000
Buyer: Nivian A. Lopez Molina
Seller: Steven A. Smith
Date: 03/12/26

203 Clemente St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Clara I. Almonte
Seller: Hha-S Holyoke Home II LLC
Date: 03/10/26

28-289 High St.
Holyoke, MA 01085
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Taber & Bishop LLC
Seller: Arrow Properties Inc.
Date: 03/09/26

285 High St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Taber & Bishop LLC
Seller: Arrow Properties Inc.
Date: 03/09/26

365-369 High St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: AQ Properties LLC
Seller: Mahmood Ahmad
Date: 03/13/26

80 Lindor Heights
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Kathryn M. Zweir
Seller: Cameron C. Zweir
Date: 03/05/26

1684 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Travis Thompson
Seller: Gallagher Properties LLC
Date: 03/11/26

457 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: R. & R. Home Improvement & Remodeling
Seller: Holubecki, Alfred J., (Estate)
Date: 03/13/26

9 Owens Place
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $122,000
Buyer: Round Two LLC
Seller: Atom Fox
Date: 03/06/26

140 Sycamore St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Rosalynn Hyatt
Seller: Property Advantage Inc.
Date: 03/03/26

33 Vassar Circle
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $331,500
Buyer: Alice Kennedy
Seller: Bey, Rosemary T., (Estate)
Date: 03/11/26

LONGMEADOW

221 Bel-Air Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $444,900
Buyer: Waqas Bhatti
Seller: Simple Times LLC
Date: 03/05/26

203 Green Hill Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Musa Bas
Seller: Tamara Marino
Date: 03/09/26

1423 Longmeadow St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $382,000
Buyer: Bryan Denny
Seller: Jose A. Cuevas Rentas
Date: 03/13/26

61 Prynne Ridge Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $1,096,000
Buyer: Andrew Horn
Seller: James F. Foard
Date: 03/13/26

67 Shady Side Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $680,000
Buyer: John Joseph Stout
Seller: Bobby Loguidice
Date: 03/09/26

LUDLOW

45 Canterbury St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Daniel J. Kleeberg
Seller: Jeffrey E. Salvador
Date: 03/09/26

88 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Michelle Batista Pires
Seller: Joe Webb
Date: 03/13/26

136 East Akard St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $125,036
Buyer: David T. Lipson
Seller: Amanda D. Lipson
Date: 03/12/26

56 Glenwood St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $166,000
Buyer: Aldo Properties LLC
Seller: Sherry Carroll
Date: 03/05/26

42 Loopley St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $599,900
Buyer: Wisllen Queiroz Santos
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 03/09/26

140 Waverly Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Tyler Keith Markland
Seller: Mary C. Cleary RET
Date: 03/06/26

PALMER

2136 Baptist Hill Road
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $594,000
Buyer: David Depierro
Seller: Jane Belleville
Date: 03/13/26

257 Boston Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Alex R. Bellows
Seller: Deborah M. Mackey
Date: 03/13/26

2 Carter St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $324,250
Buyer: Pamela Southam
Seller: Darrick T. Kustra
Date: 03/05/26

22 Crawford St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Alexander Cramm
Seller: Naples Home Buyers Inc.
Date: 03/05/26

29 Griffin St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Todd Peters
Seller: Jehoram RT
Date: 03/13/26

98 Mason St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $520,000
Buyer: Ebert Dos Reis
Seller: Ghassan K. Ghrear
Date: 03/09/26

1573 North Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: John W. Ryan
Seller: Leslie M. Skowyra
Date: 03/13/26

1575 North Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: John W. Ryan
Seller: Leslie M. Skowyra
Date: 03/13/26

1682 North Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $312,000
Buyer: Omar Richards
Seller: Sheila Marin
Date: 03/04/26

2064 Oak St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Trever Heffernan
Seller: Sarah M. Morcom
Date: 03/03/26

SPRINGFIELD

100 Abbott St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $333,000
Buyer: Leahnora Anderson
Seller: Hassle Free LLC
Date: 03/02/26

