News/Business

Turners Falls shop finds niche in vintage motorcycle repair

By MAX MARCUS

TURNERS FALLS — As one of very few motorcycle shops that can work on almost any bike regardless of its make, model or year, Nova Motorcycles draws customers from throughout New England, and sometimes from as far away as New York City.“If it’s got two...

At 92, orchard owner starts a new hard cider business

By DAVID McLELLAN

Editor’s Note: This story is part of a week-long series about the state of farming in Franklin County.People thought she was crazy.At 92 years old, Carol Hillman, owner of New Salem Preserves & Orchards, 67 South Main St., has started a new business...

Stylist unveils two new salons in Greenfield, Turners Falls

By MELINA BOURDEAU

GREENFIELD — With Textür Beauty Bar and Textür Blow Out Bar in two towns, owner Carleigh Dlugosz said she wants to bring “a driving energy” to both locations.Dlugosz, a Turners Falls resident who previously co-owned Lavish on Chapman Street with...

Planet Fitness now open

By DOMENIC POLI

GREENFIELD — Letting those New Year’s resolutions fall by the wayside just got a bit more difficult, as a Planet Fitness franchise has opened in the Big Y plaza.Tom Sullivan, who has owned a Planet Fitness in Gardner for five years, said the new...

ASHFIELDNelson L. Howes of Greenfield, Roger E. Howes, David D. Newell and Virginia R. Newell to Sharon D. Wells. 12 Lilliput Road. $1Juliette J. Meeus Investment Trust, Juliette J. Meeus, Individually and Trustee and Catherine V. Stevens Investment...

Gallery closes after 25 years

SHELBURNE FALLS — After 25 years, the Young & Constantin Gallery at 4 Deerfield Ave. has closed and is making way for a new boutique store that will specialize in fashion and home accessories.Owner and artist Kathleen Young has sold the gallery...

Welcoming Good Vibes

By DOMENIC POLI

ORANGE — Anthony Cutaia has one foot in the door of the recreational marijuana industry.The Orange resident opened the Good Vibes smoke shop at 9 East Main St. in mid-September to sell tobacco and smoking accessories. He hopes the store will...

land transfers franklin county

BERNARDSTONMary M. Gleason to Sean M. Mason of Northfield. 24 Harwood Drive. $1BUCKLANDBrian J. Pierce of Turners Falls to Ruth S. Pierce. 11 East Buckland Road. No ConsiderationConway Road Partners, John S. Carpenter of Greenfield and William J....

A new vocation: Jay Healy talks about life at the Sawmill

By ANDY CASTILLO

CHARLEMONT — Former state legislator and Agriculture Secretary Jay Healy stands in cascading sunlight, pouring through a small window in a storage barn at The Sawmill at Hall Tavern Farm, just off Route 2.“We have some of the best pine trees in the...

Lifelong passion behind new Turners Falls gun store

By LISA SPEAR

Lifelong passion behind new Turners Falls gun store- TURNERS FALLS — “Clink, clank” goes the sound of a shotgun barrel as Norm Emond Jr. demonstrates how to load and unload a gun. He is standing in front of a row of semi-automatic weapons in the Gun Rack, a shop that opened just a few days ago at 157...

Gill vet Patrick Cotter enjoys the peace, quiet and animals

By LISA SPEAR

Gill vet Patrick Cotter enjoys the peace, quiet and animals- GILL — A new veterinarian practice in town is dedicated to keeping four-legged friends healthy while keeping their owners’ wallets in tact. After living and working in New York City for about 40 years, Patrick Cotter opened a new small animal practice...