Inside this issue North Adams u THUNDERDOME STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING OPENS IN PITTSFIELD ...... 4 Career change firm makes u QUESTION 1 PUTS RANGE OF COMPLEX ISSUES ON BALLOT ...... 10 comes full high-end audio circle with new equipment u BERKSHIRE INNOVATION CENTER FINDS PLACE IN BROADER NETWORK ...... 12 barber shop — page 20 u GREYLOCK FEDERAL CROSSING STATE LINE WITH NEW BRANCH ...... 14 — page 26 BERKSHIRE TRADE & COMMERCE monthly Vol. 24 No. 7 “The Business Journal For Berkshire County” NOVEMBER 2020 Art Detail of “These (Mournful) Shores,” a sculpture in powder-coated aluminum, wood and harp strings by Jennie C. Jones. It is one of six works by international artists installed on the grounds of the Clark Art for the Institute as part of Ground/work, its fi rst-ever outdoor COVID exhibition. (Photo: Thomas Clark/Clark Art Institute) era Serendipitous timing for Clark’s fi rst outdoor exhibition

BY JOHN TOWNES rom restaurant dining to theater- going to socializing, the outdoors isF “in” as the perceived safer setting for many activities during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Enjoyment of cutting-edge art can also be added to the list of open-air pursuits, as the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute in Williamstown has now put the fi nishing touches on its fi rst-ever outdoor exhibition. Entitled Ground/work, the exhibi- tion features specially commissioned outdoor sculptural installations by six international artists at different sites along the two-and-a-half miles of woodland trails and open mead- ows on the Clark’s 140-acre campus. The installations will remain through October 2021. As part of the Clark’s open campus policy, Ground/work will be on view to the public for free, day and night throughout the year. “We are excited to build upon our history of collaborating with living artists and art historians in the most ambitious program of new commissions the Clark has staged to date,” said Olivier Meslay, Hardymon Director of the Clark. continued on page 16 2 BERKSHIRE TRADE & COMMERCE NOVEMBER 2020 FRONT Balanced Approach… pages Rock Solid Advice an inviting and safe environment to attract Park Square north to Fenn Street is reduced Trial run for downtown people and allow greater flexibility for activi- from two lanes to one lane. Parking spaces ‘placemaking’ projects ties like outdoor dining.” will be reallocated, and other space used for a He added that the modifications can also protected bike lane, as well as space for cafe BY JOHN TOWNES be more long-lasting. “We’ll see what the seating for several restaurants there. Downtown Pittsfield is getting a partial results are as we go along,” he said. “We’ll There will also be bike lanes on other makeover for the next several months. determine what will be done on a more sections of North Street and connectors to In early October, city workers began in- permanent basis, based on what works and Center Street and other routes. stalling 20 small projects intended to improve what doesn’t.” In another project, Bank Row, the southern the downtown environment and support These will include factors such as the side of Park Square, parking is being relo- business activity. level of public use, cated to a brick section They include a series of localized modifi- and whether they im- “Some drivers may not like of pavement, to create cations to sidewalks, curbs, streets, parking pede other necessary the changes initially. But we an area for outdoor and landscaping. In addition, small parklets activities. dining and commerce. will be created in the city center, with tables Cumulatively, Mo- hope that the public will un- The parking spaces will and seating. rales said, there are derstand and be patient. This also be reconfigured to These projects are funded by a $238,826 several specific goals. back-in angled parking grant from the Massachusetts Department One is to make North is a trial, and the purpose is to improve safety for of Transportation through its Shared Streets Street and immediate to make downtown a better motorists pulling out. and Spaces Program. streets around it safer place for everyone.” Parklets will be Unlike many public-works projects which and more accessible placed in numerous involve long periods of planning and major to pedestrians, cyclists and those with dis- locations, including Market Street (an al- construction, these will all be installed within abilities. This includes more walkway space leyway along one side of the Beacon Cinema a couple of weeks. They are being constructed and bike lanes. building), East Street off Park Square, and with “quick-build” movable elements such as There are also “traffic calming” measures upper North Street, among others. modular structures, barriers, cones, signage including some modifications in traffic flow. The city has also purchased three “pods” and landscaping. Morales noted that drivers often ignore the for enclosed outdoor dining through a part- The effects of these will be monitored 25 mph speed limit on North Street, which nership with local businesses, Berkshire and presented to the state by the end of the can be unsafe, noisy and disruptive. “Hope- Bank, Downtown Pittsfield Inc., and SolarFi, year. Once the review has been completed, fully, these measures will cause [drivers] to a nonprofit green energy company that builds many of the structures will be removed for adhere to the speed limit,” he said. solar-powered Prive pods. These range from the winter. Because the project is largely oriented to 6-by-4 feet to 8-by-8 feet, and accommodate The Shared Streets and Spaces Program outdoor activity, the timing of the installation up to 10 people. They are heated and capable incorporates the process of “placemaking,” and review during the transition to chillier of being used in cooler weather. a concept that encourages people to visit and weather may seem counterintuitive. This Morales noted that the city is purchasing Retirement Income Planning remain in areas through the use of amenities stems from the requirements of the grant, three of the pods. They were initially placed & Asset Management such as parklets, benches, landscaping and according to Morales. on display at Park Square and by Eat On open inviting spaces. “We realize the usage will be hampered North. Other potential locations are also Ricardo Morales, the city’s commissioner by the season,” he said. “Ordinarily we being considered. of public services and utilities, said that the wouldn’t be doing it at this time of year. But Allen Street is being converted to one-way 378 South St. • Pitts eld initial impetus for the state grant was the to qualify for the grant we had to agree to running southbound and reverse one-way to COVID-19 pandemic, and the city’s efforts to install them and complete the report by the eastbound School Street. This will create a 413.442.8190 support downtown businesses by promoting end of the year.” full loop for one-way access to the police www.balance-rock.com safe outdoor activities there. He added that the projects will be rein- station and Allen Street, and enable additional “The immediate purpose of the grant is to stalled next spring. “We’ll have the opportu- parking at the Police Station. Securities o ered through promote business-friendly strategies down- nity to see how they work on a longer-term Melville Street, which extends east off LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC town,” he said. “It is intended to provide basis in different seasons next year,” he said. North Street by the YMCA and Boys & “The state understands we’re doing that.” Girls Club, will be made into a children’s He said an advantage of this approach is play area. that the individual elements can be installed, Center Street and other streets east of North modified, removed or relocated easily. “Flex- Street are also being reconfigured to create ADVANCED EYECARE is pleased to welcome ibility is important,” he said. “For example, safer pedestrian and bike access connections. if the location of a parklet is not successful, Morales noted that the amount of parking Estela Ogiste, MD, PhD to our office at it can be removed. We can also adjust the will remain roughly the same. He said eight of locations based on the opening or closing approximately 150 parking spots downtown 77 Hospital Avenue in North Adams. of businesses, or other changes.” will be removed, while several new parking The projects and modifications are being spaces will be added. made on a number of different sections of He acknowledged that some of the changes the downtown center. may evoke mixed feelings among drivers. For example, a section of North Street from “Some drivers may not like the changes initially,” he said. “But we hope that the public will understand and be patient. This is a trial, and the purpose is to make downtown email your firm’s news a better place for everyone.” and announcements to: A complete listing and description of the projects are available at the website https:// [email protected] arcg.is/iSvSn.u

Thankfor voting You us T CONTRACT ES Winning – Customer OR Dr. Ogiste is a highly experienced ophthalmologist BAward Driven specializing in cataract surgery and treatment of glaucoma. She received her Ophthalmology training at Yale and her medical degree from Cornell. Dr. Ogiste will be accepting Yearsin new patients in the Northern Berkshires beginning Nov. 2. 4a Row! For an appointment, please call 413-664-6736.

• Kitchens • Bathrooms • Windows • Siding • Roong • Additions • Decks (413) 442-3001 • 25 Pittseld Rd., Lenox www.morrisonshomeimprovement.com NOVEMBER 2020 BERKSHIRE TRADE & COMMERCE 3 news & notes from the region Lenox sports bar giving way to importing market If you want a happy ending, that depends, BY JOHN TOWNES of course, on where After deciding that the COVID-19 pan- demic made operating Mazcot’s, a sports bar you stop your story. and small restaurant, untenable, its owners Tony and Michael Mazzeo decided to replace it by reviving an idea they had in the past but had not pursued. As a result, they have closed Mazcot’s and are converting the site at 490 Pittsfield Rd. (Route 7/20) in Lenox into Mazzeo’s Importing Market. Their goal is to open by mid-autumn. The new market will feature a selection of deli foods, prepared meals, imported grocery items and snacks. “It won’t be a convenience store, but the idea is that you can stop in, pick up what you want and be out quickly,” said Tony Mazzeo. He and his brother also own the nearby Mazzeo’s Ristorante at 1015 South St. in Pittsfield. That is a popular full-service Italian Brothers Tony and Michael Mazzeo are converting the former Mazcot’s Sports Bar and Grill at 490 Pittsfield restaurant that is much larger. The Mazzeo Rd. in Lenox into Mazzeo’s Importing Market. Although Mazcot’s was a successful business, the advent of family started the business as an Italian COVID made its future uncertain, which led the Mazzeos to consider an operation better fitting the times. importing company in Pittsfield, and later opened the original Mazzeo’s Ristorante on He added that it is also in tune with the Winter Street before moving to its present times. “I don’t know what will happen with location. COVID, but I believe there is going to be a They opened Mazcot’s in 2013 after fully ‘new normal’ for a while,” he said. “People renovating a building that had previously are developing different habits, and the idea ALL U NDER O NE ROOF housed other similar businesses. of takeout fits in with that.” Since then, Mazcot’s had been a success- They also expect to have a few tables for ful business, according to Mazzeo. “It was casual on-site dining, and outdoor seating. (A very popular and was doing well,” he said. beer and wine license approved by the town “The only reason we closed it was because of Lenox allows for the sale of those items of COVID.” for off-site consumption only.) He said they had to make difficult decisions He noted that they have retained a majority of the staff of Mazcot’s, who have either been GREAT due to the initial state emergency order and shutdown, and the uncertain environment transferred to Mazzeo’s or will be working since then. “We could not be sitting on two at Mazzeo’s Importing Market. restaurants that were not able to operate at full He believes the new market will draw from a combination of residents of Pittsfield BUILDINGS capacity,” he said.”We had to find a balance.” While the COVID crisis and emergency and Lenox, as well as people driving along orders have also impacted 320-seat Mazzeo’s Route 7/20. Ristorante, he said that business is better Mazzeo said they are still working out the COME FROM equipped to continue to operate within the details of their grocery selection and fare, but constraints of the current situation. he expects it to have diverse offerings. The “Mazzeo’s is large enough and has enough emphasis will be on quality imported items, seating that we have more options to adapt especially from Italy. A TEAM. to the guidelines for social distancing and It will include a deli counter with meats, safety during this,” he said. “We can have cheeses, and other staples, as well as sand- more limited seating and still get by.” wiches and other light fare. “There will be However, he said, with much fewer seats, a lot of grab-and-go items” he said. such limitations at Mazcot’s would not be He said they will also be serving hot pre- sustainable. “We would only be able to serve pared meals for takeout. “Mazcot’s had a large a very small number of people,” he said. area for food preparation that we’re keeping, When they were considering their options, which gives us options,” he said. “There will Mazzeo said, they resurrected a plan he had also be a relationship with Mazzeo’s, and we previously pursued. may have featured meals from there. We also “Several years ago, I had wanted to buy expect to have pizzas.” the building across the road from Mazzeo’s He said the selections will evolve over BERKSHIRE 413.528.6000 | BRADLEY 4 1 3-448 -8253 for a small takeout place, but it did not work time. “We’ll see what works and what people ∙ ∙ out,” he said. “This was an opportunity to want, and we’ll make adjustments as we go 8 BANK ROW PITTSFIELD, MA 01201 ∙ berkshirebradley.com do that at the site of Mazcot’s.” along,” he said.u Employee Discount MetLife Auto & Home®

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Inspired by the number of small, indepen- dent gyms that have opened in and around Pittsfield over the past few years, Dunn said Sometimes you that last autumn he began wondering whether have to be in going out on his own should be his next move. “I thought: ‘What am I waiting for? Why favor of what's am I selling myself short?’” he said. about to happen. Before taking that step, however, Dunn started beefing up his professional creden- tials. He earned additional certifications as a personal trainer from the American College of Sports Medicine, as a nutrition coach from the National Academy of Sports Medicine and as a coach from the U.S. Powerlifting Association, among others. In March, the coronavirus pandemic prompted the statewide shutdown of nones- sential businesses, including fitness facilities, which left Dunn without a place to work with his clients. It also left him with no source of income, since the extension of unemployment benefits to contract workers did not kick in until a few months later. This convergence of circumstances led Dunn to move his plans for starting his own fitness facility to the front burner. After working in other locations for several years, personal trainer Ray Dunn has established his own Shortly after the shutdown took effect, fitness facility, Thunderdome Strength and Conditioning, at 222 Elm St. in Pittsfield. Dunn sought counseling from Keith Girouard with the Berkshire office of the Massachu- especially those who had been meeting setts Small Business Development Center. with him for outdoor sessions over the past “Keith helped me write a business plan and months. “These people have supported me to reinforce my vision of what I wanted to all through the summer,” he said. develop,” he said. Although he is working by appointment Among other things, Girouard also only, Dunn is putting in long days to accom- encouraged Dunn to begin looking for modate that limitation, with Thunderdome Your business has a plan. locations for his business. “Finding space currently being open weekdays from 4:30 became a big challenge,” said Dunn, noting a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 6 a.m. to noon So should your IT. that he looked at more than 20 potential and Sundays 8 a.m. to noon. “The morning locations for Thunderdome over the course is the busiest time for me,” he said. of several months. Still in his first few weeks of business when As spring progressed and weather im- interviewed, Dunn said he is optimistic that proved, Dunn started meeting with some of the logistical challenges of doing business his existing clients on a one-on-one basis in during the pandemic will be manageable. Expect more. outdoor settings such as the yards at their “I’ve just got to find out everybody’s schedule homes or at local parks. and make sure that it works for them and that He also applied for and received a $17,000 they want to come back,” he said. low-interest economic disaster loan from He is also aware that conditions may the SBA which went toward the purchase change for the worse in the months ahead in of equipment and other startup costs for terms of COVID infection rates. “You just Thunderdome. don’t know what’s going to happen – will In early July, fitness centers were among there be another lockdown,” he said. “So I’m 413-499-0607 1 Fenn Street businesses allowed to reopen (with restric- preparing by saving rent for six months to 800-207-1926 Pittsfield, MA tions) under the state’s phased reopening see me through whatever happens.”u plan. However, Dunn had yet to find the compuworks.biz right space for his business. “I was getting nervous,” he said, adding that equipment was on order and he had no place to put it. In mid-August he learned that the space at 222 Elm St. was available. “Multiple people told me about it,” he said. “It was perfect for what I needed and was only three minutes from where I live.” On a fortuitous note, it turned out the build- ing was owned by Dave Coco, operator of Dave’s Driving School in the same complex, and a former member of the spin class that Dunn led at Berkshire Nautilus. E LE VATI NG “That was a great coincidence,” said Dunn, adding that he and Coco quickly worked out a lease agreement. Within a few weeks, the YOUR initial equipment was in place, and Dunn was ready to open the doors to Thunderdome. “It’s still a work in progress,” he said CAREER of the space’s setup. “I’ll be adding more [equipment] and making other changes as we go along.” STARTS WITH FURTHERING YOUR EDUCATION. Thunderdome offers a range of fitness- related training and counseling services. There are also various packages and payment options available (go to www.thunderdo- mestrengthandconditioning.com for details). Dunn said he sees Thunderdome (551-264- 3370) serving a client base of between 75 and 100 people a week when conditions return to normal. In the current covid environment, he said, that will likely be somewhat lower in WE MAKE THAT the 45 to 60 range. “Right now everything is in flux,” he said. “I plan to go slowly until AS SIMPLE AND we get into the new year.” While he is welcoming new clients, Dunn FLEXIBLE AS POSSIBLE. said the main focus since opening is on meeting the needs of his existing clients,

email your firm’s news

and announcements to: 413-662-5409 [email protected] mcla.edu/continuingeducation 6 BERKSHIRE TRADE & COMMERCE NOVEMBER 2020 FRONT pages

