Berkshire Trade & Commerce November 2021

Johns Building Supply adds Ace Hardware store — page 2

Inside this issue

u INVESTIGATIONS FIRM EXPANDS WITH SECURITY SERVICES DIVISION ............ 3 u NORTH ADAMS MAYORAL CANDIDATES OUTLINE AGENDAS FOR CITY ........... 10 u MASK PROTOCOLS GETTING MUDDLED AS COVID ERA CONTINUES ...............12 u DEALCOHOLIZED WINES ARE PART OF PACKAGE AT DÉPART ....................... 23

CozQuest looks to build on year-long test of concept — page 4

BERKSHIRE TRADE & COMMERCE monthly

Vol. 25 No. 7

“The Business Journal For Berkshire County”

Benefits flowing in many directions from House of Correction’s Aquaponics Lab – page 16

Robin McGraw, a deputy sheriff with the Berkshire County Sheriff’s Office and president of Berkshire Education and Correction Services (BECS), sits inside the Aquaponics Lab he developed through BECS to provide House of Correction inmates with an on-the-job educational experience geared toward successful re-entry into society.

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NOVEMBER 2021

COMPLEMENTARY OPERATIONS

Johns Building Supply adds Ace Hardware store

BY JOHN TOWNES Pittsfield has a new Ace Hardware store as the result of an expansion of a longtime local business.

Johns Ace Hardware opened on Oct. 12 in a newly constructed 11,000-square-foot building at 880 Crane Ave., just west of the Coltsville intersection.

While the hardware store is new, it is an outgrowth of Johns Building Supply, a family-owned business that was started across the street in 1948 by John and Helen Koziara. That business produces and sells masonry products for construction, remodeling and landscaping.

“I’m really excited about this,” said William (“Buster”) Koziara, who is John and Helen’s son and the current president of the company. “I’ve been in this business all my life, but this is something I’ve never done before. It’s all new. Setting it up has been exhausting. But now that it’s done, it’ll be great for the business and our customers and employees.”

The new store is officially called Johns Building Supply and Johns Ace Hardware.

Johns Building Supply will continue as a separate business, but will occupy a section of the new building as a department of the overall hardware store.

“It will have its own service and sales area, and the relationship with the customers of Johns Building Supply will remain as it’s always been,” said Peggi-Jeanne Flood, who is manager of the store.

She added that the hardware store, which occupies about 8,000 square feet of the

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Peggi-Jeanne Flood, a longtime employee at Johns Building Supply in Pittsfield, has been selected to manage the company’s new Ace Hardware store at 880 Crane Ave. “She’s a great pick,” says owner William Koziara. “I really want to give her a shout-out. She’s extremely competent and hard-working.” new building, will complement the existing building-supply business in several ways.

“We can serve the existing customers of Johns Building Supply better,” Flood said.

“Before, they would often need tools and other supplies for their projects that we didn’t carry, and they’d have to go elsewhere for those. Now they can pick those up in one trip while they’re here.”

Ace Hardware is a retailers’ cooperative that is owned by its affiliated independent store owners. There are about 5,000 Ace Hardware outlets globally. The company sent a team to help Johns set up the new store.

Johns Ace Hardware has a full range of products, including lawn and garden supplies and equipment, lawn mowers and outdoor grills. There are separate departments for paint, electrical, kitchen and bath, and plumbing supplies. It also carries power and hand tools, and other hardware and merchandise for homes and businesses.

The business had nine employees previously. With the new store they are adding about 10 more.

Flood noted that the Ace Hardware chain is known for customer service, which will be a focus of the new store. “We’ll have

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people who can provide expert help and advice,” she said.

Koziara added that they expect to expand the business in other ways, such as increasing business-to-business services and supply contracts.

Planning for the store began a couple of years ago. The cost of close to $2 million was financed through the Pittsfield Cooperative Bank. The City of Pittsfield also provided a tax incentive package. Construction was started in the spring of 2020. The COVID pandemic caused some delays due to shortages of labor and supplies.

The change has involved physically shifting their existing operations. The business owns about three acres on both sides of Crane Avenue.

Johns Building Supply was originally located across the street from the new store, on the north side of the street. When William Koziara was a child, the family lived in a house that later became the company’s office. Its production facilities are also located there.

Before the construction of the new store, the section of the property it is located on had been a vacant lot that was used for storage.

Flood, who has been with the business for 12 years, was selected to manage the store.

“She’s a great pick,” noted Koziara. “I really want to give her a shout-out. She’s extremely competent and hard-working.

She’s also ethical with a very strong sense of integrity.”

Changes in industry

William Koziara joined the family business after graduating from college in 1975. His sister Joan also worked there from the late 1980s until her retirement in 2014.

One of the staples of Johns Building Supply has been the manufacture of concrete building blocks. “We’re the only concrete block producer in Massachusetts this side of Springfield,” noted Koziara.

The business also sells bricks and natural store, as well as pavers for driveways, walkways, patios, and other sites. It also has been the number-one producer in the Northeast of VERSA-LOK brand retaining walls.

Koziara estimated that his customers are about equally divided among professional contractors, homeowners and businesses, with about 5 percent in municipal projects.

The addition of the new Ace Hardware store was prompted by trends in the construction industry.

“The industry is changing across the country, and we’ve had to adapt,” said Koziara.

One of these trends has been a movement away from concrete block-based building to the use of larger concrete panels, which are too large for the company to produce.

So, looking to the long run, Johns Building Supply had to look for ways to add other products and services.

Another factor was the extension of the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail into Pittsfield, which will include an entry point and visitor’s parking area close to the company’s property.

“That’s going to impact this area in terms of traffic, and we had to look at how it would affect our own operations,” said Koziara.

NOVEMBER 2021

BERKSHIRE TRADE & COMMERCE

3

news & notes from the region He and his staff began exploring options.

“In our discussions, the idea of a hardware store came up, and it was a natural fit with what we already do,” he said. “It will also introduce us to new customers including homeowners and other building professionals.”

Although Johns Ace Hardware is near larger Home Depot and Tractor Supply stores, Koziara is confident that there is room in the market for another hardware store here.

“Ace is a very popular and quality brand that people recognize,” he said. “That will bring in customers and introduce more people to us.”

Flood added that they had already seen indications of that before they opened.

“As soon as word got out that we were opening an Ace Hardware store, people started contacting us and stopping by who said they had never heard of us before,” she said. “They were really excited at the idea of an Ace Hardware store coming in.”u

Investigations firm adds security services division

BY JOHN TOWNES In this security-conscious era, a Pittsfieldbased firm, H & S Investigations Group, is expanding its offerings.

“We’ve been adding to our activities with new security services,” said owner Howard Siegel. “There’s an increased awareness and need for security today.”

The company was established 10 years ago

by Siegel and a friend in the law enforcement field (who has since left the business).

Siegel is also the owner of Bug Busters Computer Services, a single-source solutions provider of IT hardware and software for businesses and other clients, which he founded in 1995. Both companies are based at 1440 East St. He said H & S and Bug Busters are separate companies and operations, although the security firm can draw on the resources of Bug Busters.

While H & S Investigations Group also offered security services, the primary focus was investigations of potential insurance fraud, marital infidelity, background checks, and other situations. The company is licensed

by Massachusetts as a certified private investigator and is fully insured and bonded.

About a year ago, Jim Tobin joined the business as operations manager. He was formerly deputy chief with the West Stockbridge Police Department and has also worked for the Berkshire County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Homeland Security.

Siegel and Tobin have since been working businesses and other locations. They also to increase the company’s scope and services, evaluate properties to determine their vulnerabilities and needs, and develop and which is reflected in the establishment of a implement preventative security strategies new division, H & S Security and Protective and plans.

Services.

The company is equipped to set up video “We want to grow the business and serve surveillance cameras. While they do not more clients in the region,” said Tobin. install alarm systems, they have a consultThey said that public awareness of security ing partnership with has increased due to “There’s an increased New England Security, both local and national which does that. trends, including the awareness and need for In addition they ofrise in crime. security today.” fer armed and unarmed “Unfortunately, in protective services and incident prevention. these times more people have problems like These include personal escorted protection addiction, and when they are in that position, of executives, celebrities, and others, as well they have less respect for other people and as secure transportation. property,” noted Tobin.

Another focus is security for events, inSiegel added that even organizations that cluding corporate meetings, organizational have not traditionally been considered risks events, concerts and other performances, are more conscious of security. festivals, church events and other activities.

“More churches have contacted us about They also cover weddings, birthdays, and security, which is new,” said Siegel. “They’ve other private parties. become more concerned after seeing the Tobin believes that H & S Security’s incidents like active shooters at churches local roots are a competitive advantage. in the news.”

“As a local company, we have a buy-in The services of H & S Security (413here and knowledge about the community,” 822-9036) range from ongoing protection he said.u to short-term security for special events.

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FRONT pages

NOVEMBER 2021

HIDDEN TREASURES

CozQuest looks to build on first year of testing concept

BY JOHN TOWNES This summer, residents and visitors of all ages have been hunting for “treasures” at area businesses and attractions, prompted by a new Berkshire venture, CozQuest.

Launched last November by Liam Gorman of Pittsfield, CozQuest is a treasure hunt game in which players use their smartphones to solve puzzles, follow maps and find hidden QR codes at various locations to unlock a prize. Once they’ve solved all the puzzles and completed the game, players are entered into a raffle for grand prizes consisting of gift cards, gift baskets, or other items, including cash awards of as much as $500.

The individual treasure hunts have specified locations and time frames, and the games are free to the public to play.

Gorman’s unofficial business partner is his dog, Cozmo, who serves as the venture’s logo, online guide, and overall canine ambassador.

Gorman said the concept for CozQuest (323-363-0146 or www.cozquest.com) had been percolating for a while.

“I first had the idea about two years ago, after going geocaching with my kids,” said Gorman.

He explained that geocaching is a popular Liam Gorman and Cozmo take a break outside of Dottie’s Coffee Lounge on North Street in Pittsfield. Dottie’s is among several downtown businesses and attracinternational outdoor recreational pastime in tions that have been participating in the “treasure hunt” games staged by CozQuest, a venture that Gorman has been testing and developing over the past year. which participants use a Global Positioning emerged,” he said. “Like many people, I System (GPS) receiver or mobile device to he said. “Its basic purpose is to encourage include virtual pop-up shops where local found myself with a lot of time on my hands. hide and search for containers at specific people to get off Amazon and go out and vendors can sell their products directly to So, I decided it was an opportunity to pursue locations. A typical cache is a small watervisit local businesses instead.” the public. These have taken place at locamy idea of a treasure hunt as a business.” proof container containing a logbook which Gorman also described the concept as a tions including Hotel on North in downtown When Gorman was planning the venture, the geocacher signs when located. The sites resource for community building by creatPittsfield and local farmers markets. he participated in Entrepreneurship for All may also contain toys ing a framework for “This is an opportunity for people who or trinkets as a token “This is our home, and I people to physically make things to gain direct public exposure,” (EforAll), a national training and support program for entrepreneurs that launched a reward. their own and Gorman said. want my kids to grow up in a explore Berkshire chapter two years ago.

“I thought: ‘Why neighboring towns and In addition to local residents, he noted, the As a first step, he created a website to not have a treasure place that’s vibrant. This is cities. It also fosters treasure hunts are also intended to serve as a hunt on a local basis one small way I can help.” direct interactions on promotional resource for tourism, providing host the games and clues. Participants visit the site on their smartphones for the games but with puzzles and a face-to-face basis, as visitors with an activity that brings them into and maps to follow and use their phones to real prizes?’ It would provide a fun way for a contrast to online shopping, virtual games area businesses and other sites. scan the QR codes at locations for prizes people to explore this area, with the added and other online time-killers.

He promotes upcoming treasure hunts on and further clues. incentive of winning things that are worth“One reason I decided to do this is to the CozQuest pages on Facebook and InstaGorman creates the games. They include while,” Gorman explained. contribute to this area,” he said. “This is our gram, through participating businesses and word games such as a crossword puzzle, and Gorman said that, in addition to being fun, home, and I want my kids to grow up in a organizations, and other venues. other visual and verbal formats. They often CozQuest is designed as a marketing tool place that’s vibrant. This is one small way “Much of it has been through word of have themes based on the overall activity to stimulate business growth and economic I can help.” mouth,” he said. they are connected to. development.

He noted that another aspect of the concept Development and testing “Technically, I’ve started with a pared “I call it a foot-traffic-building machine,” is a “Makers Market.” Some treasure hunts Gorman, who is originally from New down version,” he said. “Ultimately, the Jersey, has a background in journalism and treasure hunts will be on an app that people the television and film industries. He began will be able to install on their phones. But his career at NBC News, working for Tom developing that will require more time and Brokaw. He later moved to Los Angeles, someone with technical expertise. As a startwhere he worked in television news and ing point I was able to build a website myself, film production. which people can use on their smartphones.”

He and his wife, Ann Lotto, moved to Gorman began contacting businesses Pittsfield six years ago. She is from this area. and organizations to promote the concept Gorman was a partner in the Pittsfield bar and to recruit sponsors and partners for the Thistle & Mirth before selling out his interest treasure hunts. in that business.

“This first year has been a pilot, in which “Shortly after that, the COVID pandemic I’ve been testing the concept out, and seeing

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news & notes from the region what the response is,” he said. “That’s been very encouraging. One of the great things about doing this in the Berkshires is that people are open to new ideas. The reception has been great.”

Gorman has had to conduct the hunts around restrictions in place for COVID at the time. He added that he will continue to factor those considerations into planning of future hunts.

Partners and sponsors

He has lined up clients and sponsors on various levels. Among these are shops, cafes and other retail businesses participating as sites on the hunt. They provide discounts and other gifts to those who stop in along the hunt’s route and locate the QR codes.

Businesses also have provided prizes for the raffles. Others have contributed cash prizes, such as Jan Perry Associates, a real estate firm that gave $500 to the winner of a June Boom treasure hunt in Pittsfield.

“Banks, for example, depend on a healthy business community, and have been sponsors of prizes as one way to support that,” said Gorman.

CozQuest has also partnered with community and economic development organizations as sponsors, such as local chambers of commerce, 1Berkshire, EforAll, and Downtown Pittsfield Inc., as well as with initiatives such as the Pittsfield Farmers Market, the Great Barrington Farmers Market and the Great Barrington Art Market. In addition, Gorman has collaborated with various cultural and community organizations.

CozQuest’s first treasure hunt was held during Small Business Saturday last November in partnership with Downtown Pittsfield Inc. “We lined up 10 downtown businesses as sites, and it worked out well,” Gorman said.

“Dozens of people played, and that started the ball rolling.”

In the winter and early spring CozQuest conducted a few other treasure hunts, such as a Valentine’s Day treasure hunt in downtown Pittsfield.

CozQuest went into high gear on May 1 with a Perfect Day treasure hunt in downtown Pittsfield, followed by a “Makers Market” with vendors and activities at Balderdash Cellars in Richmond.

Over the summer, CozQuest sponsored numerous treasure hunts, including regular ones in downtown Pittsfield. It has also conducted hunts in other communities, such as a Greatest Of All Treasures – or GOAT – Hunt in North Adams, and hunts in Great Barrington.

can also be for a somewhat longer duration, CozQuest has also sponsored specialized such as a week-long hunt. hunts, such as one at the Norman Rockwell’s The exact nature of the hunts can also be Fantasy Gala benefit in June. They also varied to reflect specific events and settings, sponsored a variation of the format at Hanas well as broader goals cock Shaker Village, in “This year, I bootstrapped and themes. which children look for a lost lamb. this, and relied on community Also, he noted, the of incentives From Aug. 28 support to cover the costs,” nature can be diverse. “Not all through Labor Day, CozQuest provided a he said. “Now, I’m looking of the hunts have to be treasure hunt in partnerfor investment partners to oriented to generating business,” said Gorship with Downtown Pittsfield Inc. and the provide the financing and re- man. “It does not have Berkshire Athenaeum sources to scale the business to involve significant prizes. For example, as part of StoryWalk, a on a sustainable basis.” the hunt at Hancock self-guided family tour Shaker Village was primarily a fun activity of downtown Pittsfield. Those who completed that kids could enjoy while they and their the hunt were eligible for a raffle with a prize parents explored the village.” of a copy of When I Close My Eyes, a book One priority is to find a technical partner

by Pittsfield author Ty Allan Jackson, and with the expertise to help develop a smartposters signed by Jackson. There was also a phone app to host the game. He said he grand prize of a tote bag full of “library swag.” hopes to at least have a prototype in time The season ended on Oct. 9 with a final for this year’s Small Business Saturday in treasure hunt in conjunction with Downtown late November.

Pittsfield Inc., the city’s Office of Cultural Gorman is also seeking investors to help Development, and the Pittsfield Farmer’s move the venture forward.

Market.

“This year, I bootstrapped this, and relied Revenue stream on community support to cover the costs,” he Following that, Gorman said, he will said. “Now, I’m looking for investment partbe doing the legwork to further refine and ners to provide the financing and resources develop his business model. to scale the business on a sustainable basis.”

