Since 2013, Shufflers have raised $160,896 for children and families in need 

GILFORD—Pub Mania teams—and all others interested in taking part—may take to the streets once again on Wednesday, April 29, walking and running each Wednesday through June 10 as part of the spring Shuffle.

Created as a key fundraiser for the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Fund in 2013, the Shuffle is simply a walk—or run—from Patrick’s Pub up to the Bank of NH Pavilion and back, or as far as each participant wishes to walk, with personal bests encouraged. Shufflers are those who take part.

Each Shuffler donates $10 per week via the online nonprofit payment portal GiveGab, or $70 for the seven weeks, and in this fun and healthy way, $160,896 has been raised over the past 13 years to support children and families in need.

Volunteers man the Shuffle course from 5 to 6 p.m. to keep participants safe and hand out tickets for a raffle at Patrick’s at 6 p.m., which concludes each week’s event. 

Lisa Cornish, captain of the Juggernaut Fitness team, was first involved with the Shuffle as a walker, but after several years, she began volunteering. She can be found on the course just beyond the entrance to the pavilion, where she hands out a raffle ticket to each Shuffler who passes her.

“I observe kind-hearted, amazing people who want to make a difference and do,” she said. “They are all cheerful and happy to do their part. They make my heart smile.”

Cornish added that Shufflers value the sense of community with one another. “During the raffle, there is such a feeling of comradery and family,” she said. “People value the friendships they have made, and the impact they make on the lives of all the children they help.”

Judi Taggart, of Gilford, the captain of Tagg Team, one of Pub Mania’s most active teams, has been helping to manage traffic at the start of the Shuffle course at the Patrick’s entrance since the Shuffle began. 

She enjoys keeping people safe and answering questions for new participants, like “What’s a Shuffler?” She is also likely to tell them, “Together, we are making a difference.”

Taggart said Shufflers like to walk with their Pub Mania teammates and friends and catch up every Wednesday.

“Some like to bring their dogs for a stroll over to Bank of NH Pavillion, and they like that their donation is helping local families in need,” she added. “And they really like to win gift cards and swag during the post-shuffle raffle and purchase bagels donated by Winnipesaukee Bay Gulls.”

On the last night of the spring Shuffle, Wednesday, June 10, three teams will be awarded a Top Team prize and receive a $100 gift card to Patrick’s. A gift card raffle will also be held, and a Shuffle gift will be given to all Shufflers who donated $10 for each of the seven spring Shuffles.

For more information, visit patrickspub.com and click on the Pub Mania Shuffle icon.

The post Spring Shuffle to Benefit the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Fund Kicks Off Wednesday, April 29 and Runs Through June 10 appeared first on Beetle Press.

Event is the latest in the restaurant’s Chef’s Signature Series

GILFORD—The snow is gone, and temperatures are steadily rising, but you still can’t put your boat in the water or stick your feet in the sand at a local beach.

Patrick’s Pub & Eatery has a way to beat these still-feels-like-winter blues in the form of its next Chef’s Signature Series event, the Cabin Fever Tropical Tapas Tour, on Tuesday, April 28, at 5:30 p.m.

Executive Chef Rick Morten says 10 small plates will be served during this meal, including several desserts, which is typical of the tapas dinners he imagined and brought to life at Patrick’s in 2021. 

Menu items he and other staff will prepare for the spring event include a Coconut Macadamia Shrimp Bao Bun—think Asian taco—an exotic radish salad and a Deconstructed Pineapple Banana Napoleon. 

Representatives from liquor companies will be on hand with samples for tasting that are very likely to include rum, and Vanessa Mills, Patrick’s bar manager, is working on cocktail selections that will pair with Morten’s offerings.

“There will be a lot of rum and coconut,” he said, noting he made an Allspice Dram with rum, clove, cinnamon and allspice that will be used as a flavoring in some of Mills’ tiki drinks.