305 Bicentennial Hwy.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $7,700,000
Buyer: Springfield 305 MP Wrk7 LLC
Seller: Welltower OM Group LLC
Date: 03/12/26

867 Boston Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: Unique Design Real Estate LLC
Seller: Linda F. Ronen
Date: 03/05/26

106-108 Breckwood Circle
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Manuela Olivares
Seller: Emtay Inc.
Date: 03/06/26

235 Cadwell Dr.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $3,250,000
Buyer: 235 Cadwell Drive LLC
Seller: Neslo Realty Co.
Date: 03/11/26

90 Cambridge St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $290,500
Buyer: Matthew L. Torres
Seller: CG Estates LLC
Date: 03/06/26

809 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Aimia Humiston
Seller: Onstar Properties AA LLC
Date: 03/03/26

131 College St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Oakland Street Properties LLC
Seller: Aclesia L. Scotland
Date: 03/02/26

231 Dayton St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Marlana J. Haas
Seller: John J. Camardella
Date: 03/03/26

150 Drexel St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Wilfredo J. Semidey
Seller: James L. Hernandez
Date: 03/10/26

51-53 Eloise St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Joedy Leonardo Cruz
Seller: Nolava LLC
Date: 03/04/26

98 Fox Wood Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Mariah McNamara
Seller: Stephanie Garner
Date: 03/06/26

128 Hadley St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Emily Agnello
Seller: Daniel Ayres
Date: 03/04/26

23 Harper St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $195,908
Buyer: Rachael Digiovanni
Seller: Sarah J. Bousquet
Date: 03/13/26

11 Herman St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Sarah Condon
Seller: Minh Lam
Date: 03/11/26

26 Huntington St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Nishant Mathur
Seller: Ravello Rosa Realty Investors LLC
Date: 03/06/26

281 Laurelton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Veteran Stan LLC
Seller: Darlene Smith-Ash
Date: 03/10/26

151 Littleton St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Dahiana M. Carrasquillo
Seller: Anthony M. Santaniello
Date: 03/13/26

485 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $530,000
Buyer: Evc Properties LLC
Seller: Dgg Realty Partnership LLP
Date: 03/06/26

111 Malibu Dr.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Tanya Marie Williams
Seller: Lumturi RT
Date: 03/06/26

70-72 Manhattan St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Francisco Perez
Seller: Darinel Marte-Diaz
Date: 03/06/26

37 Middlebrook Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Darlin Nahun A. Erazo
Seller: Poirier, Amanda R., (Estate)
Date: 03/13/26

9 Murray Hill Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Marcelo Gabriel B. Goveia
Seller: Robert S. Allen
Date: 03/13/26

170 Newton Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: 1 Oak Enterprises LLC
Seller: Bertera Jr., Norman R., (Estate)
Date: 03/04/26

27 Nokomis St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Ezequiel J. Cintron Roman
Seller: Virgilio Santos
Date: 03/05/26

47 Notre Dame St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Sell 2 Us LLC
Seller: Gregory M. David
Date: 03/05/26

103 Ontario St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Nick Hurley
Seller: Gillian Peters
Date: 03/13/26

30 Parkwood St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $339,900
Buyer: Paula A. Knott
Seller: Naylor Nation Construction LLC
Date: 03/02/26

67 Perkins St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Sarah Strangie
Seller: Brian J. Nolan
Date: 03/11/26

 

82-84 Phillips Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $281,348
Buyer: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Seller: John Reilly
Date: 03/05/26

59 Pine Grove St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Luis A. Negron
Seller: Cig2 LLC
Date: 03/13/26

97-99 Pine Grove St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Joshua Lantigua
Seller: JoeJoe Properties LLC
Date: 03/13/26

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

163 Powell Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Mmm Home Buyers LLC
Seller: Ryan J. Lussier
Date: 03/06/26