“Now that I have the initial experience, He added that the goal of funding and the I’ll look at what aspects were successful, development of the app are related. “Once or what should be done differently moving we have the funding and the app, that opens forward,” he said. up the opportunity to sponsor our own events The basic revenue source for CozQuest and provide prizes ourselves,” he said. will be as a marketing service for clients, He noted that the basic app can also be with fees for inclusion into hunts and remarketed as a white-label product that can lated promotions. Gorman said he will be be purchased and customized by other busilooking at various ways to monetize the nesses or groups. treasure hunts while retaining their comGorman said that he is also looking to munity orientation. expand geographically over time. “It’s posHe noted that the basic format of the sible that we may offer treasure hunts in other treasure hunt is flexible. Each hunt occurs areas, such as the Capital District in New during a designated time period, which can York and other regions of the northeast,” he be for one day or during a specific event. It said. “I believe this has great potential.”u

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FRONT pages BUSINESS

Update

Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge has been selected as winner of the Berkshire Intrapreneur Challenge, which was held on Sept. 23 as part of Lever’s 2021 Innovation Summit at the Berkshire Innovation Center in Pittsfield (September 2021 BT&C). Kripalu, which is the largest yoga retreat center in North America, will receive a $25,000 Lever Innovation Grant to continue developing its plan to bring its sourdough bread and other signature baked goods to local and regional markets, with proceeds being used to bring yoga to underserved communities.

Other finalists were: The Chamberlain Group, a Great Barrington-based firm that designs, develops and manufactures high-fidelity mimetic anatomy for surgical and interventional training, research, device development and marketing; JM Spartan Training LLC of Pittsfield, which offers a broad spectrum of training opportunities surrounding emergency preparedness, situational awareness and workplace violence to businesses, organizations, schools and financial institutions (April 2021 BT&C); Shire City Herbals Inc., a Pittsfield-based company that since 2010 has handcrafted certified organic, infused apple cider vinegar tonics, including their signature Fire Cider; and Wellness Concepts Inc. of Great Barrington, a certified woman-owned business delivering science and evidence-based, scalable well-being solutions that create sustainable behavior change for corporate clients and their employees. “The Intrapreneur Challenge is a great showcase of how established companies can continue to innovate,” said Lever Executive Director Jeffrey Thomas. “It’s also more proof that the Berkshires are ripe for innovation. In addition to the entrepreneurship that happens here, businesses with deep roots are ready to launch new ideas that will ultimately create jobs in the region.” Founded in 2014, Lever is an economic development nonprofit focused on innovation-driven job creation through its support of entrepreneurs with startup expertise, an investment fund, research, mentors, and access to talent.

Entrepreneurship forAll (EforAll) Berkshire County has launched an educational workshop series over Zoom targeted to small business owners. Funded by a Resiliency Grant from Mass Growth Capital Corporation and the Pittsfield Economic Revitalization Corporation (PERC), all programs will be free of charge to participants.

“We are so pleased to be able to award this MGCC Resiliency Grant to EforAll Berkshire County,” said Jay Anderson, the president of PERC. “Small business owners will be able to connect with top professionals at no cost and address their own critical business needs. We hope that many EforAll alumni, minority and immigrant businesses that are vulnerable from the impact of the pandemic will take advantage of this great opportunity.”

The series began on Oct. 13 with a Law session, followed on Oct. 20 by an Accounting session.

Upcoming sessions include Funding and Loans on Oct. 27, Dealing with Government on Nov. 3, Marketing on Nov. 10, and Operations on Nov. 17. All sessions are held from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Attendees can come to any or all of the sessions.

Registration can be completed online at http:// bit.ly/EFAaskexperts. At the conclusion of the series, an in-person lunch and networking event for panelists and participants is planned at the Berkshire Innovation Center in Pittsfield.

Lee Bank Foundation has awarded $40,500 to nine Berkshire area organizations in its third-round of 2021 community grant awards. Recipients were awarded grants ranging from $1,000 to $13,500 to support their local programming. Included in the awards are a series of Arts Access Grants for arts and culture organizations to expand access to programming for underserved audiences.

The following organizations received funding: Alliance for a Viable Future, Berkshire Area Health Education Center, Berkshire Innovation Center, Berkshire Museum, Berkshire Pulse, Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire, Extra Special Teas, Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires & Southern Vermont, and Shakespeare & Company. Arts Access Grants of $1,000 each were awarded to Berkshire Pulse and Shakespeare & Company. The deadline for the final round of 2021 Foundation funding is Dec. 1. The application and more information can be found on the Community Impact section of Lee Bank’s website (www.leebank.com).

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NOVEMBER 2021

Berkshire Money Management (BMM) is partnering with the Thanksgiving Angels, a collaboration of 19 food pantries, organizations and faith communities, to provide more than 1,500 Berkshire families with a full Thanksgiving meal in their own homes. This year, according to the Thanksgiving Angels committee, more requests for meals have come in, due largely to the impact of the pandemic and ensuing unemployment and housing insecurity. BMM’s donation of $25,000 will help the Thanksgiving Angels double their donation dollars and help keep that spending in the Berkshires. The donation will be spent at Wohrle’s, a century-old, family-owned wholesale and retail food distributor in Pittsfield. “We really ramped up our efforts to address food insecurity as the pandemic began,” said BMM founder and CEO Allen Harris. “In years past, the BMM team physically handed out turkeys and Wohrle’s gift certificates around Thanksgiving time. But the good people at the Thanksgiving Angels have perfected the logistics behind reaching out to and feeding thousands of Berkshire families. To have the biggest impact, we decided to team up with the Thanksgiving Angels just as they began their fundraising campaign this year.” To make a donation to the Thanksgiving Angels, visit www. southchurchpittsfield.org, and select “Thanksgiving Angels” from the Donate drop-down menu.

Donations can also be mailed to: Thanksgiving Angels, c/o South Congregational Church, 110 South St., Pittsfield, MA 01201.

MCLA’s Division of Graduate and Continuing Education (DGCE) will hold a series of virtual information sessions this fall for community members interested in the college’s Master of Business Administration (MBA), Graduate Certificate in Business Administration, Master of Education, Leadership Academy, and bachelor’s degree completion programs. Information sessions will take place at noon and 5 p.m. on Nov. 2 and Nov. 30. These sessions are free and open to the public. Community members interested in pursing a graduate degree or finishing their bachelor’s degree with evening classes at MCLA’s location in Pittsfield are encouraged to attend. Representatives from each program will answer questions related to academics, the application process, education timelines, and more. To register, visit mcla.edu/infosession, or email DGCE Administrative Assistant Betty LeSage at Elizabeth.Lesage@ mcla.edu for more information.

On Oct. 2, volunteers with the Dulye Leadership Experience (DLE) completed their latest community service project to support Pittsfield’s streetscape beautification. DLE President Linda Dulye was joined by volunteers from the Berkshirebased professional development organization for a morning of planting 154 hearty mums in garden beds in the North Street business district between Mellville and Bradford streets. This was the DLE’s fourth community service project in 2021. In May, DLE volunteers participated in the annual Downtown Pittsfield Cleanup Program.

On July 31, DLE volunteers cleared debris and weeds from garden beds outside of Dottie’s Coffee Lounge on North Street. A third project was completed Aug. 21, when more than 125 flowers were planted by DLE volunteers in Pittsfield’s business district between Summer Street and Union Street.

Established in 2008, the Pittsfield-based Dulye Leadership Experience connects professionals from diverse industries, positions and organizations in the Berkshires and beyond through in-person and virtual career development and networking opportunities. Operated as a philanthropic organization, the DLE is managed and underwritten by Dulye & Co., an impact-driven leadership development and employee engagement consultancy.

The Clark Art Institute in Williamstown and Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) in North Adams have announced that as of Nov. 1 all visitors will be required to show proof that they have received the COVID-19 vaccination prior to entering their facilities. The Clark’s staff, its library patrons, and all contractors working there are already operating under a similar vaccination requirement. MASS MoCA’s vaccine requirement for employees went into effect Oct. 8. Unvaccinated visitors under the age of 12 are welcome at both museums but must be accompanied by a vaccinated adult. Masks are required while indoors for everyone age 5 or older at the Clark and over age 2 at MASS MoCA. Pittsfield Community Cable Broadcasting Inc., which operates Pittsfield Community Television and WTBR-FM, held its annual meeting and celebration on Sept. 22, at which several programming and community service awards were given, and new board members were elected. The Community Service Through Community Media award went to Berkshire Health Systems (BHS), which has produced several special programs with PCTV during the pandemic with up-to-date information on COVID-19, vaccinations, and more. The Outstanding Member Service Award was given to Peter Mattice, who volunteered for several programs throughout the year and continues to host two radio programs on WTBR-FM: Ham-On, a program focusing on amateur radio; and Beatles4Ever, which features classic songs by the Beatles as well as rare interviews, live performances, and re-imagined tunes inspired by the band. In addition, PCTV handed out awards for Programming Excellence. The award for Programming Excellence in a TV Series went to Robert Wehry for his program Wehry Weekly History & Entertainment News. The award for Programming Excellence in a TV Special went to Town Players of Pittsfield for Christmastime in the City, accepted by producer Rob Dumais and director Monica Bliss. On the radio side, the award for Programming Excellence in a Radio Series went to Kevin Cahill and “Farmer” Hughes for their series Sunday Sounds of Ireland, a celebration of Irish culture and the Irish Roots of Berkshire County through music.

The Programming Excellence in a Radio Special went to Albert Cummings, whose program Albert’s Blues featured Cummings’ music, as well as songs that influenced him as a musician. Four incumbent directors were re-elected to the board during the annual meeting. Returning for new three-year terms are board Peter Marchetti (president), Andrew McKeever (clerk), Karen Winslow and Carol Zelek-Gerwitz. Marchetti, a senior vice-president at Pittsfield Cooperative Bank, has served on the board since 2000 and begins his eighth term.

McKeever, the public information officer for the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office, has served on the board for the past year and will begin his first full three-year term. Winslow, the customer service manager at Berkshire Precision Tool Company, has served for two years and is also beginning her first full three-year term. Zelek-Gerwitz, a retired nurse and active in many local organizations, has served on the board since 2013.

Wall Street Journal Senior Editor Bob Davis will be Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ 2021 Hardman Journalist in Residence from Nov. 1-2. As part of his residency, he will offer a community lecture at 6 p.m. on Nov. 1 in the First Floor Atrium of the MCLA Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation. This event is free and open to the public, and will be delivered in person with a hybrid virtual option. To register for the in-person event or virtual lecture, visit mcla.edu/ mcla-in-the-community/events/notable-speakers/ hardman-lecture-series.php.

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news & notes from the region Berkshire United Way and Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires are offering a virtual volunteer fair on Nov. 12 from noon to 3 p.m. via Zoom.

Up to 50 Berkshire nonprofits will be represented in virtual “booths” that attendees can meet with to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

Individuals and nonprofits can register online at npcberkshires.org. Nationally, volunteerism is down during COVID. “Locally, food pantries are struggling to find enough volunteers to keep up with increased demand,” said Brenda Petell, director of volunteer engagement at Berkshire United Way. For more information about volunteering, visit Berkshire United Way’s Volunteer Center online at www.volunteerberkshireuw.org or NPC’s website GiveBackBerkshires.org.

Over the coming year, Berkshire Community College will be making several improvements to the Paterson Field House, an integral part of Paterson Recreation that maintains a fitness center, basketball court, turf field, two grass soccer fields, three adult outdoor tennis courts, two youth tennis courts, and a seasonal outdoor pool. Slated for completion by June 1, 2022, the improvements include installing an HVAC system, coating and sealing the floors of the fitness center, and sanding and coating wood court floors. While Paterson Field House will be closed for regularly scheduled events during the renovation, the college has planned several fitness/recreation programs and club sports activities at alternate locations.

The Gene Dellea Community Turf Field remains open, serving as the home field for Pittsfield High School’s and Taconic High School’s football, soccer and lacrosse teams. Outdoor tennis courts are also open to the public from dawn until dusk.

“We’d love to have Paterson Field House open right now, but the projects happening this year — particularly the new HVAC system — are going to improve our students’ and members’ daily experience when we reopen,” said Daryl Shreve, BCC’s director of recreational services.

“Paterson Recreation will be as active as ever, from fitness battles and adventure trips to online classes and club sports.” Scheduled activities include: a new season of Burke’s Fitness Battle, a team-based challenge open to BCC students, faculty and staff; a partnership with Berkshire Fitness and Wellness offering students and staff more than 40 free online classes each month and free membership to the fitness center, located on North Street in Pittsfield; Adventure Club activities, including a hiking series, rock climbing, zip lining and ski trips; and club sports, including soccer, volleyball, cross country and basketball.

For a complete schedule of recreational activities, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/news-events/.

After shifting to virtual pitch contests over the past 18 months, Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll) Berkshire County is resuming inperson contests with a Nov. 10 event at Crissey Farm in Great Barrington. EforAll pitch contests offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their business idea to a friendly audience and receive feedback from experienced judges. A total of four cash prizes will be given out: 1st place $1,000, 2nd place $750, 3rd place $500 and a $500 Fan Favorite prize. Business ideas across a wide range of industries are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is noon on Oct. 28 (go to bit. ly/ ApplytoPitchNov10). The event, held from 5:30 to 8 p.m., is free and open to the public. The venue’s COVID policy requires all attendees and participants to submit proof of full vaccination or the negative results of a COVID test within 72 hours previous to the event. For more information, go to berkshire-county@eforall.org.

The Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Holiday Shop, Sip & Stroll in downtown Great Barrington on Dec. 11. The event will feature a variety of free, fun, family-friendly activities in the downtown area.

For more information and updates, go to southernberkshirechamber.com. The SBCC also still has openings for Activity Sponsors. For more information about becoming an Activity Sponsor, contact the SBCC office at 413-528-4284.

The Berkshire County Historical Society (BCHS) has named Shawna Hennessy, Aylen Dominguez, and Hazel Richards as Melville Fellows for 2021-22. The fellowship program, which began in 2018, annually awards outstanding Berkshire County college students the opportunity to work at Herman Melville’s Arrowhead to create one or more pieces of original writing inspired by Arrowhead’s surroundings and the BCHS collection. Jana Laiz, Arrowhead’s writerin-residence emeritus, spearheads the program and works in groups and individually with each Fellow from Sept. 15 to Dec. 15. Fellows will read their original works at a public event in February 2022. “Arrowhead inspired some of Melville’s greatest writings,” said BCGS Executive Director Lesley Herzberg. “We are pleased to share the source of his inspiration with such a talented group of young writers.” Hennessy, from Lunenburg, is studying creative writing at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

Dominguez, from Buenos Aires and Pittsfield, is a liberal arts student at Berkshire Community College. Richards, from Ashland, Ore; is a triple major in history, comparative literature, and French at Williams College.

Renaissance Investment Group LLC is joining the business community in downtown Lenox with a new office at 45 Walker St. The company will be leaving its current building in the Lenox Commons off Route 7 and plans to move into the Walker Street space in November. Mill Town Capital, an impact investment firm based in Pittsfield, is the new owner of the building, acquiring the property from Schulze Lenox Properties LLC for $1.2 million on Sept. 29. Mill Town owns and operates numerous properties in the Berkshires, including the nearby Gateways Inn and Restaurant at 51 Walker St. “This acquisition was an opportunity to expand our footprint in the area and create a meaningful relationship,” said Tim Burke, CEO and managing director of Mill Town. “We are excited to have the team at Renaissance Investment Group as a tenant and partner.”

Renaissance and Mill Town have agreed on a 10-year lease during which Mill Town will serve as the landlord for the building and is funding property improvements. “We are thrilled to bring life and energy to this property and be a part of Mill Town’s revitalization efforts in the area,” said Christopher Silipigno, CEO and managing director of Renaissance Investment Group. “We have viewed the downtown Lenox area as an extension of our office for some time and jumped at the opportunity to relocate there.”

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The partners behind the Bridging Divides, Healing Communities Youth Film Challenge have extended the deadline to Nov. 14 for submissions of up to 6-minute films for competition for $3,500 in cash prizes. Young people ages 14 to 24 who live or attend school in Berkshire County and neighboring counties in eastern New York and northwestern Connecticut are invited to submit films that highlight divisions and inequities in society, and show how young people are tackling these challenges in their families, schools and communities. The Youth Film Challenge is a partnership of the Civic Life Project and the Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative, with funding from Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation. For complete information, visit www.YouthFilmChallenge.com.

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BerkShares Business of the Month

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ric Wilska got his start in the book business in 1974 with a $4500 loan and a dream. The owner of Shaker Mill Books in West Stockbridge first opened the Bookloft in Great Barrington, which he ran for 42 years before making the full-time shift from selling newly released hardcovers to used paperbacks. Throughout his career, Eric had always been involved with used and out-of-print books and owned two used bookstores in the 1970s and 2000s, Running Fence Books and Found at the Bookloft, respectively. When he was ready to retire–but not fully give up bookselling– he purchased the historic Shaker gristmill and neighboring building in West Stockbridge to continue doing what he loves on his own terms.

At Shaker Mill Books the slogan is “Where you always find what you’re not looking for.” Amongst the 30,000 books, inclusive of used, rare, antiquarian, out-of-print, and occasional new works, you’ll discover a random assortment, from a $7 copy of Jack Kerouac’s On the Road to a $7,000 signed copy of a Rolling Stones profile. The bookstore also carries the best selection of books on all things Berkshire - history, flora and fauna, and guides to the area.

Perhaps Eric’s pride and joy, however, is the expansive collection of photography books.

Used books are acquired from all over, with the majority supplied by downsizing private libraries, estate sales, and spring cleaning purges. Every day he’s Shaker Mill Books “greeted by a bag of books on the door3 Depot St., West Stockbridge, MA (413) 232-0251 steps.” For newer titles and photography books, Eric travels to publishers’ book sales. Books that don’t fit on the shelves in the main building or in the historic Grist Mill next door get sent down to their overflow warehouse in Housatonic, a space they share with the Stockbridge Library.