Each diner will also receive a raffle ticket to win a prize during the evening, and Dan Fallon will offer live music.

“It’s going to be a great way for people to get excited about summer and shake off the long, long, cold winter we’ve had,” Morten said. “It will offer a nice, fun vibe. I encourage people to join us. It’s always a good time.”

Morten began working at Patrick’s 32 years ago as a dishwasher. He was trained over the years by the pub’s finest chefs, from Jeff Beetle to Morten’s sister, Stephanie Kirk, and his brother, Arthur Kirk.

Morten has been the head chef for six years.

Because the pub is always looking for new ways to bring people in during slower times of the year, and Morten likes to experiment with culinary ideas that are too time-consuming and tricky to put on the menu, he conceived of the Chef’s Signature Series in 2021.

“I love food, and I love exploring different cuisines and recipes,” he said.

The first five-course tequila dinner was offered in 2021 and had a Mexican Cinco de Mayo flair, and it was offered in the Emerald Room when the restaurant was open. A Sweet Potato Chili served that night was on the menu last fall.

The most recent signature event was tied to St. Patrick’s Day and featured Guinness beer and blarney-inspired food. 

Morten said he gets very positive feedback after each event. 

“People seem to be really having a lot of fun. They like to be able to try things they might not necessarily try if it was on the menu for $30, and they weren’t sure they would like it,” he said. “There are so many options during a signature event, if you don’t like one course, there’s a lot more food to come. It gets people to try things they might not necessarily try.”

For tickets, visit patrickspub.com.

The post Patrick’s Pub & Eatery to Host Cabin Fever Tropical Tapas Tour on April 28 appeared first on Beetle Press.

LAKEPORT—Just as people across the region are starting to think about getting outside for a walk or bike ride, developer Scott Everett has launched a project that will make the Lakeport end of the WOW Trail and the emerging Opechee Loop safer and more appealing for all users.

The effort is one of the early phases in the development of the Opechee Loop, an extension of the WOW Trail that will take cyclists, runners and walkers safely around Lake Opechee on a course that will add close to six additional miles of recreation and transportation options for residents and visitors. 

To support and enhance the project, Everett is collaborating with the WOW Trail and the city of Laconia.   

Nate Guerette, director of the Laconia Department of Public Works and a member of the WOW Trail board, was instrumental in getting city approvals for the project, and Michelle DuPont, owner of Lake Opechee Inn and Spa, made the space available to make this phase of the expansion of the Lakeport section of the trail happen.  

“The WOW Trail has been a fabulous addition to the city, and our customers have really appreciated having this amenity so close to our inn,” said Dupont. “We’re excited with the plans for the Opechee Loop and happy to help make this promenade section happen.”  

Everett said, “The city really got behind this one. I was very pleased with that.”

Work began in early March to backfill the slope on the parking lot side of the sidewalk across from 51 Elm St. to make it level with the street. 

Instead of widening the existing sidewalk for the Opechee Loop between Doris Ray Court and the WOW Trail terminus, as originally planned, trail users heading to or from the neighborhoods of Lakeport will be able to exit or enter the trail at Doris Ray Court and travel along a new 10-foot paved path that will connect directly to the WOW Trail. 

“The trail will be a lot safer this way,” Everett said, noting that cyclists won’t have to ride by the post at the end of the trail and negotiate the curb and narrow sidewalk alongside heavy traffic.

He added that there will be a new pedestrian crossing near the entrance to Doris Ray Court, where the sidewalk was widened last fall, for a safe crossing to businesses across Elm Street.

“The focus is the continued beautification of Lakeport,” Everett said. “Clearly, this is another huge step towards that goal. I’m on a mission to make Lakeport great.”

The enhancement Everett is creating will be known as the promenade, and it will feature sitting benches to relax and enjoy the view of Lake Opechee, with ample space to gather, and a gazebo-like structure that will offer protection from the sun and rain may also be added.