Lever is now accepting applications for the The annual meeting of the Community De- The Berkshire Bank Foundation has an- BUSINESS Mohawk Trail Entrepreneur Challenge (MTEC), velopment Corporation of South Berkshires nounced that, due to the unprecedented impact of which seeks entrepreneurs building regional busi- (CDCSB), will be held on Oct. 28 at 8:30 a.m., the COVID-19 pandemic, it has contributed more nesses that will create jobs in the Mohawk Trail via zoom conference. The board of directors en- than $1 million to collaborative efforts supporting Update region. One business owner will receive $25,000 courages interested parties to attend this meeting. nonprofit organizations responding to community- to advance their project. To qualify, entrepreneurs For more information and the zoom link, contact: based needs. The total relief provided is in addition Community Health Programs (CHP) has re- or their businesses must be located in the Mohawk [email protected]. to the foundation’s $3 million total annual grant ceived a state grant to expand its health insurance Trail Woodlands Partnership (MTWP) member budget. Organizations supported in Berkshire enrollment team to assist more area residents. towns of Adams, Ashfield, Charlemont, Cheshire, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts County through Berkshire Bank Foundation’s The two-year, $150,000 Massachusetts Health Clarksburg, Conway, Heath, Leyden, Monroe, (MCLA) and Berkshire Community College contributions include Construct Inc., Chabad of Insurance Navigator Grant grows the current New Ashford, North Adams, Rowe, Shelburne, (BCC) have signed a new articulation agreement, the Berkshires, 1Berkshire Strategic Alliance health insurance navigator staff from two to four Peru, Windsor or Williamstown. Examples of creating a pathway for students who complete Foundation and Berkshire United Way, among positions. It also supports free “pre-enrollment” qualifying businesses include woodland-related BCC’s associate degree in early childhood educa- others. “The COVID-19 pandemic has affected insurance information services at CHP through tourism, woodcraft, and woodland-derived tion to enroll in MCLA’s liberal arts degree comple- our local communities in ways that no one could Oct. 31, ahead of the state’s open enrollment natural products. Preference will be given to tion program in children, families and society. This have predicted, and the economic impact has cre- period, which runs Nov. 1 to Jan. 23. The pre- business ideas that have the potential to attract agreement means that students who qualify will be ated significant challenges for organizations who enrollment period helps consumers to obtain revenues from elsewhere; the potential for swift able to earn their associate’s and bachelor’s degrees help so many every day,” said Matt Emprimo, information, determine eligibility requirements scalability and rapid job creation; an ability to as well as Early Education and Care certifications. the bank’s Berkshire County regional president. and learn about the open enrollment process. identify potential funding sources to support rapid These credentials support requirements of the Mas- “All of us at Berkshire Bank are proud that our CHP’s insurance enrollment programs are open scaling; and business plan ideas that incorporate sachusetts Department of Early Education and Care foundation can provide philanthropic support to to all Massachusetts residents, not only to pa- resilience to climate change. Funding for the (DEEC). This pathway can also result in a Lead help struggling families and businesses, not only tients of CHP. Health insurance counseling takes MTEC comes via a grant from the Baker-Polito Teacher Certification from the DEEC. here in Berkshire County, but across our entire place one-on-one by phone, online, or in person. Administration, which awarded $225,000 in total footprint.” The foundation’s grants this year have Meanwhile, CHP’s health insurance enrollment grant funding to Lever and eight municipalities EforAll Berkshire County and 1Berkshire, supported community-based organizations to help staff will be attending outreach events at various in the MTWP region. “The conservation of the with support from the Pittsfield Economic Rede- local families in the areas of affordable and safe locations, such as area food banks, churches and Commonwealth’s forests is critical to meet our velopment Corporation (PERC), are organizing housing, food security, health supplies, students at CHP’s mobile health unit sites. For information ambitious target of net zero emissions by 2050,” “The Empower Hour+: Make Your Business in distress, and assistance to small businesses who or to schedule an insurance counseling appoint- said Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Happen,” an innovative event to help business have been negatively impacted by COVID-19. The ment, contact [email protected] or Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “We are startups that will be held virtually on Oct. 29 foundation has also allowed nonprofits to utilize call 413-717-6268. pleased to support the work of Lever Inc. to drive from 5 to 7 p.m. The program is limited to 25 funds given for specific programs to help cover $PSQPSBUF
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4IPXDBTFT we work toward our shared mission of preserving 15. More information is available on 1Berkshire’s and/or reporting deadlines where needed. “We the unique natural resources within the Mohawk event page: https://bit.ly/3kWCsdd. To apply, go understand our responsibility to do our part to help Trail region for future generations.” Applications to http://bit.ly/empowerhourapply the most vulnerable that are being economically will be accepted at www.Leverinc.org on a rolling impacted by the COVID-19 crisis,” said Berkshire basis until this Challenge is filled. Entrepreneurs The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center is now Bank Acting President and CEO Sean Gray, who are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for open for screened programming to limited capacity also serves as president of the foundation’s board. priority consideration. A virtual information audiences. “The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center’s “Our response has been guided by our Be First session for prospective applicants will be held at founding vision was to create a cultural hub that values and by our caring for those families and noon on Oct. 14. For more information about the never stops, and we have taken that year-round small businesses in the communities where we MovieQuietRe-opening Generators under COVID-19? MTEC, contact Jade Schnauber at jschnauber@ mandate to heart during these constricted times,” work and live who need help now.” TemporarySocial power Distancing without the at noiseits best leverinc.org or 413-346-4840. said Executive Director Janis Martinson. “Offering or nuisance - for special events, working in movies and HD screenings to small audiences is The City of Pittsfield is requesting public Salisbury Bank has joined the American one way we fulfill our promise to keep bringing input for its draft Bicycle Facilities Master Plan, noise-sensitiveNew line environments, of temporary pipe Bankers Association (ABA) and banks across the the performing arts to our region.” In preparation which aims to establish a safe, comfortable and lm/videoand locations. drape dividers with nation in launching a first-of-its-kind, industry- for receiving audiences, the Mahaiwe has cleaned connected bicycle network throughout the city that wide campaign to educate consumers about the and serviced its medical-grade HEPA-filtered air is accessible to people of all ages and abilities. clear vinyl shields persistent threat of phishing scams. The Federal management system, conducted thorough clean- “With this project, the City of Pittsfield is taking t
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Trade Commission estimates that consumers lost ing and staff training, and installed directional a significant step in its steadfast commitment to -JHIUJOH $1.48 billion to phishing schemes in 2018, and the signage. In accordance with the state’s COVID-19 plan and implement a safe and accessible city-wide ongoing pandemic has only increased the threat. regulations, capacity will be limited to 25 people network for people who bike for various reasons t
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%SBQF campaign uses attention-grabbing humor and larger than 10. Social distancing measures will be said City Planner CJ Hoss. “The development of other engaging content to empower consumers implemented to ensure the safety of all patrons, this master plan will be a collaborative process, t
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4PMVUJPOT to identify bogus bank communications asking including limited access to the lobby and within the and we are seeking to hear from the community.” for sensitive information like their passwords theater. Masks will be required at all times. Tickets The Bicycle Facilities Master Plan will allow t
(FOFSBUPST and Social Security numbers. Participating banks will be electronically scanned upon entrance for the city to develop a long-term citywide vision across the country launched the campaign on Oct. touchless admission. Hand sanitizing stations will for a bicycle network and grow beyond a “one- 1 to mark the beginning of National Cybersecurity be positioned in the lobby for use upon entrance street-at-a-time” planning approach, Hoss said. Awareness Month. Throughout the month, Salis- or when needed. Concessions will not be sold, and The city has retained Kittleson and Associations bury Bank will share eye-catching and engaging no outside food or drink is allowed in the theater. Inc., a nationally renowned transportation focused Limelight Productions, Inc short videos, animated GIFs and consumer tips Two clean and sanitized restrooms will be acces- consulting firm, to lead this project. A link to the 
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 on social media and in bank branches designed sible from the lobby. Tickets must be purchased plan, as well as an interactive map and public Classrooms • Cafeterias to highlight common phishing schemes. “We in advance at mahaiwe.org or by calling 413-528- input survey, which is open through Oct. 30, can 1-413-243-4950Restaurants • Hair Salons are happy to join efforts with our colleagues at 0100 Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 4 be found on the home page of the city’s website, www.LimelightProductions.com ABA and participate in this campaign,” said Rick p.m. Tickets will not be sold physically at the Box www.cityofpittsfield.org, under “Hot Topics.” A Cantele, president and CEO at Salisbury Bank Office. The lobby will open 15 minutes prior to public meeting will be held via Zoom at 6 p.m. on and Trust Company. “As we see an increase in show times. Mahaiwe staff will admit people one Oct. 21; a link will be posted on this page during the number of consumers who fall victim to im- group at a time, with individual groups limited to the week of Oct. 12. poster calls, emails and messages, it is extremely 10 people, by state regulation. Groups intending important for them to recognize the red flags to sit together are asked to arrive together. Seating For the third consecutive year, Massachusetts associated with phishing scams and protect their will be assigned by Mahaiwe staff upon admittance College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is ranked as a personal information.” to ensure safe social distancing. Top Ten College by U.S. News and World Report. MCLA ranks as No. 9 on the organization’s list of top public colleges and also appears on its list of Top National Liberal Arts Colleges. The col- lege also is ranked among the top 50 public and The Berkshire Block private schools on U.S. News’ Top Performers on 321 Main Street • Great Barrington Social Mobility list, which measures how well Available in various sizes schools graduate students who receive federal Easy setup – no tools required Pell Grants, typically awarded to students whose families make less than $50,000. Only eight other For rental use or for purchase public colleges are ranked higher than MCLA in this list. “The Commonwealth is lucky to have an institution like MCLA and we are proud of this achievement and the impact MCLA has on our community,” said Gov. Charlie Baker. “As the Commonwealth’s public liberal arts college, MCLA has demonstrated enormous commitment to access, equity, and academic excellence. MCLA is a key partner in driving the economy of the Berkshires and sustaining Massachusetts’ national leadership in higher education.” MCLA has appeared on U.S. News’ list of top public Brand new, high-end office space for rent colleges for eight of the last 10 years. “I am especially proud that MCLA has continued to be in downtown Great Barrington ranked among the nation’s top public schools,” said MCLA President James Birge. “This year, • 224 to 589 sq. ft. available • Large waiting room during a pandemic, in addition to providing a COVID-19 Ga er Tape for sale • From $1,064 to $2,847 per month • Elevator high-quality education, we were able to distrib- • Prime downtown location • Central HVAC ute more than $257,000 to students who found themselves in dire economic circumstances due to Available in strips or rolls • Shared conference room • Move-in ready (furniture not included) COVID-19 through the MCLA Resiliency Fund. MCLA was also awarded a federal TRIO grant, Virtual tour at https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=uZa4s5RgTHW which will provide $1.3 million to enhance our Limelight Productions, Inc. support for under-resourced students for the next 471 Pleasant Street, Lee, MA 01238 CONTACT: Glenn Langenback, Property Director five years. These grant activities will enhance 413-243-4950 or 800-243-4950 MCLA’s commitment to equity for our students Tel: 413.236.5957 • Cell: 413.464.4211 • Email: [email protected] by providing support services to help students www.limelightproductions.com www.berkshireblock.com achieve their academic goals.” NOVEMBER 2020 BERKSHIRE TRADE & COMMERCE 7 news & notes from the region

Berkshire Money Management (BMM) North Adams Dental Center has opened in The Nonprofi t Center of the Berkshires (NPC) has committed $30,000 to sponsoring the BETA Suite 102 of the Northern Berkshire Ambulatory is hosting several upcoming educational events (Berkshire E-Talent Accelerator) pilot program at Care Center at 77 Hospital Ave. The full-service for nonprofi ts aimed at supporting organizations Every creature in the Pittsfi eld-basedBerkshire Innovation Center practice, which opened on Oct. 5, is owned an during these challenging times. The fi rst is a Zoom the desert takes from (BIC). Open to high school juniors, seniors and operated by Olugbenga Akinsanya, DDS, who roundtable discussion on pivoting programs and the Joshua Tree until recent graduates countywide, BETA is an experi- comes to North Adams from Main Street Dental operations during the pandemic on Oct. 14 from ential learning program that will expose students to Practice in Waterville, Maine. He is joined at 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Registration is free but the tree crumbles into local STEM career opportunities (September 2020 North Adams Dental Center by Lwin Myint, DDS, participants must sign up beforehand. On Oct. 20, the earth. BT&C). The goal of the program is to immerse who has relocated to the Berkshires from Florida. donor research expert Roger Magnus will host vir- students in fundamentals critical to these career The practice is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 tual “offi ce hours” to help nonprofi ts gain insights paths and teach them to utilize the advanced equip- p.m. Drs. Akinsanya and Myint are accepting into their donors to discover how much they might ment and community mentors available through new patients, including dental emergencies. For be willing to give and ways to engage them. At- the BIC. There were more than 40 applicants for an appointment or additional information, call tendees should bring donor names and addresses the fall module, of whom 20 were selected to 413-346-4242. to their one-hour Zoom appointment, which costs participate. “The pool of applicants was so diverse $25 for NPC members and $45 for nonmembers. and their responses to the application questions Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) Fundraising consultant Phil Deely will lead a two- were absolutely compelling,” said BMM Commu- has been recognized by Vermont Business Maga- part webinar on Oct. 26 and Nov. 2 to support and nity Development Director Nichole Dupont, who zine as one of Vermont’s Best Places to Work in enhance the work of small and mid-sized organi- was on the selection committee. “What became 2020. It is SVHC’s sixth consecutive year as an zations facing immediate challenges precipitated very clear while going through the applications honoree, and SVHC is the only hospital ever to by the COVID crisis. “Fundraising in the Time of is that there is an absolute need for this kind of be named in the contest. For more information COVID: How to Survive, then Thrive” features programming for our young people. And that the on the Best Places to Work in Vermont program, two 90-minute sessions examining fundraising pandemic has deeply impacted their lives, prob- visit www.bestplacestoworkinvt.com. fundamentals, facilitating internal coordination ably forever, and yet they continue to fi nd ways and planning, engaging board members and allies, to traverse unimaginable obstacles.” The fi rst Pittsfi eld’s Community Preservation Com- and enhancing donor relations. Participants will BETA-1 program, which will run from Oct. 12 to mittee has scheduled a public hearing at 6 p.m. develop their own institution-specifi c development Nov. 24 (after school), will be separated into four on Oct. 19 for comments related to the use of plan including a timeline and necessary action verticals: advanced manufacturing and material Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds and steps. The cost is $25 for NPC members and $40 science, software and programming, electronics the city’s priorities in relation to the Community for nonmembers. For more information and to and electrical engineering, and IT and security. Preservation Plan. The public hearing will be held register, visit npcberkshires.org.u Students will receive a $1,500 stipend for their virtually via Zoom. Participation instructions are participation. At the conclusion of the program, included with the meeting agenda on the city’s each student team will present their projects to website, www.cityofpittsfi eld.org. The committee a panel of judges. Each member of the winning will provide an overview of the fi rst three years team will receive a scholarship prize. Project work in operation and welcomes public participation to and presentations will be captured digitally and understand community priorities as it begins year archived on the virtual collaboration platform and three of soliciting potential projects for funding. on the BIC website. The Community Preservation Committee has also announced that the Project Eligibility Application 24 Hour Monitoring & Emergency Service The Pittsfield Council on Aging is now process for a new year of CPA funds is now open. hosting new and modifi ed congregate meal site Eligibility Project Applications are due by 3 p.m. • SECURITY & FIRE ALARMS • CUSTOM DESIGNS • INTRUSION DETECTION offerings at the Ralph J. Froio Senior Center on Nov. 6. A link to the Community Preservation • TALKING MEDICAL PENDANTS • HEAT LOSS MONITORING • FREE ESTIMATES at 330 North St. The new model offers two seat- Plan and eligibility application can be found ings for seniors at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m., Monday through the Community Preservation Committee 326 Springside Ave., Pitts eld, MA MA Lic. #1489C • NY Lic. #12000184861 through Friday. “We are acutely aware of the page on the city’s website. For more information, 413-445-4030 • 800-370-2525 www.alarmsofberkshirecounty.com impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had call CJ Hoss, city planner, at 413-499-9366 or on food insecurity and social isolation for our email at choss@cityofpittsfi eld.org. senior community,” said Jim Clark, executive director of the Pittsfi eld Council on Aging. “By The Berkshire Business & Professional Allendale Shopping Center offering this modifi ed plan, our hope is that our Women’s annual fund-raiser, the Woman of seniors will be able to enjoy a healthy meal and Achievement Gala, raised $27,890, the largest Retail & Commercial Space Available socialize for a brief period in a safe and friendly amount to date. All proceeds of the event go to- setting.” Guests are required to make reservations ward the BBPW Career Advancement Scholarship SIZES & OPTIONS TO SUIT YOUR BUSINESS at least 24 hours in advance and must indicate Fund, which this fall is awarding scholarships Convenient Free Parking • Bus Stop at Entrance • Flexible Lease Terms which seating they will attend. Patrons will not ranging from $500 to $1,000 to 24 applicants, who be allowed to attend without a reservation. Maxi- are pursuing degrees and certifi cations. The gala, FOR LEASING INFORMATION CONTACT: mum capacity per seating is 20 people. Masks held Sept. 21 at Balderdash Cellars in Richmond Glenn Langenback • Property Manager are required unless seated at a table, and, once and online, honored Andrea Harrington, the Berk- Tel: 413-236-5957 • Cell: 413-464-4211 • [email protected] seated, patrons cannot move to another table. shires’ fi rst female district attorney, as the 2020 “Take-and-Go” meals are still available for those Woman of Achievement. ALLENDALE SHOPPING CENTER • 5 CHESHIRE ROAD • SUITE 60 • PITTSFIELD, MA 01201 who do not want to gather with other seniors. Meals may be picked up at the center between the Despite interruptions due to the COVID-19 hours of 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Reservations pandemic, 56 trainees completed their training as must be made by noon the previous day. The cost part of the Berkshire Advanced Manufacturing Pro- 2020 GMC Sierra for all meals is a recommended $2 donation for gram. Twenty-one unemployed or underemployed seniors over age 60. For more information or participants received certifi cates of completion to make reservations, contact the Senior Center for their participation in Introduction to Basic at 413-499-9346 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Advanced Manufacturing Skills Training, held at Taconic High School in Pittsfi eld and McCann Tech Old Mill Road Media, a family-owned com- in North Adams. Six trainees completed training pany based in East Arlington, Vt., has acquired in MIG and TIG Welding, held McCann Tech. Berkshire Magazine from TownVibe Publica- The trainings combined classroom, hands-on as tions. Old Mill Road Media is also the publisher well as virtual training through ToolingU online of Vermont Magazine, Vermont News Guide, manufacturing. Trainees received instruction in Stratton Magazine, and Manchester Life, which blueprint reading, shop math, computer aided showcase the communities, people and lifestyle of drafting, CAM, machining, and mill and lathe the region. “The Berkshire region is very special programming, preparing participants to apply for to me,” said Old Mill Road Media’s CEO, Dr. entry-level positions at local manufacturers. In con- Joshua Sherman. “We are genuinely thrilled to junction with the training, participants were given have the Berkshire Magazine team join us and the opportunity to apply for employment through to have Berkshire Magazine join our family of two virtual job fairs sponsored by the MassHire publications.” Berkshire Magazine, which debuted Berkshire Career Center. Additionally, 17 indi- in July 2012, explores the region’s arts, homes, viduals, participated in a one-day Hoisting training McAndrews-King happenings, personalities and attractions. “We which prepared them to take state licensure exams are now in our ninth year, and joining Old Mill in 1A and 3C hoisting. These trainings are part Road Media enables us to connect even more of a $178K state grant awarded to the MassHire Buick GMC Inc. with our cultural organizations and the rest of the Berkshire Workforce Board for FY 2020. As Berkshire community,” said Anastasia Stanmeyer, part of the grant funding, The Workforce Board 224 Columbia St., Rt.8 Adams who has been promoted to the position of editor- was able to offer on-the-job training fi nancial as- in-chief and continues as part of a team that has sistance to area manufacturers. This funding is used (413) 743-0584 been there since the magazine’s inception. “I’m to reduce employers’ cost of supporting the training thrilled to have Joshua and Old Mill Road behind of new hires, particularly in entry-level positions. mcandrewsking.com us to complement and add to what is already an LTI Specialty Glass, Unistress and Valmet took outstanding publication.” advantage of this program. Internet Pricing… Hometown Service BCC WISHES YOU A SIMPLY SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEEN.

CELEBRATING 60 YEARS Visit us online at berkshirecc.edu 8 BERKSHIRE TRADE & COMMERCE NOVEMBER 2020 people on the move news & notes from the region