Eric considers Shaker Mill Books a COVID success story, as many people had nothing better to do than read all day during quarantine. Foot traffic in West Stockbridge grew during the pandemic as people moved to the area and sought refuge from populated urban areas. He also regularly encounters customers on day trips from all over New England eager to support popular small businesses in town. The merchants in West Stockbridge supported eachother during the tough economic time and have collectively shaped the vibe of the town. The shift is palpable, Eric says, “On days when the coffee shop across the street is closed, I notice a decrease in sales.”

This is an encouraging change from a few years ago when the rise of online book-selling behemoths and e-readers threatened the existence of bookstores and many independent stores closed.

There’s a different charm to used bookstores that can withstand the test of time. Eric’s contemporaries like Montague Book Mill and the Rodgers Book Barns are destinations and Shaker Mill Books has earned the same reputation. There’s always room for more used bookstores and Eric invites new peers. Unlike some other independents, Eric shares, “Bookstores, in particular, hold a strong emotional sentiment - the loss of a bookstore in a way is the loss of a community’s identity.”

Tools like BerkShares help connect people to the particular businesses of their community, building small-town identity, and supporting local culture. As Eric once said, “it just makes sense!”

more stories like this one at www.berkshares.org

The Massachusetts eHealth Institute at MassTech (MeHI) and Lever have announced the eight finalists for the first Massachusetts Digital Health COVID-19 Recovery Challenge, a new program meant to identify and grow digital health tools that will help drive economic recovery from the pandemic. The program is focused on finding solutions to help unpaid family caregivers manage caregiving tasks that were exacerbated by the pandemic and more easily return to work. All eight finalists will participate in a three-month accelerator program run by Lever, a North Adams based economic development non-profit focused on innovation-driven job creation. This will include a series of lean startup workshops and mentoring from experts to develop their innovative tool, streamline their business plan, and work on their go-to-market strategy. The finalists will then compete for a total of $250,000 in “tuition” at one of nine R&D centers in MeHI’s Digital Health Sandbox Network, with the winner receiving $100,000 in tuition, and $50,000 to the second, third, and fourth runners up. Winners will use the tuition to complete a six-month project with their chosen R&D partner to test and validate their product or service. The finalists are: Beeyonder (Wayland), a guided virtual travel platform designed to offer experiences to people with disabilities or other circumstances that make travel impossible; Cigna Caregiver (Newton), a supportive application by Cigna that offers concierge-level coaching and resources for caregivers; Dear Meme (Boston), an algorithmically driven provider of activity kits for caregivers and families who care for someone with dementia; Help Around Town Inc. (Lexington), a job board and community marketplace that connects people who want flexible work opportunities with neighbors who need tasks completed; Kinto (Cambridge), a virtual platform that offers caregiver coaching, a personalized e-learning curriculum, and peer support groups; Power of Patients (Boston), an AI-driven telehealth app that collects data from patients or caregivers with the option to connect directly to healthcare providers; See Yourself Health (Beverly), a peer-to-peer support platform that connects family caregivers to specialists and other caregivers using VR avatar experiences; and Thriving.ai (Boston), an app that brings those involved in a senior’s health care, social care, informal family care and professional care together to support independent living. The program is sponsored by MeHI and supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration and the SPRINT Challenge Grant program. For more information, go to https://massdigitalhealth.org/covidchallenge/ challenge-1-innovations-support-caregivers.

Berkshire AHEC Health Scholars’ Program, in collaboration with Berkshire Community College, is hosting two free workshops in November exploring the cultural challenges in the return of veterans from combat to home, as well as moral injuries in combat vets. Veterans, community members and medical personnel are invited to join one or both virtual sessions to share experiences with the goal of educating medical providers in these complex issues. “Battlemind Plus: Transitioning from Combat to Home” takes place on Nov. 3, focusing on the U.S. Army’s mental health resilience training system. This training is tailored for medical personnel. “Healing Soul Wounds: Moral Injury in Combat Vets” takes place on Nov. 17. The primary focus of the workshop will be on understanding moral injury (related to, but distinct from PTSD) and on building and bolstering resilience for veterans and responders.

Both sessions are free, and will be held from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. Pre-registration is required to receive access to the virtual sessions.

For more information, call 413-842-5160 or visit berkshireahec.org and click on the training tab.

With the Open Enrollment season for Massachusetts residents covered by Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance plans beginning on Nov. 1, Community Health Programs (CHP) has announced that its insurance enrollment team is available to assist consumers with questions, plan changes or new enrollments. Open Enrollment runs through Jan. 23, 2022, but ACA customers are urged to review their plans in November to begin their process and avoid any lapse in coverage.

Many covered by ACA plans are automatically re-enrolled in their existing plans. But anyone with questions about coverage or anyone wishing to change plans must do so during this enrollment window to remain covered in 2022. State residents without insurance, including new residents, may also apply for new coverage. The CHP insurance enrollment team provides assistance without charge. It is not necessary to be a CHP patient to use this service. Those in need of assistance can contact the CHP insurance enrollment team by email at enrollment@chpberkshires.org or by calling 413-717-6268. Applicants also have the option of renewing or enrolling online at mahealthconnector.org. CHP’s insurance navigator team is supported by a two-year, $150,000 grant from the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority.

Impact Entrepreneur LLC has launched Impact Entrepreneur Magazine, an online media source and collaborative platform for its global membership and others interested in building impactful businesses and an overall economy anchored to sustainability principles and goals.

Located at www.impactentrepreneur.com, the new media platform is launched on the Sheffieldbased company’s 10th anniversary and is intended to amplify and empower a global movement of entrepreneurs, investors, scholars, and students who are using business as a proactive force for social and environmental change. “Ten years ago, the ‘impact entrepreneur’ was born,” said Laurie Lane-Zucker, Impact Entrepreneur’s founder and CEO. “And there are now thousands of entrepreneurs around the world using the term to describe the transformative work that they are doing in the world to build a sustainable and equitable economy.” Lane-Zucker noted that the new platform’s launch comes with over 40 respected field-building organizations acting as content partners. The new collaborative platform also features an array of premium offerings. Visit www.impactentrepreneur.com to explore the site.

After an extended period of being closed to the public due to pandemic restrictions, walk-in services have resumed at the MassHire Berkshire Career Center in downtown Pittsfield. On Oct. 4, the Career Center at 160 North St. reopened to the public for walk-in services, with business hours Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Unemployment Navigation Assistance is available by walk-in Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Friday from, 9 a.m. to 12;30 p.m. For the immediate future, the Career Center’s seminars, workshops, recruitments and job fairs will be held both virtually and in person. With the resumption of in-person service, staff, customers and visitors are required to wear a mask at all times while in the Career Center. Masks are available at the front desk if needed. Upon entry, customers will be provided a health screening questionnaire. Those experiencing any of the listed symptoms, or who have been in contact with someone known or presumed to have COVID-19 within the last 14 days, will be asked to reschedule their appointment. Hand sanitizing stations are available throughout the Career Center, and surfaces are sanitized throughout the day and after each customer by Career Center staff. For more information, call 413-499-2220 or visit MassHireberkshireCC.com.

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BERKSHIRE TRADE & COMMERCE

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news & notes from the region Finalists have been selected for Lever’s Berkshire Sustainability Challenge. Over the next few weeks, owners of these six businesses will work with Lever to refine their business plans and goals.

During a final pitch event on Dec. 3, an expert panel will award a $20,000 Lever Innovation Grant to a high-potential clean-energy startup. Finalists include: ARC Industries, which designs and manufactures rooftop-mounted vertical axis wind turbines that address issues that have traditionally plagued small wind turbines; SolaBlock, a vertical solar company that works with customers to design renewable energy solutions using its Solar Masonry Unit; Gencores Inc., a firm focused on the low-cost and scalable production of ultra-highperformance foam cores that enable high-volume manufacturing of structural composites; Emerald Energy, which is using online education (and some in-person learning when necessary) to train the next generation of climate tech workers; Sol Clarity, which provides an environmentally conscious cleaning method for solar collectors that helps increase solar panel output while saving water, manual labor, and time; and r-Stream, whose product is a compact hardware/software system that can sort high volumes of recyclables from trash by using machine vision and learning, and controls for industrial automation. This Challenge is supported by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), which is providing finalists with a $3,500 scholarship. “MassCEC is pleased to support these next-generation sustainability projects and companies in partnership with Lever,” said MassCEC CEO Stephen Pike. “This challenge provides an opportunity to advance the development of small businesses providing solutions that aim to support the commonwealth’s climate goals.”

Berkshire Community College (BCC) has announced a deadline of Feb. 1, 2022 to apply to its Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program for the fall 2022 semester. Admissions into the nursing program are based on space availability and follow a competitive process. The BCC nursing program, which is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, is a sequence of lectures, skills training, laboratory and clinical courses. Graduates are eligible to take the licensing examination to become registered nurses (RNs). For more information, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/nursing.

Salisbury Bank has donated $10,000 to support Community Health Programs’ food distribution programs and to bolster CHP’s funds for families and individuals facing financial emergencies. “This gift from Salisbury Bank reflects a community alliance that provides stop-gap support for our neighbors in need,” said CHP Senior Vice President for Family Services Michelle Derr. “These funds are used to help our clients avoid eviction or utility shutoffs, loss of transportation, and problems getting health care.” Since the start of the COVID-19 crisis in spring 2020, CHP has seen a spike in the need for free, nutritious food. There’s also a sharp increase in emergency assistance to individuals and families in need of help with utility bills, car repairs and rent, among other challenges. “The need in Berkshire County and surrounding communities is great, particularly during these unprecedented times, and we are pleased to be able to offer our support,” said Rick Cantele, Salisbury Bank’s president and CEO. For information about CHP Family Services programs, call 413-528-0457.u

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BERKSHIRE TRADE & COMMERCE

NOVEMBER 2021

NORTH ADAMS MAYORAL CANDIDATES’ FORUM

Bond, Macksey share their visions for city’s future

BY LYNETTE BOND North Adams is brimming with potential. As mayor of North Adams, my job will be to see this potential realized – to maximize both the resources we have and the resources we need to improve the quality of life for all of our residents.

I see this as three interconnected priorities: investing in long-overdue infrastructure projects, ensuring that current and new businesses have what they need to succeed, and improving housing options to ensure that everyone in our community has a quality, safe and affordable place to live.

North Adams is looking at several major infrastructure projects after years of deferred maintenance. This includes everything from the city’s water and sewer systems to repairing the flood chute walls along the Hoosac River, to replacNorth Adams mayoral candidate Lynette Bond ing our crumbling 65-year-old public the pandemic, along with a misalignment safety building. of workforce preparation for many of the Like many other places across the jobs needed here today. country, we can no longer defer our infraAs mayor, I will work to close this structure needs. By working closely with gap by encouraging the development private investors, neighboring towns and of vocational and occupational educacommunities, and our state and federal tion programs with resources from our delegation, we can secure the necessary local MassHire Workforce Board and our funding. education partners. I will also encourAs an experienced grant administrator age and promote and public employee, I will work to secure the It’s time to roll up our sleeves programs like the necessary funds and and encourage investment senior tax work-off program and student collaborate with others in the creative economy, internship programs to ensure these projects advanced manufacturing, that prepare young are completed with the lowest possible tax burhospitality, and healthcare people for careers in North Adams. These den on residents. We have a rare opportunity sectors – all of which can and programs create to secure federal funds will thrive in North Adams. opportunities for different generations to for city improvements, network and learn from one another. and I look forward to putting my expertise As a working parent, I also know well to work for North Adams. that the key to a dynamic workforce is Improving infrastructure will also help safe, reliable childcare. We must listen to us support our current businesses and the needs of caregivers, collaborating to attract new businesses. I see the role of find ways to support and grow childcare mayor as the chief advocate for the city, opportunities that are convenient and afensuring that North Adams is an attractive fordable for local families. place for businesses and our community Another critical initiative to better supto grow and thrive. When our local busiport businesses and improve quality of life nesses succeed, we all succeed. is to improve our downtown. This means In eight years on the North Adams designing a new streetscape that will Planning Board, I proudly supported the increase walkability and provide better, creation of hundreds of new businesses. more suitable parking for businesses and But I also know that we can do a better job housing. A key piece of this is utilizing of supporting our business community. In roundabouts which will improve traffic my first year as mayor, I will prioritize: congestion, pedestrian flow and safety.

• creating clear online processes for When I worked on the grant-funded permitting and other needs; Park Street Improvement Project in • providing advocacy for our robust Adams, we were able to provide drainsmall business community; age, utility, and pavement improvements; • forming a Red Carpet team to welsidewalk replacement; pavement markcome and support new and growing busiings; new curbing; pedestrian enhancenesses; and ments; landscaping; street furnishings, and • clarifying incentive opportunities to other amenities. I will prioritize this same help business owners take the next steps work in North Adams and create a new toward growth. streetscape of which the city, our residents It’s time to roll up our sleeves and and businesses can be proud. encourage investment in the creative It is also time for North Adams to economy, advanced manufacturing, hospicomplete our section of the bike path. We tality, and healthcare sectors – all of which are incredibly fortunate to live in an area can and will thrive in North Adams. awash in natural beauty, and we should Supporting businesses goes hand-insupport initiatives that allow residents hand with workforce development. There and tourists to safely enjoy all this area are over 500 vacant jobs in Berkshire has to offer.

County listed each week, according to Tourism is a key economic driver in MassHire, and many are high paying. our community, and we cannot neglect North Adams and our region are facing continued on next page an acute workforce crisis exasperated by

BY JENNIFER MACKSEY I greatly appreciate this opportunity provided by BERKSHIRE TRADE AND COMMERCE to introduce myself as well as to set out my vision for economic development and priorities for the City of North Adams as its next mayor.

I am running for mayor because I believe North Adams is at a critical juncture and needs an experienced executive to lead the community through the many challenges it faces.

Presently, nearly half of the downtown is empty, and the city is struggling with an aging and decaying infrastructure including non-working fire hydrants, a drug problem, and an inaccessible and crumbling Public Safety facility.

Citizens believe local government is not responsive to the needs of the taxpayers, and they are worried about the conditions North Adams mayoral candidate Jennifer Macksey and safety of their neighborhoods and, dining, but hopefully to live as well. We most importantly, the affordability of livmust make these types of plans and longing in North Adams. Government should term investments to build a strong and be there to help people, not complicate diversified economy. their lives.

Another part of economic development I am ready to use my experience in in North Adams is the revitalization of municipal government and education to Heritage State Park. A plan was proposed navigate the City of North Adams as its to create a marketplace which seems to be next mayor. I have been working nearly abandoned or on hold, leaving much of the my entire career in the public sector, property vacant. What and I know city governI am running for mayor has been a beautiful ment and what it takes park with grass and to operate it. because I believe North benches is now one North Adams needs Adams is at a critical cement slab with dea forward-thinking juncture and needs an teriorating buildings. leader who will put plans into action to experienced executive to lead When Heritage State Park was started, it sustain the future of the community and the community through the was based on the get things done. I have many challenges it faces. premise of collaboration with the state, years of experience in city and private investors. I will attempt municipal finances, budgeting, capital to recreate that partnership and restore the project planning, billing and collecting, park into a vibrant marketplace with the grant writing and grant management, husupport of the state and private investors. man resources, negotiations, cash manageIn order to expand the North Adams and ment, procurement, public safety, commuNorthern Berkshire economy, we must nications, and education. have a state-of-the-art broadband network.

I worked on many municipal projects Spectrum simply is not the sole answer. including the building and financing of the As mayor, I will be the issuing authority Water Filtration Plant, capping the landfill, for cable and broadband service. They renovating Drury High School, the expanwill know that we expect better broadband sion of the airport, reconstruction projects speed and service. on various streets and sidewalks, buildMy plan will also be to form an alliance ing an addition on the library, purchasing with other communities to build competieverything from pencils to fire trucks to tion, and I will undertake a feasibility highway equipment, and the financing of study that will explore our ability to create MASS MoCA. our own municipal broadband service, as North Adams is a beautiful city with other communities are doing. I will work great people who want North Adams to be hard to ensure that broadband access is the best it can be. As mayor, I will work affordable and available to North Adams with all parties to bring more jobs and residents and businesses. businesses to North Adams in order to As we move forward in growing our expand our economy. economy, I will not forget our existing In order to accomplish this, we need to businesses. I am a firm believer that the focus on workforce development to ensure strength of this city lies within the neighwe have trained workers. borhoods and its people. My administraWe need to revisit the development of tion will focus on the aging infrastructure, the cornerstone of our downtown – the the city’s drug problem, quality of life, Mohawk Theater. There is no reason why education and recreation. we can’t have a successful theater in our Throughout my campaign for mayor, I downtown like the Mahaiwe Performing have met people from all walks of life. I Arts Center in Great Barrington or the Calhave listened to them and, most importantvin Theater in Northampton. I will put a ly, I have heard what they are saying. The plan in place to collaborate with all stakecommon theme among the people of North holders, including MASS MoCA, to find Adams is that they want this city to be the the best way to enhance our downtown best that it can be. Parents want a good and utilize its center point, the Mohawk education for their children and good jobs Theater, to bring people to the downtown continued on next page not only for performances, shopping and

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commentary Lynette Bond continued from page 10 initiatives that create more opportunities. What’s more, we can do so while still protecting our natural resources and improving the quality of life for local residents. Exposure to natural beauty can be a critical driver of advocacy to protect and preserve these assets.

As mayor, I will ensure that the North Adams portion of the bike path moves forward with design and eventual construction.