27 Regal St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Tyler Carlo
Seller: Judith F. Kennedy
Date: 03/02/26

251 Rosewell St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $293,000
Buyer: Denise A. Bartels
Seller: Erik D. Petkus
Date: 03/04/26

19 Quincy St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: William Benjamin Brown
Seller: Janusz Lecko
Date: 03/10/26

229 Quincy St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Ihi Wave LLC
Seller: James Hwang
Date: 03/13/26

173 Russell St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Kelly Taylor
Seller: Miciel Mariano
Date: 03/12/26

102 San Miguel St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $172,500
Buyer: Noel Investment Group LLC
Seller: Nancy Rygiel
Date: 03/11/26

50-52 Savoy Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Tikiko Gomez
Seller: J. Brown & Associates Inc.
Date: 03/11/26

54 Seymour Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $279,900
Buyer: Francheska Reveron Warren
Seller: Silva, Emilia, (Estate)
Date: 03/13/26

91 Spikenard Circle
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Mrd Profit Sharing TR
Seller: Darrell K. Williams
Date: 03/11/26

15-17 Sycamore St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Charlie Rodriguez Otero
Seller: RM Blerman LLC
Date: 03/13/26

114-116 Sylvan St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Roselyn M. Ayala
Seller: Chandler C. King
Date: 03/13/26

208 Tamarack Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $312,000
Buyer: Evan Forte
Seller: Elaine Fitchet
Date: 03/03/26

47 Thorndyke St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Manchester Enterprises LLC
Seller: Linda A. Bianchi
Date: 03/06/26

115 Tiffany St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Marzena K. Sochacka Medina
Seller: Maureen Cratty
Date: 03/13/26

97 Treetop Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $198,000
Buyer: Centura Bay LLC
Seller: Evelyn M. Moore
Date: 03/09/26

107 Tyler St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Patricia Lara
Seller: Feliciano Associates LLC
Date: 03/03/26

47 Victoria St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $261,000
Buyer: Craig R. Godbolt
Seller: Hassle Free LLC
Date: 03/13/26

207-209 White St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Methuselah RT
Seller: Yotanya Hunnighan
Date: 03/05/26

35-37 Whittier St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Maria Transito G. Castro
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 03/03/26

1988 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Gilberto Marquez Robles
Seller: Stanley Clerge
Date: 03/13/26

100 Wilmont St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Girish Badgi
Seller: Brianne G. Summers
Date: 03/03/26

104 Wilmont St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Girish Badgi
Seller: Shawn Summers
Date: 03/03/26

SOUTHWICK

269 College Hwy.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $227,000
Buyer: Yms Property Leasing & Mgmt. LLC
Seller: Fitzgerald Home Solutions LLC
Date: 03/13/26

195 Feeding Hills Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $307,000
Buyer: Nathaniel C. Goodrow
Seller: Cressotti, Ronald G., (Estate)
Date: 03/04/26

44 North Lake Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Xavier R. Curtis
Seller: Kelsey Smith
Date: 03/06/26

37 Summer Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Xavier R. Curtis
Seller: Kelsey Smith
Date: 03/06/26

31 Woodland Ridge Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Jason G. Sexton
Seller: Danielle B. Sullivan
Date: 03/12/26

WALES

10 Church St.
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $439,000
Buyer: Shellian Forsythe
Seller: Christopher Lee Figueroa
Date: 03/12/26

WESTFIELD

12 Casimir St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: United American Muslim Association Of Western Mass.
Seller: City Of Westfield
Date: 03/02/26

44 Church St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Daniel Hitchcock
Seller: Jjs Capital Investments LLC
Date: 03/06/26

Cycle St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $382,375
Buyer: Aero Fastener Realty LLC
Seller: Cycle Street Redevelopment LLC
Date: 03/10/26

Little River Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: JG Sigma LLC
Seller: Joseph M. Bannish
Date: 03/11/26

30 Llewellyn Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Kathryn Meagher
Seller: Gaw, David J., (Estate)
Date: 03/13/26