“We want to make it a beautiful and functional space,” Everett added.

The WOW Trail has committed up to $100,000 towards the promenade.  

“We believe the promenade section will be a beautiful upgrade to our original plans of widening the sidewalk at this section,” said Allan Beetle, president of the WOW Trail.  “We are also planning to sell personalized, engraved bricks and benches once the hardscape and landscape improvements are finalized to help fund this exciting project. It will be a great opportunity for the community to join in support of it.”  

Everett is also planning a fundraiser at the Opera House to help defray the cost of construction.  

Lakeport and downtown Laconia are currently linked by the WOW Trail, providing non-motorized options for residents and visitors to safely travel between these two growing business and cultural centers of Laconia.

The proposed Opechee Loop will include a mix of on-street enhancements, bike lanes and improved/widened sidewalks, Beetle said. 

“We are currently working with the city, the state and the Laconia Village developers of the former state school property for the best route to connect through the development and into Ahern Park,” he added. “The Opechee Loop is designed to enhance safe pedestrian and bicycle connections from our residential neighborhoods to our business and arts districts, schools, beaches and parks.”

While the current WOW Trail/Winnisquam Scenic Trail in Laconia/Belmont is 4.25 miles, the Opechee Loop would expand the combined trails to nearly 10-miles of recreation for residents and visitors alike, including walkers, runners, bicyclists and inline skaters.

The entire Opechee Loop project is expected to exceed $1 million dollars, and the city and the WOW Trail Committee will continue to look for opportunities to reduce costs where possible by combining construction of sidewalk improvements with other necessary roadway repairs, similar to the recent Elm Street bridge maintenance project, which widened a section of sidewalk along Elm Street.

The city currently has been approved for a federal Transportation Alternatives Program grant, off-setting the cost of street repairs and sidewalk improvement from Franklin Street to the Elm Street School, work which is planned for 2028 or 2029.

Future sections of the Opechee Loop expansion will be planned by the city, with the WOW Trail collaborating with engineering planning and funding, including spearheading various grant sources and community fundraising.  

For more information, including a proposed map of the Opechee Loop, visit wowtrail.org.

The post WOW Trail Enhancement Project Underway in Lakeport appeared first on Beetle Press.

WEST SPRINGFIELD—For the second year in a row, Keiter, an 18-year-old construction management company based in West Springfield, was recently named in The Boston Globe’s second annual list of 50 of New England’s Fastest-Growing Companies ranking for 2026.

“To be recognized by The Boston Globe for the second consecutive year is a powerful validation of our team’s dedication and our clients’ trust,” said Scott Keiter, founder and CEO of Keiter. “At Keiter, growth is one of our core values—not just in our numbers, but in our capability and our reach. This honor isn’t just a milestone; it’s fuel for our next chapter as we scale our geographic footprint and continue to evolve alongside the needs of our partners.”

Keiter credited the firm’s sustained trajectory to a “people-first” culture, expressing deep gratitude to the employees, partners and customers who have been foundational to the company’s growth.

The honor was presented in collaboration with Statista, a global statistics portal and industry-ranking provider. Awardees were chosen based on each organization’s revenue, organic growth and independence.

Globe leaders said the companies recognized as “ones to watch” represent potential partnership and investment opportunities and indicate sectors that are thriving despite adversity. Additionally, their success stories can serve as blueprints for other businesses looking to innovate and grow in uncertain times. 

Thousands of companies were considered for inclusion. 

Keiter is a family-owned construction services firm known for managing complex projects. The company operates across a variety of sectors, including higher education, industrial, healthcare, commercial, multi-family and residential developments. 

The firm has locations in West Springfield, Hatfield and Pittsfield and is well-known in the Pioneer Valley as a major community partner.

Statista publishes hundreds of worldwide industry rankings and company listings with high-profile media partners. This research and analysis service builds on the success of Statista.com, the leading data and business intelligence portal that provides statistics, relevant business data and market and consumer studies and surveys.