Housing is one of the final pieces of our economic puzzle – and one that is critical to the success of North Adams. I have heard from many businesses and educational partners that they struggle to bring in new employees because of the deficit of quality, move-in-ready housing in North Adams. Over the past year, the problem has only worsened, with North Adams experiencing a decrease in housing affordability due to population shifts related to COVID. Much of the housing stock is pre-1940, and many distressed properties need attention. The city has benefitted from some private investment in much-needed renewals of historic properties, but it is not enough. We must see new development and redevelopment of quality housing at scale to meet current and future demand.

We need increased workforce housing in order to attract employers and employees to our city that will expand our tax base.

As mayor, I will support homeowners, landlords and renters through programs like Get the Lead Out, and investigate how to use the Community Preservation Act to develop desperately needed affordable housing.

I am a strong supporter of North Adams’ Smart Growth Zoning, which will en-

courage the development of new mixedincome housing that is in keeping with the character of existing North Adams neighborhoods, and will ultimately provide more quality housing for households of all sizes, ages and incomes. This plan will encourage the types of development consistent with the city’s comprehensive Vision 2030 Plan, and it will preserve the historical character of the neighborhoods.

With the adoption of this plan, the city will also receive $600,000 in infrastructure funding to support water/sewer upgrades, roads, sidewalks and other improvements.

Under my administration, this funding will be put to good use to help relieve the tax burden on residents and businesses, while making critical updates to elements of our crumbling infrastructure.

It is time for North Adams to realize its full potential – with improved infrastructure, a strong and vibrant business community, and safe, quality housing for everyone. We can do it North Adams – together!u

Jennifer Macksey continued from page 10 to support their families. Residents want a quality of life that protects our environment, allows seniors to feel safe in their homes, and is supported by a government that is responsive and compassionate.

I am confident that my experience in government, both on the municipal side and the educational side, has prepared me well to become the next mayor of North Adams. I promise I will work tirelessly on behalf of the residents, and every decision I make will be in the best interest of North Adams. I would be honored to be the next mayor and the first female mayor of the City of North Adams.u

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NOVEMBER 2021

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BY JOHN TOWNES Masks have been one of the most ubiquitous symbols of the COVID era – with their use growing from a smattering of cautious early adopters to widespread adherence to mask advisories and mandates issued by government and public health authorities.

Those mandates for their use also made masks a highly controversial issue for some people, as public policy clashed with perceptions of personal liberty.

Now, the matter of mask-wearing has become more muddled than ever, as the unexpectedly early relaxation of COVID restrictions last spring was followed a short time later by renewed calls for caution – and masks – as the highly contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus took hold.

In the months since Massachusetts lifted its COVID-19 emergency order and almost all of its restrictions in June, it has largely been left up to businesses, organizations, local governments and individuals to determine how to deal with the continued presence of the virus.

The state’s emergency order was rescinded at a time when there was a widespread sense of relief that the pandemic was in retreat and that life could return to something resembling normal due to the growing availability of vaccines and other factors.

However, that “COVID spring” turned out to be short-lived as the summer progressed. While the vaccines were effective at preventing COVID, they were not a silver bullet in terms of reducing the spread of the virus. A significant segment of the population remained unvaccinated – and vulnerable to the more serious and contagious Delta variant, which soon became a primary driver of new surges of cases and deaths across the country.

Also, a rising number of breakthrough infections occurred among those who had received vaccines. Because many of these cases were mild or asymptomatic, fully vaccinated people carrying the disease became unwitting agents in its continued spread.

The fact that COVID still exists while mitigation measures such as mask-wearing and social distancing have become largely voluntary has raised a new set of dilemmas and challenges.

Adding to the confusion, the policies and actions of local officials, especially boards of health, have been an inconsistent patchwork of differing approaches among the 32 towns and cities in the Berkshires. With some exceptions, outright mandates have been avoided, but local officials have issued recommendations and advisories on masks, social distancing and other actions.

“Since the emergency order was lifted, local governments have not been able

Mask-wearing protocols get muddled as COVID continues

to turn to the state for these decisions, so it has been the responsibility of local communities,” said Jim Wilusz, executive director of the Tri-Town Health Department, a regional collaborative of the boards of health in Lee, Lenox and Stockbridge.

Requirement roundabout

As one example of the difficulty in adapting to the constantly changing situation, businesses and organizations have had to determine whether or not to require masks for their staff and customers.

After the statewide mask mandate was lifted, their use not surprisingly became less prevalent, with only some people continuing to voluntarily wear masks as a precaution. Signs at most stores, banks and other public spaces stated that mask-wearing was still required for non-vaccinated individuals, resulting in a mosaic of masked and unmasked faces in many public places.

With the surge of cases due to the Delta variant, the distinction between vaccinated and unvaccinated status became blurred, with some places posting signs recommending that all visitors wear masks. Others took it a step further, with mask-wearing recommendations morphing into requirements for many establishments.

This situation has played out perhaps most visibly in retail settings, where there is a high level of public interaction and contact. Merchants have had to determine their own positions on the efficacy of masks while not wanting to offend or turn away customers.

They also have had to adhere to evolving local policies.

Great Barrington, for example, has not mandated masks, but in August the town issued an advisory strongly recommending masks indoors. In September that was amended to include crowded outdoor settings where social distancing is not possible.

The Great Barrington store of Aubuchon Hardware, at 700 S. Main St., encourages customers to wear masks but does not require them.

“We basically have followed the lead of the state,” said Thomas Firda, manager of the Great Barrington store, which is part of a regional chain. “We recommend masks, but we don’t require them. Most people do wear masks when they come in. However, we don’t confront people if they aren’t wearing a mask. Our company’s policy is to leave it to their discretion.”

While the City of Pittsfield also has not imposed a mask mandate, Alliance Appliance, an appliance sales and service business at 579 Fenn St., has maintained a consistent policy of requiring masks in the store, even after the state’s mask mandate was lifted.

“We were all about masks from the start of this, and we’ve continued to require masks,” said Thomas Taglieri, co-owner of the family-operated business.

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Complexities, controversies “It just makes sense. Taking these precauNationwide, masks and the possibility tions is the only way we’re going to get this of mask mandates have been a contentious thing under control. And how hard is it to issue, especially with regard to their use in wear a mask?” public schools where many young children Taglieri believes the state’s emergency remain unvaccinated. order was lifted pre“Taking these precautions While most observmaturely. “I think the state dropped the ball is the only way we’re go- ers say that masks have not been a widespread too quickly on this, ing to get this thing under source of controversy because COVID is still control. And how hard is it in the Berkshires, opout there,” he said. position to mask manHe added that the to wear a mask?” dates – or even recomstore keeps masks on mendations – does exist here. hand for customers who come in without In the Town of Adams, for example, at a them. “Most people have been fine with it, public emergency meeting to strengthen its and so far no one has had an attitude when existing COVID directives in September, the we ask them to use a mask,” he said. town’s board of health encountered heated Taglieri noted that his store has also conopposition. In such situations, businesses tinued to follow other safety protocols, both can be caught in the middle. within the store and when they go to homes continued on next page or businesses for delivery or service calls.

“We’ve all been vaccinated, and are very careful about sanitation and safety,” he said.

Taglieri said his business has not been hampered by the decision to maintain these practices.

“In the early days of the pandemic, it was difficult because people were afraid to have anyone in their house,” he said. “We had a drop off [at the start of the pandemic], but it picked up again, and now we’ve never been this busy.”

Another Pittsfield business, Paul Rich & Sons, a family-owned furniture and design showroom at 242 North St., initially ended its mask requirements in June but changed its policies in late summer.

“After the emergency order was lifted, we removed our masks and didn’t require our customers to wear them,” said owner Tom Rich. “It was a pleasant change, and we enjoyed it.”

However, they voluntarily restored a mask requirement in the store in response to the worsening national and local situation.

“We paid attention to the news, and became increasingly concerned when Delta took off,” Rich said. “So, later in the summer we went back to wearing masks and requiring people to wear them in the store.”

Rich said it has not caused any problems.

“Most people come in wearing masks anyway,” he said. “It’s rare to see someone come in without one.”

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continued from page 13 “We’ve followed the town’s lead, and have a sign recommending that customers wear masks,” said Robert Pytko, manager of the Adams Market, a small chain supermarket in the town. “However, we don’t require that.”

He said the store has continuously posted a sign at the entrance recommending masks.

“I wear a mask to set an example,” he said.

“But we leave it up to customers to wear a mask or not. I estimate that it’s about 50-50 between those who wear masks and those who don’t.”

Beyond masks, COVID has raised similar complexities regarding other aspects of the pandemic, including the removal of most restrictions on gatherings, and the capacity limits on the number of people in public spaces.

That has varied, due to a combination of local policies and decisions by sponsors of events.

For example, the annual FreshGrass Music Festival took place in North Adams in late September, but proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test was required for entry.

The city’s annual Fall Foliage Festival Parade also was held in early October. The Josh Billings RunAground triathlon was held in south county in September, but without the annual party that usually takes place after the event.

However, several traditional late summer and fall events were cancelled. The Berkshire Botanical Garden in Stockbridge called off its Harvest Festival, and the Lenox Apple Squeeze was cancelled.

Another contentious subject involves vaccination mandates, but, with the exception of public employees, mandates have so far been left to employers and others in the private sector.

Locally, some cultural attractions including the Clark Art Institute and MASS MoCA are in the process of implementing vaccine requirements for their visitors.

Public health perspective

This has all made the job of navigating communities through the ongoing pandemic threat more challenging for local public health officials.

The Tri-Town Health Department has been actively trying to reconcile the lifting of the state emergency order in June with the need for continued efforts to reduce the spread of COVID, according to Wilusz.

“When the governor lifted the state of emergency, our staff was caught off guard,” said Wilusz. “The state’s original plans for a gradual reopening through August was a good one, and we were preparing to work with that.

But we were surprised when it was suddenly changed. We thought it was too soon because COVID was still here, and the Delta variant was already in its early stages.”

He said the timing was particularly worrisome because it coincided with the start of the busy tourism season in the Berkshires, and the large outdoor concerts and other events that take place then.

“We were concerned about what might happen with so many out-of-state summer visitors and large crowds,” Wilusz said.

The board responded in June by holding a public meeting and then issuing a mandate that prohibited events with more than 9,000 people.

The order was slated to remain in effect until Sept. 1, and was enforceable by the police or Tri-Town health agent. Violations were subject to a warning or assessment of a non-criminal fine. In extreme circumstances it could result in immediate shutdown of the venue.

“It at least addressed the situations that were most likely to lead to a rapid spread of COVID,” said Wilusz. “We weren’t trying to prohibit smaller events or private gatherings like backyard barbecues or weddings.”

He said there was little pushback, and that organizations such as chambers of commerce and Tanglewood collaborated with the board to implement it.

While that was the only mandate from the board, it did take further steps subsequently.

“By late August, the Tri-Town board became more concerned with the increases in cases,” Wilusz said. “We met and put together a new public health directive.”

He explained that the basic levels of guidance in public health range from advisories to directives to enforceable mandates. “A directive is not just a mild advisory, but it’s not a mandate,” he said.

The directive, which went into effect Sept.

7, stated that approved masks or face cover-

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ings shall be worn in all indoor public spaces overall demands of the pandemic have been in Lee, Lenox and Stockbridge, unless the bolstered by the formation of the Southern person is seated at a table consuming food Berkshire Health Collaborative (SBHC), a or drink. A sign stating this must be posted partnership that includes Tri-Town and the at the entrance of all locations. towns of Alford, Great Barrington, Mount It also requires masks in crowded outdoor Washington, Monterey, New Marlborough, public events where physical distancing of Otis and Sheffield. at least six feet cannot Funded by a state “This isn’t about trying to grant of close to $4 milbe maintained.

While not extendshut down the economy or lion in annual installing the earlier outright of $300,000 over events. We’re simply ask- ments mandate on gatherings, 13 years, the SBHC the directive also states ing people to step up and do was established in July. that sponsors of large It is a shared-services what’s necessary.” outdoor events with a arrangement intended capacity of 5,000 or more “shall consider to provide public health resources to smaller postponement” where social distancing of a towns and increase access to public health minimum of six feet per person is not posnursing services. It included the hiring of sible. Events of less than 5,000 shall impletwo public health nurses. ment mitigation strategies such as masking “While its focus is larger than COVID, and social distancing. they’ve made a significant difference in the Wilusz said that the board is monitoring ability of participating towns to manage this the situation regarding COVID, including situation,” Wilusz said. the number of cases and trends, and plans Regarding Tri-Town’s COVID policies, to meet on Oct. 22 to evaluate the circumhe said there appears to be widespread unstances. (Note: the print date for this issue derstanding of the purpose of the practices was Oct. 21.) spelled out in the directive.

“We’ll look at the eight weeks of data “We’ve gotten a few complaints, but to see if things are trending in the right nothing serious or threatening,” Wilusz said. direction,” he said. “Based on that, we may “It hasn’t been polarizing, and I’d say 90 downgrade it to an advisory or leave it as it percent of the people here understand and is. Hopefully, the situation won’t get worse agree with the purpose of this. This isn’t and require stronger measures. That looks about trying to shut down the economy or unlikely at this point.” events. We’re simply asking people to step Wilusz said Tri-Town has tried to steer a up and do what’s necessary.” balanced course between overly restrictive Wilusz noted that, while nothing about mandates and a more hands-off approach.

COVID has been predictable, at this point “We’re not sending out inspectors to make cases are declining and he is cautiously sure everyone is following the directive,” he optimistic. But sustaining that trend will said. “Nor are we asking people to call the require taking steps such as mask-wearing, police or confront business owners. But if we increased vaccinations and other precautions, learn about serious violations, we’ll call the he emphasized. business and ask them to comply.”

“I’m hoping that by next spring we won’t be dealing with this,” Wilusz said. “That’s Health collaborative why it’s important to take steps now. The Wilusz noted that the ability of Tri-Town more people comply now, the better our and other local boards of health to handle the chances are to beat this thing.”u

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COVER story

BERKSHIRE TRADE & COMMERCE

NOVEMBER 2021

Aquaponics Lab doing its part to change inmates’ stories Project helps build work ethic in participants while providing fresh produce, educational opportunities for Berkshire community

BY BRAD JOHNSON Under other circumstances, the spring of 2020 might have been an ideal time for a high-profile grand opening event for the innovative project that Robin McGraw had been working on for the previous four years.

That was when his project – a large-scale Aquaponics Lab built on a site adjacent to the Berkshire County Jail & House of Correction in Pittsfield – was becoming fully operational and yielding its first harvests of leafy green produce.

Like so much else in the world, however, any possibility of holding such an event was derailed by the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, with an added 18 months of successful operation to its credit, McGraw’s project is poised to make a big – albeit belated – splash on Oct. 27 with a grand opening event to be attended by Gov. Charlie Baker (tentatively) and several other state and local dignitaries.

“I’m really proud of what we’ve accomplished,” said McGraw, a deputy sheriff with the Berkshire County Sheriff’s Office and president of Berkshire Education and Correction Services.

What his small team of Sheriff’s Office staff members and inmates from the House of Correction have accomplished can be measured by several different metrics.

On one level, they have designed, developed and demonstrated the successful operation of the aquaponics facility, a sustainable closed-loop system that combines aquaculture – or fish farming – with hydroponics, which involves the growing of plants without soil in an aqueous environment. In this system, waste produced by farmed fish is transformed into nutrients for the plants, which in turn purify the water as they grow.

On another level, they have harvested to date more than 100,000 heads of lettuce and lesser amounts of other produce, a small portion of which has been used to feed the inmate population at the House of Correction while the lion’s share has been donated and distributed to several local food banks and pantries.

On yet another level, they have developed a facility and system that will become a valuable educational resource for area high schools and

Robin McGraw (left) and Marco Anastasio with the Berkshire County Sheriff’s Office sit beside one of four grow tanks that each hold about 300 tilapia at the Aquaponics Lab adjacent to the Berkshire County Jail & House of Correction. The facility was developed by Berkshire Education and Correction Services (BECS), a nonprofit entity that operates in collaboration with the Sheriff’s Office. McGraw, who is also president of BECS, has been the driving force behind the project which combines aquaculture (or fish farming) with the hydroponic growing of vegetables. Anastasio has been responsible for management of the aquaculture operations. colleges, including the planned development of a formal aquaponics curriculum.

And, on perhaps the most important level, the project has provided an on-the-job educational experience for a small but growing number of inmates that has helped them to build skills, learn to work as a team, and develop a solid work ethic – all of which are geared toward facilitating their successful re-entry into society once their terms of incarceration are completed.

“I want the inmates to have a chance to change their stories and live productive lives in society,” said McGraw.

Focused mission

That ties in with the overarching mission of Berkshire Education and Correction Services (BECS), a separate nonprofit entity that has operated in collaboration with the Sheriff’s Office since 1976.

“Our mission is focused on success upon re-entry,” said McGraw, who joined the Sheriff’s Office six years ago to oversee special projects and external affairs, and to head up BECS.

“I’m not a correctional officer,” McGraw (women from the region are sent to other explained. “My background is in education.” facilities outside the county). These inmates As a youth in the 1960s McGraw attended are incarcerated there generally for periods Berkshire School in Sheffield, and several of up to two-and-a-half years. This includes years later returned there as a science teacher, those whose offenses and sentences fall within coach and administrator. He also worked for the scope of the facility, as well as others who 16 yeas as a paramedic, and currently serves have served longer terms at state prisons and as director of two philare transferred to the “We wanted the inmates to House of Correction for anthropic foundations.