14 Loring Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Matthew Keeney
Seller: Costa, Donna F., (Estate)
Date: 03/11/26

83 Mechanic St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $232,000
Buyer: Halifax Capital LLC
Seller: John L. Prystowski
Date: 03/04/26

38 Parkside Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: United American Muslim Association Of Western Mass.
Seller: City Of Westfield
Date: 03/02/26

163 Prospect St., Ext.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $363,000
Buyer: Benjamin S. Lepage
Seller: Clifford F. Wolfe
Date: 03/06/26

77 Ridgecrest Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Zygmont Szczawinski
Seller: Thomas E. McMahon
Date: 03/02/26

1430 Russell Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $180,700
Buyer: Agi Home Solutions LLC
Seller: Keith E. Knowlton
Date: 03/13/26

12 Sibley Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Paul Sullivan
Seller: David Perez
Date: 03/05/26

26 Washington St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Michael D. Tirrell
Seller: Mobius Real Estate LLC
Date: 03/10/26

161 Wild Flower Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $610,000
Buyer: Peter Daws
Seller: Marilyn D. Orszak 2024 TR
Date: 03/13/26

WILBRAHAM

8 Crest St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $437,602
Buyer: Siwell Inc.
Seller: Stephen A. Joley
Date: 03/12/26

4-6 Dalton St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Kw Rt
Seller: Nuno M. Rodrigues
Date: 03/04/26

603 Glendale Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $710,000
Buyer: Peter Cain
Seller: Jodee M. Giroux
Date: 03/06/26

5 Northwood Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $439,000
Buyer: Brianna Gallucci
Seller: James Moriarty
Date: 03/10/26

56 Weston St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Hazel Zebian
Seller: Johnsonski, Barbara, (Estate)
Date: 03/13/26

WEST SPRINGFIELD

144 Almon Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Jocelyn Emily Rivas
Seller: Fay, Christine L., (Estate)
Date: 03/12/26

750 Amostown Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Mary Ann Theresa Biza
Seller: Matthew Stetson
Date: 03/11/26

65 Churchill Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $456,000
Buyer: Brian K. LaPointe
Seller: Barbara J. Gasperack
Date: 03/13/26

183 Craiwell Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Debra Ann Zides
Seller: Hall, Diane E., (Estate)
Date: 03/13/26

43 Houston Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Alyssa C. Montagna
Seller: Nusret Senderovic
Date: 03/06/26

Hyde Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Nafees Awan
Seller: John G. Kudlic
Date: 03/02/26

31 North Blvd.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Fatema Alhussein
Seller: Mark J. Walachy
Date: 03/06/26

67 Redden Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Ryan Berthiaume
Seller: Ahmed Qays Aljarrah
Date: 03/06/26

62 Talcott Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Cornerstone Homebuying LLC
Seller: Bette-Jo Clark
Date: 03/13/26

29 Webster Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $343,000
Buyer: Alicia Melinda Gonzalez
Seller: Arianna R. Palazzi
Date: 03/10/26

88 West St.
West Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Domenic Amato
Seller: Michele L. Minniear FT
Date: 03/13/26

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

Henry St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: A1n1 LLC
Seller: Christine Acker
Date: 03/06/26

11 Overlook Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $600,400
Buyer: David Schmidt
Seller: Preston Dortch
Date: 03/05/26

60 Overlook Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $725,660
Buyer: Claire Rosalinda Chester
Seller: Todd V. Walker
Date: 03/02/26

60 Red Gate Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $1,280,000
Buyer: Jonathan Blanchard
Seller: Christian G. Appy
Date: 03/13/26

1730 South East St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: 1730 South East St. LLC
Seller: Jason R. Edwards
Date: 03/05/26

141 Tracy Circle
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Aung Win
Seller: Arpc LLC
Date: 03/13/26

39 Valley Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Liam Carolan
Seller: Suen, Yu-Van, (Estate)
Date: 03/03/26

BELCHERTOWN

285 Granby Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $427,500
Buyer: Dade Scolardi
Seller: B. & B. Realty Partners LLC
Date: 03/06/26

