On the Road in the Hilltowns: Cummington Creamery

On the Road in the Hilltowns: Cummington Creamery

After a long and storied history of serving the residents of the Hilltown communities, the Cummington Creamery is embarking on a new chapter in its existence, with co-operative ownership by its patrons and the expansion of its facilities. Connecting Point Producer...
Italian Americans: Rico Daniele

Italian Americans: Rico Daniele

Rico Daniele opened Mom & Rico’s Specialty Market on Main Street in the heart of Springfield’s South End in 1976. Growing up as an Italian American, Rico reflects on his family life, his love for the sport of Bocce and the importance of continuing the tradition of...

Italian Americans: Tony’s Barber Shop

Since 1925, a trip to Tony’s Barbershop was not only a rite of passage that every Italian boy in the city would go through, it was also a gathering place for locals to catch up on the latest news and happenings in the Italian community. 90 years later, for many...
Making It Here: Bum Drums

Making It Here: Bum Drums

A custom-designed BUMDRUM is many different things to many different people. But above all else it’s a beacon. A beacon that calls out to all of those who appreciate the important things in life – family, friends, great conversation… and beer. Connecting Point...
Common Capital

Common Capital

Chris Sikes, CEO of Common Capital, and businesswoman Susan Mastroianni, a Common Capital investor, discuss the work of that Holyoke-based organization: granting loans to local residents in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire and Worcester Counties & providing...
Making It Here: Moe’s Donuts

Making It Here: Moe’s Donuts

In order to help pay for their daughters’ college educations, Maureen and Mark Weiner knew they had to be creative. They turned to what they know best: donuts. Years later Moe’s Donuts has become a staple at local farmer’s markets year round. Connecting Point producer...

Wednesday, December 10th: Valley Gives Special

American Graduate: Sci Tech Band In January 2007, Springfield’s Sci Tech High School had a band of about 20 members. Since UMass grad Gary Bernice joined the school the program has grown to over 500 students. The band has received recognition from all over Western...
Making It Here: Platterpus Records

Making It Here: Platterpus Records

Platterpus Records owner Dave Witthaus has been buying and selling vinyl for 30 years to his loyal customers, and credits his ‘ability to change’ for the store’s longevity. Producer Marla Zippay and Videographer Dave Fraser stopped by the Easthampton store to browse...
Life with Monte: Signature Sounds

Life with Monte: Signature Sounds

Connecting Point Contributor Monte Belmonte talks with Jim Olsen President of Signature Sounds in Northampton. Since their inception in 1994, they have released over 50 albums of singer-songwriter, Americana and modern folk music. This month they celebrate their 20th...
Making it Here: A.L. Avery and Son

Making it Here: A.L. Avery and Son

A.L. Avery and Son on Route 2 in Charlemont, MA has been serving the residents of the area for over 150 years. A fifth generation owned family business, Avery’s is much more than a general store – it’s both a touchstone to the past and a look at the future of...
Student Prince Re-Opening

Student Prince Re-Opening

Business Partners Andy Yee and Peter Picknelly join Student Prince former owner Rudy Scherff for a lively discussion about the future of The Student Prince Restaurant, more commonly known as The Fort. The three plan to reopen the iconic downtown landmark Nov. 26, the...