“My life has centered the final portion of their have a chance to change around service,” said their story, but also wanted sentence.

In his new role with McGraw, who lives in to bring the community in to BECS and the Sheriff’s South Egremont.

Service to a differ- understand what happens in Office, McGraw was with assessing ent community – the the House of Correction.” tasked how well existing proinmate population at grams and services were meeting the needs of the House of Correction – became his focus the inmate population. “This involved taking when he joined the Sheriff’s Office and took on operation of BECS in 2016. a close look at things and asking what do we “We offer about 60 different programs do well, and what do we struggle with,” he focused on education and successful rerecalled. “And what we were struggling with entry,” said McGraw. “Different guys have was inmates with high risk and high need.” different needs, and are working on a lot of (These, McGraw explained, are individuals whose circumstances and/or offenses may different issues.” disqualify them from participating in off-site His use of the term “guys” is apt: the House work release programs.) of Correction’s inmate population is all male

Project’s origin

Jason Turner, a correctional officer with the Berkshire County Sheriff’s Office and general manager of the Aquaponics Lab, maneuvers rafts of lettuce in one of the facility’s two “grow beds.” These 14-inch deep pools hold up to 4,800 plants at a given time, where they move through a four-week cycle that results in a weekly harvest of about 1,200 heads. The vast majority of the harvested lettuce is donated to food banks for distribution to communities throughout Berkshire County.

Within the context of this internal assessment, the concept for the Aquaponics Lab took shape through a convergence of circumstances and coincidences. Among them was a chance encounter during a commercial flight between then Berkshire County Jail & House of Correction Superintendent John Quinn and Sam Fleming, executive director of 100 Gardens, a nonprofit organization that implements educational aquaponics programs in schools and institutions.

After talking with Fleming, Quinn (who retired earlier this year) returned from his trip full of enthusiasm about the possibility of implementing an aquaponics program at the House of Correction as a way to focus on achieving better outcomes for the institution’s high-risk, high-need inmates.

“The initial concept was that this would be a great way to work with our high-risk, high-need inmates,” said McGraw, noting that the aquaponics system would provide an educational experience involving science, math and other skills. “They would get a STEM education and would be able to use this to their own benefit.”

Such an aquaponics program would also provide a unique opportunity to both serve and connect with the broader community as an educational resource. “We saw it as a way to bring us into the community,” said McGraw. “We wanted the inmates to have a chance to change their story, but also wanted

NOVEMBER 2021

BERKSHIRE TRADE & COMMERCE

Sam Wassile, an inmate at the House of Correction, checks the distribution schedule for lettuce harvested at the Aquaponics Lab. He is among a small but growing number of participants who have cycled through the aquaponics program, where they have gained valuable skills, learned to work as a team and developed a strong work ethic – all of which are geared toward facilitating their successful re-entry into society upon completion of their sentences. to bring the community in to understand what happens in the House of Correction.”

McGraw’s background in science and education made him an ideal candidate for the challenge of determining whether such a facility was feasible – and, if so, how to make it a reality.

“I was given the chance to run with it,” he said, adding that the entire project was to be developed under the auspices of BECS in collaboration with 100 Gardens. “No other House of Correction had done something like this. I had to formulate an idea of how this type of facility could work here.”

That started with a year-long process of researching aquaponics, designing a facility, and determining what would be needed to make it work on a year-round basis. What came of that effort was a design for a 60-by72-foot greenhouse that would contain both aquaculture and hydroponic systems.

McGraw noted that this facility was much larger than the systems developed by 100 Gardens, which were generally intended for installation in educational settings.

Along with designing the facility came the process of raising the roughly $650,000 needed to build and equip it. “There was no state money involved,” said McGraw.

“I got people in the community to buy into this concept. My reputation in the nonprofit world is pretty good.”

This was followed in 2017 and 2018 with site preparation and construction of the greenhouse. McGraw cleared 4 acres of state property just outside the House of Correction’s perimeter fence for the project.

This provided space for the greenhouse as well as for a number of outdoor raised garden beds that would be used for vegetables and flowers during the regular growing season.

Space on the site was also earmarked for the possible future construction of a pre-release center for inmates preparing to transition back into society. “We’re the only House of Correction in the state without one,” McGraw noted, adding that as of now no funds for such a facility have been secured.

Interconnected systems

The customized greenhouse was provided

by New Hampshire-based Rimol Greenhouse

Systems, which specializes in free-standing, These begin with what McGraw referred all-weather facilities for education and retail. to as a “pure hydroponic system” featuring McGraw noted that the greenhouse was two 5-by-8-foot beds where lettuce seeds are designed without roof vents or other openings positioned in specialized containers. The beds that would allow large amounts of unfiltered are flooded twice a day to promote germinaair into the facility. tion and growth of the “Our first harvest was in This, in part, was due to seedlings. the proximity of the in- March 2020,” said McGraw.

After two to three dustrial concrete panel weeks the seedlings are “Then COVID hits.” operations at Unistress transferred to floating Inc., which at times generate high levels of rafts, each with rows of perforations to acdust and other particulates that could interfere commodate 64 plants. These rafts float in 14 with greenhouse operations. inches of water in two pool-like “grow beds” The facility features several interconthat take up the majority of the greenhouse nected systems for both the aquaculture and space, with up to 4,800 plants growing at a hydroponic operations. given time.

17

As the plants grow over the course of about four weeks, they are cycled from one side of the grow bed to the other, where those ready for harvest are removed from the rafts and placed in large plastic bins for distribution.

McGraw said the system has been set up primarily to grow lettuce – including such varieties as Muir, Boston, Red Oak and Romaine. Other leafy produce such as basil, bok choy and arugula are also grown.

He noted that other types of produce can also be grown in this type of system, with certain modifications. “You can grow almost anything, but you need to have different systems and infrastructure,” he said. For example, pepper and tomato plants become top-heavy as they grow, which can cause the rafts to tip over and capsize.

The two grow beds are supported by the facility’s aquaculture system, where nonbreeding hybrid tilapia are moved through three stages of growth.

These include the fry tank, for fish about 1 inch long; the fingerling tank, for fish 3 to 4 inches long; and four separate grow tanks where the fish are moved at 80 grams (about 3 ounces). Each of the grow tanks holds about 300 fish.

McGraw said it takes about six months for the fish to grow to about 1.5 pounds, at which point they are removed and sold live to wholesale vendors who supply them to restaurants and other markets.

The fish in the grow tanks produce waste, which is filtered out of the water on a regular basis. The waste passes through a large tank packed with small beads that promote the growth of certain bacteria strains. These bacteria transform the nitrates in the waste into nitrites, which become nutrients for the growing plants.

This type of recirculating aquaculture system is a very clean and efficient operation, McGraw noted.

“Nothing is wasted,” he said. “The waste is turned into fertilizer, which flows through the plant grow beds, where the water is cleaned [through absorption of the nutrients by the plants] and returned to the fish tank.” continued on next page

Inmate Lonnie Durfee carries a bin filled with freshly harvested lettuce. Deputy Sheriff Robin McGraw points out that the project’s participants don’t work for him and his team. “They are working with us,” he says. “Anything they are doing, Jason, Marco and I are doing, too. We are all working together, and are all on the same team.”

18

BERKSHIRE TRADE & COMMERCE

COVER story

NOVEMBER 2021

continued from previous page McGraw explained that they began growing fish at the facility in August 2019, followed several months later by the first planting of lettuce. “We needed the fish to get to size before we could start growing the plants,” he said.

Assisting McGraw through this process have been Jason Turner, general manager of the facility; and Marco Anastasio, who has managed the aquaculture operations.

While both are full-time employees with the Sheriff’s Office, only Turner is a correctional officer.

Inmate involvement

McGraw explained that the presence of a correctional officer is required in order to bring in inmates who are learning to operate the facility.

The process of introducing inmates to the Aquaponics Lab was supposed to begin in spring of 2020 once the facility was fully operational. Circumstances changed that schedule.

“Our first harvest was in March 2020,” said McGraw. “Then COVID hits.”

He noted that three initial inmates had been selected for the program and had begun their training and briefing on protocols for participation.

The advent of COVID, however, led to a multi-month shutdown of the House of Correction to control the spread of the disease through the inmate population and staff.

For McGraw, Turner and Anastasio, this meant the work the selected inmates had been expected to do through their participation in the program would instead fall on their shoulders. “The three of us continued to operate the facility on our own,” said McGraw, noting that some additional help was provided by other staff members for harvesting the lettuce.

As COVID restrictions began to loosen, inmates were introduced to the program in August 2020 and have been involved ever since. New ones have cycled in as others have moved out of the program as their sentences have been completed.

“We have three inmates now, and a total of seven have cycled through,” said McGraw.

In terms of outcomes for those inmates, the early indications are that the program has been beneficial. “All of them have jobs and are doing well,” he noted.

Getting and holding a job, McGraw said, is one of the key factors in a successful reentry to society. “You have the three legs of the stool: finding housing, getting a job, and staying connected and in treatment,” he said, adding that all have become more difficult during COVID. McGraw stressed that inmates participating in the aquaponics program are not working for him and his team. “They are working with us,” he said. “Anything they

Marco Anastasio (left) and Robin McGraw stand behind the Aquaponics Lab, where several raised garden beds have been built for the seasonal growth of vegetables and flowers. Another portion of the 4-acre site (situated just outside of the House of Correction’s perimeter fence) will be used for an external biomass heating system fueled by wood chips and other waste wood. The facility’s current natural gas system will become a back-up source of heat. are doing, Jason, Marco and I are doing, too. We are all working together, and are all on the same team.”

Community impact

Introduction of the inmates to the program was not the only aspect delayed by COVID. McGraw noted that the educational components and outreach to area schools have also been complicated by the pandemic.

Bringing students into the Aquaponics Lab was not possible during the 2020-21 school year, as most schools were at least partially operating remotely. Ongoing uncertainty and concerns about the spread of the Delta variant have curbed things as well for the start of the current school year.

“We had wanted to start [bringing in high school classes] this fall, but we have to be patient,” said McGraw, adding that they are now looking tentatively at a launch early in the new year.

In the meantime, they have been developing a high school curriculum for aquaponics, and have also been in discussion with Williams College and other institutions about collaborative programs there.

McGraw and his team also have been reviewing operations of the lab and planning

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some changes and improvements. Among through the sale of mature fish. Those funds them is a plan to install LED lighting in go back into the cost of purchasing and raisthe greenhouse to reduce energy costs and ing new fish. promote faster plant growth.

As for the lettuce production, he said there Also in the works is a plan to install an is a clear commercial market for what they external biomass heating system fueled by grow. “If we had to, we could sell it locally,” wood chips and other waste wood. McGraw he said, noting that stores such as Guido’s said that the current natural gas system in Great Barrington and Pittsfield have would become a back-up source of heat for expressed interest in securing a year-round the facility. local source for fresh lettuce.

He noted that redundant systems for The need to divert some of the produce heating and electricity are necessary for a from charity to revenue generation may facility like this, since depend on future deci“I’ve been approached by sions about funding for a prolonged power outage and/or loss of others who are very interested the lab’s operation. heating or ventilation Currently, McGraw in what we’re doing here,” said, could result in loss of there are no spethe entire fish stock. McGraw said. “I want to be cific state funds al“And that would bring able to share our vision and located to support the us back to square one,” operation share our process, but I also continued he said. of the Aquaponics Lab Since the facility’s want to look at how we can (aside from the salaries first harvest in March for him and other Shermake it better.”

2020, the most tangible iff’s Office personnel and widespread benefit of its operation has involved in the project). He said discussions been bringing fresh produce to families in and decisions about such funding will need need throughout the Berkshires. to take place in the near term.

McGraw noted that more than 90,000 “One thing I know is I can’t go back to the heads of lettuce and other produce have been community to ask for more money to support donated to area food banks and pantries for the lab’s operation,” he said. “Maybe that’s distribution to their constituents. possible for a big capital improvement, but “There was always going to be some part not to fund our day-to-day operations.” [of the harvest] that was going to charity,” Meanwhile, McGraw said he envisions he said. “And, so far, the vast majority has his own role in the project winding down gone into the community.” in the near future as he approaches his 70th This distribution has been handled pribirthday. “I will eventually step away,” he marily through the South Congregational said, adding that he would like to see stable Church in Pittsfield, Berkshire Bounty in funding in place for the lab before he does.

Great Barrington, and the Berkshire United He said he hopes to remain involved on Way, which on a volunteer basis has helped some level in the project he has nurtured get produce to other parts of the county. over the past five years, but also wants to “Every town in Berkshire County has gottake what he has learned and help other ten lettuce through this program,” McGraw institutions to emulate it. said. “That’s really something.”

“I’ve been approached by others who are very interested in what we’re doing here,” Funding issues McGraw said. “I want to be able to share He said that, currently, the only direct our vision and share our process, but I also revenue generated by the facility comes want to look at how we can make it better.”u

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NOVEMBER 2021

REAL The following real Estate transactions are provided by Banker & Tradesman Real Estate Data Publishing. Only properties valued at $75,000 or higher are included.

ADAMS 42 Burt St. Buyer: Viet Nam-Pham + Seller: John Midura + Price: $210,000 Date: 8/27/21 3 Crandall St. Buyer: Abraham JiminezFernandez Seller: Rebecca Mckeever Price: $240,000 Mortgage: $228,000 Lender: Academy Mtg Date: 8/27/21 29 Crandall St. Buyer: Jason Shovelton + Seller: Wilfred Parmenter Jr + Price: $270,000 Mortgage: $270,000 Lender: Rocket Mtg Date: 8/2/21 19 E Hoosac St. Buyer: Austin Hill + Seller: Jessica Blevins Price: $232,000 Mortgage: $217,000 Lender: MountainOne Date: 8/12/21 46 E Orchard Ter. Buyer: Kevin Kelley + Seller: Patrick Klammer + Price: $450,000 Mortgage: $427,500 Lender: Broker Solutions Date: 8/3/21 15 Forest Park Ave. Buyer: Denise Fortier + Seller: FT & HR Bator T + Price: $250,000 Mortgage: $127,500 Lender: Pittsfield Coop Date: 8/24/21 48 Grove St. Buyer: Celeste Lowrance Seller: Bryce Leja Price: $220,000 Mortgage: $205,000 Lender: Total Mtg Date: 8/31/21 2 John St. Buyer: OTW Ventures Seller: Paul Mcclellan Price: $125,000

BERKSHIRE TRADE & COMMERCE

estate Mortgage: $100,000 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/31/21 11 Jordan St. Buyer: Roger Siciliano + Seller: Real Est Inv Northeast Price: $134,900 Date: 8/26/21 22 Leonard St. Buyer: Alyce Levesque Seller: BJ Trzcinski RET 2009 + Price: $239,900 Mortgage: $227,905 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/12/21 70-1/2 Lime St. Buyer: FHLM Seller: Jean Ryan + Price: $128,650 Date: 8/20/21 10 Marsh Ln. Buyer: Zusammen LLC Seller: Michael Rossi + Price: $157,500 Date: 8/2/21 12 Mill St. Buyer: Alenda Baugh-Zelano Seller: Trifecta Properties LLC Price: $130,000 Mortgage: $95,500 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/23/21 21 Morningside Ave. Buyer: Richard Gigliotti + Seller: Michael Keil + Price: $220,000 Mortgage: $210,600 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/17/21 31 Richmond Ln. Buyer: OTW Ventures Seller: Paul Mcclellan Price: $125,000 Mortgage: $100,000 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/31/21 Savoy Center Rd. Buyer: Jennifer Rogge + Seller: Sean Anderson + Price: $85,400 Date: 8/27/21 10 School St. Buyer: Cathy-Ann Chapman Seller: Nathan Poirot + Price: $122,900 Mortgage: $115,526 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/13/21

19

Berkshire County real estate transfers 12-1/2 Staple St. Buyer: Nicholas Yaneff Seller: Allyson Labelle Price: $97,000 Date: 8/4/21

1096 S State Rd. Buyer: William Wilder Jr + Seller: Anthony Morris + Price: $177,500 Date: 8/18/21

216 West Rd. Buyer: David Shekailo + Seller: Kevin Gage + Price: $374,000 Mortgage: $299,200 Lender: Wells Fargo Date: 8/31/21

90 Yorkshire Dr. Buyer: Wallace Crouse + Seller: Michael Kwiecinski + Price: $100,000 Date: 8/26/21

ALFORD 87 Whiltes Hill Rd. Buyer: Mark Batten + Seller: H2 Holdings LLC Price: $879,000 Date: 8/20/21

BECKET 63 Ronald Dr. Buyer: Jonathan Durbin + Seller: Michael Foley 2019 RET + Price: $505,000 Mortgage: $404,000 Lender: Adams Community Date: 8/13/21 376 Wells Rd. Buyer: Todd Banitt Seller: Kathleen Jones Price: $225,000 Mortgage: $220,924 Lender: Movement Mtg Date: 8/25/21 161 Winter Dr. Buyer: Christina Fan Seller: Dennis Alaimo RET + Price: $427,000 Date: 8/13/21 249 Woodmere Rd. Buyer: Stephen Wald + Seller: Avram Kornberg + Price: $885,000 Date: 8/26/21 Yokum Pond Rd. Buyer: Nancy Blorian Seller: Helene Sterling Price: $800,000 Date: 8/20/21

CHESHIRE 585 Lanesboro Rd. Buyer: Cheshire Cobbles LLC Seller: Daniel Milesi Price: $637,500 Date: 8/5/21