Berkshire Health Sys- Berkshire Hathaway Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts has tems has announced the Home Services Barn- announced that six new faculty members have appointment of Zachary brook Realty has wel- joined the MCLA community for the college’s fall Long, DO, a fellowship comed two new sales semester. Lisa Arrastia joins MCLA’s Education trained plastic surgeon, agents, Jessie Bennett Department as assistant professor of education. to the medical staff of and Donna Steinert, who With fields of concentration in audioethnography, Berkshire Medical Cen- will handle all facets of critical childhood studies, and critical race theory, ter. Long will serve with real estate for clients in her scholarship investigates the pedagogies of Berkshire Plastic Surgery the Berkshires and New culture, racial capitalism, masculinity, and the of BMC, a new surgical York’s Columbia County. intersections of race, social class, place, and Long practice that opened Aug. Bennett, a native of south- Bennett school. Thomas Burton joins MCLA’s Physics Quinn Young 10 on the sixth floor of the ern Florida, started her Department as an assistant professor of physics. BMC Medical Arts Complex at 777 North St. in career in real estate in New York City in 2009. With a background in Materials Science and Adams Community Pittsfield, where he is accepting new patients in She recently made the transition to the Berkshires, Engineering, his current research interests are in Bank has announced the need of reconstructive surgery. Long completed where she draws on her extensive market knowl- developing thin-film carbide and boride materials election of Sheri Quinn his residency in general surgery at St. Barnabas edge, and years of experience working on the for high temperature systems, as well as building and William Young as Hospital Health System, Bronx, NY. He was management side of real an undergraduate vacuum systems curriculum. trustees, and Eleonore fellowship trained in plastic and reconstructive estate, which included Whitney Gecker joins MCLA’s Department of Velez and David Bis- surgery at St. Barnabas Hospital Health System, training and on-boarding Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work as saillion as corporators. with rotations at other institutions, including Ja- new agents. Steinert, who an assistant professor of social work. Whitney’s Quinn is a certified public cobi Medical Center, Montefiore Medical Center grew up and currently research interests center on the experiences and accountant (CPA) at Fen- and Westchester Medical Center, N.Y. lives in Lenox, has held social development of teenagers, with a particular ton Quinn PC, a local firm varying senior leadership focus on the inheritance of privilege in shaping that provides financial Velez Kristina Kisiel, a spe- roles within the healthcare a young person’s understanding of inequality. guidance to both individ- cialist in trust and estate and human resources Sharon Head joins MCLA’s Education Depart- uals and businesses. Her planning and administra- industries over the last ment as an assistant professor of special education. expertise ranges from tax tion, has joined Almgren Steinert 20 years, most recently Head worked for 15 years as a special educator services for individuals, Law as an associate attor- as regional vice president in rural and urban settings. She has expertise in trusts, partnerships, and ney. Licensed to practice for a large dialysis provider. Her desire to become literacy instruction, positive behavior supports, corporations to more in Massachusetts, New more deeply connected to her community and and trauma-responsive teaching. Sudipto Sarkar in-depth services such York and Maine, Kisiel share her passion for life in the Berkshires led joins MCLA’s Business Administration Depart- as financial statements, brings two decades of Steinert to pursue a career in real estate and join ment as an assistant professor of marketing. His advisory services and multifaceted experience Barnbrook Realty. research interests include pricing, services market- tax planning. Young is to Almgren Law, a firm Kisiel ing, consumer behavior, marketing strategy, and the chief information of- that specializes in elder Dana Robb has been consumer privacy. J. Antonio Templanza joins ficer at Berkshire Health Bissaillon law, estate and tax planning, and life care planning. appointed to the position MCLA’s English and Communications Depart- Systems, where he has Kisiel worked in the trusts and estates department of assistant vice presi- ment as an assistant professor of early modern developed an information technology strategy of a New York City firm before moving to the dent and small business literature, teaching courses on early modern that includes a new state-of-the-art electronic Berkshires. She continued her estate planning manager for the lend- British literature, academic writing, and literary health system for both hospital-employed consulting with New York firms while working as ing division of Pittsfield theory. His research interests include the histories and community-based physicians across the practice manager of Berkshire Osteopathic Health, Cooperative Bank. Robb of science and philosophy, post-colonial studies, Berkshires. Velez is an admissions counselor and then returned full-time to the practice of law. joins the bank with many and queer/feminist cultural critique. and coordinator of the Multicultural Center at years of experience in the Berkshire Community College, where she has Brian Astorino, banking industry, includ- Southwestern Vermont assumed a leadership role in promoting a wel- CRPC, a Chartered Re- ing working for Berkshire Robb Medical Center (SVMC) coming and engaging campus for students from tirement Planning Coun- Bank for over 15 years. In has welcomed Julie Di- ethnically and culturally diverse backgrounds. selor and a longtime his new role, Robb will be responsible for business Sano, MD, to Dartmouth- Bissaillion is a certified insurance counselor LPL Financial Advisor development including acquisition, retention and Hitchcock Putnam Medi- at Smith Brothers-McAndrews Insurance. He at Greylock Investment expansion of new relationships with small busi- cal Group and SVMC joined the agency in 2011, and became president Group, has been pro- nesses. He will be based at the bank’s 70 South General Surgery. DiSano and owner in 2019. moted to vice president. St. office in Pittsfield. received her medical de- Astorino, who develops gree from University at Jacob’s Pillow has long-term financial strat- Two new officers have been elected to the Buffalo School of Medi- expanded its curatorial board of directors of Ventfort Hall Mansion and cine & Biomedical Sci- Astorino egies for credit union DiSano team with newly estab- members and clients, is Gilded Age Museum: Susan Moyle Lynch as ences in Buffalo, N.Y. She lished positions, naming based at Greylock Federal Credit Union’s Merrill secretary/clerk, and Karen Spies as treasurer. completed her residency in General Surgery at Melanie George and Road office in Pittsfield. Astorino joined Greylock Officers re-elected were Kelly Blau, president; Pennsylvania State College of Medicine and Penn Ali Rosa-Salas associ- Investment Group in 2009 and has been in the and Holly Dobbins, vice president. Joining the State Hershey Medical Center. She completed a ate curators. This role industry for 18 years. board are new members Kate Baisley, Geoffrey research fellowship in Surgical Oncology Mela- is designed to broaden Brown and Helen Charboneau. Baisley is also noma Laboratory, Department of Surgery, at the the pool of dance artists Berkshire Country Day School has announced a volunteer docent at Ventfort Hall. Charboneau, Pennsylvania State College of Medicine. the Pillow regularly sup- the hiring of Kate Skivington as dean of academ- who recently retired and relocated to Pittsfield, George ports, strengthen the Pil- ics. Skivington brings a background in educational was formerly the IT director at the Wellesley Free Four leaders were recognized for their ef- low’s ability to identify technology, tutoring, classroom management, cur- Library in Wellesley. Brown is the son of the late forts at the Sept. 10 quarterly meeting of the new voices in the field, and increase the perspec- riculum development and elementary education Dr. Robert and Marcia Brown, and the family has MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board. Pittsfield tives involved in programmatic decision-making to her new role with BCD, where she will focus been involved in the restoration of Ventfort Hall Mayor Linda Tyer received the 2020 Workforce at the organization. In the new curatorial posi- on supporting the faculty in the development and since the beginning. Ambassador award for her long-standing support tions, George and Rosa-Salas will work closely implementation of curriculum. Skivington has of MassHire activities, engagement in business with Jacob’s Pillow Executive and Artistic Direc- conducted technology-teacher workshops on how Big Y Foods Inc. has discussions, and for her commitment to support- tor Pamela Tatge and Producing Director Ariana to integrate technology into classrooms, as well announced the appoint- ing workforce programming in the Berkshires. Massery to identify, research and engage with a as introducing new software, apps, 3D printers, ment of Stephen Creed to Melanie Herzig, business services representa- wide breadth of local, national, and international robots, and online resources for both student and the new position of senior tive with the MassHire Berkshire Career Center, dance artists, review and contemplate program- teacher use. director of distribution received the 2020 Workforce Professional Award. ming choices, and discuss curatorial approaches and logistics. Creed has She was recognized for going above and beyond to their presentation. George is an educator, over 40 years of experi- in assisting businesses and organizations through dramaturg, choreographer, scholar and certified ence in the distribution the Berkshires with their workforce needs. The movement analyst. She is the founder of Jazz industry, mostly within 1Berkshire Team received the COVID-19 Innova- Is… Dance Project and the supermarket realm. tors Award for creating programming and support a scholar-in-residence This includes working systems during the pandemic that helped business Creed at Jacob’s Pillow. Cur- from 2005 to 2019 with connect and thrive. Brian Morrison, Berkshire rently, she is a visiting Associated Grocers of New England, where his Workforce Board member, received the Social professor at Cornish Col- most recent position was senior vice president Media Superhero award for always supporting lege of the Arts. Rosa- supply chain management. workforce development social media campaigns. Salas is a curator of live performance, music and visual art. Her approach is rooted in the belief that curatorial practice Rosa-Salas must serve the public I had an emergency. good. Rosa-Salas is currently the director of programming at Abrons Arts Center/Henry Street Settlement, where she curates the Center’s per- I couldn’t reach you. formance and exhibition programming, as well as supports its residency programs. One of many historical I called someone else. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts has properties we protect announced that Mohan Boodram, dean for ad- every day. Keeping customers is always easier than missions and financial aid at the Harvard Gradu- nding new ones! Let our virtual ate School of Arts and Sciences, will chair the receptionist handle your phones college’s board of trustees. Boodram, who has when you can’t. served on MCLA’s board of trustees since 2012, has chaired the board’s Enrollment Management Committee since 2013, and co-chaired the col- lege’s 2016 Presidential Search Committee with former trustee Susan Gold. Boodram has held administrative positions in graduate admissions and financial aid since 1988. In his current role, 1-800-369-3905 he oversees the admissions process for 17,000 www.LeeAudioNSecurity.net (800) 367-7243 BerkshireCommunicators.com applicants to 56 graduate programs, and the dis- MA Lic #1468C • NY Lic #12000022800 tribution of over $200 million in financial aid to 4,500 graduate students each year.u NOVEMBER 2020 BERKSHIRE TRADE & COMMERCE 9

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Every month,Every BERKSHIRE month, B ERKSHIRETRADE & T RADECOMMERCE & COMMERCE takes atakes fresh a freshlook atlook news at and issues news andaffecting issues affecting the local the economy…and local economy…and businesses businesses like yours. like yours. R GOOD R E EA With an assortment of articles covering key sectors of the business TH S With an assortment of articles covering key sectors of the business community,O O N N ERKSHIRE RADE OMMERCE : community,each issue of each BERKSHIRE issue of TRADE B & COMMERCE T is &well-read C by the is region’s well-read business A owners, bymanagers the region’s and professionals…thebusiness owners, managers people you and want professionals…the to reach and want people to do business with.

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‘RIGHT TO REPAIR’ they want, and we need to preserve that These technologies can also store and send “Question 1 is backed by major national choice and not have it taken away.” detailed and real-time information about retail auto-parts businesses who want to be Opponents of Question 1 counter that, a driver’s behavior – such as their driving able to collect your data to sell to third par- Question 1 puts instead of protecting consumers, it would habits, specifi c routes they travel, locations ties, and increase their profi ts for Wall Street make them more vulnerable to misuse of they visit, and other personal details. investors,” Yunits said. range of complex their personal information. They contend Potentially, this can be gathered and Among other anti-consumer uses, he said, the new law would enable abuse of customer combined with data from other sources to it could be sold to auto insurers to raise rates information for commercial exploitation. It create more detailed or deny claims. issues on ballot could also be used by stalkers and criminals profi les about individu- “This is really about the se- Not surprisingly, for more nefarious purposes. als and their lifestyles curity and privacy of vehicle Hickey of the Right BY JOHN TOWNES “Question 1 is not really about access to and habits. This could to Repair Coalition Anyone who has watched more than a half- information required to repair vehicles,” said be sold to marketers owners. Under the system said that is a mischar- hour of television in recent weeks has most Conor Yunits, spokesperson for the Coalition or provided to govern- that would be required by acterization. He said likely seen the dueling ad campaigns over for Safe and Secure Data, which is opposing ment agencies. Question 1, your private data that national auto-parts Question 1, which is on the Massachusetts the measure. “The Right to Repair is already More ominously, ac- retailers are involved, ballot this year. settled law and protects that. Those protec- cording to opponents, would be available to be col- but Question 1 is sup- Also known as the “Right to Repair” tions will remain in effect whether this ballot this data could make it lected and sold or stolen by ported by a much wider law, the referendum would require that question succeeds or not.” easier for sexual preda- coalition. “It’s really vehicles manufactured after 2022 and sold “This is really about the security and privacy tors or other violent third parties.” the automotive after- in Massachusetts which use “telematics” of vehicle owners,” he continued. “Under the criminals to identify victims in vulnerable market versus the auto-making industry,” systems to collect information also include system that would be required by Question locations, or enable thieves to determine he said. an open-access platform. This would be a 1, your private data would be available to be when a homeowner is out of the house. They He said the aftermarket includes national non-proprietary system that would make all collected and sold or stolen by third parties.” contend it can also be used to gain access to and local independent auto-parts retailers data accessible to the owner and any repair Based on the proliferation of television ads, home security, such as the codes to garage and repair shops, as well as manufacturers facility or dealer the owner chooses. both sides have deep pockets. The amount door openers. of new and repurposed parts. Question 1 touches on numerous issues they are investing to either support or defeat At worst, they warn, the technology could “They all rely on each other,” he said. and larger concerns about personal privacy, Question 1 indicates that the stakes are high. be used to control the vehicle itself, and even “Without protections like Question 1, the cybersecurity, technology and competition. deliberately cause accidents. aftermarket could be eviscerated, and con- At the same time, it also involves nuances Keeping up with technology sumers would lose their ability to choose.” that cannot be summarized in a sound bite. The basic purpose of Question 1, and the Repair shops vs auto makers? While generally referred as the Right to surrounding controversies, are not new. While these are the concerns underlying Original law outdated Repair Law, it is actually a proposed updating Over the past several decades, as vehicles the current ballot issue, Question 1 has also Hickey said that Question 1 is necessary and amending of the original Right to Repair have become computerized, their diagnosis been portrayed as a contest – with indepen- because the original law is becoming outdated Law, which was adopted in Massachusetts and repair have come to rely more on elec- dent car repair shops and the principles of as technology moves forward. in 2013 after receiving 86-percent voter ap- tronics and sensors than mechanical probing. competitive free enterprise and consumer “Back in 2012 telematic devices were not proval in a referendum in 2012. In the fi rst generation of this, the infor- choice on one side, and monopolistic auto common in vehicles,” he said. “Although According to the ads and other campaign mation about condition and performance is makers who want to control the market on that was a concern for the future, it was not material, the choice collected by sensors the others, addressed in the original law. But today, 90 for voters is clear – but “Without Question 1, con- that can be accessed While there are elements of truth to these percent of newer vehicles have some sort of contradictory. sumers and independent by plugging diagnostic portrayals, the motives and actual sources of wireless communications. That’s the trend, Supporters of Ques- equipment into physi- support are not that clear cut. and eventually the ODB ports will become tion 1 contend the up- repair services and dealers cal ports on the car. Yunits, of the Coalition for Safe and outmoded.” dates to the existing will not have access to the The purpose of the Secure Data, freely acknowledges that his Telematics can improve the process of law are necessary to information from emerging original Right to Repair organization is primarily supported by the diagnosing and repairing vehicles, he said. enable independent Law in 2012 was to auto-making industry. However, if repair shops don’t have a way repair businesses to technologies on vehicles.” ensure that this infor- “The auto industry is clearly and openly to access this wireless data, they won’t be continue to diagnose and repair vehicles. mation would continue to be available to against this referendum,” he said. “But it’s able to keep up with trends in technology Without this their ability to work on vehicles all repair shops, dealers or others with a not to gain a monopoly over repairs. Their and the market. would become increasingly restricted, and legitimate need for it. revenue comes from making and selling “It’s like limiting a telephone company to owners would eventually have to take their The 2012 referendum went through a pro- vehicles, not repairs. It’s in their best interest land lines and phone booths, when the public vehicles to more expensive authorized cess of negotiation and compromise before it for their customers to be able to maintain and has moved on to cell phones,” he said. dealers and service facilities controlled by was adopted into law. One point of contention repair their vehicles wherever they want, as Hickey said privacy and data collection auto makers. was that it did not address telematics, which easily and inexpensively as possible.” is not really the issue. “Without Question 1, consumers and refers to devices that use Bluetooth and other Yunits said they oppose the current refer- “This is only about mechanical informa- independent repair services and dealers will wireless technologies to communicate data. endum because they don’t want to be forced tion necessary to diagnose and repair the not have access to the information from However, as technology has continued to to install potentially dangerous systems that car,” he said. “The ability to distribute any emerging technologies on vehicles,” said evolve, these onboard systems have become can be abused in a variety of ways. other type of data from a vehicle is beyond Tommy Hickey, director of the Massachu- more sophisticated. Their information can “The danger is not legitimate diagnostic the scope of this.” setts Right to Repair Committee. “Consum- also be transmitted through Bluetooth and tools and data,” he said. “This won’t affect Richard Jones, owner of Al’s Auto Body ers have been getting their cars fi xed where other wireless technology. whether your local mechanic will be able to Works in Williamstown and a supporter of work on your car. It’s about protecting per- Question 1, noted that a related issue is the sonal data and preventing risks like hacking. ability of service people to do their work If this passes, it would require auto makers independently. to support an open platform that can easily “For example, I can do everything that’s be tapped into by anyone and lead to misuse required to repair an airbag system in a car,” of information.” he said. “But for some makes and models, I Yunits also contended that the driving have to take the time to drive it to an autho- forces behind the referendum are not actually rized dealer and pay to have the indicator local auto repair shops and auto-parts busi- reset. It’s a simple process and we should nesses. He claimed that the motives behind be able to do that ourselves.” the referendum are not as benign as they are Hickey concluded that the purpose of being portrayed. Question 1 is straightforward. “All it does “Independent repair shops are just being is protect the right of owners to have access used as a cover for the real agenda,” he said. to this information and make it available to “Data collection is big business. This is re- those who they choose to work on it,” he said. ally about businesses who want to be able A copy of the initiative is included in the to collect information about you from your offi cial Massachusetts voter information pam- vehicle, and then sell it.” phlet (which is also available online at www. More specifi cally, he said, the primary sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/IFV_2020.pdf). fi nancial supporters of the pro-Question 1 A detailed summary and extensive related campaign are the Auto Care Association information – including the positions of both (ACA) and the Coalition for Auto Repair sides, specifi c donors and amounts, and other Equality (CARE), which are trade associa- details – are available on the nonprofi t, non- tions representing large national auto-parts partisan Ballotpedia: The Online Encyclo- retailers such as O’Reilly Automotive and pedia of American Politics (ballotpedia.org/ Auto Zone. Massachusetts_2020_ballot_measures).u

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mountainone.com Member FDIC | Member DIF 12 BERKSHIRE TRADE & COMMERCE NOVEMBER 2020 SOUNDING board BT&C BERKSHIRE INNOVATION CENTER The promise of the network Ben Sosne is ex- ecutive director of the Berkshire Innovation Publisher BY BEN SOSNE The Berkshire Innovation Center is Center in Pittsfield. Brad Johnson A few weeks ago, Massachusetts Secre- proud to be part of this broad network – and tary of Housing and Economic Develop- proud of the role we played in helping to ment Mike Kennealy was at the Berkshire coordinate the response efforts with manu- Contributing Editor Innovation Center (BIC) for a panel dis- facturing partners in our region. The BIC John Townes cussion as part of the premiere of the first was built to be the hub for innovation and Thanks to their efforts, and the support episode of “Project Frontline,” a multi-part advanced manufacturing in the Berkshires of organizations like Berkshire Bank and Guest Columnist docuseries produced by BIC members and a gateway linking our regional network Berkshire Money Management, the BIC Ben Sosne Boyd Technologies and Digital Eyes Film into the larger web that crosses the state. launched Berkshire E-Talent Accelerator that chronicles the state’s response to the It was good to have Secretary Kennealy (BETA) program this summer and will evolving COVID-19 pandemic. back at the BIC. He was last there on Feb. soon be welcoming our inaugural cohort. Advertising Sales Kennealy and his fellow panelists 28, when we welcomed Governor Charlie A similarly energetic group from the Brad Johnson discussed the critical shortages of PPE, the Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) collapse of supply chains, and the remark- close to 400 other government officials, at Berkshire Community College, who had Circulation Manager ably coordinated effort to a encourage a educators, business and community leaders, been planning a major conference on trans- Tamra Hjermstad statewide manufacturing response to the and area students to the grand opening of formative technologies, came forward eager PPE crisis. With incredible speed, the our brand-new facility. It was a great a day to pivot this vision into a virtual format. commonwealth’s Manufacturing Emergen- at the Innovation Center, and an exciting Thanks to their persistence, the BIC, OLLI cy Response Team (MERT) was able to opportunity for our members and partners and 1Berkshire, as well as our academic activate and connect Massachusetts’ world to introduce themselves and their work to partners, are now in the middle of an eight- BERKSHIRE TRADE & COMMERCE is class health systems, research and academ- people from across the county and across week course we are offering called “The published monthly and delivered free to ic institutions, and private manufacturing the commonwealth. Impact of Transfor- businesses in Berkshire County via third- expertise so that all were working system- As we celebrated The strength and promise mative Technologies class mail. Additional distribution is made atically toward a common goal. The result the opening of our new on Work and Soci- via drop-off at select area newsstands. of the Innovation Center is Subscriptions for home delivery are $30 has been tremendous, with over 11 million home, we did not en- ety,” which features per year (first-class mail). Back issues are pieces of PPE produced to date. vision our first few about far more than a shiny thought leaders from available for $2.50 per copy. The experience in Massachusetts could months of operation new building. our region and from Entire contents are copyright © 2020 and should serve as a model for other states. playing out as they did. around the globe. by BERKSHIRE TRADE & COMMERCE. No That said, Kennealy was quick to point out Indeed, the irony of the situation is diffi- This course, which can be watched live portion may be reproduced without written that the impressive collaboration between cult to miss – we spent years planning and or on demand, is sparking a community permission of the publishers. industry, academia, healthcare profession- designing a world-class facility that would conversation on how new technologies BERKSHIRE TRADE & COMMERCE shall als and government did not just appear be a physical gathering place for innova- such as artificial intelligence, big data, ma- not be liable for failure to publish an ad- vertisement or for typographical errors in overnight. The seeds had been sown over a tion, shared resources and collective learn- chine learning and robotics are impacting publication, except to the extent of the cost decade earlier, with the creation of the Mas- ing, and less than a month after we opened the nature of work and education, and how of the space in which the error first appeared. sachusetts Life Science Center (MLSC), our doors a global pandemic put a hold on we can best harness these technologies for The publishers reserve the right to refuse the quasi-public agency which encourages any live “gatherings” indefinitely. the development of our region. advertising for any reason. innovation and economic development, and On the other hand – as we stressed long Picking up on these same themes, we’ve serves as the hub of the Massachusetts life before the grand opening – the strength been inspired by the newest member of the BERKSHIRE TRADE & COMMERCE science ecosystem. MLSC and its partner and promise of the Innovation Center is BIC, an ed-tech startup called Edgi Learn- PO Box 942 • North Adams, MA 01247 organizations had built a broad network about far more than a shiny new build- ing. Edgi’s goal is to prepare high school over the years, a network that the state was ing. Rather, like our partners in the MLSC students for a rapidly changing world with 413-662-2002 able to instantly activate and mobilize. ecosystem, our belief has always been that engaging and relevant courses offered on a www.btaconline.com we can do more together, and that collabo- dynamic virtual platform. rating and sharing our collective wisdom This fall, the BIC has partnered with will benefit us all. Edgi to offer “Technology and the Future COVID-19 put this core tenet to the of Work,” which is based on a success- test just days after we opened our doors. ful New York University seminar, to high Instead of dissolving, our network grew school students across Berkshire County. – and the connections between members Thanks to the support of our community and the organization strengthened. BIC banking partners – Lee Bank, Adams members used the network to share best Community Bank, MountainOne and practices for navigating the storm, and Pittsfield Cooperative Bank – over 100 came together eager to find ways to sup- students are currently taking the course for Helping Employers Thrive port the recovery of our community and little or no charge. promote business opportunities that could While many of our educational pro- Working to identify and bridge gaps between employer needs stimulate the local economy. The energy, grams have shifted to a virtual format, and the supply of workers enthusiasm and optimism that the mem- there is plenty of activity inside our facil- bers shared was infectious and inspiring. ity. Electro Magnetic Applications, our A group led by Justin McKennon of resident rocket scientists, are completing Helping Youth Succeed Electro Magnetic Applications came the installation of their aerospace test- Providing career awareness, exploration and immersion forward, passionate about developing an ing chamber and are planning to be fully experiential learning program for high operational in early 2021. In response to opportunities to youth ages 14-21 school juniors and seniors interested member needs and industry trends, the ca- in pursuing careers in technology and pabilities of our training center and rapid advanced manufacturing. Other BIC prototyping room are continuing to expand Connecting People with Jobs and Basic Skills members recognized the impact such a and more is on the horizon. Working with our partners to provide specialized programs and program could have on young people in Thanks to a partnership with Digital our community and were quick to volun- Eyes Film, we have converted, at least pathways for our community teer their time and energy. temporarily, our downstairs event room

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commentary STRONG NONPROFITS, STRONG COMMUNITY The Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires (NPC) is a member-based organization that helps nonprofits connect, learn & grow.