17 Maple St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Sydney Jade Tonelli
Seller: Andrew P. Boyko
Date: 03/03/26

164 Railroad St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $560,000
Buyer: Corey J. Miller TR
Seller: Randy Hoffman
Date: 03/09/26

EASTHAMPTON

7 Lawndale St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Jaimie A. Golec
Date: 03/13/26

HADLEY

65 Chmura Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: John A. Pliska
Seller: Veteran Stan LLC
Date: 03/03/26

424 Russell St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $4,134,400
Buyer: 424 Hadley LLC
Seller: Hadley Investment Partners LLC
Date: 03/06/26

 

HATFIELD

Old Barnstable Road
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Christine Eck
Seller: Laura Lee Drouin-Bertram
Date: 03/05/26

205 Old Barnstable Road
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $241,000
Buyer: Revive & Rise LLC
Seller: Peter Scherff
Date: 03/02/26

NORTHAMPTON

214 Audubon Road
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $406,500
Buyer: James E. Foster
Seller: Collins, Lee Mary, (Estate)
Date: 03/11/26

412 Burts Pit Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: James M. Haug
Seller: Jean M. York
Date: 03/09/26

53 East Center St.
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $580,000
Buyer: Charlotte F. Hazard
Seller: Jacob N. Masenior
Date: 03/05/26

14 Fruit St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Ace Reinhardt Tayloe
Seller: Elizabeth L. Mackenzie
Date: 03/03/26

35 Hubbard Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $498,000
Buyer: Mark Lindsay
Seller: Americamp Realty LLC
Date: 03/11/26

751 Park Hill Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $629,000
Buyer: Samuel G. Taylor
Seller: Clifford Madru
Date: 03/06/26

SOUTH HADLEY

24 Grandview St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: John Mcmahon
Seller: Michael Nicholson
Date: 03/02/26

293 Morgan St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Scott Family Prop LLC
Seller: Sard, Frederick M., (Estate)
Date: 03/04/26

10 Young Circle
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $312,000
Buyer: Joanne Brackett
Seller: Dupuis, Carolyn J., (Estate)
Date: 03/09/26

SOUTHAMPTON

95 Gunn Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $706,000
Buyer: Peter R. Barr
Seller: Cindy L. Browning
Date: 03/03/26

WARE

84 Greenwich Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $182,500
Buyer: Rhiron Realty LLC
Seller: Pawlowski, Sophie C., (Estate)
Date: 03/13/26

9 Walnut St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Jmt Holdings LLC
Seller: Bernadette M. Carberry
Date: 03/13/26

WILLIAMSBURG

100 South St.
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $412,000
Buyer: Mark Lachance
Seller: Wentworth, Paula A., (Estate)
Date: 03/06/26

WORTHINGTON

138 Ridge Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $760,000
Buyer: Michael Browning
Seller: 95 Dalton Avenue NT
Date: 03/03/26

Building Permits

By
Building Permits

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

CHICOPEE

Stanley Szlachetka, Eric Szlachetka
10 Center St.
$32,000 — Repair damaged knee walls and glass entranceway to Unit 8 due to automobile accident

EASTHAMPTON

136 Pleasant LLC
136 Pleasant St.
$8,750 — Cladding

The Philipp Manufacturing Co.
17 Ward Ave.
$86,000 — Roofing

HADLEY

Parmar and Sons Inc.
37 Russell St.
N/A — Demolish buildings

 

LENOX

474 Pittsfield Road LLC
474 Pittsfield Road
$20,000 — Remove and replace damaged storefront and glazing

Edith Wharton Restorations Inc.
2 Plunkett St.
$789,492 — Erect pre-engineered steel building to be used as maintenance garage and offices