CLARKSBURG 126 Cross Rd. Buyer: Maria Lafleur + Seller: Lisa Mendel Price: $178,000 Mortgage: $142,400 Lender: Adams Community Date: 8/13/21 85 Fieldwood Dr. Buyer: Nathan Pikula + Seller: Zachery Wood + Price: $389,742 Mortgage: $311,793 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/27/21 509 N Houghton St. Buyer: Vijaykumar Sukhadiya Seller: Robert Hunt Price: $234,000 Mortgage: $188,000 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/2/21 511 N Houghton St. Buyer: Vijaykumar Sukhadiya Seller: Robert Hunt Price: $234,000 Mortgage: $188,000 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/2/21 480 River Rd. Buyer: Avery Woodbury Seller: Nathan Pichette + Price: $115,000 Mortgage: $103,500 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/6/21 37 Wheeler Ave. Buyer: Allen Arnold + Seller: Patricia Scanlon + Price: $95,000 Date: 8/17/21

DALTON 65 Elaine Ave. Buyer: Charles Thompson 4th Seller: Ganesh Gurrala +

Price: $265,000 Mortgage: $212,000 Lender: Academy Mtg Date: 8/23/21 25 Glennon Ave. Buyer: Jill Taylor Seller: Susan Holland Price: $225,000 Mortgage: $213,750 Lender: Broker Solutions Date: 8/16/21 56 High St. Buyer: Michael Mckay + Seller: Jennifer Spagnuolo Price: $225,900 Mortgage: $228,181 Lender: Northpoint Mtg Date: 8/31/21

7 Guilder Hollow Rd. Buyer: Christine Symons + Seller: Fredric Kasner Price: $1,375,000 Mortgage: $1,030,250 Lender: PNC Bank Date: 8/2/21 11 Lakeside Dr. Buyer: Daniel Conti + Seller: Berkshire Gerald Est + Price: $365,000 Date: 8/12/21 39 Main St. Buyer: Kenver Real Estate Seller: MSV Inc Price: $1,230,000 Date: 8/10/21

FLORIDA

711 Kirchner Rd. Buyer: Robert Hunt + Seller: Maguerdech Pashlaian + Price: $307,500 Mortgage: $222,000 Lender: Academy Mtg Date: 8/2/21

Church Rd. Buyer: Wigwam Woodlands LLC Seller: Martha Stohlmann Price: $85,000 Date: 8/11/21

13 Norwich Dr. Buyer: Susana Boimare Seller: Deborah Braheney + Price: $182,500 Mortgage: $179,181 Lender: Bk of America Date: 8/24/21

52 Mohawk Trail Buyer: Devon Ryll-Spencer + Seller: James Miller Jr + Price: $80,000 Mortgage: $90,000 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/20/21

29 Otis Ave. Buyer: Emma Cookis + Seller: Barbara Tanski Price: $185,000 Mortgage: $175,750 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/25/21

37 S County Rd. Buyer: Robert Sumner Seller: James Jamros Price: $102,000 Mortgage: $81,600 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/11/21

87 Patricia Ave. Buyer: Michael Hinkley + Seller: Donna Hess Price: $300,000 Mortgage: $240,000 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/9/21 Red Barn Rd. U:561 Buyer: Jeffrey Mann + Seller: Martha Dalitzky RET + Price: $750,000 Date: 8/31/21

EGREMONT 8-EW Baldwin Hill Rd. Buyer: Westward Properties LLC Seller: Granger FT + Price: $475,000 Date: 8/24/21

GREAT BARRINGTON

121 Castle Hill Ave. Buyer: Adam Turner + Seller: Carol Mead RET + Price: $635,000 Mortgage: $508,000 Lender: Union Home Date: 8/26/21 76 Grove St. Buyer: Rebecca Oconnor + Seller: Jeffrey Novick Price: $525,000 Mortgage: $410,000 Lender: Adams Community Date: 8/12/21 231 Grove St. Buyer: Robert Woods Seller: Joseph Roy +

Price: $270,000 Mortgage: $256,500 Lender: Salisbury B&T Date: 8/6/21 Kalliste Hill Buyer: Goldschmid NT + Seller: Gregg Welenkamp + Price: $350,000 Date: 8/4/21 11 Manville St. Buyer: Rebecca Macgregor + Seller: Judith Haywood Price: $422,000 Date: 8/16/21 238 N Plain Rd. Buyer: Matthew Straus Seller: Richard Stenberg Price: $757,500 Date: 8/16/21 15 Railroad Ave. Buyer: Barrington Railyard NT + Seller: Walton Ford Railroad Ave Price: $75,000 Date: 8/9/21 14 Railroad St. Buyer: Bow Tie LLC + Seller: Snap Shop RT + Price: $808,000 Date: 8/5/21 24 Seekonk Cross Rd. Buyer: Shea Kelly + Seller: Gail Natoli Price: $1,253,000 Mortgage: $1,002,400 Lender: Republic State Date: 8/16/21 365 State Rd. Buyer: Jeffrey Cohen Seller: S Fant Freeman RET + Price: $839,000 Date: 8/16/21 365 State Rd. Buyer: Michael Padovan + Seller: Jeffrey Cohen Price: $749,000 Mortgage: $500,000 Lender: Lee Bank Date: 8/16/21 34 Bridge St. U:303 Buyer: Patricia Woods Seller: Powerhouse Square 1 LLC Price: $535,000 Date: 8/24/21 34 Bridge St. U:307 Buyer: Rebecca Lee

Seller: Powerhouse Square 1 LLC Price: $550,000 Mortgage: $440,000 Lender: Lee Bank Date: 8/5/21 Burning Tree Rd. U:11-A Buyer: Terence Deggendorf + Seller: Ellen Lois + Price: $1,000,000 Date: 8/30/21 7 Cone Ave. U:B Buyer: Justin Wesley-Ober Seller: Alicia Rossie Price: $250,000 Mortgage: $180,000 Lender: Lee Bank Date: 8/27/21 Forest Row U:5 Buyer: Nicole Delorey Seller: Rose Khalsa Price: $465,000 Mortgage: $372,000 Lender: Adams Community Date: 8/3/21 Forest Row U:10 Buyer: Robin Zeamer Seller: Joan Weinstein Price: $425,000 Date: 8/18/21 80 Taconic Ave. U:5 Buyer: Adam Pelzman Seller: Thomas Mccarthy + Price: $427,000 Date: 8/12/21

HANCOCK Corey Rd. Buyer: Howard Greenspan Seller: John Nolan + Price: $80,000 Date: 8/12/21 Corey Rd. Buyer: John Nolan + Seller: Allen & Benkel Realty LLC Price: $88,000 Date: 8/12/21 2230 Hancock Rd. Buyer: Nicholas Kirsch Seller: Julu LLC Price: $620,000 Date: 8/31/21 2389 Hancock Rd. Buyer: Little Foot LLC Seller: Robert Rosier Price: $240,000 Date: 8/25/21 continued on next page

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REAL continued from page 19 Corey Rd. U:375 Buyer: Howard Greenspan Seller: Richard Kroeger + Price: $83,000 Date: 8/12/21 37 Corey Rd. U:212 Buyer: Margaret Sanger Seller: Jonathan Winter + Price: $80,000 Mortgage: $64,000 Lender: Adams Community Date: 8/2/21 Jiminy Peak Condo U:85 Buyer: Rusty RT + Seller: James Johnson Jr + Price: $205,000 Date: 8/27/21 Mountainside Dr. U:9073 Buyer: James Terryberry 2nd + Seller: William Hermance + Price: $276,000 Date: 8/3/21 Paul Major Welcome U:842 Buyer: Lyman Adams + Seller: Sharon Carini Price: $300,000 Date: 8/20/21 Thatcher House U:826 Buyer: James Grady Seller: Anthony Capobianco Price: $135,000 Mortgage: $108,000 Lender: Pittsfield Coop Date: 8/20/21

HINSDALE 479 Peru Rd. Buyer: Mitchell Mcknight + Seller: William Dufour Jr Price: $1,350,000 Mortgage: $770,000 Lender: Pittsfield Coop Date: 8/16/21

LANESBORO 217 Bailey Rd. Buyer: Yiwen Fu Seller: Shaun Kennedy + Price: $530,000 Mortgage: $397,500 Lender: Quontic Bk Date: 8/20/21 24 Glassworks Rd. Buyer: Samantha Morin Seller: Shire Enterprises LLC Price: $195,000 Mortgage: $199,485 Lender: Academy Mtg Date: 8/18/21 18 Gulf Rd. Buyer: Matthew Gingras + Seller: Anthony Chojnowski Price: $227,000 Mortgage: $217,130 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/25/21 6 Leslie Ave. Buyer: Ellies Holdings LLC Seller: David Rock + Price: $160,000 Mortgage: $172,800 Lender: LendingHome Date: 8/27/21 696 N Main St. Buyer: Mark Johnke + Seller: Pamela Meller Price: $985,000 Date: 8/12/21 Narragansett Ave. Buyer: Patricia Petricca + Seller: Patricia Simonetta Price: $910,000 Date: 8/13/21 75 Potter Mountain Rd. Buyer: Weston Marlow + Seller: Jon Fortier + Price: $410,000 Mortgage: $336,200 Lender: Adams Community Date: 8/13/21 525 S Main St. Buyer: NS Retail Holdings LLC Seller: Sea Mountain Ventures LLC Price: $1,662,946 Date: 8/4/21 60 Summer St. Buyer: Kimberly Sawyer Seller: Neil Myers + Price: $285,000 Mortgage: $50,000 Lender: Adams Community Date: 8/3/21 99 Summer St.

BERKSHIRE TRADE & COMMERCE

estate Buyer: Brandon Mauer + Seller: Old Williamstown Rlty LLC Price: $386,500 Mortgage: $343,985 Lender: Pittsfield Coop Date: 8/31/21

LEE 120 Elk Dr. Buyer: Jordan Gross Seller: Robert Parks + Price: $270,000 Mortgage: $200,000 Lender: M&T Bank Date: 8/3/21

117 Cliffwood St. Buyer: Neal Maxymillian Seller: Mark Usow + Price: $1,490,000 Mortgage: $895,000 Lender: Rocket Mtg Date: 8/5/21

57 Art School Rd. Buyer: Jennifer Mitchell + Seller: Howard Greene + Price: $1,400,000 Mortgage: $1,120,000 Lender: USA Alliance FCU Date: 8/26/21

54 Dunmore Ct. Buyer: Albert Gorman Seller: D Roszkowski Lenox RET + Price: $885,000 Mortgage: $656,000 Lender: JPMorgan Chase Date: 8/5/21

213 Main Rd. Buyer: Kathryn Stevens + Seller: Thomas Litwack Price: $309,600 Mortgage: $273,996 Lender: Trustco Bank Date: 8/10/21

40 Erskine Dr. Buyer: Christopher Geraldi + Seller: Adam Mersch Price: $230,000 Date: 8/30/21

36 East St. Buyer: Vito Perri + Seller: Roger Brown + Price: $1,350,000 Mortgage: $810,000 Lender: Rocket Mtg Date: 8/25/21

50 Erskine Dr. Buyer: Christopher Geraldi + Seller: Adam Mersch Price: $230,000 Date: 8/30/21

141 East St. Buyer: Kathryn Cafiero Seller: Neal Maxymillian Price: $320,000 Date: 8/13/21

695 Fairview St. Buyer: Jennifer Guerin Seller: Justin Ober Price: $385,000 Mortgage: $200,000 Lender: Pittsfield Coop Date: 8/16/21

35 Holiday Hills Buyer: Elizabeth Miller + Seller: Hollywood Properties LLC Price: $600,000 Date: 8/27/21

85 Main St. Buyer: Ritu Sangar + Seller: Paul Face + Price: $285,000 Mortgage: $310,000 Lender: Lee Bank Date: 8/31/21

56 Housatonic St. Buyer: Jeita LLC Seller: Cavalier Holdings LLC Price: $280,000 Mortgage: $224,000 Lender: Pittsfield Coop Date: 8/5/21

60 Mountain View Ter. Buyer: Diane Carroll Seller: Diane Lostrangio Price: $263,000 Date: 8/2/21

90 Main St. Buyer: Chuckys LLC Seller: Shanlen Realty Corp Price: $300,000 Date: 8/17/21

30 Olive St. Buyer: Wilbur Lampert Seller: Kathleen Quinlan Price: $196,000 Mortgage: $186,200 Lender: Academy Mtg Date: 8/31/21

68 New Lenox Rd. Buyer: Michael Dellaquila + Seller: Holly Pignatelli + Price: $360,000 Mortgage: $288,000 Lender: Pittsfield Coop Date: 8/31/21

85 Pease Ter. Buyer: David Duquette Seller: Sidney Horowitz + Price: $253,000 Mortgage: $245,410 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/3/21

81 New Lenox Rd. Buyer: Lev Fertelmeyster Seller: Magner Joyce Est + Price: $380,000 Date: 8/5/21

255 Spring St. Buyer: Marc Levasseur + Seller: W Adam Davis + Price: $595,000 Mortgage: $260,000 Lender: JPMorgan Chase Date: 8/12/21

175 New Lenox Rd. Buyer: Laurie Vilord + Seller: John Martino Price: $440,000 Date: 8/17/21 35 Pine Knoll Rd. Buyer: Richard Udden + Seller: Julie Stone Price: $529,000 Date: 8/31/21

110 Summer St. Buyer: Barry Lupovich + Seller: Donald Scaglione Price: $253,000 Mortgage: $240,350 Lender: Total Mtg Date: 8/6/21

484 Pittsfield Rd. Buyer: Rath Hospitality LLC Seller: Wagon Wheel Motel Inc Price: $715,000 Mortgage: $565,000 Lender: Seller Date: 8/10/21

250 Valenti Farms Buyer: Robert Brunell Seller: Yokun Ridge Prop Mgmt LLC Price: $218,626 Date: 8/2/21 880 East St. U:13B Buyer: David Lyon + Seller: Stein Charles Est + Price: $237,000 Date: 8/31/21 880 East St. U:500E Buyer: Robin SeverinoRattner + Seller: Wendy Gordon + Price: $352,500 Date: 8/16/21 Stockbridge Ter. U:85 Buyer: Allen Haas T + Seller: Sheryl Rosenfield T + Price: $1,050,000 Date: 8/6/21

LENOX 3 Bishop Est. Buyer: Susan Horowitz + Seller: Peters FT + Price: $1,500,000 Date: 8/25/21 15 Catherine St. Buyer: Paul Schumacher + Seller: Vincent Leydet + Price: $335,000 Mortgage: $268,000 Lender: Adams Community Date: 8/23/21

Evergreen Trail U:22 Buyer: Bruce Ettinger + Seller: Kelly Sadlowski Price: $460,000 Date: 8/3/21 2 Morgan Manor U:4 Buyer: HJ Jr & DL Naventi RET + Seller: Rebecca Wadsworth LT + Price: $277,000 Date: 8/31/21 260 Pittsfield Rd. U:A1 Buyer: Meria Goulart + Seller: Shaun Delmolino Price: $121,500 Mortgage: $85,000 Lender: New Valley B&T Date: 8/4/21 260 Pittsfield Rd. U:C6 Buyer: Donna Porter Seller: Bonnie Bienenfeld Price: $118,800 Mortgage: $55,000 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/31/21 2 Rolling Hills U:8 Buyer: Robert Daley + Seller: Rudisill Maintenance T2 + Price: $240,000 Date: 8/17/21

MONTEREY

664 Main Rd. Buyer: Carina Turchioe Seller: Chanho Yoon + Price: $614,000 Mortgage: $491,200 Lender: Lee Bank Date: 8/27/21

NEW ASHFORD 78 Mallery Rd. Buyer: Peter Harrison Seller: Kellie Meehan + Price: $492,000 Mortgage: $422,000 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/10/21

NEW MARLBORO

14 Brewer Hill Rd. Buyer: Chelsea Hutchinson + Seller: Robert Winterbottom Jr + Price: $560,000 Mortgage: $672,880 Lender: Academy Mtg Date: 8/31/21 204 Norfolk Rd. Buyer: Victor Albano + Seller: Gail Belmuth Price: $808,000 Mortgage: $425,000 Lender: Total Mtg Date: 8/6/21 Peter Menaker Rd. Buyer: Richard Drucker + Seller: Crockett Mcgarrity + Price: $134,150 Date: 8/16/21 Route 57 Buyer: Michael Taylor + Seller: David Madow + Price: $108,000 Date: 8/16/21

NORTH ADAMS 124 Barth St. Buyer: Nancy Magnifico + Seller: Steven Gamari Price: $297,000 Mortgage: $237,600 Lender: United Wholesale Date: 8/4/21 64-66 Central Ave. Buyer: Leonard Pader Seller: Jessica Lincoln Price: $142,800 Date: 8/4/21 600 Church St. Buyer: Brian Kramer + Seller: Welch Ethal Est + Price: $89,900 Date: 8/26/21 1078 Church St. Buyer: Samuel Breman + Seller: Linda Blair + Price: $230,000 Mortgage: $150,000 Lender: Academy Mtg Date: 8/12/21 1640 Church St. Buyer: New England Power Co Seller: David Wood Price: $499,000 Date: 8/13/21 66 Cliff St. Buyer: Pamela Shepperd Seller: Alyce Levesque Price: $168,000 Mortgage: $164,957 Lender: Fairway Mtg Date: 8/12/21 78 College Ave. Buyer: Russell Littlefield + Seller: Kathleen Strange + Price: $225,000 Mortgage: $220,924 Lender: Academy Mtg Date: 8/2/21 200 E Main St. Buyer: David Cockerill Seller: Robert Hayden + Price: $230,000 Mortgage: $225,834