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This fall the BIC is partnering with Edgi Learning to offer “Technology and the Future of Work” to area high school students. The course is among several educational initiatives the BIC has launched recently. to “Studio BIC,” a state-of-the-art digital To help them realize this potential, recording and broadcasting studio that can we are expanding our R&D capabili- host and produce compelling virtual and ties, offering access to industry experts, hybrid events. Indeed, from Oct. 19-23 we strengthening our ties to our academic will be hosting Berkshire County STEM partners, and laying the groundwork Week “live from the BIC.” for a robust talent pipeline. We are also COVID-19 has presented enormous engaging our community partners in challenges for our region – for our fami- meaningful conversations about the JOIN NOW! lies, our educators, our students and many future of our region. sectors of our economy. Our work at the With an activated network that supports 40 Railroad Street #10 BIC supports the technology and advanced each other and seeks ways to collaborate, Great Barrington, MA 01230 manufacturing sector, a sector that is well the possibilities are endless. Get involved, positioned to grow, and one that is so criti- join our network, let’s see what we can do npcberkshires.org cal to our county’s economic recovery. together.u

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BerkshireMM.com • (888) 232-6072 Investment in securities, including mutual funds, involves the risk of loss. 14 BERKSHIRE TRADE & COMMERCE NOVEMBER 2020 BANKING & finance Greylock Federal crossing state line with branch construction project Regulators open door to underserved markets in eastern NY, southern VT

BY BRAD JOHNSON After many years of contemplating and planning such a move, Greylock Federal Credit Union has taken its first step to extend its operations beyond the geographic confines of Berkshire County. In doing so, it is also crossing the Massa- chusetts border, with plans for a new branch office in neighboring Columbia County in eastern New York. In July, the credit union held a ground- breaking ceremony for a $2 million 4,200-square-foot office that is being built in Hudson, N.Y. “I’m very excited about the addition of Greylock Federal Credit Union to our com- munity,” said Hudson Mayor Kamal Johnson during remarks at the event. “I have seen the strong community bond Greylock has created in the Berkshires and hope to mirror Rendering of the 4,200-square-foot branch office under construction in Hudson, N.Y., which will be Greylock Federal’s first location outside of Berkshire County. that bond here in Hudson.” Other participants in the golden shovel commitment to investing even more deeply that part of the credit union’s mission is to market share,” he said. “But do you actu- ceremony included Columbia County in the Hudson community, and we are grate- recognize gaps in services in a community ally talk to folks about how they’re doing? Chamber of Commerce President and CEO ful for the enthusiasm and support we have and then work to provide those services. About whether they need help with things Jeffrey Hunt, who noted that his organization been shown.” “That’s one of the things that Greylock does like building credit or even getting a check- has been working with Greylock Federal for In a subsequent interview with BERKSHIRE well, and that’s how we grow,” he said. “We ing account?” more than a year through the research stage TRADE & COMMERCE, heard from community He pointed to various factors that contribute of the project. Bissell discussed in “We’re not doing it to members loud and clear to this dynamic, such as language barriers for “We are excited to welcome Greylock greater depth the credit gain market share. We’re that they wanted these many members of the immigrant community, Federal Credit Union to the State of New union’s decision to services.” as well as “systemic racism and systemic clas- York and, more importantly, to our great establish a physical doing it because it’s a big While banking ser- sism” that create barriers for people of color county,” said Hunt. “Needless to say, these presence in eastern part of our mission.” vices might seem plen- and those at lower income levels. are unprecedented times, and for Greylock New York, and how tiful in and around the “We have to look at that, and then we have to build in and invest in Columbia County, that move affects Greylock Federal’s com- small city of Hudson, Bissell noted that not to figure out how to overcome those barriers,” despite the global pandemic, speaks volumes mitment to its home base in the Berkshires. everyone in a given community has the same he said. “We’re not doing it to gain market to their commitment to our community.” “There are several aspects to our decision access to those services. share. We’re doing it because it’s a big part John Bissell, president and CEO of Grey- to put a full-service branch in Hudson,” “When you look across the landscape, of our mission.” lock Federal, noted in his remarks that the he said. it can be deceiving,” he said. “It looks like credit union already has a sizable membership Among them was, as noted above, the everyone has access, but they don’t.” Regulatory awareness in that community. existing base of Greylock Federal members Bissell noted that here in the Berkshires, This points to another factor that contrib- “More than 1,600 folks in Columbia who live in the community and work or have as well as in neighboring Columbia County, uted to the credit union’s decision to extend County have already joined Greylock, en- other connections to the Berkshires. “We there are large portions of the community its services into new communities: regulatory trusting us with nearly $30 million in loan wanted to be more convenient to them,” that are underserved and under-resourced. awareness and approval. and deposit relationships,” Bissell said. said Bissell. “When you look at how well a community Bissell explained that over the past several “The opening of our new branch signals our Beyond simple convenience, he noted is served, sure you look at bank brands and years the National Credit Union Association

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(NCUA), the regulatory authority for Grey- the investment of $2 million in a new and mitment to Berkshire County, Bissell fi rmly support will not be diluted by expansion into lock Federal and other credit unions, “began large branch offi ce may seem contradictory. discounted the premise. “Our volunteer board new territories. to recognize that small towns throughout In terms of in-person versus digital, Bissell has been instrumental in making sure we’re “When it comes to community investment, the country were loosing out on banking said it is not an either-or consideration for squarely focused on Berkshire County,” he we are continuing the same investment in services.” the credit union. “We said. Berkshire County, not spreading it across This recognition by the NCUA lined up see it as a ‘both-and’ Bissell said expansion into Nonetheless, he ac- Columbia County,” he said. “We will make with Greylock Federal’s interest in offering – especially in rural Bennington County is also knowledged the merits our own commitments there.” services to certain rural areas outside of the areas,” he said. of the question. While plans for the expansion took shape geographic boundaries of Berkshire County. “We absolutely be- being explored, describing it “It’s a perfectly valid prior to the COVID-19 crisis, the branch’s Initially the credit union’s focus was on un- lieve digital services are as in the preliminary plan- concern for people to construction and most likely its opening will derserved hilltown communities between the vital, especially now, have,” he said. “We’ve take place as the pandemic continues to run Berkshires and Pioneer Valley. “Marilyn was and we’ve invested a ning stage. “We see the gaps raised that issue our- its course. a great spokesperson on that,” said Bissell, ton of money in those there, but want to figure selves, but only in the Bissell acknowledged that the time it will referring to his predecessor as president and services,” he continued. out how to fi ll them.” context of drilling it into take both for the branch to be built and for it CEO, Marilyn Spaulding, who had advocated “At the same time, it’s our own minds that we to reach its full potential once open will be for the need to serve those communities. vital that we provide the opportunity for people remain fully committed to Berkshire County.” affected by current conditions. However, underserved communities in to engage with us in person.” He noted, for example, that the credit “It will take a little longer to build,” he other neighboring states also came into play He pointed to such considerations as union has made $8.5 million in investments said. “And, given the current economic en- from a regulatory perspective. language barriers, access to technology and in Berkshire County facilities over the past vironment, it may take us longer to recoup Bissell noted that in 2018 Greylock Fed- broadband access for underserved members fi ve years, most notably the renovation and the investment we’re making there.” eral applied to the NCUA for the addition of the community as being factors in that. expansion of the Kellogg Street offi ce in He added, however, that the advent of this of both Columbia County in eastern New “In terms of our mission, we defi nitely see 2019. new COVID era underscores the importance York and Bennington County in southern a continued emphasis on building personal During that same period, he said, the credit of bringing more services to underserved Vermont to its fi eld of membership. Approval relationships,” he said. “We think it’s got to union has seen deposit growth of $232 mil- members of the community. of that application set the process in motion be a both-and combo.” lion and $191 million in loan growth. “We’re “The pandemic’s impact has been a great for planning and design of the new branch In that respect, he said, the $2 million adapting our business model to what people’s reminder of just how important our mission in Hudson. investment in the new Hudson branch makes needs are to meet those needs,” he said. “The is,” he said, noting that the crisis “has been The new branch will feature three drive- sense. “It represents a fi nancial center for us numbers tell me we’re doing that.” disproportionately affecting low-income and up teller windows, an ATM, multiple teller in Columbia County,” he said. Aside from investments in facilities and minority populations. stations, private member service offi ces, a Whether this foothold leads to additional services for its members here, Bissell pointed “These are people who are economically waiting area with coffee bar and a children’s operations there remains to be seen, he added. out that the credit union also plays a signifi - vulnerable in a good year, and are much more space. It will also include space for personal “The community’s needs will dictate what we cant role in the community at large through so now,” he added. “This has been proof that fi nancial education, coaching and community build and when we build it,” he said, noting its many sponsorships, grants and other forms our focus [on meeting their needs] has been meetings, similar to what the credit union that “a smaller, more modest facility” might of fi nancial support. He emphasized that this the right one.”u offers through its new Community Empower- be envisioned somewhere down the road. ment Center at the Kellogg Street branch in Turning to the north, Bissell said that the Pittsfi eld (February 2020 BT&C). possibilities for expansion into Bennington The planning, research, design and con- County are also being explored. “We’ve been THANK YOU struction are being overseen by PW Campbell looking there as well,” he said, describing it To the over 4,500 STEM professionals of Pittsburgh. Bissell said completion of the as being in the preliminary planning stage. project is anticipated in early 2021. “We see the gaps there, but want to fi gure working in Berkshire County! out how to fi ll them.” “Both-and” not “either-or” In an era when the banking industry has Commitment to Berkshires Join us in celebrating been trending toward favoring electronic When asked whether the expansion into Berkshire STEM Week! banking services over in-person banking neighboring territories might have an impact MassHireBerkshire.com th rd (even more so with the advent of COVID-19), on the credit union’s operations and com- October 19 -23 , 2020 : [email protected]

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Ground/work at the Clark continued from page 1

Beyond its own institutional significance, the opening of Ground/work has additional – albeit unanticipated – relevance in the current environment of concern and caution related to the novel coronavirus that has altered so many aspects of daily life. “We could never have foreseen it when we first conceived Ground/work more than three years ago, but the significance and benefit of being able to offer our visitors the opportunity to visit the Clark and enjoy an outdoor exhibition at this moment feels particularly welcome,” Meslay said. Early autumn may seem an unusual time to officially complete an outdoor art exhibition in the Berkshires. But this is 2020. The Clark had originally intended to install the work in time for a gala June opening as one of the highlights of its summer season. However, that became impossible with the emergence of COVID-19 in late winter. “An installation like this requires a great deal of preparation,” said Victoria Saltzman, Detail of Eva LeWitt’s “Resin Tower A (Orange), Resin Tower B (Yellow), Resin Tower C (Blue)” featuring three 11-foot totems made of clear resin and high-color film. director of communications at the Clark. “We had developed a meticulous schedule, and a safety guidelines in the installation process. representations of bird species native to the that wryly invites the cows that pasture in plan in which we would install all of the work “Every step of the process presented new Korean Demilitarized Zone in the unfamiliar the Clark’s fields to consider the rules of at once when we received it this spring.” challenges,” said Saltzman. setting of New England. The birds are made artistic perspective. Illustrating theories of However, as the pandemic has proven in of 3-D printed transparent ecological resin composition and perspective that have in- countless situations this year, the best laid Setting-specific works set atop robotically milled stone pedestals. formed the history of art, she translates the plans often go astray. Ground/work was organized by the Clark They also serve as vessels that their local ordinary structure of this boundary line into “We were prepared for every contingency and guest curators Molly Epstein and Abigail avian counterparts can perch on, or bathe a new form that is simultaneously sculpture, one would usually expect,” said Saltzman. Ross Goodman. It features a range of outdoor in, when rainwater collects. drawing, and functional object. “However, something like COVID was not presentations by international artists Kelly Akashi drew upon her training as an ana- Baghramian’s “Knee and Elbow” is a what we had considered. So, we had to change Akashi, Nairy Baghramian, Jennie C. Jones, log photographer, installing a large double- highly abstracted portrait of two primary our original plans to adjust to that. We adapted Eva LeWitt, Analia Saban and Haegue Yang. concave lens, titled “A Device to See the joints in the body. Working in traditional by doing a slow rollout The goal of the ex- World Twice,” along a woodland trail. The sculptural materials of marble and steel, the and installation over “Every step of the process hibition was to pro- lens reframes and distorts the surrounding artist challenges their typical connotations the summer, as the presented new challenges.” vide the artists with the natural setting, creating an upright image that of durability and monumentality, and instead work was received.” opportunity to create optically scales the environment. The lens is highlights the vulnerability of the human She said the shift was especially challeng- work that responds directly to the Clark’s held in an armature of branches cast in bronze. form. Set towards the back corner of the Stone ing because of the nature of the exhibition, setting while expressing ideas core to their Jones’ sculpture, “These (Mournful) Hill pasture, “Knee and Elbow” is sited to which features large mixed-media instal- individual practices. Shores,” is a contemporary take on an Aeolian encourage visitors to pause – releasing pres- lations involving numerous components For example, LeWitt’s “Resin Tower A harp, whose strings will be activated by the sure on these parts of the human body – and produced in diverse locations. (Orange), Resin Tower B (Yellow), Resin shifting winds and weather patterns on the to survey the wide vista that surrounds it. “It has involved artists and fabrication Tower C (Blue)” is placed at a transitional Clark’s site. Working outdoors for the first The exhibition is supplemented by online studios all over the world,” she said. “Much site between the woodland trails and the open time, the artist uses both sonic and visual content on the Clark’s website (clarkart. of their work was still in progress when the meadow of Stone Hill. It consists of three abstraction in a sculptural form that is both edu) and an app. Printed trail guides are also pandemic emerged. For example, one art- 11-foot-tall totems made of clear resin and site-responsive to the landscape and acts available at the Clark’s information desks. ist’s fabrication shop in Italy was closed for high-color film that reflect and refract the as a physical extension of the Tadao Ando several months.” changing light and surrounding landscape. -designed Clark Center building. Silver linings In addition, there were issues with ship- Yang’s project, “Migratory DMZ Birds on With “Teaching a Cow How to Draw,” Saltzman said that, although the timing ping and the necessity of adhering to state Asymmetric Lens,” features three sites with Saban modifies a length of split-rail fence and launch of Ground/work was not what they had anticipated, there were at least some silver linings. “Usually, the public does not have an op- portunity to see exhibits being installed,” she said. “We’ve heard from many visitors over the summer who enjoyed the opportunity to see the installation as a work-in-progress.” “Watching Ground/work grow over sev- eral months is certainly not what we originally envisioned,” added Meslay, “but we have happily adapted to the current circumstances with resilience. I know many of our visitors have found this to be a fascinating glimpse into how exhibitions are made.” Also, while it was not possible to initially view the overall installation in the warmth and greenery of summer this year, Saltzman said the timing does have certain advantages. “In some ways the timing was serendipi- tous,” she said. ”It’s been completed at a time when people most need something like this, as a chance to get out and view art outdoors in a socially distanced setting.” She added that people will be able to experience the work through four seasons, including next summer. “The experience is changed by the envi- ronment at different times of the day and the season,” she said. “It will be a vastly different effect, and just as beautiful in the starkness of winter.” “The Clark has always been deeply con- nected to our unique natural setting in the Berk- shires, where one lives with – and treasures – the seasonal fluctuations that are such a part of life here” added Meslay. “For Ground/work, our meadows and woodlands will serve as a kind of natural ‘gallery,’ offering visitors the opportunity to venture beyond our institutional walls and contemplate vibrant and inspiring contemporary works set amid the remarkable natural beauty that surrounds them.” In conjunction with the opening Ground/ NOVEMBER 2020 BERKSHIRE TRADE & COMMERCE 17

Jennie C. Jones’ “These (Mournful) Shores” is installed at water’s edge against the backdrop of Analia Saban’s “Teaching a Cow How to Draw” in cedar wood. (All photos: Thomas Clark/Clark Art Institute) work, free outdoor art kits will be available to other museums in the Berkshires, accord- at the Clark’s admissions desks throughout ing to Saltzman. October while supplies last. Visitors can “We closed the galleries in March,” she said. pick up a backpack fi lled with six different “It was diffi cult because there was so much family-friendly activities – one for each uncertainty about everything at the time.” Ground/work installation – and explore the They also had to deal with the immediate Clark’s 140-acre campus at their own pace. and potential economic fallout, including lost “Our goal with the backpacks was to create revenue from admissions, and the unknown a great art activity that you can do on your impact of the volatile fi nancial markets on own in a safe way,” said Saltzman. the Clark’s endowment. “We began planning for what we would COVID summer be able to do and when we could open under This summer, all museums had to make the state guidelines,” Saltzman said. diffi cult decisions and modifi cations in their They initially focused on expanding the operations to accommodate social distancing Clark’s virtual online services and program- and sanitation requirements of the state’s ming, including the “Clark Connects” section emergency order. The COVID crisis was of the museum’s website, to make up for the also expected to signifi cantly reduce the lack of physical access and inability to hold anticipated visitor traffi c to the Berkshires. live events. The Clark’s overall experience was similar continued on next page Community is . . . Collaboration ACB believes the partnerships we build in our communities, enhance the successes of our customers. We know that collectively our communities flourish because we participate, coordinate efforts, and share knowledge with others.