United Church of Christ
55 Main St.
$6,882 — Insulation and air sealing

PITTSFIELD

Ace 34 North LLC
30 North St.
$7,500 — Selective demolition to first floor

David Carver
7 North St.
$6,213 — Add four sprinkler heads to system to maintain proper sprinkler coverage within renovated area

Centro Bradley Berkshire Crossing LLC
555 Hubbard Ave.
$5,000 — Build and install galvanized steel frame awning with metal/steel roofing

City of Pittsfield
8 Holmes Road
$9,984 — Form and pour concrete pad for new standby generator; furnish and install chain link fence enclosure around generator

City of Pittsfield
232 West Housatonic St.
$119,905 — Replace failing exterior deck and install new deck, stairs, and handicap ramp

Clock Tower Partners LLC
75 South Church St.
$11,700 — Construct partition wall and door to divide single tenant into two spaces

The Cooper Center LLC
116 North St.
$15,561 — Install partition wall and door in Suite 201 to create enclosed office

O’Connell Oil Associates Inc.
480 West Housatonic St.
$105,000 — Remodel Dunkin’ Donuts, including new wall tile, stainless cabinets, and millwork

Challenges Remain, but the Golf Business Is Healthy

By
Ed Twohig Jr.
Sports & Leisure

Steady Course

Ed Twohig Jr.

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Winter of Their Discontent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Going for the Green

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10 Easy Tips for Lowering Your Cyber Insurance Premium

By Contributor
Accounting and Tax Planning

Defensive Measures

By Chris Wisneski

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

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

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

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

Chris Wisneski

Chris Wisneski

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

 

1. Multi-factor Authentication

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

 

2. Password Managers

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

 

3. Train Your Employees

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

 

4. Software Updates

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

 

5. Cybersecurity Tools

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

 

6. Incident Response Plan

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

 

7. Continuity Planning and Image-based Backup Solutions

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

 

8. Monitor Your Systems

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

 

9. Be Proactive

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

 

10. Get a Cybersecurity Risk Assessment

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

 

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

How to Avoid Getting Scammed This Tax Season

By Contributor
Accounting and Tax Planning

Knowledge Is Power

By Liberty Bank

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

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

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

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

Craig Bernier

Craig Bernier

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

What to Know for 2026

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

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

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

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

 

Tips to Avoid Scams

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

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

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

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

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

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

Workforce and Career Development in the Accounting Industry

By Contributor
Accounting and Tax Planning Special Coverage

A Gen Z Perspective

By Samantha Calvao

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

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

 

Starting a Career in a Changing Industry

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

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

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

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

Samantha Calvao

Samantha Calvao

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

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

Learning, Connection, and Purpose

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

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

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

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

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

 

The Road Ahead

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

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

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

 

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

 

In Business Consulting, Samalid Hogan Speaks from Experience

By
Samalid Hogan
Special Coverage Where Are They Now?

Where Are They Now?

 

Samalid Hogan

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

Samalid Hogan in 2013

Samalid Hogan in 2013

 

Samalid Hogan likes to say she practices what she preaches.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Reaching Higher

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Stepping Out

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

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

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

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

Picture This

By
Tiffany Scott Pryor
Picture This

Ice Time

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

Tiffany Scott Pryor

Tiffany Scott Pryor

 

Boomer

Boomer

 

Seal of Approval

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

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

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

 

School Funding Advocacy Day

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

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

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

Agenda

By
Agenda

Alumni Achievement Award Nominations

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

 

Women’s Leadership Conference

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

 

Difference Makers Gala

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

 

EANE Leadership Summit

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

 

Splash-A-Thon Fundraiser

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

 

Three County Fair Food Drive

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

 

BCDA Roundtable on Stewardship Best Practices

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

People on the Move

By
People on the Move
Stacey Johnson

Stacey Johnson

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

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

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Sophie Miller

Sophie Miller

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

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

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Katie Streater

Katie Streater

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

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

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Patricia Samra

Patricia Samra

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

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

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