Buying or selling we offer a team to trust Call Today (413) 528-4423

Lender: Academy Mtg Date: 8/24/21 238 E Main St. Buyer: 238 East Main Street RT + Seller: Dale Reed + Price: $249,900 Date: 8/11/21 34 Foucher Ave. Buyer: Jessica Dubie Seller: David Morin Price: $215,000 Mortgage: $208,550 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/5/21 323 Franklin St. Buyer: Michele Lloyd Seller: Alice Modena + Price: $242,000 Mortgage: $75,000 Lender: Massmutual FCU Date: 8/2/21 50 Hathaway St. Buyer: Erikka Adams + Seller: Evolution NT + Price: $219,000 Mortgage: $197,100 Lender: Adams Community Date: 8/11/21 26 Hodges Cross Road Buyer: Heather Mccarthy Seller: Dustin Kline + Price: $244,900 Mortgage: $232,400 Lender: US Bank NA Date: 8/17/21 27 Hudson St. Buyer: Terri Daugherty Seller: Samuel Braman + Price: $125,000 Mortgage: $125,000 Lender: Adams Community Date: 8/12/21 7 Ivory St. Buyer: Kurtis Durocher + Seller: Kathleen Auerbach + Price: $220,000 Mortgage: $220,000 Lender: Adams Community Date: 8/30/21 64 Notch Rd. Buyer: Peter Vandergrift + Seller: Jeffrey Bleu Price: $182,500 Mortgage: $146,000 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/17/21 164 Oak Hill Buyer: Alexander Blaisdell Seller: Jay Wright + Price: $290,000 Mortgage: $261,000 Lender: Academy Mtg Date: 8/30/21 25 Rich St. Buyer: Foley Capital LLC Seller: Nicole Gauthier + Price: $164,000 Mortgage: $131,200 Lender: Straightline Date: 8/3/21 612 State Rd. Buyer: James Sweet + Seller: Wayne Whitney Price: $90,000 Mortgage: $87,300 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/6/21 62 Tyler St. Buyer: David Coury Seller: Allyse Wiencek Price: $158,900 Mortgage: $156,021 Lender: Academy Mtg Date: 8/13/21 102 Walker St. Buyer: Nicholas Smith Seller: David Wiles Price: $235,000 Mortgage: $200,000 Lender: Adams Community Date: 8/11/21 75 Main St. U:207 Buyer: Kajal Mukhopadhyay + Seller: Kathy Laplante + Price: $260,000 Date: 8/12/21

OTIS 1791 Algerie Rd. Buyer: Cory Liptak Seller: Aileen Monheit Price: $200,000 Mortgage: $100,000 Lender: Polish Natl CU Date: 8/6/21 Becket Rd. (SWS) Buyer: Charles Schwartz + Seller: Jonathan Fishbaum Price: $78,000 Date: 8/23/21 8-18 D Dr. Buyer: Mona Shustock Seller: Paul Mastrianni + Price: $320,000 Date: 8/13/21 110 E Otis Rd. Buyer: Debbie Rocke + Seller: Barbara Ferranti Price: $91,000 Mortgage: $72,800 Lender: Adams Community Date: 8/20/21 21, 23 Pleasant Dr. Buyer: Michael Cunningham +

NOVEMBER 2021

Seller: Arlene Fishkind Price: $1,250,000 Date: 8/6/21

Seller: Robert Watroba Price: $120,000 Date: 8/6/21

Route 8 Buyer: James Brown + Seller: David Hoebel + Price: $105,000 Date: 8/4/21

251 Dalton Ave. Buyer: Ellies Holdings LLC Seller: Charlene Wyand + Price: $77,000 Mortgage: $117,800 Lender: LendingHome Date: 8/27/21

Route 8 Lot 7 Buyer: Christopher Davis + Seller: Conboy RT + Price: $145,000 Date: 8/27/21 167 Towhee Trl. Buyer: Jeremy Harris + Seller: Michael Dundas + Price: $375,000 Mortgage: $245,000 Lender: Bk of America Date: 8/6/21

PERU 1 E Main Rd. Buyer: Logan Brooks + Seller: Laurin Steele RET + Price: $123,000 Mortgage: $116,850 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/27/21

PITTSFIELD 14 Allesio St. Buyer: Gregg Carroll + Seller: Zavattaro FT + Price: $189,000 Mortgage: $141,750 Lender: Wells Fargo Date: 8/4/21 32 Arlington St. Buyer: Philip Fogelman Seller: Bruce Griffith + Price: $295,000 Mortgage: $195,000 Lender: Berkshire Bank Date: 8/13/21 16 Asci Dr. Buyer: Ronald Hall Jr + Seller: Michael Benoist + Price: $175,000 Mortgage: $85,000 Lender: Arvest Bank Date: 8/3/21 188 Barker Rd. Buyer: Lila Pawelski + Seller: Vincent Michelle Est + Price: $415,000 Mortgage: $402,550 Lender: US Bank NA Date: 8/6/21 35 Belvidere Ave. Buyer: Melissa Odell + Seller: Marc Maddalena + Price: $175,000 Mortgage: $131,250 Lender: Academy Mtg Date: 8/13/21 63 Blythewood Dr. Buyer: Michael Williams + Seller: Mitchell Mcknight + Price: $1,250,000 Mortgage: $1,000,000 Lender: Pittsfield Coop Date: 8/16/21 107 Boylston St. Ext Buyer: Andrew Latini Seller: Jeanne Butler-Boino Price: $200,000 Mortgage: $194,000 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/11/21 121 Broadview Ter. Buyer: Tyler Alderman + Seller: Mary Mazzeo RET+ Price: $140,000 Mortgage: $112,000 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/3/21 Cascade St. Buyer: Ludlow Berekeley 4th Seller: David Lipinski Price: $93,000 Date: 8/16/21 25 Church St. Buyer: Patrick Mclaughlin Seller: Richard Miller + Price: $160,000 Mortgage: $103,000 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/24/21 Churchill St. Lot 1 Buyer: Ludlow Berekeley 4th Seller: David Lipinski Price: $93,000 Date: 8/16/21 15 Cole Ave. Buyer: Valaskialf LLC Seller: Todd Lampiasi Price: $150,000 Date: 8/6/21 600 Crane Ave. Buyer: Marites RebolaWilbur Seller: Chad Raimer + Price: $293,000 Mortgage: $263,000 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/17/21 632 Crane Ave. Buyer: Barbara Ross + Seller: Joseph Delgallo Jr + Price: $339,000 Mortgage: $289,900 Lender: Adams Community Date: 8/20/21 705 Crane Ave. Buyer: Watroba Phyllis Est +

541 Hubbard Ave. Buyer: Agree eastern LLC Seller: LBWPIMA LLC Price: $19,400,000 Date: 8/31/21 194 Hungerford St. Buyer: John Carito Seller: Tallage Davis LLC Price: $90,000 Date: 8/6/21

408 Dalton Ave. Buyer: Daniel Gamari Seller: Nicholas Harrington + Price: $230,750 Mortgage: $207,100 Lender: Academy Mtg Date: 8/25/21

145 Jason St. Buyer: Elizabeth Buckley Seller: Jon Macht T + Price: $168,000 Mortgage: $151,200 Lender: Jon Macht T Date: 8/27/21

1219 Dalton Ave. Buyer: Kimberly Forrest + Seller: Sandra Scalise Price: $211,000 Date: 8/31/21

101 Joseph Dr. Buyer: Noppawan Morano Seller: Kenneth Kellogg RET + Price: $248,000 Date: 8/27/21

318 Dalton Division Rd. Buyer: Ronald Ringo Jr + Seller: VM NT + Price: $440,000 Date: 8/13/21 44 Danforth Ave. Buyer: Chris-Home LLC Seller: Trzcinka Joan Est + Price: $162,000 Mortgage: $129,600 Lender: Lima One Capital Date: 8/12/21 11 Davis St. Buyer: Harrison Searles Jr Seller: Rose Sturgeon + Price: $181,000 Date: 8/31/21 54 Donna Ave. Buyer: Joseph Delgallo Jr + Seller: Anthony Penna + Price: $350,000 Date: 8/20/21 44 Dorchester Ave. Buyer: Matthew Davis + Seller: Donna Flynn NT + Price: $282,500 Mortgage: $226,000 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/18/21 30 Doreen St. Buyer: Luke Delsoldato Seller: Matthew Kiernan + Price: $219,000 Mortgage: $164,000 Lender: Adams Community Date: 8/25/21 37 Dutchess Ave. Buyer: Keith Brunner + Seller: DS Pearson RET 2017 + Price: $230,000 Mortgage: $155,000 Lender: Adams Community Date: 8/23/21 31 E Mill St. Buyer: Jeannie Mceneany Seller: Real Est Invs Northeast Price: $134,999 Mortgage: $111,999 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/5/21 1990 East St. Buyer: Brittiany Mcdermott + Seller: Kamp LLC Price: $152,000 Mortgage: $149,246 Lender: Academy Mtg Date: 8/30/21 1 Eastbrook Ln. Buyer: Jay Green + Seller: Michael Williams Price: $730,000 Mortgage: $693,500 Lender: Adams Community Date: 8/16/21 200 Gale Ave. Buyer: Tanya Lerose Seller: Tooley Theresa Est + Price: $189,900 Mortgage: $180,405 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/27/21 15 Grace Ter. Buyer: Lynne Latini Seller: David Webber + Price: $124,815 Date: 8/12/21 15, 16 Grunow Pl. Buyer: Todd Parent + Seller: PH Elser T 2006 + Price: $220,000 Date: 8/3/21 211 Hancock Rd. Buyer: Justin Medina + Seller: Kristofer Kohlenberger Price: $273,000 Mortgage: $264,810 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/13/21 257 Highland Ave. Buyer: Roger Siciliano + Seller: Kevin Barnes Price: $208,000 Mortgage: $202,633 Lender: Academy Mtg Date: 8/30/21 40 Howe Rd. Buyer: Kyle Enko Seller: Edward Grandbois + Price: $250,000 Mortgage: $200,000 Lender: Guaranteed Rate Date: 8/30/21

20 Kenwood St. Buyer: Keelan Steinman + Seller: Jeffrey Manion Price: $220,000 Mortgage: $198,000 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/13/21 14 Larch St. Buyer: 3G Cash Services LLC Seller: David Deforest Price: $175,000 Date: 8/3/21 211 Lebanon Ave. Buyer: Shawn Mille + Seller: Harold Dupee Jr Price: $254,900 Mortgage: $203,920 Lender: Adams Community Date: 8/4/21 85 Lenox Ave. Buyer: Brandon Peaslee Seller: Stephen Demastrie Price: $200,000 Mortgage: $178,000 Lender: Pittsfield Coop Date: 8/5/21 66 Leona Dr. Buyer: Yvons Nicolas + Seller: Matthew Hugger + Price: $415,000 Mortgage: $365,000 Lender: Citizens Bank Date: 8/30/21 8-10 Lincoln St. Buyer: David Deforest Seller: Raul Morlas + Price: $130,000 Date: 8/5/21 234 Linden St. Buyer: Richard Barriere Jr Seller: Michael Butler Price: $78,000 Mortgage: $1 Lender: Dannis Donovan Date: 8/31/21 270 Linden St. Buyer: Mariana Santos Seller: Debra Roucoulet Price: $135,000 Mortgage: $93,150 Lender: Academy Mtg Date: 8/3/21 152 Maple Grove Dr. Buyer: Russell Recker + Seller: Anna Sokolowski Price: $240,000 Mortgage: $235,653 Lender: Academy Mtg Date: 8/20/21 21 May Ter. Buyer: Jaclyn SmithBattaini + Seller: Michael Burnell + Price: $210,000 Mortgage: $190,000 Lender: Michael Burnell Date: 8/10/21 71 Mcarthur St. Buyer: Mabeline Burgos Seller: John Kalisz Price: $210,000 Mortgage: $206,196 Lender: Citizens Bank Date: 8/27/21 80 Mcintosh Dr. Buyer: James Boden + Seller: Scott Nimons Price: $265,000 Mortgage: $212,000 Lender: Fairway Mtg Date: 8/3/21 5 Meadow Ridge Dr. Buyer: Nicole Payne Seller: Derek Hansen + Price: $640,000 Mortgage: $608,000 Lender: Adams Community Date: 8/3/21 30 Meadow Ridge Dr. Buyer: Jason Koperniak + Seller: Diane Jackman Price: $505,000 Mortgage: $404,000 Lender: Adams Community Date: 8/13/21 50 Meadow Ridge Dr. Buyer: Hieu Le + Seller: Prakash Malkani + Price: $869,900 Mortgage: $695,920 Lender: First Guaranty Date: 8/23/21 30 Michael Dr. Buyer: Charleene Murray +

NOVEMBER 2021

BERKSHIRE TRADE & COMMERCE

21

Berkshire County real estate transfers Seller: Kathy Caton Price: $301,000 Mortgage: $240,800 Lender: Lee Bank Date: 8/24/21 51 Michael Dr. Buyer: Patricia Tremblay Seller: Thomas Harris Price: $301,000 Mortgage: $220,000 Lender: Adams Community Date: 8/3/21 186 Montgomery Ave. Buyer: Jan Leblanc Seller: Amanda Drane Price: $149,900 Date: 8/27/21 135 Morningview Dr. Buyer: William Bateson + Seller: Timothy Croce Price: $269,900 Mortgage: $176,107 Lender: Academy Mtg Date: 8/13/21 14 Nancy Ave. Buyer: Rocardo TorresRamirez + Seller: Alfred Sharlow + Price: $235,000 Mortgage: $211,500 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/3/21 32 Nancy Ave. Buyer: John Lander + Seller: Kayle Buck Price: $274,000 Mortgage: $216,000 Lender: Adams Community Date: 8/27/21 168 Newell St. Buyer: Nolan SmithFernandez + Seller: Matadormus LLC Price: $159,900 Mortgage: $151,900 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/2/21 549 North St. Buyer: G&W Rentals LLC Seller: Marc Lescarbeau Price: $673,000 Mortgage: $538,400 Lender: Adams Community Date: 8/31/21 823 North St. Buyer: Pedro QuizhpiVelazquez Seller: Holly Hunter + Price: $79,000 Date: 8/27/21 74 Oliver Ave. Buyer: Sonya Horowitz Seller: Jeremy Grosz + Price: $425,500 Date: 8/30/21 61 Orchard St. Buyer: Pittsfield Prop Group LLC Seller: Kelvin Santos Price: $75,000 Date: 8/20/21 11 Pacific St. Buyer: Theodore Kozlowski Seller: David Chambers Price: $116,000 Mortgage: $92,800 Lender: Lee Bank Date: 8/20/21 11 Paula Ave. Buyer: Mauricio Ortiz + Seller: Brandon Mauer Price: $245,000 Mortgage: $195,000 Lender: Adams Community Date: 8/31/21 89 Pecks Rd. Buyer: Destiny Crews Seller: Noah Kelley + Price: $192,500 Mortgage: $167,500 Lender: Adams Community Date: 8/30/21 10 Pine St. Buyer: Leoncio Rayme Seller: Morton NT + Price: $139,000 Mortgage: $132,050 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/4/21 142 Pomeroy Ave. Buyer: Simeon Bittman + Seller: Scott Osleeb + Price: $400,000 Mortgage: $380,000 Lender: Academy Mtg Date: 8/20/21 37 Ridge Ave. Buyer: Ellies Holdings LLC Seller: Jessica Santander + Price: $178,500 Mortgage: $195,700 Lender: LendingHome Date: 8/9/21 61 Ridge Ave. Buyer: Kelly Guidi + Seller: Faye Harris Price: $250,000 Mortgage: $225,000 Lender: NFM Inc Date: 8/16/21

Price: $135,000 Mortgage: $125,000 Lender: Adams Community Date: 8/19/21 33 Sampson Pkwy.

Buyer: Matthew Padgett Seller: Thomas Mckeon Price: $259,650 Mortgage: $246,668 Lender: Residential Svcs Date: 8/6/21 44 Sampson Pkwy.