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Each depositor is insured by the FDIC to at least $250,000. All deposits above the FDIC insurance amount are insured by the Depositors Insurance Fund (DIF). 18 BERKSHIRE TRADE & COMMERCE NOVEMBER 2020 COVERstory continued from previous page Although they initially sent most of their staff of approximately 80 people home to work remotely, they did not lay off personnel. “Our trustees made the security of our staff a priority,” Saltzman said. “We’ve managed to avoid layoffs, although we did not do our usual hiring of seasonal people during the summer this year.” Financially, she said, the museum has held its own as much as the situation has allowed. “Like all museums we’ve certainly been affected, and it will probably take at least two years to get back to our usual cycles,” Saltzman said. “But we’ve been fortunate in that our members and other supporters have been very loyal and really stepped up to the plate. We’re also confident because we’ve managed our budget very carefully.” Saltzman noted that the Clark did not seek federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds. “We didn’t feel comfortable with all the changes in the terms of PPP assistance, so we chose not to apply for funding,” she said. However, they have been assisted by funding from National Endowment for the Arts. “They have allocated grants to allow museums to make the pivot due to COVID, such as underwriting virtual programming,” she said. Nairy Baghramian’s “Knee and Elbow,” a highly abstracted marble-and-steel portrait of two primary joints in the body, is set towards the back corner of the Scheduling challenges Stone Hill pasture to encourage visitors to pause – releasing pressure on these parts of the human body – and to survey the wide vista that surrounds it. Another major challenge was changing the Clark’s exhibition schedule, which usu- didn’t know how long it would be before the to adhere to the COVID-related health and “People tell us they felt comfortable, and ally features several major shows during show could be opened, we decided to take safety requirements. they appreciated that it is not crowded,” the summer. them down and put them back in storage They established policies to limit most she said. “Two exhibitions were unable to travel and rather than having them out for an unknown attendance to advanced ticketing to control go across borders, so they had to be postponed period before anyone could see them.” the number of people in the museums, which Looking ahead until next summer,” Saltzman said. They reinstalled Lines from Life later, after are limited to 40 percent of normal capacity. While summer is the peak season for One exhibition that is currently being museums knew they would be allowed to “At the Clark, we chose to limit that to visitors, the Clark operates on a year-round featured through Dec. 27 is Lines from Life: reopen in July. 25 percent for the first basis. Normally, Saltzman said, the Clark French Drawings, a display of 19th century Another exhibition, “One thing we’re certainly couple of weeks to see is especially active with lectures and other figure drawings at the Stone House Center. It Arrival of the Animals, learning is how to be flexible how it would work, and programs from October through May. did not require shipping because it features featuring mixed-me- slowly edged that up,” Looking ahead, Saltzman said the museum drawings from the Herbert and Carol Diamond dia work by Lin May about everything.” Saltzman said. will remain open, operating within the CO- Collection, which is housed at the Clark. Saeed, opened July 21 and is on view through Other measures were taken to ensure VID restrictions. However, that exhibition, too, presented Oct. 25 at the museum’s Stone House Center. social distancing, as well as the additional “We’re in sort of a watch-and-wait mode challenges caused by the pandemic. While that was close to its scheduled opening, sanitation protocols. about everything right now,” she said. “We’re Lines from Life was originally scheduled to the process was also more complicated due Saltzman estimated that on an average tinkering a lot, and our specific plans will open in March, and the work in the show had to COVID, according to Saltzman. July day in other years, between 1,500 and depend on what happens with COVID, and already been hung in preparation. However, When the state announced its phased 1,800 people visited the Clark. This year the what the state will allow us to do. I certainly within several days, it was evident that the reopening plan, the Clark, the Norman average was about 400. expect we’ll be quieter, but we will offer as opening could not take place as planned. Rockwell Museum and the Massachusetts When asked whether visitors felt safe in much as we can.” “The drawings are very old, and the paper Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS the museum, Saltzman said the feedback The Clark will once again feature its is very sensitive to light and other physical MoCA) developed a collaborative plan to they have gotten in person and on comment monthly First Sunday Free events from conditions,” said Saltzman. “So we’re very reopen on July 11 and 12. They also came up cards and social media has generally been October to May, in which the museum is careful in how they are handled. Since we with plans individually to establish protocols favorable. open to the public with no admission charge. However, it will adhere to the attendance limitations, and will not likely feature its usual accompanying live on-site activities. Saltzman noted that, in recent years, the Clark had been experimenting with larger special exhibitions in other seasons, to expand its calendar. However, that has been put on hold for the time being. The educational aspects of the Clark will continue this fall. This includes its Research and Academic Program (RAP), in which resi- dential fellowships are awarded to established and promising scholars to foster a critical commitment to inquiry in the theory, history, and interpretation of art and visual culture. The residential fellowships range from one to nine months, during which each fellow pursues an independent research project and participates in other RAP activities. While RAP will happen this year, there will be restrictions on participants due to COVID. The fellows in that program usually give live lectures for the public, but that won’t be possible this year. Instead they are likely to be presented online. The Clark’s well-known research library will be operating, but with limited access. It will not be open to the public, and requests will have to be made for access to specific books. Saltzman said they will continue to focus on offering more content online to make up for the lack of live programming and events. Overall, Saltzman said the Clark has ad- justed to the fact that limitations will likely be in place for at least another year or pos- sibly longer. “Like everyone else, we’re looking for- ward to returning to normal,” she said. “But we’re prepared for the reality that it may be further in the future than we would hope. One thing we’re certainly learning is how to be flexible about everything.”u NOVEMBER 2020 BERKSHIRE TRADE & COMMERCE 19 OUR region

“The database has an artificial intel- concept is to create a resource that can businesses whose normal operations and Boxcar Media to ligence (AI) component, which will allow have synergies and benefit the activities of revenues have been impacted by the pan- for increasingly relevant content,” he said. everyone involved in it,” he said. demic, he continued. “For example, someone who has a painting Alvarez said that SupportTheBerkshires. “There are many ways consumers and add website for business will be able to adjust the listings to com is initially focused on the immediate other businesses can help them survive by indicate the dates they pandemic. He added giving them their business and support during business support are busy or available.” “We are trying to make sure that’s its goal is to pro- these difficult times,” he said. Alvarez said the that everyone is aware of how mote local businesses Alvarez said SupportTheBerkshires.com idea originated when to help them offset the has the potential to become a permanent re- during pandemic iBerkshires.com, Box- important it is during these losses imposed by the source after the worst of the pandemic is over. car Media’s news and trying times to keep local situation. He added that’s its basic goal of promoting BY JOHN TOWNES information website, “Its purpose is to support for local businesses is relevant and A new website, SupportTheBerkshires. offered a free “What’s businesses in mind. These are help us all get through important at any time. com, is being launched to provide a con- Open” section after our neighbors and they are the next six months,” At the very least, he noted, the initiative necting point and resource for Berkshire the initial COVID-19 crucial for the health of the he said. “We are try- can lead to tangible and long-lasting relation- residents, businesses, and nonprofit agencies shutdown in March. ing to make sure that ships, business deals and support from the in the era of COVID. The feature allowed region’s economy.” everyone is aware of community. “It’s been a tough six months, and it’s businesses to announce they were open and how important it is during these trying times “Hopefully, this site will be a source of likely to continue to be difficult for at least six how they were conducting their activities to keep local businesses in mind. These are useful information about the products and more months,” said Osman (Ozzie) Alvarez, during the emergency order. our neighbors and they are crucial for the services local businesses and organizations president and CEO of Boxcar Media LLC, “It proved to be very popular and suc- health of the region’s economy.” provide at any time, including after the which is organizing the site. “We wanted to cessful,” he said. “We decided to expand This is especially crucial now for local pandemic is over,” he said.u create awareness of how incredibly important it as a separate site, and we looked for it is to support local business and nonprofits sponsors and partners to underwrite the and help them get through this.” expenses involved.” He noted that several The site, which will have its public launch of the underwriters they initially approached BEFORE THE SNOW FALLS, in early November, is built around an interac- for SupportTheBerkshires.com signed up tive database of information about businesses immediately. CALL ENERGETIC… and nonprofit organizations throughout They have also been discussing partner- Berkshire County and southwestern Vermont. ships with local chambers of commerce and Let us help you manage The basic structure will be a search engine other economic organizations to connect their where visitors can type in a product or service mutual COVID-related online information your snow and ice and location. Relevant listings will come up, and resources. with hours and other information, including In addition, he said, the site will enable removal this winter how the listed businesses or organizations nonprofit organizations to inform the public are operating during the pandemic. about their services and needs. In the meantime, before the official launch, Alvarez acknowledged that SupportThe- WE’RE THE PROFESSIONALS…the only company in the Berkshires a placeholder page will be online at Sup- Berkshires.com could also have potential with a nationally certified snow professional on staff. portTheBerkshires.com with information commercial benefits for Boxcar Media, such for businesses and organizations that are as raising the profile of iBerkshires.com Safety conscious, informed & professional…that’s what you get interested in being listed. and its other sites and services, and provid- The listings are free for businesses and orga- ing other potential promotional marketing when you hire ENERGETIC. nizations, and the resources are available to the resources. Offering per event or seasonal contracts to take the guess work out of your budgeting process. public at no charge or membership required. However, he emphasized that it is a col- Alvarez noted that, as it evolves, addi- laborative, community-based service. Other A certified member of tional features will be incorporated, includ- sponsors and participants can also benefit ing articles, podcasts, and videos profiling from it, he said. ENERGETIC businesses. “It’s a collaboration, and the whole 413-442-4873

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Member FDIC Rev. 7/20 20 BERKSHIRE TRADE & COMMERCE NOVEMBER 2020 WHO knew? Firm has sound business model making high-end audio equipment Rogers High Fidelity uses yesterday’s technology for audiophile performance

BY JOHN TOWNES In an era of digital technology and com- pact, ultra-portable audio devices such as cell phones and Bluetooth speakers, Rogers High Fidelity in North Adams produces a more traditional analog alternative. Rather than highly compact miniaturized circuitry, Rogers designs and builds high- end home and business audio equipment, including integrated amplifiers and pre- amps, that utilize vacuum tubes. “I’ve always enjoyed working with vacuum tubes, and I appreciate the sound quality they produce,” said Roger Gibboni, founder and owner of Rogers High Fidelity. “The audio industry still has a love affair with vacuum tubes, and they never totally went away.” Vacuum tubes and analog technology were once the standardized basis of radios, computers, defense and space systems, and other electric products and equipment. They were ubiquitous in everything from home stereo systems to radar and other complex military applications. However, beginning in the 1950s and ’60s, they were phased out and replaced by transistors and related solid-state and digital technology. Transistors served the same function as vacuum tubes, but they are much smaller and flexible. This also affected the evolution of the media that is used to record and reproduce content, and the replacement of vinyl record albums and magnetic tape with digital media including CDs, MP3 files and online stream- ing music. This led to today’s high-tech electronics in which an iPhone can produce booming sound. Nevertheless, while many casual listen- ers are content with the new generation of digital music, audiophiles believe that the difference in sound quality is significant. This has prompted a renewed interest in – and market for – products such as vinyl records and analog audio systems. “Your ears are analog,” Gibboni said. “Analog media and equipment are able to capture the original qualities of a performance more directly than digital.” Rogers High Fidelity products are aimed at the high-end market of dedicated audiophiles. The amplifiers range in price from $4,000 Roger Gibboni displays a 200-watt-per-channel KWM-88 integrated amplifier. This and other models manufactured in North Adams by Rogers High Fidelity to $19,900. (They also have comparable feature vacuum-tube technology from another era that delivers the kind of sound quality that has made the company popular with audiophiles near and far. pre-owned products that range from about company’s headquarters to 10 Holden St. He said the company sells an average of a Rogers amplifier, we refer them to a dealer $2,200 to $7,000.) in North Adams in 2019. 10 amplifiers or pre-amps per month. Each in their area,” Gibboni said. “We are not “They’re not tabletop radios,” Gibboni The business still has sales offices in Hud- amplifier is individually assembled for an retailers, although we will make exceptions said. “Our customers are people who want son, N.Y., and produces order. if someone lives in an area where that is not the best sound possible. They also include components in Orange “Our customers are Rogers High Fidel- possible.” serious audio hobbyists who are interested County. Gibboni per- people who want the best ity equipment (845- Gibboni also recently opened an online in equipment in the same way some people sonally assembles the 987-7744 or roger- store for pre-owned equipment. are serious about high-performance auto- amplifiers in his North sound possible.” shighfidelity.com) is He said the move of his company to North mobiles.” Adams workshop. The site also includes a primarily sold as a brand through a network Adams was primarily driven by the desire Gibboni launched the business in 2009 demonstration listening room for potential of audio retailers. of he and his wife to live in the Berkshires. in Orange County, N.Y. He moved the buyers. “If someone calls us and wants to purchase “It was a personal decision,” he said. “

Left: Being assembled on the workbench at the Holden Street headquarters of Rogers High Fidelity is a 200-watt-per-channel channel EHF-200 integrated amplifier, which owner Roger Gibboni says is the company’s best-selling model. Above: To the rear of the building is a demonstration listening room where potential buyers can get a sense of the sound quality delivered by the company’s high-end equipment. NOVEMBER 2020 BERKSHIRE TRADE & COMMERCE 21 low-profile firms doing interesting work

We lived in Newburgh and had a summer he said. “It’s like wine. You might respond ing made in the quality of digital media. “For shut down their vacuum tube production, home on Pontoosuc Lake in Pittsfield. About to what you hear in one way, while someone example, there are streaming services, such Russia producers bought their tooling.” two years ago we decided to move to the else will respond differently.” as Tidal, that have developed high-efficiency While Russia is a major source of tubes Berkshires full-time, and it was possible to Gibboni said equipment such as Rogers analog converters that are intended to recreate today, other countries, including the Czech operate the business from here.” amplifiers are designed to faithfully repro- the quality of analog media.” Republic and China, also manufacture them. (His wife, Linda Dulye, organizes a mil- duce the characteristics From a produc- “China has also gotten into it, but their lennial leadership program, the DLE Gen of whatever audio sig- “We build each amplifier so tion standpoint, even products are less reliable,” he said. Now Retreat, along with other programs that nals are input to them. that your kids will fight over though the market for In addition, there continues to be a stock are held locally. Her views on leadership and In addition to us- vacuum tubes is much of vacuum tubes that were made in America career development were featured in a Q&A ing traditional analog it when you’re gone.” smaller today, they earlier. “It’s new-old stock,” Gibboni said. in the September 2019 issue of BERKSHIRE turntables and vinyl albums, people also continue to be available, in part because of a “The tubes are older, but they are still capable TRADE & COMMERCE.) plug in digital sources such as cell phones historical quirk in the evolution of electronics. of quality performance.” Gibboni also believes that North Adams is and MP3 players. Today, Russia is a primary source of new While the technology and dynamics of the a perfect symbolic location for his business. “Our amplifiers are often used in a situa- vacuum tubes. audio equipment market are complex, the In addition to the region’s association tion where Dad has an audio system for his “As the United States began to move away ultimate goal of his company is straightfor- with music and culture, he said North Adams own enjoyment, while his daughter can also from vacuum tubes for military and consumer ward, according to Gibboni. He described its has another tradition as the former home hook up her iPhone to hear her favorite song applications, Russia was not able to keep up, credo as boiling down to two basic principles. of Sprague Electric from the 1930s into over it,” he said. and continued to rely on them,” Gibboni said. “What you make people feel is as impor- the ’80s. Sprague manufactured capacitors The amplifiers also are the center of home “As a result, they never stopped making tubes, tant as what you make,” he said. “Also, we used in radios and other technologies and theater systems. and became a leader in manufacturing and build each amplifier so that your kids will products. Gibboni noted that improvements are be- developing them. For example, when RCA fight over it when you’re gone.”u Although his one-person workshop and office is on a very different scale than Sprague in its heyday, Gibboni said Rogers High Fidelity is a continuation of that tradition. “North Adams has a history of manufac- turing quality electronic products, and many ALWAYS AVAILABLE ONLINE people from outside the region are familiar with that, “ he said. “I still believe that in- dustry can be profitable, and I’m proud to be making an American product here.” Like all businesses, Rogers High Fidelity was affected by the COVID crisis. However, Gibboni noted, the nature of his opera- tions did not require a significant closure or curtailment of activities. He added that the demand has remained strong despite an initial jarring. “When COVID first emerged, the phones immediately stopped ringing,” he said. NEXT ISSUE: DECEMBER 2020 “However, business gradually started in- creasing again, and now we’re busier than Welcome to btaconline.com PRINT DATE: Thursday, Nov. 12 ever. I think as people are staying in more, Thank you for visiting the website of Berkshire Trade & they’re making investments to improve the Commerce – “The Business Journal for Berkshire County.” ADVERTISING DEADLINE: environment of their homes.” Friday, Nov. 6 Our current issue – November 2020 – is available as a Engineering background downloadable PDF by clicking on the front page icon to the CALENDAR LISTINGS: Rogers High Fidelity grew out of Gibboni’s left. Other recent issues of BT&C are available to the right. Must be received by Nov. 9 for combined background in business and tech- events on or after Nov. 16 nology, as well as manufacturing processes. For information about advertising in Berkshire Trade & He said it also reflects his combined interest Commerce, please Contact Us. RECENT ISSUES in audio systems and analog technology. He has bachelor and master’s degrees in • November 2020 electrical engineering from Drexel University October 2020 in Philadelphia. He also completed business • studies at the University of Pennsylvania’s • September 2020 Wharton School. • August 2020 For much of his career, he led teams that • July 2020 designed and manufactured high-tech com- • June 2020 munications and radar equipment for the Department of Defense, NASA and other agencies. He started as a design engineer for satel- lite communications programs with General Is your office copy of Berkshire Trade & Commerce always disappearing Electric. He then moved to RCA, designing and manufacturing satellite ground terminals, Navy Aegis radar, secure communications before you get to finish it? equipment and the communications and tracking suite for the NASA Space Station. He subsequently spent 11 years as owner and president of New York-based Walden Did you forget to save a news story or an ad of interest from a past issue? Printing Co. When he was planning Rogers High Fidelity, his intent was always to work with Do you have associates in other regions who would be interested in analog audio technology and vacuum tubes. On a technical level, according to Gib- boni, vacuum tube circuits and amplifiers business and economic news about the Berkshires? have clipping and saturation characteristics that produce harmonic content differently than transistor solid-state devices. Tubes are Do you really, really, prefer reading newspapers on your tablet or laptop? also electric field devices rather than current devices and reproduce thermal noise in a truer fashion with more dynamic sound and richer detail. GOOD NEWS! Berkshire Trade & Commerce is always available in its full While transistors and solid-state technol- ogy have eclipsed vacuum tubes, their con- tinued survival reflects an ongoing dichotomy print version as a downloadable PDF by visiting: in the world of audio reproduction. Despite the convenience and other practi- cal benefits of digital media, it has been a double-edged sword in terms of sound quality of equipment. www.btaconline.com In addition, the processes that produce digital music often use methods of compress- ing the audio information to enable it to fit If you have questions or comments, please contact us at: within a reasonable file size or to efficiently travel online for streaming. Gibboni pointed out that sound quality is a matter of individual preference. 413-662-2002 • [email protected] “Music is a very subjective experience,” 22 BERKSHIRE TRADE & COMMERCE NOVEMBER 2020 REAL estate

