Kuhn Riddle grows passive house team
AMHERST — Kuhn Riddle Architects & Designers announces that Lindsay Schnarr recently completed all requirements to become a Phius-Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC). She joins Kuhn Riddle colleagues Brad Hutchison, Thom Barry, Ruoqi (Rosy) Zhong and Garrison Piers-Gamble, all of whom have obtained CPHC credentials.
“Passive House” is one of several pioneering concepts for designing low-energy buildings and is today a leading building standard. The design is focused on making best use of the “passive” influences in a building — like sunshine, shading and ventilation. Coupled with very high levels of insulation and airtightness, a passive building can use substantially less energy than a typical structure.
Certified passive house consultants undergo specialized training in the design and coordination of these high-performance, energy efficient buildings with a lower carbon footprint.
Kuhn Riddle’s focus and CPHC certifications position them to meet new Massachusetts State Energy Code requirements. The code now calls for new multifamily projects of a certain size to meet Passive House Certification, in communities that have opted in to the highest level of the energy code.
Kuhn Riddle is actively working on multi-family projects in Amherst, Northampton and Easthampton which will require Passive House certification.
Gilbert joins Greenfield Savings Bank
Greenfield Savings Bank recently announced that Douglas Gilbert has joined the bank as first vice president, commercial loan officer. Gilbert brings more than 30 years of banking experience and a background in accounting and commercial lending.
A former certified public accountant, Gilbert has built his career helping local businesses secure financing, navigate growth opportunities and achieve long-term success. In his new role, he will work closely with commercial customers throughout Franklin, Hampshire and surrounding counties, providing financing solutions tailored to their needs.
Gilbert earned a master of business administration in finance from the University of Connecticut and a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business management from Westfield State University. He began his career as a certified public accountant before transitioning into commercial banking.
Outside of work, Gilbert serves as a board member and treasurer of the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce and treasurer of the Mawaga Sporting Club in Agawam.
Kitchen and Bath Co. employees earn certification
BELCHERTOWN — The Kitchen & Bath Co. announces that some of its employees have earned the Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler designation along with the Certified Remodeling Designer designation, and the Certified Remodeling Project Manager designation awarded by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.
The certification designations from NARI recognize remodeling professionals who demonstrate advanced industry knowledge, hands-on experience and a strong commitment to ethical practices and continuing education.
CKBR-certified professionals specialize in kitchen and bath remodeling, CRD-certified designers are recognized for their expertise in functional space planning and full-scope design development, and CRPM-certified professionals focus on project management, overseeing planning, coordination, and execution to ensure successful project delivery from start to finish.
This recognition underscores The Kitchen & Bath Co.’s investment in professional development and its commitment to delivering high-quality remodeling services for homeowners throughout the region. As a family-owned company specializing in kitchens, bathrooms and whole-home living spaces, the firm blends intentional design with quality materials and skilled craftsmanship to create spaces that are both functional and beautifully tailored.
The Dowd Agencies returns to full family ownership
HOLYOKE — The Dowd Agencies and Quincy Perpetuation Partners, a subsidiary of Quincy Mutual Fire Insurance Company, has announced the mutual decision to conclude the strategic partnership that was established in 2016.
In 2016, Quincy Perpetuation Partners acquired a minority ownership interest in The Dowd Agencies as part of a strategic alliance designed to support the continued growth and long-term success of the independent insurance agency. Since then, the organizations have maintained a strong working relationship while continuing to serve customers throughout New England.
As part of ongoing succession planning, both organizations agreed that now was the appropriate time for The Dowd Agencies to buy back QPP’s minority ownership interest.
“We’ve enjoyed a terrific relationship with Quincy Perpetuation Partners over the past decade and appreciate their partnership and support,” said John E. Dowd Jr., president and CEO of The Dowd Agencies.
The transition does not affect The Dowd Agencies’ operations, leadership team or commitment to serving its clients. The agency will continue to operate independently under the ownership of the Dowd and Griffin families while maintaining relationships that have helped drive its success for more than 125 years.
The Dowd Agencies, including Dowd Financial Services and Dowd Wealth Management, has been helping people and businesses in western Massachusetts with their personal insurance, commercial insurance, employee benefits and financial needs for over 125 years. Established in Holyoke in 1898 by James J. Dowd, The Dowd Agencies is the oldest insurance agency in Massachusetts with operations and management under continuous family ownership. Today the fifth generation of Dowd provides counsel and coverage from several locations across western Massachusetts.
Magic for Maddie gets $10K donation
SOUTHAMPTON — Magic for Maddie has received a $5,000 grant from the Liberty Bank Foundation to support its Helping Families in the Fight initiative.
The grant is in addition to Liberty Bank’s $5,000 commitment as a Big Top Sponsor of Magic for Maddie’s 2026 5K Family Fun Walk and Carnival for the second consecutive year. Together, the sponsorship and grant bring Liberty Bank’s total 2026 commitment to Magic for Maddie to $10,000.
Through its Helping Families in the Fight initiative, Magic for Maddie provides direct support to families facing the financial and emotional burdens that often accompany a child’s cancer diagnosis and treatment. Since 2022, Magic for Maddie has stood beside more than 300 families battling childhood cancer, providing over $500,000 in direct financial support to help ease the overwhelming costs of treatment and related expenses.
Magic for Maddie was founded in memory of Madeline “Maddie” Schmidt, who died from diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, or DIPG, on Dec. 31, 2022, following a courageous 10-month battle with the disease. The organization raises funds to support pediatric cancer research and assist children and families affected by cancer.