Buyer: Matthew Farnham Seller: Michael Monti + Price: $330,500 Mortgage: $330,500 Lender: USAA Fed SB Date: 8/31/21 41 Stanley Ave. Buyer: Ann Syrko Seller: Cathy Myers + Price: $169,900 Mortgage: $166,822 Lender: Nationwide Date: 8/13/21 43 State St. Buyer: Samuel Cudjoe Seller: Ricci Alfred Est. + Price: $235,000 Mortgage: $230,743 Lender: Academy Mtg Date: 8/10/21 311 Tamarack Rd. Buyer: Sherry Roberts NT + Seller: Moffett Wilfred Est + Price: $290,000 Date: 8/11/21 341 Tamarack Rd. Buyer: Tamarack Properties LLC Seller: Shawn Maschino Price: $260,000 Date: 8/20/21 56 Tor Ct. Buyer: J&Marion Grant RET + Seller: Sonia Massery Price: $377,000 Date: 8/11/21 534 Tyler St. Buyer: 542 Tyler LLC Seller: Maurice Callahan Jr Price: $350,000 Mortgage: $252,000 Lender: Seller Date: 8/13/21 209 Velma Ave. Buyer: Brendon Cowdrey Seller: William Connor Price: $280,000 Mortgage: $190,000 Lender: Academy Mtg Date: 8/2/21 W Housatonic St. Buyer: Frederick Kickery + Seller: Norton FT + Price: $100,000 Date: 8/18/21 885 W Housatonic St. Buyer: Julian Bernal Seller: Sunjay Desai + Price: $242,000 Mortgage: $237,616 Lender: Academy Mtg Date: 8/3/21 1402 W Housatonic St. Buyer: Amanda Lefebvre Seller: William Knowles Price: $280,000 Mortgage: $242,165 Lender: River City Mtg Date: 8/26/21 1475 W Housatonic St. Buyer: Alliance Energy LLC Seller: SV Allen Petroleum LLC Price: $358,452 Date: 8/13/21 300 West St. Buyer: Kimberly ReedGuillemette Seller: Deane Steinman Price: $120,000 Mortgage: $117,826 Lender: Academy Mtg Date: 8/3/21 15 Westbrook Ter. Buyer: Nathan Girard + Seller: Patricia Petricca Price: $910,000 Mortgage: $728,000 Lender: GFA FCU Date: 8/13/21 85 Wilson St. Buyer: Jonathan Coburn + Seller: Ana Velez Price: $205,100 Mortgage: $164,000 Lender: Cambridge Tr Date: 8/2/21 172 Woodlawn Ave. Buyer: Alan Brown + Seller: George Platt Jr Price: $150,000 Mortgage: $164,000 Lender: Adams Community Date: 8/5/21

105 Robbins Ave. Buyer: Jesse Posi-Rhinehart Seller: Normal Smoller Price: $128,000 Date: 8/31/21

46 Worthington St. Buyer: Christine Cruz Seller: Mark Bills + Price: $205,000 Mortgage: $164,000 Lender: Adams Community Date: 8/3/21

63 S Onota St. Buyer: Wayne Levesque Seller: Anthony Ptak Jr

Alpine Trail U:168 Buyer: Brigitte Mcdonald Seller: David Rutter RET +

Price: $512,500 Date: 8/3/21 Appleton Ave. U:143 Buyer: Gabriana Brooks Seller: Charles Thompson + Price: $139,500 Mortgage: $135,315 Lender: Republic State Date: 8/23/21 Aspen Way U:20 Buyer: Cheryl Janus + Seller: Kowalczyk Dev Corp Price: $545,000 Date: 8/19/21 Churchill Crst. U:46 Buyer: Katie Wirth Seller: Luanne Savino Price: $230,000 Date: 8/31/21 Churchill Crst. U:50 Buyer: Susan Halpert 2013 RET + Seller: Stanton Maureen Est + Price: $237,400 Date: 8/20/21 Churchill Crst. U:59 Buyer: Peter Angelini Seller: Carty Patrick Est + Price: $142,500 Date: 8/6/21

RICHMOND 69 Osceola Road Ext Buyer: Edward Gazouleas + Seller: Mehmet SagmanKayatekin + Price: $683,800 Date: 8/6/21 219 Shore Rd. Buyer: Susan Markowitz + Seller: Shaunnah Godfrey RET + Price: $599,900 Date: 8/3/21 983 State Rd. Buyer: Thomas Sherman + Seller: Richard Knight + Price: $353,000 Date: 8/20/21

SANDISFIELD 14 Sandisfield Rd. Buyer: Jessica Cook + Seller: Carr Sean Est + Price: $185,000 Mortgage: $161,250 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/4/21 182 Sandisfield Rd. Buyer: Skylar Snyder + Seller: Dana Beardsley Price: $200,000 Mortgage: $190,000 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/12/21 236 Sandisfield Rd. Buyer: Michael Muir Seller: Deutsche Bk Natl T Co Price: $78,000 Date: 8/30/21

SAVOY

59 Harwood Rd. Buyer: Christopher Totman + Seller: Harold Malloy + Price: $80,000 Date: 8/27/21 701 Main Rd. Buyer: Justin Kaczowski Seller: Robert Pytko Price: $100,000 Mortgage: $95,000 Lender: Adams Community Date: 8/13/21

SHEFFIELD 52 Cedar St. Buyer: Gail Silveira + Seller: Jeremiah Cronin + Price: $200,000 Mortgage: $180,000 Lender: Keller Mtg Date: 8/16/21 1076 County Rd. Buyer: Edward Israelow + Seller: Babette Silver Price: $750,000 Date: 8/16/21 39 Farmview Rd. Buyer: Wayne Guay + Seller: Marilyn Johnson Price: $537,500 Date: 8/5/21 793 Salisbury Rd. Buyer: John Foster + Seller: Christopher Mcneill Price: $680,000 Mortgage: $200,000 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/10/21 1106 Sheffield Egremont Rd. Buyer: Christopher Mcneill Seller: Edward Delmolino 3rd Price: $885,000 Mortgage: $350,000 Lender: Adams Community Date: 8/16/21 Valley View Rd. Buyer: North Sandy Brook LLC Seller: North Canaan Aviation Price: $100,000 Date: 8/27/21

STOCKBRIDGE

Country NT + Price: $150,000 Date: 8/24/21

Lender: Leader Bank Date: 8/6/21

22-B Prospect Hill Rd. Buyer: Betsy Kramer + Seller: Prospect Hill NT + Price: $1,875,000 Mortgage: $750,000 Lender: Wells Fargo Date: 8/13/21 19 Hawthorne Rd. U:3B Buyer: Christopher Vasil Seller: Stephen Cohen + Price: $485,000 Date: 8/12/21

WILLIAMSTOWN 116 Buxton Hill Rd. Buyer: Steven Kaufman + Seller: Randall Ross Price: $543,000 Date: 8/30/21 103 Cole Ave. Buyer: Carlina Echenique Seller: Bopp Boys T + Price: $560,000 Mortgage: $420,000

81 Elliott Dr. Buyer: Patricia Kong + Seller: Robin Nassif Price: $640,000 Mortgage: $384,000 Lender: United Wholesale Date: 8/13/21 41 Front St. Buyer: Peter Harris + Seller: Jarrett Bayliss + Price: $615,000 Date: 8/20/21 36 Hall St. Buyer: Katherine Webster + Seller: Cynthia Noel Price: $302,780 Date: 8/30/21 217 Luce Rd. Buyer: Bradley Bissell + Seller: Carlos Maramag + Price: $1,300,000 Date: 8/31/21 1120 Main St. Buyer: Patrick Bandy Seller: Donna Riley

26 Glendale Rd. Buyer: Vernon Reuss Seller: Stockbridge

Lender: Jane Klaus T Date: 8/2/21

1411 Main St. Buyer: Arthur Carpenter + Seller: Stephen Porcelli + Price: $1,250,000 Date: 8/12/21

540 Pine Cobble Rd. Buyer: Temesgen Araya + Seller: Williams College Price: $551,800 Mortgage: $342,000 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/17/21

60 Mountain View St. Buyer: Kyle Rosher + Seller: Rickert Lois Est + Price: $350,000 Mortgage: $325,000 Lender: Triumph Mtg Date: 8/6/21

118 Sloan Rd. Buyer: Thomas Mckeon Seller: John Bryan Jr Price: $420,000 Mortgage: $336,000 Lender: Adams Community Date: 8/6/21

395 North St. Buyer: Robin Nassif Seller: Suzanne Sheldon Price: $320,000 Mortgage: $256,000 Lender: MountainOne Date: 8/13/21 85 Oblong Rd. Buyer: Carl Wied + Seller: Jane Klaus T + Price: $650,000 Mortgage: $650,000

WINDSOR 477 Flintstone Rd. Buyer: Kayla Buck + Seller: Shack Realty Co T+ Price: $280,000 Mortgage: $224,000 Lender: Adams Community Date: 8/27/21 u

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23 Beachwood Dr. Buyer: Gabriel Sapir + Seller: Joseph Berger + Price: $500,000 Mortgage: $400,000 Lender: Citizens Bank Date: 8/16/21 26 Glendale Rd. Buyer: Matthew Heady + Seller: Vernon Reuss Price: $150,000 Date: 8/24/21

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22

BERKSHIRE TRADE & COMMERCE

NOVEMBER 2021

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Bard Academy and Bard College at Simon’s Rock have announced the appointment of several new deans to help guide the future of academic affairs and student support services at the institution.

Dr. Kristy McMorris has been named the new dean of studies. In her McMorris new role, McMorris will provide leadership and administrative oversight of students’ academic experience at both Bard Academy and Bard College at Simon’s Rock. Most recently the dean of Bard Academy, McMorris has been an early college educator for nearly a decade, and began her work as a member of the faculty in Literature at Bard High School Early College in Queens, N.Y. Brendan Mathews has been selected as the new dean of faculty and curricular development, where he will oversee the development and staffing of the academic programs for Bard Academy and Bard Matthews College at Simon’s Rock.

Mathews is a faculty member in creative writing and literature at Bard College at Simon’s Rock. Dr. John Morrell has been named the new associate dean for Bard Academy and first year students. In his new position, Morrell will play a key role on the academic leadership team at Simon’s Rock.

He will offer direct insight and support to academic advising, student success, Morrell and academic processes, with a focus on overseeing new students’ transition to Simon’s Rock. He will also continue to teach literature at Simon’s Rock. Dr. Ken Knox has become the new associate dean of studies for the sophomore year and the upper college. In his new role as a member of the Simon’s Rock leadership team, Knox will be providing direct academic guidance, support, and Knox planning for students’ transition from the lower college into the upper college. He will continue to teach mathematics at Simon’s Rock, a position he has held since 2016.

NBT Bancorp Inc. has appointed Ruth Mahoney executive vice president and president of wealth management. Mahoney has more than 30 years of experience in financial services, including wealth management, private banking, retail banking and regional leadership. She comes to NBT from KeyBank where she served most recently as capital region market president. NBT Wealth Management is a division of NBT Bank and a provider of investment services and consulting to individuals and businesses and organizations.

Literacy Network of South Berkshire (LitNet) has announced the election of Catheryn Chacon to the organization’s board of directors. Originally from Colombia, Chacon came to the United States when she was 15 years old and settled with her family in Lee. Chacon currently works at Ernst and Young as a tax accountant and serves on the board of Berkshire Community College as well as the supervisory committee of Greylock Federal Credit Union. She is the co-founder of Latinas413, an organization that serves as a bridge to resources available in the county, increasing the representation of the voices, talents, and interests of Latinas across Berkshire County.

Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) has welcomed Physician Assistant Kelsey Shoff, PA-C, to SVMC ExpressCare and DartmouthHitchcock Putnam Physicians. Shoff earned her master’s degree in physician assistant studies from the Massachusetts College Shoff of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Physician Assistant Studies Program in Manchester, N.H., in 2020. She received her bachelor’s in biology from the Russell Sage College in Troy, N.Y. While attending college, Shoff worked as a patient care technician and as an assistant in the Behavioral Health Unit at Samaritan Hospital in Troy, and as a patient safety associate at SVMC. MCLA has welcomed the following four new faculty members to campus for the fall 2021 semester: Andrew Best, assistant professor of biology; Rebecca Relyea, assistant professor of radiologic sciences; Yavuz Ceylan, visiting assistant professor of chemistry; and Sean Scanlon: visiting assistant professor of history. Best joins the MCLA Biology Department after 15 years of teaching high school biology. He recently earned a doctorate in biological anthropology from University of Massachusetts, and is currently collaborating on a project exploring evolved energetic limits to human endurance. Relyea has worked as both a radiologic technologist and CT technologist, including the past six years at Albany Medical Center as a level 5 radiologic technologist and as the education coordinator for the Radiology Department. Part of that role involved serving as a clinical liaison and resource for many local schools, including MCLA. Ceylan, who earlier worked in Texas as a high school teacher for three years, obtained his doctorate in inorganic chemistry from University of North Texas in 2019. For the following two years, he was a postdoctoral associate in computational chemistry at Brandeis University, investigating excited state dynamics and using theoretical approach to ligand effect on metal cluster. Scanlon, a native of Charlemont, entered the graduate program in history at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL) in 2015, where he studied U.S., European, and international history and worked as a teaching assistant for undergraduate courses. From 20182021, he taught courses in U.S. history at both UNL and the University of Nebraska – Omaha.

He came to MCLA after graduating with his Ph.D. in History from UNL and will teach introductory and upper-level courses in U.S. history.u

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NOVEMBER 2021

BERKSHIRE TRADE & COMMERCE

GETTING started

23

spotlight on new business ventures

He added that members of Départ’s staff are also available to host tastings at people’s homes and other locations.

In addition to the store’s retail role, Bruno said it is also designed as a site for events.

BY JOHN TOWNES The space has a long table and chairs in the In addition to specialty wine and beer, center which allow for the hosting of wine Départ, a new shop in downtown Great Bartastings, dinner parties and other activities. rington is featuring an emerging category of It is available for booking for private non-alcoholic versions of those beverages. tastings and parties. “People can book the Départ opened at 28 Railroad St. in July space, and we’ll close the store during that in an 800-square-foot storefront. time,” he said.

“It’s very wine focused, with smallIt also is being used for public events, such production wines from around the world,” as tastings, classes about wine and related said owner David Bruno. “We also carry a topics, and other activities. smaller selection of craft beers and ciders.

These also include events that are not In addition we have a large selection of nonjust focused on beverages. For example, in alcoholic alternatives.” early October, Départ hosted the first public Bruno explained that “dealcoholized” premier of Blue Vice, a film by Berkshirewine, beer and spirits is a segment of based dance company the market that has been gaining visibility “Many people want to enjoy BODYSONNET. the rituals and taste of fine Bruno noted that in the past couple of years for a combi- wine and beer and cocktails. activities are posted on the store’s Instagram nation of reasons. It has been stimulated But they want to avoid alcohol page, www.instagram. by the COVID pan- to remain sober, or for other com/Depart_wine.

The Great Barrington demic, due to changes health or personal reasons.” store is part of a larger in people’s lifestyles. venture that Bruno is launching. He is also “It’s an emerging trend that has become currently preparing to open a Départ outlet in more popular during the pandemic,” Bruno the Moynihan Train Hall in New York City, said. “Many people want to enjoy the rituals a retail section that is under development as and taste of fine wine and beer and cocktails. part of a major expansion of that city’s Penn But they want to avoid alcohol to remain Station transit hub. sober, or for other health or personal reasons.

Bruno moved from New York to the BerkSo they are exploring other beverages that shires in 2020. His wife works for Iredale offer these experiences minus the alcohol Cosmetics in Great Barrington. content.”

Bruno began his career in fashion retailing While Départ (413-645-3663) is initially with Bergdorf Goodman. He then started a focused on wine and beer, Bruno noted that menswear line, Todd Snyder. After selling this market also includes non-alcoholic that company, he moved into the food and version of spirits such as whiskey and gin, beverage industry. “That had always been cocktails and other beverages. He said he an interest of mine,” he said. expects to expand into that to some extent.

He worked with Verve Wine. He also Départ is working with brands and suphelped to launch the One White Street respliers of these products, such as Leitz, a taurant in Tribeca in New York. After movnon-alcoholic wine, and Figlia, a zero-proof ing here, he also consulted on the opening aperitivo. He is also partnering with Boisson, of the Twoflower cafe at 34 Railroad St. a small group of non-alcoholic liquor stores earlier this year. in New York City.

Prior to moving to the Berkshires, Bruno These beverages are prepared in ways that also had working with a team in New York to are similar to their alcoholic counterparts. develop the concept for Départ. Their origiHowever, they go through additional steps nal plan had been to open in the Moynihan that remove the alcohol content.

Train Hall.

For example, dealcoholized wine follows “However, there are a lot of complexities the same fermentation process as standard in that site, so it has taken a while to put that wine. But it is also put through additional together,” he said. “In the meantime, I found processes at the end to remove the alcohol. a space in Great Barrington, and we decided This may include using vacuums and heat to open here first.” to distill off the alcohol. Another method He said their goal is to open the New York is the use of high-pressure gravity spinstore next year. ners and filters to separate the wine from In the longer term, Bruno plans to open other the alcohol.

Départ stores. “The concept is to open stores Départ has a staff of about five people, in several locations,” he said. “We’re looking including two managers. They all are trained at various locations around the country.”u experts on wine and beverages, Bruno noted.

‘Dealcoholized’ wines are part of package at Départ

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David Bruno’s inventory at his new shop, Départ, in downtown Great Barrington, emphasizes small-production wines from around the world as well as several in the “dealcoholized” niche. (Photo courtesy of Départ)

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BERKSHIRE TRADE & COMMERCE

NOVEMBER 2021

The Pittsfield Cooperative Bank + The Mazzeo Brothers

A Cut Above When Mike, Mark, and Rudy Mazzeo wanted to cook up financing for Mazzeo’s Meat and Seafood, they found comfort working with a homemade bank.

Throughout its half-century history, the mission of Mazzeo’s has remained unchanged—to provide their customers with the freshest, highest-quality meats and seafoods produced as naturally and as sustainably as possible. When selecting a bank, they choose one that reflected the way they do business. The Pittsfield Cooperative Bank, born right here in the Berkshires, using a recipe that still appeals to our neighbors: integrity, character, and commitment.

“Banking with Matt Lauro is banking done ‘old school.’ When we have questions or need something done fast, we just call Matt. He answers his own phone, and he gets it done quickly!

We liked working with him and his team so much we moved all our business banking over to the Pittsfield Co-op.

The Pittsfield Co-op is a local bank staffed by local people like Matt, who shop here, raise their families here, and help our Berkshire community improve and thrive.”

— Michael Mazzeo

If you have a fresh idea, call Brad or Matt – they’ll help provide a recipe for success.

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Mazzeo’s Meat and Seafood at Guido’s Fresh Marketplace 1020 South Street • Pittsfield, MA 01201 • (413) 442-2222 760 South Main Street • Great Barrington, MA 01230 • (413) 528-9255

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