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Mortgage: $121,875 Seller: Martha Bodine Buyer: Kerry Columbus Seller: Walter Slosek + Seller: FNMA Seller: Jeanette Liemer RET + Price: $216,000 Buyer: Joseph Soudant + Lender: Greylock FCU Price: $252,000 Seller: Brian Hall Price: $265,000 Price: $263,000 Price: $345,000 Mortgage: $197,802 Seller: Lane Farnum Date: 8/11/20 Mortgage: $239,400 Price: $231,000 Mortgage: $238,235 Mortgage: $223,500 Mortgage: $258,750 Lender: Embrace Home Price: $100,000 Lender: Academy Mtg Mortgage: $226,816 Lender: Adams Community Lender: Adams Community Lender: Total Mtg Date: 8/28/20 Date: 8/31/20 241 N Plain Rd. Date: 8/27/20 Lender: Movement Mtg Date: 8/6/20 Date: 8/7/20 Date: 8/28/20 Buyer: Nicholas Gomez + Date: 8/5/20 12 Claremont Rd. 78 Undermountain Rd. Seller: Baumbach Jonathan 32 Tamarack Pl. 30 Notch Rd. 37 Wishing Way Buyer: Sarah Palanjian Buyer: Kevin Wolf + Est + Buyer: Matthew Mccusker 7 Dubis St. Buyer: Rebecca Cohen BECKET Buyer: David Rubenstein + Seller: Anthony Cantarella + Seller: 78 Undermountain Price: $688,500 Seller: 2017 RET + Buyer: Earl Kornn + Seller: Michael Votruba Seller: Gwendolyn Burton Price: $235,000 Road LLC Mortgage: $510,400 Price: $320,000 Seller: Patricia Carpenter Price: $182,000 39 Becket West Rd. Price: $471,500 Mortgage: $135,000 Price: $669,000 Lender: Citizens Bank Mortgage: $256,000 Price: $170,000 Mortgage: $172,900 Buyer: Eileen Howard Date: 8/6/20 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/3/20 Date: 8/10/20 Lender: United Wholesale Mortgage: $226,816 Lender: Academy Mtg Seller: Brett Bessey + Date: 8/12/20 Date: 8/17/20 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/18/20 Price: $185,000 305 N Plain Rd. Date: 8/28/20 Date: 8/20/20 CHESHIRE 41 Field St. Ext FLORIDA Buyer: Jane Hansford-Bronson 53 Park St. Buyer: Frank Alfonso Jr Seller: John Schweizer T + LANESBORO 21 Dubis St. Buyer: Peter Oleskiewicz 395 Bonny Rigg Hill Rd. 33 Fisk Rd. Seller: Gleb Jerebstov + 70 Blackstone Rd. Price: $175,000 Buyer: Richard Sookey + Seller: Richard Soloman Jr Buyer: Marjory Karlin + Buyer: Taylor Herlihy Price: $230,000 Buyer: Chase Randall Date: 8/14/20 32 Bailey Rd. Seller: Mary Rinaldi Price: $100,000 Seller: 395 Bonny Rigg Seller: Melissa Pantano Mortgage: $200,000 Seller: Betsy Reali Buyer: Gleb Jerbstov + Price: $280,000 Date: 8/31/20 Hill T + Price: $162,900 Lender: Greylock FCU Price: $249,000 299 State Rd. Seller: Steven Ouellette + Date: 8/31/20 Price: $335,000 Mortgage: $162,900 Date: 8/5/20 Mortgage: $219,000 Buyer: Jamie Sotis Price: $155,500 14 Phillips Hill Date: 8/19/20 Lender: Adams Community Lender: Greylock FCU Seller: Joel Mueller + Date: 8/27/20 13 Enterprise St. Buyer: 16-18 North Date: 8/4/20 49 Hale St. Date: 8/3/20 Price: $480,000 Buyer: Eileen Sullivan Summer St LLC 163 Carter Rd. Buyer: Jason Cimini + Mortgage: $432,000 44 Bailey Rd. Seller: Aaron Kaczowka + Seller: Ticia Cormier Buyer: Jennifer Spirito + 185 Horns Beach Rd. Seller: Marilyn Harte 64 N County Rd. Lender: Adams Community Buyer: Brian Mcguinness Price: $122,650 Price: $90,000 Seller: Eliot Bloom + Buyer: Steven Palermo + Price: $226,000 Buyer: Hannah Noel Date: 8/3/20 Seller: Knepper RT + Mortgage: $122,650 Date: 8/4/20 Price: $280,000 Seller: Fletcher Joyce Est + Mortgage: $203,400 Seller: James Noel + Price: $470,000 Lender: Greylock FCU Mortgage: $224,000 Price: $400,000 Lender: Greylock FCU Price: $100,000 301 State Rd. Mortgage: $390.100 Date: 8/31/20 Lender: Primary Res Date: 8/7/20 Date: 8/28/20 Mortgage: $120,000 Buyer: Jamie Sotis Lender: Bk of England ALFORD Date: 8/7/20 Lender: Adams Community Seller: Joel Mueller + Date: 8/21/20 44 Fisk Rd. 65 W Mountain Rd. 62 Hemlock Hill Date: 8/11/20 Price: $480,000 Buyer: Bridget Oneil-Hopkins Boice Rd. 38 Fox Hollow Dr. Buyer: Christopher Biddy + Buyer: Anthony Cantarella + Mortgage: $432,000 35 Baker St. Seller: Stephen Hartwig + Buyer: James Ketchen + Buyer: Kevin Coleman + Seller: Matthew Mancino + Seller: Donald Nealon + Lender: Adams Community Buyer: Shanon Morse Price: $148,000 Seller: Keresu Adriana Est + Seller: Judith Cromwell Price: $170,000 Price: $293,000 GREAT Date: 8/3/20 Seller: Tammy Munn Mortgage: $143,560 Price: $290,000 Price: $367,000 Mortgage: $164,900 Mortgage: $234,400 Price: $125,000 Lender: Pennymac Date: 8/21/20 Mortgage: $292,000 Lender: Adams Community Lender: Greylock FCU BARRINGTON 8 Thrushwood Ln. Mortgage: $122,735 Date: 8/4/20 Lender: Fairway Mtg Date: 8/28/20 Date: 8/12/20 45 Christian Hill Rd. Buyer: Robert Belkin + Lender: Academy Mtg 23 Cross Rd. Date: 8/14/20 Buyer: Bradley Roblin Seller: Lenox Landings Date: 8/25/20 Grove Ave. Buyer: Sean Buckley + 939 W Mountain Rd. 33 Mountain View Ter. Seller: Phoebe Ungerer Barrington Buyer: Kest Schwartzman Seller: Glenda Sherman 2271 Jacobs Ladder Rd. Buyer: Maria Mackenty Buyer: Jonathan Baker + Price: $338,000 Price: $749,000 55 Ocean St. Seller: Peter Dudley + Price: $762,500 Buyer: Angela Sedelow Seller: PN 3rd & CA Seller: Elyssa Hannan Date: 8/17/20 Date: 8/7/20 Buyer: Cynthia Sample Price: $75,000 Mortgage: $534,000 Seller: Emily Armstrong Tietgens NT + Price: $219,900 Seller: William Pacocha + Mortgage: $55,000 Lender: Morgan Stanley Price: $190,000 Price: $450,000 Mortgage: $149,900 23 Church St. Copper Beech Ln. U:12 Price: $359,900 Lender: Peter Dudley Date: 8/28/20 Mortgage: $180,500 Mortgage: $360,000 Lender: Greylock FCU Buyer: Johnson RT + Buyer: Ruth Bettinger RET + Mortgage: $359,900 Date: 8/31/20 Lender: Lee Bank Lender: HarborOne Date: 8/31/20 Seller: John Henderson Seller: 13 Copper Beech Lender: Mtg Research 88 Green River Rd. Date: 8/31/20 Date: 8/26/20 Price: $760,000 Lane RT + Date: 8/28/20 43 Highland Ave. Buyer: Charles Kinsley + 181 N Mountain Rd. Date: 8/26/20 Price: $505,000 Buyer: John Senecal + Seller: Kenneth Hird RET + 3582 Jacobs Ladder Rd. Buyer: Elina Kosof Date: 8/20/20 67 Potter Mountain Rd. Seller: William Gronvall Price: $815,000 Buyer: James Matthews + CLARKSBURG Seller: Stefan Kosof 23 Commonwealth Ave. Buyer: Kimberly Conant + Price: $175,000 Mortgage: $325,000 Seller: Vinton Withers Price: $175,000 Buyer: Dylan Woods 281 Main St. U:5 Seller: Wesley Lamore Mortgage: $75,000 Lender: Salisbury B&T Price: $177,000 46 Belmar Dr. Mortgage: $190,000 Seller: William Barscz + Buyer: Jeremy Rawitz Price: $350,000 Lender: Greylock FCU Price: $259,000 Seller: Ann Canning Mortgage: $297,500 Date: 8/3/20 Mortgage: $503,200 Price: $300,000 Lender: Pittsfield Coop Lender: Adams Community Date: 8/21/20 Date: 8/27/20 29 Norwich Dr. Date: 8/10/20 Buyer: Kasey Stegner 281 Main St. U:8 Williamstown Rd. BerkShares Business of the Month Seller: Frank Alfonso + 226 Grove St. Buyer: Timothy & Ruth Buyer: Daniel Gaylord + Price: $182,000 Buyer: John Curletti Wood FT + Seller: Midland T Co Mortgage: $172,900 Seller: Margaret Curletti Seller: Tutnauer FT + Price: $115,000 utumn is here, which means fallen leaves need raking, gardens are ready to be cleaned up Lender: Academy Mtg Price: $230,000 Price: $340,000 Date: 8/5/20 and put to bed until the spring, and Halloween jack-o-lanterns will start to wither with Date: 8/5/20 Mortgage: $161,000 Date: 8/14/20 the frost following the festivities. Yard waste and kitchen food scraps might typically end Lender: Lee Bank 20 Williamstown Rd. Aup in a plastic bag and thrown in the garbage, but the new business Berkshire Compost can turn 59 Orchard Rd. Date: 8/25/20 Stanley Dr. U:24 Buyer: Normalk NT + Buyer: Kurtis Allain + Buyer: Charles Vinai Seller: Patriot Resorts Corp your organic matter into soil-enriching gold. Seller: Anthony Simonelli + 15 Higgins St. Seller: Francine Ryan RET + Price: $250,000 Price: $285,000 Buyer: Kristen Palazzo + Price: $259,000 Date: 8/27/20 Berkshire Compost is a curbside pickup service available to both residential and commercial Mortgage: $228,000 Seller: Rebecca Churt Mortgage: $181,300 Lender: Greylock FCU Price: $525,000 Lender: Guaranteed Rate clients. Residents simply leave their bright yellow 5-gallon Berkshire Compost bucket full of Date: 8/13/20 Mortgage: $395,000 Date: 8/14/20 LEE food waste at the end of the drive- Lender: Lee Bank way on pick-up day, and Melissa or 126 Pine St. Date: 8/14/20 80 Taconic Ave. U:14 80 3rd St. Buyer: Hilary Meltz Buyer: Deborah Karl Buyer: Brian Allison her son and business partner Jack Seller: Joseph Poirier 30 Hillside Ave. Seller: Janet Staley Seller: Warren Robertson + ride by on an electric bike and tow Price: $193,500 Buyer: Dylan Huck + Price: $459,000 Price: $127,500 it to a local partner farm. For com- Mortgage: $183,825 Seller: John Mallory Jr Date: 8/19/20 Mortgage: $121,125 mercial clients with higher-volume Lender: Republic State Price: $240,500 Lender: Lee Bank Date: 8/17/20 Mortgage: $213,600 Date: 8/28/20 material like restaurants or grocery Lender: Pittsfield Coop HANCOCK stores, Melissa picks up their barrels 177 Pleasant St. Date: 8/21/20 195 Church St. with a truck. Like a garbage pick- Buyer: Drew Burdick 2467 Hancock Rd. Buyer: Christopher Fell + Seller: Shaun Torrey + 119 Hurlburt Rd. Buyer: James Callahan + Seller: Wayne Selby + up system, she o ers her service by Price: $248,500 Buyer: Caleb Chao + Seller: Patricia Herrick Price: $610,000 subscription. ere’s even a team Mortgage: $198,800 Seller: George Klemp Jr + Price: $315,000 Mortgage: $476,000 subscription, which is perfect for an Lender: Greylock FCU Price: $650,000 Date: 8/14/20 Lender: Berkshire Bank apartment,oce building, or group Date: 8/25/20 Mortgage: $585,000 Date: 8/3/20 Lender: Adams Community 10 Upland Dr. of neighbors. She aims to make com- 81 Riverview Dr. Date: 8/7/20 Buyer: Bridget Barbera + 430 Devon Rd. posting easy. Unlike many backyard Buyer: Amy Lindquist Seller: Keith Taylor Buyer: Brenda Kipp-StPierre compost bins, she takes meat, bones, Seller: Nicholas Leveque + 265 Long Pond Rd. Price: $266,000 Seller: Dorothy Zanelli Price: $213,000 Buyer: Adina Astor + Date: 8/14/20 Price: $349,900 and dairy, in addition to fruit and Mortgage: $212,000 Seller: Andrew Humes Mortgage: $119,000 Berkshire Compost vegetable scraps. Lender: Lee Bank Price: $370,000 Beaver Pond Meadows U:1023 Lender: Lee Bank www.berkshirecompost.com (413) 436-2008 Date: 8/7/20 Date: 8/28/20 Buyer: Joshua States + Date: 8/31/20 Seller: Alan Sweet + Why compost? Melissa describes that 267 Long Pond Rd. Price: $127,000 590 East St. when food scraps and other organic matter get caught in waste streams and landlls, methane is EGREMONT Buyer: Melanie Greenberg Mortgage: $101,600 Buyer: Raymarie Rodriguez produced and contributes to climate change. Soils fortied with compost have increased carbon- Seller: Andrew Humes Lender: Greylock FCU Seller: Jose Saldana sequestering potential. “People want to be part of something that’s regenerative, not degenera- 7 Baldwin Hill Rd. Price: $1,290,000 Date: 8/5/20 Price: $380,000 Buyer: Mark Hurwitz + Date: 8/10/20 Mortgage: $368,000 tive,” Melissa says. “It’s not about not doing something that’s bad for the environment; it’s about Seller: Steven Soule Lender: Prime Lending something that’s doing good.” Price: $705,000 348 Long Pond Rd. HINSDALE Date: 8/21/20 Mortgage: $564,000 Buyer: Marion Ceanga + Lender: TD Bank Seller: Wilmington T NA Tr 85 Forest Hill Dr. 135 Golden Hill As a participant of the BerkShares Entry to Entrepreneurship program, Melissa was exposed to a Date: 8/14/20 Price: $450,000 Buyer: Daniel Obrien + Buyer: James Cahillane supportive community of business leaders, mentors, and peers who validated her business idea. It Mortgage: $400,000 Seller: Coreane Salvini Seller: Raymond Gaynor was through this class that she honed her business plan and goals to stay hyper-local and remain 60 Creamery Rd. Lender: Pittsfield Coop Price: $365,000 Price: $570,000 an appropriate scale, citing economist E. F. Schumacher’s adage, “small is beautiful.” Instead of Buyer: Heather Stiteler Date: 8/18/20 Mortgage: $165,000 Mortgage: $440,000 Seller: Mary Bernstein Lender: Lee Bank Lender: Westfield Bank hauling everything to one location, Melissa has chosen to work with farms throughout the county Price: $209,000 1060 Main St. Date: 8/17/20 Date: 8/20/20 who host the compost piles on-site. She does so in an e ort to avoid driving from one end of the county to another, she says, which would be “contrary to our goals for energy eciency.”

She realizes that her model is not without limitations, but she prefers to remain at a community scale rather than feeding into the endless growth model endemic to our society. e same could Jim’s Lawn Care be said of all aspects of her life. Melissa is also a home-based family child care provider. She Call now to arrange for FALL CLEAN UP services sees composting and child care as complimentary, saying, “keeping our soils healthy will keep our communities healthy, just like raising healthy children will.” roughout the COVID-19 Lawn Mowing & Fertilizer Treatment H Garden Care & Maintenance pandemic she’s observed the strength of local supply chains and support among members of the small business community. During this time it’s especially important to spend money with local Brush Cutting H Chain Saw Work H Pruning H Hedge Trimming businesses, and Melissa identies BerkShares local currency as the perfect vehicle for showing sup- H H H H port. “It’s a perfect match for our business and it’s exactly how I want our business to be - so local!” Mulching Rototilling Painting Fencing Junk Removal 413-464-0373 more stories like this one at www.berkshares.org Free Estimates (Leave Message) Firewood for Sale NOVEMBER 2020 BERKSHIRE TRADE & COMMERCE 23 Berkshire County real estate transfers

