Six newcomers join Northampton Neighbors board

NORTHAMPTON — Six new members of diverse backgrounds and interests recently joined the Northampton Neighbors board of directors.

The full board of 15 members provides guidance for NN’s mission of helping older adults in Northampton create and maintain connection, independence, dignity and joy. NN offers a range of social and volunteer opportunities, along with services and support for members 55 and up.

Here are the board’s new members:

Bob Reckman, a retired building/design contractor, was a founding member of Construct Associates in Northampton. He has served on many community boards and committees over the past 40 years.

Naomi Yanis is a retired computer systems analyst who moved to the Valley in 1996. She is a member of Five College Learning in Retirement and for several years a volunteer call manager for NN, who fielded inquiries regarding information or assistance.

Rob Hincks is a retired clinical social worker who worked at Valley Medical Group in Florence for 20 years. He is also a singer/songwriter.

Kimberly Pisinski is a practicing attorney who focuses on elder care, estate planning, and business matters. Her interests include strategic and financial planning, and organizational development. She and her two daughters have lived in the Northampton area for nearly15 years.

Jonathan Daube was a community college president in Massachusetts and Connecticut from 1978 to 2008. He and his wife moved to Florence to be near children and grandchildren.

David Bliss, a local resident since 1977, worked in management for CVS for over 30 years. He was a founder of the Pioneer Valley Peoples Gay Alliance, and has volunteered at the Northampton Senior Center and for Northampton Neighbors.

Board President Rainey Millman states: “We are excited to have new blood on the board as well as depth of experience that will help us move forward to helping our members live in the community with fully engaged lives.”

Kuhn Riddle announces several promotions

AMHERST — Kuhn Riddle Architects of Amherst has promoted several team members to leadership positions. The promotions include:

Andrew Bagge to associate/senior architect. Bagge will play a vital role in driving the firm’s design vision and fostering creative excellence.

Thom Barry to associate/senior architect. Barry will optimize project delivery processes and ensure the highest standards of quality and client satisfaction.

Brad Hutchison to senior architect. Hutchison will expand his technical proficiency and will mentor staff in the latest building science technologies and energy-efficient design practices.

Karen Michalowski to associate/senior interior designer. Michalowski’s tremendous expertise in interior design, and her sensitivity and understanding of client needs and the ever-changing interiors market will help to expand the firm’s market presence in interior design.

Kuhn Riddle focuses on commercial, educational, and residential projects.

Nissan donates truck to PV Habitat for local construction efforts

NORTHAMPTON — Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity this spring received a 2023 Frontier truck from Nissan as part of the company’s $800,000 national partnership renewal with Habitat for Humanity to support local Habitat affiliates across the U.S.

Nissan is donating five vehicles to local Habitat affiliates this year to use for use on Habitat for Humanity construction sites. Additionally, Nissan employees will volunteer in 12 communities near Nissan’s manufacturing and operational locations.

“It was just two years ago we were driving around an old donated 1997 truck to and from the job site, before the trusty Habitruck finally died. We are thrilled at this investment in our operations from Nissan so that we can reliably transport tools, materials and trash on our construction sites without worry,” said Megan McDonough, executive director of Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity.

Amherst’s Turku named bankESB retail SVP

EASTHAMPTON — bankESB recently announced that Gary Turku has been named senior vice president, retail banking officer for bankESB, succeeding Nancy Lapointe who recently retired.

Turku, of Amherst, joined bankESB in May 2021 as the vice president, branch officer of the bank’s former Locust Street, Northampton office, later transitioning to the 36 Main St., Easthampton, main office. Before joining bankESB, Turku was vice president, branch manager at both People’s United Bank/United Bank and Key Bank as well as senior credit manager with Wells Fargo Financial. Turku received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Tirana in Albania.

Turku brings more than 25 years of banking experience in both retail banking and lending to the role, in which he will assume responsibility for direct oversight of the bank’s 11 branches, including business development, the customer experience, and branch operations.

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