Abandoned Building Brewery recognized
EASTHAMPTON — Abandoned Building Brewery has been recognized as a “green beverage producer” by the BetterBev program.
The distinction was awarded by the Energy Transition Institute at UMass Amherst, which serves as one of the administrators of the BetterBev recognition program through a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Pollution Prevention Program.
ABB joins a growing number of beverage producers in Massachusetts and beyond that have earned recognition for their environmentally conscious business practices. While brewing is resource-intensive by nature, there are many opportunities for most businesses to reduce their environmental impact while also improving their bottom line.
Among the factors that make ABB a leader in sustainability is its efficient resource use through efficient system design and rigorous operating procedures. For example, after running cold water through a heat exchanger to cool beer down for the fermentation process, ABB captures and reuses that water for purposes such as cleaning, rather than draining it directly to the sewer.
Other efficiency measures that helped ABB achieve recognition include use of BrewOps Purge technology to cut purchased CO2 consumption by reducing purge time, receiving bulk malt/grain shipments with the use of a super sack setup, and thorough insulation throughout the 15-barrel steam-powered brew house.
The BetterBev program was launched to help beverage producers understand their environmental impact, increase efficiency, improve health and safety, conserve natural resources, and improve their businesses.
Assistant DA honored with Spotlight Award
NORTHAMPTON — Northwestern Assistant District Attorney Alexa Pascucci has been honored with the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association (MDAA) Spotlight Award at the organization’s 30th Annual Prosecutors Conference in Boston.
Pascucci has served with the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office since September 2018 and has been the attorney in charge of Eastern Hampshire District Court in Belchertown since September 2022. She is widely recognized as a dedicated and detail-oriented prosecutor who approaches her work with both professionalism and compassion for victims.
In her leadership role, Pascucci oversees one of the office’s busiest courts, where she is known for mentoring newer ADAs and legal interns. Her guidance and support have helped strengthen the next generation of prosecutors while ensuring high-quality representation in the courtroom.
Pascucci also played a key role in designing and implementing the office’s Adult Diversion Program, which she continues to oversee. The program provides young adults with no prior criminal record an opportunity to avoid a criminal record by engaging in education and rehabilitative programming. In addition, she serves as the designated ADA overseeing the office’s restorative justice initiative for Hampshire County.
Pascucci was selected for the Spotlight Award in recognition of her outstanding service, leadership, and commitment to justice. The award is presented annually by the MDAA to one prosecutor in each county who exemplifies professionalism, dedication, and excellence in their work. The MDAA is an independent state agency that supports the commonwealth’s 11 elected district attorneys, along with hundreds of prosecutors
and victim witness advocates across the state.
Enlace de Familias names executive director
HOLYOKE — Enlace de Familias / Holyoke Family Network has appointed Jasarah Burgos as its new executive director.
Burgos brings a strong background in community engagement, family support, and cross-sector collaboration across western Massachusetts. Her leadership is grounded in both professional experience and lived understanding of the communities she serves.
After relocating from Puerto Rico to Massachusetts following Hurricane Maria in 2017, Burgos experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating systems in search of stability, healthcare, and educational opportunities for her young son. That experience became the foundation of her work in human services, where she has since focused on building programs, strengthening partnerships, and improving access to resources for families.
Enlace de Familias is a community organization dedicated to supporting families, particularly Latino and underserved communities, by connecting them to resources, strengthening family stability, and creating pathways to opportunity.
As executive director, Burgos will focus on strengthening organizational alignment, deepening community relationships, and building on Enlace’s strong foundation to expand its impact in the community.
Coop bank names assistant branch manager in S. Hadley
SOUTH HADLEY — Greenfield / Northampton Cooperative Bank has hired Jimmy Rosario as assistant branch manager of its South Hadley branch, located at 487 Newton St.
Rosario brings nine years of banking experience to the role, along with a commitment to customer service and community engagement. He holds a degree in criminal justice from Springfield Technical Community College and has built meaningful connections throughout the Springfield metropolitan area.
In his new position, Rosario looks forward to developing relationships with customers in South Hadley and supporting their financial goals. Like many members of the local community, Rosario is bilingual in Spanish.
Northampton financial advisor recognized
NORTHAMPTON — Laura Townes, an Edward Jones financial advisor in Northampton, recently received the firm’s exclusive Spirit of Caring Award designed to recognize those financial advisors who exemplify the values, culture and spirit of giving back.
Townes has demonstrated unyielding dedication to giving back, which has positively impacted her clients, colleagues and community.
The award is given to only one financial advisor in each of the firm’s 334 regions and is determined by a vote of their peers.
Townes was presented with the award at her Edward Jones regional meeting in Hampden.