189 Housatonic St. 522 Main Rd. Buyer: Amber Arnold The Best of the Best Buyer: Crystal Curtis LENOX Buyer: Jeffrey Zimmerman + Seller: Western Mass Seller: Brian Wadsworth 12 Brunell Ave. Seller: James Gauthier Constr LLC “It takes a lifetime to learn any trade. And even then, you come to the Price: $210,000 Buyer: Scott Pignatelli + Price: $952,500 Price: $115,000 Mortgage: $206,196 Seller: Posner Ayala Est + Mortgage: $602,000 Mortgage: $85,000 end, and you realize that you don’t know the half of it.” Lender: Academy Mtg Price: $277,500 Lender: Adams Community Lender: Lee Bank Date: 8/24/20 Date: 8/14/20 Date: 8/14/20 Date: 8/7/20 – Bill Bonner 215 Lander Rd. 26 Hawthorne St. 1 Preyer Fiske Way 109 Maple St. In any professional endeavor there are unique qualities that distinguish Buyer: Robert Daley + Buyer: Daniel Milewich + Buyer: John Mennuti + Buyer: Marcie Liebenow Seller: Macdowell FT + Seller: Craig Vickers + Seller: David Logan RET + Seller: Louis Chalifoux + the best practitioners. This is just as true with respect to individuals Price: $400,000 Price: $780,000 Price: $480,000 Price: $241,000 Mortgage: $200,000 Date: 8/31/20 Mortgage: $432,000 Mortgage: $236,634 engaged in real estate brokerage as it is with attorneys, doctors, carpenters Lender: Lee Bank Lender: Quicken Loan Lender: Total Mtg Svcs Date: 8/31/20 213 Main St. Date: 8/7/20 Date: 8/19/20 or anyone trained and skilled. Buyer: Lenox Carandan RET + 145 Main St. Seller: Beth Man RET + 3 Tyringham Rd. 122 Marion Ave. What sets the best of the best from the rest in real estate brokerage? Buyer: SJL Prop Invest LLC Price: $715,000 Buyer: Stephanie Sloane Buyer: Katelyn Millard Seller: Patricia Carlino LT + Date: 8/13/20 Seller: Joshua Allentuck + Seller: 122 Marion Ave NT + Here are 10 key indicators to look for when seeking assistance with your Price: $172,500 Price: $415,000 Price: $205,000 Date: 8/20/20 2 Morgan Manor Date: 8/13/20 Mortgage: $198,850 next real estate transaction. Buyer: Gregory Maichack + Lender: Greylock FCU 165 Mandalay Rd. Seller: Rebecca Wadsworth Date: 8/13/20 Years of local experience: The more the better. To be among the best Buyer: Sean Douglas + LT + MOUNT 1. Seller: Matthew Kinnaman + Price: $147,000 101 North St. would require at least several decades of living and working in the area. Price: $380,000 Date: 8/13/20 WASHINGTON Buyer: Matthew St Pierre Mortgage: $304,000 648 East St. Seller: Jonathan Boucher + Lender: Greylock FCU 29 Plunkett St. Buyer: A Mackenzine Price: $129,400 2. Full-time engagement: The number of years in themselves doesn’t Date: 8/31/20 Buyer: Peter Aronson + Waggaman Mortgage: $130,707 Seller: Lynn Sutton Seller: 176 East Street RT + Lender: Adams Community count unless the broker has been in their career full time, the entire time. 130 Marble St. Price: $720,000 Price: $450,000 Date: 8/14/20 Buyer: Carol Blakeslee Date: 8/11/20 Date: 8/31/20 Success in numbers: Along with length of experience, there must be Seller: Elke Weintraub 147-149 Veazie St. 3. RET + 61 Taconic Ave. 61 Mountain Rd. Buyer: Christopher Voss an impressive track record of closings to show for it. Look for someone Price: $275,000 Buyer: David Mcdaniel + Buyer: Seth Ricart Seller: Lars Reinhard + Date: 8/3/20 Seller: Jon Maclean Seller: Pal Mcbride Price: $175,000 who has closed more than just a few hundred sales in their career. Price: $210,000 Price: $575,000 Mortgage: $140,000 60 Margerie St. Date: 8/28/20 Mortgage: $460,000 Lender: Adams Community Buyer: Charles Solarz 3rd + Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/14/20 4. Leadership: The best of the best may be owners of brokerages, and Seller: John Polastri + W Dugway Rd. Date: 8/10/20 Price: $188,500 Buyer: William Gop + often are. Mortgage: $179,075 Seller: Debra Kielman + OTIS Lender: Residential Mtg Price: $94,500 NEW Reputation: Seek out a broker with a reputation not only for success Date: 8/27/20 Date: 8/17/20 52 Deer Run 5. MARLBORO Buyer: Andrea Bein-Stone but also for integrity, trustworthiness, and achievement. Get references, 45 Paul Dr. 112 Walker St. 109 Aberdeen Rd. Seller: Fern Perlman- Buyer: Bruce Garlow + Buyer: Victoria Herbert + Buyer: Michael Sanders + Schwartz + read testimonials. Seller: April Chalfin Seller: Linda Procopio-Messana Seller: Robert Butter + Price: $359,000 Price: $297,000 Price: $530,000 Price: $535,000 Date: 8/19/20 Mortgage: $237,000 Mortgage: $424,000 Mortgage: $428,000 6. Education: The minimum required to enter the field of real estate in Lender: Greylock FCU Lender: Adams Community Lender: Adams Community 760 Dimmock Rd. Massachusetts is just 40 hours of classroom study. Look for a broker who Date: 8/10/20 Date: 8/7/20 Date: 8/10/20 Buyer: Michael Schidlowsky + has earned multiple additional credentials, shown as sets of letters like 800 Pleasant St. 115 Walker St. 19 E Hill Rd. Seller: Haritini Kanthou Buyer: Stone Burdick Buyer: Junior Winokur + Buyer: Miguel Mir Price: $429,000 “GRI” or “CRB” after their name. These show an ongoing commitment Seller: Fragala FT + Seller: Bruce Solnick Seller: Nedvin FT + Mortgage: $343,200 Price: $324,000 Price: $165,000 Price: $352,500 Lender: Adams Community to learning and advancing in their career. Mortgage: $259,200 Date: 8/6/20 Mortgage: $207,500 Date: 8/10/20 Lender: Lee Bank Lender: NJ Lenders Date: 8/12/20 114 West St. Date: 8/18/20 1381 E Otis Rd. 7. Special recognition: One of the honors bestowed by the National Buyer: Diane Simeral + Buyer: Nicholas Pioch + 1528 Pleasant St. Seller: Matthew Morrison + 182 Konkapot Rd. Seller: Foggle NT + Association of Realtors® is the “Realtor Emeritus®” designation. This Buyer: Mackenzie Kruvant Price: $489,000 Buyer: William Fuccillo + Price: $445,000 recognizes a member of the association with 40 years of continuous Seller: Laurie Barnaba Mortgage: $250,000 Seller: Michael Scimeca Mortgage: $356,000 Price: $459,000 Lender: Adams Community Price: $460,000 Lender: Adams Community membership and who has made significant contributions to the profession Mortgage: $367,200 Date: 8/31/20 Mortgage: $150,000 Date: 8/7/20 Lender: Adams Community Lender: Lee Bank and the Realtor® organization. Date: 8/28/20 Highcrest Rd. U:9 Date: 8/13/20 99 Kibbe Rd. Buyer: Charles Roy Lipcon Buyer: Brad Salerno + 50 Prospect St. RET + 76 Mill River Great Seller: Antonio Scapin Jr + 8. Subtle skills: This can be difficult to measure, but those who meet Buyer: Matthew Lee + Seller: George Stassa + Buyer: Francesco Citoni + Price: $828,250 Seller: David Griffin + Price: $675,000 Seller: Richard Silverblatt + Mortgage: $662,600 the above criteria sometimes possess unusual additional skills above the Price: $249,000 Mortgage: $506,250 Price: $550,000 Lender: Amer Eagle FCU Mortgage: $224,100 Lender: First Horizon Mortgage: $350,000 Date: 8/4/20 ordinary. Perhaps they are particularly adept at problem solving. Perhaps Lender: Adams Community Date: 8/28/20 Lender: Movement Mtg they possess more in-depth knowledge about construction, water, zoning, Date: 8/31/20 Date: 8/3/20 305 Shadow Ln. 55 Pittsfield Rd. U:1 Buyer: Demicio Rodriguez + or other aspects related to real estate. Perhaps they are especially skilled 165 Silver St. Buyer: Hjb Holdings LLC 110 Mill River Great Seller: Lee Bank Buyer: Ann Millett + Seller: TL745D Inc Buyer: Phoebe Cottage LLC Price: $280,000 in the art of negotiation, drawing on creativity to bring about sales and Seller: Brandon Boule + Price: $520,000 Seller: Alfred Nicol Jr + Mortgage: $271,600 Price: $269,000 Date: 8/25/20 Price: $450,000 Lender: Bay Equity find solutions. While some real estate transactions are fairly routine and Mortgage: $89,000 Date: 8/28/20 Date: 8/3/20 Lender: Lee Bank 5 Rolling Hills U:120 straightforward, many others require and benefit from these and other Date: 8/14/20 Buyer: Martha Bodine 189 New Marlboro 768 Stebbins Rd. Seller: Erica Forman Buyer: Stephanie Wang-Breal Buyer: Deborah Cullings + subtle skills that the best of the best can provide. 175 Summer St. Price: $210,000 Seller: Robert Carr RET + Seller: Gary Geiger + Buyer: Robert Kass + Date: 8/27/20 Price: $433,600 Price: $485,000 Fair-minded: Much is made by many of the role of an “agent” in Seller: Carrie Minahan Mortgage: $200,000 Mortgage: $280,000 9. Price: $220,000 9 Rolling Hills U:10 Lender: Lee Bank Lender: Pittsfield Coop real estate but few if any fully understand or practice agency as required Mortgage: $198,000 Buyer: Alan Silverman + Date: 8/7/20 Date: 8/11/20 Lender: Guaranteed Rate Seller: Herman Raphan RET + by law. The best practitioners of real estate blend legal and technical Date: 8/10/20 Price: $162,000 7 Sunset Ct. Date: 8/6/20 NORTH ADAMS Buyer: Janet Weinstein as well as psychological and mediational roles and knowledge. Rather 100 Summer St. Seller: Norman Resnick + Buyer: Christopher Spruce Trail U:24 148 Brooklyn St. Price: $300,000 than taking a hard-edged approach that may end with a clear winner Meczywor + Buyer: Meghan Guercio Buyer: Ian Stewart Mortgage: $200,000 Seller: Shawn Ceanga + Seller: Paul Souza + Seller: 148 Brooklyn St LLC Lender: Adams Community and clear loser (or both losers), they look for ways to seek a win for Price: $325,000 Price: $427,500 Price: $167,500 Date: 8/28/20 Mortgage: $315,250 Mortgage: $384,750 Mortgage: $169,191 both parties, with both achieving reasonable and fair outcomes from Lender: Greylock FCU Lender: Adams Community Lender: Adams Community 1304 W Center Rd. Date: 8/31/20 Date: 8/6/20 Date: 8/17/20 Buyer: Izabela Marczyk their perspectives. The best of the best seek to mediate the differences, Seller: Margaret Bachinsky T + balance the needs of both sides while assisting a meeting of the minds 45 Theresa Ter. 87 Church St. Price: $425,000 Buyer: Samantha Lovett + MONTEREY Buyer: Carrie Diehl + Mortgage: $205,000 at fair value with full disclosure of facts while maintaining complete Seller: Gerald Cahalan + Seller: Jeffrey Williams + Lender: Total Mtg Svcs Price: $232,500 22 Blue Hill Rd. Price: $213,000 Date: 8/17/20 confidentiality for both sides. Mortgage: $220,800 Buyer: Melissa Gellert- Mortgage: $170,400 Lender: Berkshire Bank Neulander Lender: MountainOne Date: 8/21/20 Seller: 22 Blue Hill LLC Date: 8/10/20 PERU 10. Hard worker: Some financially successful real estate brokers, Price: $500,000 250 Theresa Ter. Date: 8/21/20 63 Dover St. 13 Ash Ln. like successful people in other careers, enjoy taking generous vacation Buyer: Brandon Boule + Buyer: Jason Blasso Buyer: Jarred Grignon Seller: Laura Walters-Keenan 38 Elephant Rock Rd. Seller: Paul Conlin Seller: Michael Rebarchak + time, perhaps even going south and taking the winters off. The best of Price: $302,000 Buyer: Andres Lichtenthal + Price: $135,000 Price: $295,000 the best are the ones who keep working because, after all, real estate Mortgage: $271,800 Seller: Sandra Moore IRT + Date: 8/31/20 Mortgage: $236,000 Lender: Academy Mtg Price: $715,000 Lender: Academy Mtg sells 12 months out of the year, not just the warm months. Date: 8/14/20 Date: 8/28/20 329 Eagle St. Date: 8/28/20 Buyer: Casey Albert + 745 Tyringham Rd. 10 Heron Pond Park Seller: Casey Bard 13 Bonny Ln. These 10 attributes of the best of the best real estate brokers are well Buyer: Joshua Clairmont Buyer: Susan Kerschbaumer Price: $169,000 Buyer: Shawn Crahan + Seller: Edwin Hutchinson + Seller: Dennis Lynch + Mortgage: $170,707 Seller: Steven Dupont Jr + worth bearing in mind for your next real estate purchase or sale. These Price: $365,000 Price: $489,000 Lender: Adams Community Price: $150,900 Mortgage: $292,000 Mortgage: $389,000 Date: 8/24/20 Mortgage: $15,555 dedicated professionals are out there – though they are few and far between, Lender: First World Mtg Lender: Berkshire Bank Lender: Academy Mtg Date: 8/7/20 Date: 8/28/20 189-191 Franklin St. Date: 8/27/20 and they may not all possess everything mentioned above. But, to assure Buyer: Kristie Feder yourself of the best possible outcome, finding and selecting a broker 30 Union St. Hupi Rd. Seller: Lefaver Linda Est + 8 Lafayette Dr. Buyer: Brian Wadsworth Buyer: Alan Klingenstein + Price: $165,000 Buyer: Tina Rubin who meets as many of the criteria as possible is highly recommended. Seller: Elliot Bodian + Seller: Scherrer Gail Est + Mortgage: $120,000 Seller: Edward Blair + Price: $190,000 Price: $1,475,000 Lender: Adams Community Price: $342,500 Mortgage: $152,000 Date: 8/28/20 Date: 8/21/20 Mortgage: $330,125 Lender: Adams Community Lender: Pittsfield Coop Date: 8/26/20 20 Limerock Rd. 23 Goodrich St. Date: 8/20/20 Paul A. Harsch III, Realtor Emeritus®, CRB, CRS, GRI Buyer: Justin Edelstein + Buyer: Gregory Howard + • Licensed Real Estate Broker in MA, VT, NY 880 East St. U:2C Seller: Beth Bogart Seller: Susan Bushika 5 North Rd. Buyer: Lisa Miller + Price: $460,000 Price: $149,000 Buyer: Justine Goonan + • Licensed since 1975 Seller: Myrna Davidson Mortgage: $360,000 Mortgage: $99,000 Seller: L Michele Price: $160,000 Lender: Berkshire Bank Lender: Citizens Bank Schermerhorn • Licensed Real Estate Instructor, Broker owner of the Berkshire Date: 8/31/20 Date: 8/14/20 Date: 8/17/20 Price: $353,000 Real Estate School Mortgage: $335,350 880 East St. U:4C 148 Main Rd. 55-57 Hall St. Lender: Academy Mtg • President, Harsch Properties Inc. d/b/a Harsch Associates Buyer: Deborah White + Buyer: Brian Kaplan + Buyer: Benjamin Nardone Date: 8/21/20 Seller: David Lack + Seller: 148 Main Road RT + Seller: 55-57 Hall Street NT Price: $210,000 Price: $577,000 Price: $120,000 Mortgage: $168,000 Mortgage: $259,650 Date: 8/31/20 PITTSFIELD 413-458-5000 Lender: Fairway Mtg Lender: Lee Bank Date: 8/4/20 Date: 8/28/20 93 Johnson St. continued on next page [email protected] • www.harschrealestate.com 24 BERKSHIRE TRADE & COMMERCE NOVEMBER 2020 REAL estate continued from page 23 Lender: Academy Mtg Mortgage: $169,750 129 Euclid Ave. Date: 8/7/20 Seller: Jean Hajjar 14 Woodland Dr. Date: 8/17/20 Date: 8/28/20 Lender: Adams Community Buyer: Charles Paffenroth Price: $185,000 Buyer: Frank Cermak + 207 2nd St. Date: 8/5/20 Seller: Karen Machaffie 30 Kearney Ave. Mortgage: $92,500 Seller: Buldo NT + 305 Woodlands Way Buyer: Miryam Rendon + 186 Burbank St. Price: $210,000 Buyer: Philip Volastro Lender: Berkshire Bank Price: $535,000 Buyer: Steven Weiner + Seller: Berkshire Gateway Buyer: Patricia Thompson 218 Dalton Ave. Mortgage: $188,500 Seller: Robert Haughey + Date: 8/31/20 Date: 8/27/20 Seller: Michael Berg + Inv Prop Seller: Melodie Hoskeer Buyer: Alexandra Ely Lender: Citizens Bank Price: $210,000 Price: $290,000 Price: $189,900 Price: $79,000 Seller: Kate Welch Date: 8/25/20 Date: 8/28/20 11 Radcliffe Ave. Alpine Trail U:160 Mortgage: $215,000 Mortgage: $142,425 Mortgage: $75,050 Price: $184,900 Buyer: Justin Zwirba Buyer: Andrew Zeitlin + Lender: Quicken Loan Lender: Cardinal Fncl Lender: Academy Mtg Mortgage: $174,900 75 Exeter Ave. 28 Kellie Dr. Seller: Shane Hunter Seller: Sinclair FT + Date: 8/14/20 Date: 8/31/20 Date: 8/27/20 Lender: Greylock FCU Buyer: Kristin Guptill Buyer: Jonathan Ovitt + Price: $118,500 Price: $430,000 Date: 8/31/20 Seller: KN Mccauley 2015 T + Seller: Anthony Carusotto + Mortgage: $131.075 Mortgage: $300,000 267 2nd St. 87 Calumet St. Price: $150,000 Price: $190,000 Lender: Greylock FCU Lender: Wells Fargo SAVOY Buyer: Flex Investments LLC Buyer: 87 Calumet St NT + 101 Daniels Ave. Mortgage: $140,000 Mortgage: $184,300 Date: 8/5/20 Date: 8/12/20 Seller: Suresh Mylam Seller: Shaun-Robert Burbank Buyer: Flex Instruments LLC Lender: Adams Community Lender: Greylock FCU 205 Windsor Rd. Price: $98,000 Price: $155,000 Seller: Mir Afdasta + Date: 8/31/20 Date: 8/27/20 71 Richmond Ave. Churchill Crst. U:39 Buyer: Adam Collini + Mortgage: $248,800 Mortgage: $150,350 Price: $100,000 Buyer: Rene Barahona + Buyer: Judith Cromwell Seller: Daniel Gaylord + Lender: IC Credit Union Lender: Greylock FCU Mortgage: $248,800 339 Fenn St. 50 Kellie Dr. Seller: Ruby Realty LLC Seller: Edward Murray + Price: $360,000 Date: 8/12/20 Date: 8/6/20 Lender: IC Credit Union Buyer: Tony Henriquez Buyer: Matthew Fiero + Price: $157,000 Price: $259,900 Mortgage: $159,000 Date: 8/12/20 Seller: Brian Reardon Seller: Timothy Armstrong Mortgage: $152,290 Date: 8/14/20 Lender: Salem Five Mtg 142 Allengate Ave. 1296 Churchill St. Price: $137,300 Price: $95,000 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/3/20 Buyer: Billy Rose + Buyer: Matthew Giardina + 39 Day St. Mortgage: $96,110 Mortgage: $76,000 Date: 8/31/20 620 Churchill St. U:4 Seller: Jay Coyle Seller: James Bronson + Buyer: Jessica Boulais Lender: Mtg Networks Lender: Adams Community Buyer: Matthew Powers + Price: $160,000 Price: $365,000 Seller: Lori Lincoln Date: 8/13/20 Date: 8/4/20 75 Sampson Pkwy. Seller: Gregory Sheehan + SHEFFIELD Mortgage: $150,000 Mortgage: $288,000 Price: $170,000 Buyer: Paul Procopio Jr + Price: $450,000 Lender: Adams Community Lender: Lee Bank Mortgage: $164,900 44 Garden St. 38 Kirkwood Dr. Seller: Ellen Schwaitzberg FT + Mortgage: $337,500 319 Berkshire School Rd. Date: 8/4/20 Date: 8/28/20 Lender: Greylock FCU Buyer: Austin Gaudette Buyer: Pittsfield Forests LLC Price: $220,000 Lender: Pittsfield Coop Buyer: FTH LLC Date: 8/20/20 Seller: Jason Cimini Seller: Pontoosuc Lane Mortgage: $209,000 Date: 8/26/20 Seller: David Gold + 185 Benedict Rd. 33 Connecticut Ave. Price: $166,750 Country Club Lender: Adams Community Price: $349,000 Buyer: Cam NT + Buyer: HSBC Bank USA NA Tr 121 Dorchester Ave. Mortgage: $161,746 Price: $895,000 Date: 8/13/20 81 Dartmouth St. U:306 Mortgage: $340,000 Seller: Bruseghini Aldo Est + Seller: Vincenzo Mazzeo + Buyer: Joshua Jordan + Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/20/20 Buyer: Roland Morin + Lender: Stephen Marshall Price: $77,500 Price: $130,500 Seller: Churchill St Realty LLC Date: 8/28/20 138 Sampson Pkwy. Seller: Claudia English Date: 8/14/20 Date: 8/31/20 Date: 8/25/20 Price: $173,000 152 Kittredge Rd. Buyer: Juana Martinez-Bernal + Price: $155,000 Mortgage: $164,350 40 Glenn Dr. Buyer: Timothy Garrity Seller: Stephen Durfee + Date: 8/21/20 25 Cross Rd. 169 Brighton Ave. 157 Connecticut Ave. Lender: Mtg Networks Buyer: Cory Bazinet + Seller: Anthony Gattuso Jr + Price: $245,000 Buyer: Robin Perry Buyer: Lauren Larison + Buyer: Kevin Rodriguez Date: 8/28/20 Seller: John Quallen + Price: $275,000 Mortgage: $220,500 4 Onota Ln. U:3 Seller: Benjamin Max + Seller: Karen Furey + Seller: Caryn Potash Price: $326,000 Mortgage: $270,019 Lender: Greylock FCU Buyer: Jean Hajaar Price: $365,000 Price: $191,000 Price: $170,900 43 Doreen St. Mortgage: $325,815 Lender: Quicken Loan Date: 8/14/20 Seller: Talal Makkaoui + Mortgage: $240,000 Mortgage: $176,000 Mortgage: $167,804 Buyer: Carol Seigh Lender: PNC Bank Date: 8/31/20 Price: $160,600 Lender: Pittsfield Coop Lender: Lee Bank Lender: Academy Mtg Seller: Nicole Andrus Date: 8/4/20 31 Saratoga Dr. Mortgage: $127,600 Date: 8/21/20 Date: 8/26/20 Date: 8/3/20 Price: $171,000 2 Kris Ln. Buyer: Mark Zarazinski + Lender: Greylock FCU Mortgage: $136,800 42 Greenings Ave. Buyer: Miss Halls School Seller: Matthew Giardina Date: 8/14/20 126 E Main St. 140 Broadview Ter. 297 Connecticut Ave. Lender: Academy Mtg Buyer: Jonathan Swigart + Seller: Thomas Alfonsi Price: $220,000 Buyer: Justin Ward Buyer: Ryan Wadsworth Buyer: Kristina Hallock Date: 8/5/20 Seller: Diana Vallone Price: $615,000 Mortgage: $213,400 Seller: Lusha Martin Seller: Francese Family Seller: James Obrien Price: $260,000 Date: 8/5/20 Lender: Adams Community RICHMOND Price: $210,000 Realty LLC Price: $165,000 71 Doreen St. Mortgage: $208,000 Date: 8/28/20 Mortgage: $206,196 Price: $115,000 Mortgage: $153,000 Buyer: Marina Dominguez Lender: Greylock FCU 139 Madison Ave. 114 Cross Rd. Lender: Total Mtg Svcs Mortgage: $105,000 Lender: Greylock FCU Seller: Baldwin Hill Realty Date: 8/18/20 Buyer: Flex Investments LLC 30 Scammell Ave. Buyer: Robert Martell Date: 8/17/20 Lender: Seller Date: 8/18/20 Price: $150,000 Seller: Nicole Casey + Buyer: Mitchell Scace + Seller: Peter Dus + Date: 8/28/20 Mortgage: $144,8000 41 High St. Price: $113,000 Seller: Ronald Mercier Jr Price: $295,500 69 East Rd. 17 Crane Ave. Lender: Greylock FCU Buyer: Charles Goyette + Mortgage: $248,800 Price: $175,000 Mortgage: $302,296 Buyer: Nalini Madiwale 140 Broadview Ter. Buyer: Brandon Rochelo Date: 8/21/20 Seller: Bryan Jones + Lender: IC Credit Union Mortgage: $166,250 Lender: Mtg Research Seller: Rosley Judy Est + Buyer: Francese Family Seller: Bruce Powell Price: $152,000 Date: 8/12/20 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/17/20 Price: $450,000 Realty LLC Price: $163,500 79 Edison Ave. Mortgage: $149,246 Date: 8/10/20 Date: 8/14/20 Seller: David Carlon + Mortgage: $155,325 Buyer: Kyle Norton Lender: Academy Mtg 26 Melrose Ave. 995 Dublin Rd. Price: $75,000 Lender: Academy Mtg Seller: Sarah Polo Date: 8/7/20 Buyer: Louis Reyes-Rivera + 157 Seymour St. Buyer: Brian Callahan + 93 Hillside Ln. Date: 8/14/20 Date: 8/31/20 Price: $161,000 Seller: Allen Sykes Buyer: Hao Chen + Seller: Genie Arnold NT + Buyer: Stephen Emerson + Mortgage: $146,000 967 Holmes Rd. Price: $175,000 Seller: 157 Seymour St LLC Price: $290,000 Seller: Gregory Batch 147 Broadview Ter. 88 Cromwell Ave. Lender: Lee Bank Buyer: William Meister 3rd + Mortgage: $157,000 Price: $250,000 Mortgage: $270,000 Price: $800,000 Buyer: Francese Family Buyer: Maggie Pytko Date: 8/7/20 Seller: Yu Koh + Lender: Adams Community Mortgage: $210,000 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/17/20 Realty LLC Seller: Michael Wendling Jr Price: $357,000 Date: 8/7/20 Lender: Seller Date: 8/14/20 Seller: David Carlon + Price: $99,000 114 Elberon Ave. Date: 8/7/20 Date: 8/6/20 674 Rannapo Rd. Price: $125,000 Mortgage: $99,000 Buyer: Jonathan Mcgregor + 37 Monroe St. 170 Lenox Rd. Buyer: Ashley Falls LLC Date: 8/14/20 Lender: Pittsfield Coop Seller: Meredith Jackson- 39 Hopewell Dr. Buyer: 37 Monroe St LLC 32 Shore Dr. Buyer: Lynn Sutton Seller: Charles Bell + Date: 8/6/20 Haas + Buyer: Tyler Joyner + Seller: Lussier Realty LLC Buyer: Barbara Boulais + Seller: John North Jr Price: $200,000 28 Bryant St. Price: $220,000 Seller: John Ogle + Price: $229,000 Seller: Jane Perlman Price: $287,300 Date: 8/13/20 Buyer: Austin Nunn + 188 Dalton Ave. Mortgage: $176,000 Price: $182,500 Date: 8/6/20 Price: $633,100 Date: 8/10/20 Seller: Keith Holden + Buyer: Yvonne Walton Lender: Greylock FCU Mortgage: $177,025 Mortgage: $745,000 Salisbury Rd. Price: $215,000 Seller: Lucas Ward Date: 8/18/20 Lender: Greylock FCU 9 Myrtle St. Lender: Adams Community 530 Osceola Rd. Buyer: Donald Seagraves + Mortgage: $204,250 Price: $175,000 Date: 8/25/20 Buyer: Robert Sitzer Date: 8/31/20 Buyer: Jameson Kelleher + Seller: Pekrul Manfred Est + 275 Elm St. Seller: William Seely + Seller: CW Fischer & D Price: $85,000 Buyer: Rupa RE Holdings LLC 28 Howard St. Price: $140,000 326 Springside Ave. Ferriere LT + Date: 8/28/20 Seller: S&F Investments LLC Buyer: Julie Haagenson Mortgage: $112,000 Buyer: 326 Springside Ave LLC Price: $915,000 Price: $560,000 Seller: Barrington Stage Co Lender: Adams Community Seller: REM&LPM NT + Mortgage: $500,000 851 West Rd. Mortgage: $160,000 Price: $289,000 Date: 8/21/20 Price: $160,000 Lender: Adams Community Buyer: Daniel Gray-Goldstein + Lender: Seller Mortgage: $289,000 Mortgage: $150,000 Date: 8/12/20 Seller: Russel Stein + Date: 8/31/20 Lender: Adams Community 35 New Hampshire Ave. Lender: Seller Price: $1,000,000 Date: 8/4/20 Buyer: Amanda Viera + Date: 8/12/20 123 State Rd. Date: 8/6/20 85 CHURCH STREET • NORTH ADAMS, MA 335 Elm St. Seller: Michael Mackey Buyer: Christopher White + Buyer: Jenna Lanphear 27 Hull Ave. Price: $184,000 54 Strong Ave. Seller: Rich FT + Seller: Hajjar Nelson Est + Buyer: Brian Boateng Mortgage: $179,685 Buyer: Connor Ryan + Price: $675,000 STOCKBRIDGE Price: $200,000 Seller: Lisa Kennedy Lender: Academy Mtg Seller: Alyssa Piacenti Mortgage: $200,000 We Appraise Mortgage: $150,000 Price: $139,900 Date: 8/7/20 Price: $174,000 Lender: Leader Bank 13 Cherry Hill Rd. Lender: Adams Community Mortgage: $118,915 Mortgage: $165,300 Date: 8/14/20 Buyer: Michael Shirley + Date: 8/10/20 Lender: Digital FCU 82 Noblehurst Ave. Lender: Academy Mtg Seller: James Freeman Everything Real Estate Date: 8/11/20 Buyer: Nina Sondrini + Date: 8/20/20 2399 Swamp Rd. Price: $319,000 422 Elm St. Seller: Roberts Merrill Est + Buyer: Edward Bernstein + Date: 8/3/1/20 Residential • Commercial • Industrial Buyer: John Perusse Jr 15 Huron St. Price: $125,000 55 Strong Ave. Seller: Dean Creighton + Seller: George Newell Buyer: Mark Speth + Mortgage: $163,600 Buyer: Kathleen Kraft Price: $389,000 20 Church St. Business In Place • Subdivisions Price: $197,500 Seller: James Choquette + Lender: Pittsfield Coop Seller: Louis Shogry 3rd + Date: 8/10/20 Buyer: 20 Church St Mortgage: $197,500 Price: $172,000 Date: 8/25/20 Price: $224,000 House LLC Lender: Adams Community Mortgage: $137,600 Mortgage: $161,280 Seller: Susan Rowna Easements (Permanent & Temporary) Date: 8/28/20 Lender: Greylock FCU 39 Ontario St. Lender: Greylock FCU SANDISFIELD Philbin RET + Date: 8/3/20 Buyer: Timothy Kelly + Date: 8/21/20 Price: $495,000 Hotels • Motels • Inns 31 Elmhurst Ave. Seller: Reeves Paul Est + 114 Hammertown Rd. Date: 8/17/20 Buyer: Melodie Hokseer 70 Imperial Ave. Price: $159,000 13 Westminister St. Buyer: Christina Chan + STATE CERTIFIED APPRAISERS: Seller: Michael Schilling + Buyer: Bryan Better + Date: 8/14/20 Buyer: Orphelia Duku Seller: Babenama Realty LLC Interlaken Rd. Price: $160,000 Seller: Grull Hubert Est + Seller: Mark Speth Price: $410,000 Buyer: Rob Levesque + WAYNE WILKINSON ...... #75094 Mortgage: $155,200 Price: $204,000 51 Ontario St. Price: $143,500 Mortgage: $200,000 Seller: Roger DiLeo Lender: Adams Community Mortgage: $150,000 Buyer: Anand Sudakaran + Mortgage: $140,900 Lender: Wells Fargo Price: $150,000 MELISSA WILKINSONRUSTIN ...#76064 Date: 8/27/20 Lender: Greylock FCU Seller: Richard Millis Jr + Lender: Academy Mtg Date: 8/18/20 Date: 8/31/20 Date: 8/31/20 Price: $186,000 Date: 8/14/20 39 Elmhurst Ave. Mortgage: $148,800 391 Highland Way 78 Interlaken Rd. Buyer: Jessica Moulton + 23 Jayne Ave. Lender: Adams Community 490 Williams St. Buyer: Anya Mukarji-Connolly + Buyer: Jonathan Turell + 413-662-2227 Seller: Alicia Swigart Buyer: Sarah Roberts + Date: 8/21/20 Buyer: Thomas Genton + Seller: Eliot Russman + Seller: Carol Davidson + Price: $165,000 Seller: Kimberly Conant Seller: Deborah Horth Price: $335,000 Price: $2,375,000 or online at: Mortgage: $165,000 Price: $200,000 40 Pinto Dr. Price: $460,000 Date: 8/13/20 Date: 8/27/20 Lender: Adams Community Mortgage: $160,000 Buyer: Nicholas Leveque + Date: 8/21/20 www.wilkinsonappraisal.com Date: 8/18/20 Lender: Greylock FCU Seller: Andrew Thorne + 11 Jamie Ln. 8 Manitauk Hts. Price: $318,000 725 Williams St. Buyer: Nicholas Giardino + Buyer: Yakimchuk RET 1 + Mortgage: $298,000 Buyer: Edward Murray + Seller: Beryl Birch + Seller: John Hart + ICC MC73444 Lender: Greylock FCU Seller: Nancy Andrus Price: $525,000 Price: $310,000 Date: 8/7/20 Price: $309,900 Mortgage: $325,000 Date: 8/12/20 US DOT 058227 Date: 8/14/20 Lender: Citizens Bank 11 Pleasure Ave. Date: 8/20/20 2 Massasoit Rd. Buyer: Ronald Mercier Jr 18 Wilson St. Buyer: Stephen Abraham + Seller: Willard Smith Buyer: Marisela Pascual + 262 N Beech Plain Rd. Seller: Harvey Simon Price: $190,000 Seller: Inmer Bernabel + Buyer: Teschner FT + Price: $278,000 Date: 8/24/20 Price: $102,100 Seller: David Hirnig Date: 8/31/20 Mortgage: $99,037 Price: $317,000 SPECIALISTS IN RESIDENTIAL MOVING & WAREHOUSING. 140 Pomeroy Ave. Lender: Adams Community Mortgage: $253,600 1-A W Dale Rd. Buyer: Joan Osleeb Date: 8/25/20 Lender: BMO Harris Bk Buyer: Charles Lambert LOCALLY & WORLDWIDE. Seller: Robert Sammons + Date: 8/3/20 Seller: Waller Bldg Contractor Price: $285,000 30 Wood Ave. Price: $212,500 Date: 8/14/20 Buyer: Susan Carroll 11 Sandisfield Rd. Date: 8/7/20 Proudly serving The Berkshires for over 90 years. Seller: Cory Bazinet + Buyer: Michael Beck + 68 Preston Ave. Price: $215,000 Seller: Bruce Beyer + 9-B W Dale Rd. QUALITY SERVICE • COMPETITIVE RATES Buyer: Krobkul Seesangrit Date: 8/27/20 Price: $277,000 Buyer: Charles Lambert A Family Owned & Operated Business Since 1923 David J. LeBeau MFA LEBEAU APPRAISAL SERVICE Appraisal of Personal Property, Antiques, Furniture, Etc.

