Realtor Association of Pioneer Valley installs 2026 leadership
SPRINGFIELD — Judy Nevarez has been officially installed as the 2026 president of the Realtor Association of Pioneer Valley (RAPV), a nonprofit trade association representing more than 1,800 real estate professionals throughout western Massachusetts.
The installation took place during RAPV’s annual holiday celebration, which featured the Association’s 110th Installation of Officers and Directors. The event was held on Dec. 11, 2025, at the Log Cabin in Holyoke.
Nevarez has more than 22 years of experience as a realtor and is licensed in both Massachusetts and Connecticut. She is active in the community, serving on the Board of Directors for Western Massachusetts CYO and as a co-founder and advisory board member of Save Our Youth, Inc.
In 2025, Nevarez was recognized by the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals as one of the Top 250 Latino Agents nationwide and ranked among the top 100 Latino agents in the Northeast. Within RAPV, she has served on the Board of Directors since 2023 and has been an active member of several committees, including scholarship, professional development and finance.
In addition to Nevarez, Nikki Serafino of Keller Williams Realty was installed as president-elect, Don Thompson of NextHome Elite Realty was installed as treasurer and Sue Drumm of Coldwell Banker Realty was installed as the immediate past-president.
The 2026 Board of Directors includes: Carrie Blair of Keller Williams Realty, Quincy Clayton of NextHome Elite Realty, Kelly Page of Trademark Real Estate, Greg Dibrindisi of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Realty Professionals, Brian Fitzgerald of Coldwell Banker Realty, Art Ferrara of Landmark Realtors, Kathleen Norton of William Raveis Real Estate, Chad Lynch of NextHome Elite Realty, and Vinny Walsh of Coldwell Banker Realty – Western MA.
MassHire to share Greenleaf Foods job opportunities at the Greenfield Public Library
On Monday, April 13 at 10 a.m., Representatives from the MassHire Franklin Hampshire Career Center will be at the Greenfield Public Library highlighting job opportunities currently available. April’s Spotlight is Greenleaf Foods.
Greenleaf Foods is committed to shaping the future of plant-based foods. Established in 2018, Greenleaf Foods’ portfolio of leading plant-based protein brands includes Lightlife Foods and Field Roast. Greenleaf Foods is currently looking to fill positions for Production Team Members and Operators at their Turners Falls Facility.
Also at the library, on Tuesday afternoons, between 2:30-4:30 p.m., young adult career counselors from MassHire Franklin Hampshire hold office hours just outside the Greenfield Public Library Teen Room. There, participants can learn about resume writing, interviewing skills, and youth-friendly jobs and internships.
MassHire Franklin Hampshire programs andservices are funded in part by the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration Grants.
Western Mass Construction and Trades Career Day to be held on April 30
GREENFIELD — Western Mass Construction and Trades Career Day returns to the Franklin County Fairgrounds, 89 Wisdom Way in Greenfield, on Thursday, April 30. From 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., the annual event will bring more than 700 students from across western Massachusetts together for hands-on demonstrations and activities designed to introduce them to careers in construction, trades and manufacturing.
Presented by MassHire Franklin Hampshire in partnership with Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts, the MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board and the MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board, the event highlights the growing need for skilled workers in the region. Western Mass Construction and Trades Career Day gives students an early look at career paths in industries that are hiring now.
Businesses in construction, skilled trades and manufacturing are invited to join the event and build their future workforce pipeline. Exhibiting is free. Tables, chairs and indoor and/or outdoor space with electrical and demonstration space provided. Employers also have the opportunity to connect with students for internships, apprenticeships and even direct hire.
“Western Mass Construction Day allows students to explore industries that are actively seeking workers,” said Amie Miarecki, president of Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts. “We encourage local businesses to participate, showcase career opportunities and help address the skilled labor shortage in our region.”
Homebuying assistance programs available at Greenfield Cooperative Bank
GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank has been approved to participate in Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston’s homeownership assistance programs, Equity Builder Program and Housing Our Workforce. Both programs provide assistance to income-eligible homebuyers who are purchasing one- to four-family homes that will serve as their primary residence.
Equity Builder Program provides grants to financial institutions to help local first-time homebuyers with down payments and closing costs as well as homebuyer counseling and rehabilitation assistance. Borrowers earning up to 80% of the area median income are eligible to receive up to $32,099 in assistance on a first-come, first-served basis. Buyers must complete homebuyer education/counseling.
Housing Our Workforce enables financial institutions to help local homebuyers earning more than 80% and up to 120% of the area median income with down payments and closing costs. Borrowers can receive up to $25,000 in assistance on a first-come, first-served basis. Buyers must complete homebuyer education/counseling if they are a first-time homebuyer.
“These grant programs are designed to ease some challenges associated with a home purchase, particularly at a time when home prices have risen sharply and are beyond the reach of many individuals and families. We are pleased to participate to help borrowers become homebuyers, while also supporting the financial stability and vitality of our communities,” said Jane H. Wolfe, Executive Vice President of Residential Lending, Greenfield Cooperative Bank.
Greenfield Cooperative Bank is eligible to reserve up to $250,000 through the EBP and up to $250,0000 through HOW depending on availability of funds in 2026.
For more information, contact Missy Tetreault, vice president and community engagement mortgage officer, at 413-773-6180 or mtetreault@greenfieldcoopbank.com, or Victor H. Rodriguez Sr., vice president and community engagement mortgage officer, at 413-322-7114 or vrodriguez@greenfieldcoopbank.com.