OR TOLL FREE Established 1973 413•499•4982 1•800•225•8068 visit our website at www.castinemovers.com 413-229-3445 • [email protected] NOVEMBER 2020 BERKSHIRE TRADE & COMMERCE 25 Berkshire County real estate transfers ENTREPRENEURS WANTED! CONVENIENCE STORE WITH FOOD, BEVERAGE & GAS STATION

Seller: Waller Bldg Contractor Lender: Adams Community Lender: Wells Fargo Lender: Republic State Price: $212,500 Date: 8/31/20 Date: 8/7/20 Date: 8/6/20 Date: 8/7/20 47 Stockbridge Rd. 105 Harrison Ave. 106 Scott Hill Rd. 9-A W Dale Rd. Buyer: Ryan Salame Buyer: Jonah Bayer + Buyer: David Reiss + Buyer: Charles Lambert Seller: AJ IS NT + Seller: Short William Est + Seller: Marilyn Coll T + Seller: Waller Bldg Contractor Price: $150,000 Price: $259,900 Price: $375,000 Price: $212,500 Date: 8/25/20 Mortgage: $207,920 Date: 8/28/20 Date: 8/7/20 Lender: Adams Community 64 W Center Rd. Date: 8/11/20 964 Simonds Rd. 11 Prospect Hill Rd. U:C Buyer: Alexander Maroni Buyer: Kristen Thompson Buyer: Eric Haines + Seller: Ira Licht T + 861 Hopper Rd. Seller: Claire Patterson + Seller: Alan Frankel + Price: $800,000 Buyer: Ellen Blais Price: $260,000 Price: $438,000 Mortgage: $560,000 Seller: Harwell Samuel Est + Mortgage: $266,666 Date: 8/7/20 Lender: First Republic Price: $1,035,000 Lender: Academy Mtg Date: 8/31/20 Date: 8/5/20 Date: 8/25/20

WASHINGTON 2 Washington Sq. 146 Ide Rd. 610 Water St. Buyer: Andre Delgado + Buyer: Jawal Nga + Buyer: Samel Jennings 71 N Washington State Rd. Seller: Dennis Lamke Seller: Ellen Bernstein RET + Seller: Harry Montgomery Buyer: Gwen Buswell-Gordon Price: $477,500 Price: $708,800 RET + Seller: Eyal Shapira Mortgage: $382,000 Mortgage: $508,000 Price: $630,000 Great Income opportunity. Beautiful place to work, live and be your own boss! Price: $325,000 Lender: TD Bank Lender: Adams Community Mortgage: $560,700 Sweeping road frontage on busy state Highway 100 in the quaint bedroom community Date: 8/14/20 Date: 8/24/20 Date: 8/28/20 Lender: Adams Community Date: 8/20/20 of Readsboro, VT, your dream opportunity of nancial freedom awaits! Zoned for owner 218 Upper Valley Rd. 79 Linden St. occupancy or rental income, this general store is an essential business with a long history Buyer: Corey Graichen WILLIAMSTOWN Buyer: Debra Chaulk River Run U:2 Seller: Dawn Graham + Seller: Michael Streett + Buyer: Patricia Tusa + of serving the community, tourists, and people passing through. This turnkey operation Price: $185,000 4 Cobbleview Rd. Price: $360,000 Seller: 180 Water LLC is a busy retail operation which includes groceries, deli, lottery, beer, wine, tobacco Mortgage: $181,649 Buyer: Jonathan Boucher + Mortgage: $320,000 Price: $950,000 Lender: Zillow Home Seller: Darin Harvey + Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 8/21/20 sales and gas – the only store oering gasoline within an approximate 20-mile radius. Date: 8/3/20 Price: $248,000 Date: 8/31/20 Southern exposure and overlooking the Deer eld River, the steel framed building was Mortgage: $221,960 Lender: Trustco Bank 537 Main St. WINDSOR constructed in 1998 on a large lot which includes expansion space. Recently reduced and WEST Date: 8/14/20 Buyer: ENL LLC priced to sell. After 35 years in business, owners are ready to retire. Financials available Seller: Darryl Danaher + 93 Access Road 3 STOCKBRIDGE 55 Elm St. Price: $250,000 Buyer: John Frederick + to quali ed and serious buyers! To own this marvelous, money making empire, call us 36 Birch Hill Rd. Buyer: Anne Palmer Date: 8/26/20 Seller: Sean Anderson + today to schedule your private consultation! Kiss Your Boss Goodbye! Buyer: Peter Arseneau + Seller: William & Larrie Price: $192,500 Seller: Dita Stieglitz Ann RET + 1305 Main St. Mortgage: $154,000 Call Colleen Zajac (413-446-0301) and Sue Colvin (603-493-1952) for a private Price: $322,500 Price: $229,900 Buyer: 1035 Main NT + Lender: Berkshire Bank Mortgage: $290,250 Mortgage: $100,000 Seller: Steven Nafziger + Date: 8/26/20 preview so you can begin pursuing your dream of entrepreneurship RIGHT NOW! Lender: Greylock FCU Lender: Greylock FCU Price: $520,000 Date: 8/14/20 Date: 8/11/20 Date: 8/10/20 274 Bates Rd. Buyer: Mary Morrison + 413-743-0450 • 413-446-0301 19 State Line Rd. 335 Gale Rd. 874 N Hoosac Rd. Seller: Terry Malloy Buyer: Christopher Meador + Buyer: Alexander Lees + Buyer: Thomas Queally + Price: $204,000 www.monarchrealty-ma.com Seller: Gary Yaple + Seller: Sue Metzner 2008 RET + Seller: Susan Matsui + Mortgage: $193,800 Price: $565,000 Price: $675,000 Price: $189,900 Lender: Adams Community Mortgage: $452,000 Mortgage: $405,000 Mortgage: $184,203 Date: 8/18/20 u 97 Summer St. • Adams, MA 01220

ENOUGH ALREADY We’ll take the sting out of discussing your nancial fears.

BerkshireMM.com • (888) 232-6072 Investment in securities, including mutual funds, involves the risk of loss. 26 BERKSHIRE TRADE & COMMERCE NOVEMBER 2020 GETTINGstarted Real estate career leads to unexpected opportunity to open new barber shop

BY BRAD JOHNSON A few years ago, Tony Riello launched what has become a successful new career in real estate sales. His work in that fi eld has now unexpect- edly led him back to his previous long-time profession as a barber with the opening of Rocco’s North End Barber Shop. “I’ve been a barber for 17 years,” said Riello, a Pittsfi eld resident. For eight of those years he was owner of Elm Street Barber Shop in the city. After selling that business in 2015, Riello made a gradual transition into his new career as an agent with Berkshire Dream Home Real Estate in Dalton. “It’s three years and counting, and I’ve been very successful at it,” said Riello. During those years, he also kept his hand in barbering on a part-time basis, and main- tained his Master Barber license. The connection between the two trades Owner Tony Riello joins other barbers and stylists on the team at the newly opened Rocco’s North End Barber Shop at 1175 North St. in Pittsfi eld. From left, they came about through a listing that Berkshire are: Breanna Seviour, Steve Vilot, Karen Maynard, Tony Riello and his son Gabe, and Shaunna Collins. (Missing from photo: William Botto.) Dream Home had for a small commercial property at 1175 North St. in Pittsfi eld that in February, and completed the purchase just a barber shop to: ‘How do we make They began renovations in April and by had formerly been used by a landscaping in April. In the interim, however, the CO- it COVID-friendly, and make people feel June had completed the work, which among company. VID-19 pandemic had reached the region safe and comfortable when they’re getting other things included installing a new heating “My offi ce had this listing, and I showed and prompted the statewide shutdown of a haircut.’” season for four-season use. it to barbers, to people who could use it as most businesses – including barber shops Riello and his son enlisted the help of Four chairs and hair cutting stations were a sandwich shop, and others,” Riello said, and hair stylists – in March. Steve Vilot and Barber Authority, a national set up – arranged with two on each side of noting that this was just prior to the advent The timing of the shutdown in some ways company that designs pop-up and storefront a rear door that opens to a covered deck. of the novel coronavirus pandemic. was fortuitous for Riello, who noted that it barbershops. Together they planned the fea- Plexiglas sheet dividers were hung between “I was sitting with my son, Gabe, one day came before he completed the purchase and tures and layout that would make the new each pair of stations. and said, ‘If you want to go to barber school – more importantly – before he had begun barber shop fully compliant with COVID “We made sure the stations were properly and get your license, I’ll buy this building and any renovations on the building to prepare safety guidelines and protocols. set apart,” said Riello. “It still gives you the help you start your own shop,’” he recalled. it for its new use. “Our goal was to make sure that it’s just in-the-shop experience, but you’ve got a Riello subsequently made an offer on the “We had time to consider how we wanted done right,” Riello said. semi-private feel to each station.” 600-square-foot building and one-acre lot to do things,” he said. “It went from being

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hat sets us apart is our commitment to With renovations taking place during early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the interior of Rocco’s doing what’s right versus doing what’s North End Barber Shop has been designed to conform to state safety guidelines and social distancing W protocols. This includes installation of vertical Plexiglas barriers between hair-cutting stations. popular. Investors have a lot to think about. Worrying about your advisor shouldn’t be one of them. Have a conversation with Gary Schiff, Managing Director and our team. We think you’ll appreciate the difference.

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Walls were painted white and accented the most part, barber shops have followed with white subway tiles, which, along with a system where customers simply walk in exposed wood beams in the ceiling, gives the and wait for the next open chair. That wait, small shop a bright and spacious ambiance. he added, could stretch to an hour or more A washer and dryer were installed to under some circumstances. maintain a supply of freshly laundered capes “I guess one thing COVID has helped with for each customer. is time management,” he observed. “In that In addition to the $80,000 purchased price way, it’s better for all of us.” (financed by Adams Community Bank), While Riello said his own role at Rocco’s Riello said he invested about $30,000 in will remain limited to accommodate his real renovations. Another $10,000 loan from the estate work, he added that the family’s overall SBA was used to purchase equipment for the presence there is expected to grow. His son, shop, which opened in early August. Gabe, is in barber school at Mildred Elley in Riello explained that the shop is named Pittsfield this fall, which is being done in a hy- after his grandfather who in 1920 came from brid format of remote and on-site instruction. Italy to Pittsfield, where he sold fruit and veg- “He’ll be joining us here in 2021,” Riello etables out of a truck to local neighborhoods. said. “That, after all, is what got this started u While Tony Riello is splitting his time between the barber shop and his real estate work, his son Gabe He noted that Rocco’s is licensed for both in the first place.” is preparing to join the business next year after completing barber school at Mildred Elley in Pittsfield. barbers and hair stylists. “There are six of us right now and I’m looking to add more,” he said. Riello is currently splitting his time be- tween the barber the shop and handling real estate showings with Berkshire Dream Home. Vilot (former owner of Sim’s Barber Shop) is also barbering at the shop on a part-time basis, as is William Botto, a for- mer barber instructor at Mildred Elley in Pittsfield. Others currently on the team are stylists Shaunna Collins, Karen Maynard and Breanna Seviour. Riello noted that customer response to the shop’s set-up and adherence to safety protocols has been very positive. “Customers love it,” he said. That response, he added, stands in contrast to reports of what some customers have been experiencing in other regions where safety precautions have either been more lax or less rigorously followed. “Some in the barber industry are not tak- ing COVID precautions seriously,” he said “Across the country, people are going in and they don’t feel safe.” “We take them very seriously,” he con- tinued. “Navigating through this whole thing, we’re taking every effort to keep our customers safe. That includes a fresh chair and fresh tools every time.” Under current state guidelines, Rocco’s operates on an appointment-only basis. Ap- pointments can be made on the Bootsy app or by calling 413-464-7785. Riello noted that, often, appointments can be set up at the door. Hours of operation are currently Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. While appointments have long been the rule for hair stylists, Riello noted that, for

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