To learn more, visit Keiter.com.

The post For the Second Year in a Row, Keiter Named in The Boston Globe’s List of New England’s Fastest Growing Companies appeared first on Beetle Press.

NORTHAMPTON—BusinessRate recently rated the Sugar Maple Trailside Inn the number one bed and breakfast in Florence for endurance, momentum and the quality of its reviews on Google and Trip Advisor.

In mid-February, owners Craig Della Penna and Kathleen “Kathy” Della Penna received the ranking for the owner-occupied inn at 62 Chestnut St. in Florence, which sits right on the rail trail that passes through the village.

“We’re very pleased,” Craig Della Penna said. “It’s heartwarming really.”

A fierce advocate for rail trails across New England for the past 25 years, Craig Della Penna is the principal of Northeast Greenway Solutions and a Realtor and associate broker at The Murphys Realtors and holds Certified Residential Specialist certification. 

He and his wife bought the Florence property in September 2001 after a meeting in a town near Keene, New Hampshire, where Craig was proposing the conversion of a former railroad into a walking and biking trail. 

“There were always multiple objections from abutters, and they’d always end up with, ‘Besides, you don’t live near one so don’t tell us what to do,’” he said.

That night, Della Penna decided he would live along a trail. He zig-zagged through Florence neighborhoods looking for a house for sale near the trail and found 62 Chestnut St. was available. The Della Penna’s offer was accepted immediately, and they purchased the home, made extensive renovations and opened the inn in February 2003.

Sugar Maple Trailside Inn offers two rooms for guests, both of which have windows that face the trail. A bicycle strung with white bulbs lights up at dusk and becomes a welcoming beacon for arriving guests.

Della Penna said the inn has roughly 350 guests in a year, a quarter of which have a connection to Smith College. Eighty percent of guests use the trail.

After opening as a traditional bed & breakfast, Della Penna said he enjoyed going to trail meetings, where neighbors were alarmed about a proposed new trail. “I’d say, ‘I hear your fear, but I live eight feet from one of the earliest municipally built rail trails in New England—where we operate a bed & breakfast,’” he said. “‘If you are fearful of this change coming to your community, well, we’ll offer up a free weeknight stay for you. It has to be a weeknight, though, because we want you to wake up to the laughter of kids biking to school.’” 

The Sugar Maple Trailside Inn has received other accolades over the years—including the Historic Preservation Award from the city of Northampton and three times as a Valley Advocate Best in the Valley—and it has been featured on HGTV’s “Restore America” and Boston’s WCVB Channel 5’s “Chronicle” twice, and in Yankee Magazine’s 70th anniversary issue.

The post BusinessRate Ranks Sugar Maple Trailside Inn Number One B&B in Florence appeared first on Beetle Press.

LACONIA—The Greater Lakes Region Children’s Fund recently distributed $765,035 in grant funds to 76 area nonprofit organizations at a gathering at the Laconia Country Club.

Nonprofit leaders accepted their checks during the event and celebrated the largest allocation, to the most organizations, in the Children’s Fund’s 44-year history. 

Grants received will be used by the organizations to fund wide-ranging programs that support local children and families in need in the areas of abuse mitigation, child and afterschool programming, clothing, emergency needs, family support and education, food insufficiency, health needs, holiday, housing, literacy, mentoring, recreation and camp, and substance abuse mitigation.

“We are so proud to be able to support these amazing organizations that work tirelessly all year round to support the most vulnerable among us,” said the fund’s Executive Director Jennifer Kelley. “We are grateful for the work you do and so thrilled to be able to help you make a difference.”

The Children’s Fund raised $883,023 in 2025, and its Board of Directors approved a funding budget of $765,035, which represented a 15 percent increase over 2024 grants. Eighty-two applicants requested $1.014 million.

After making the grants, $117,988 remained in the Children’s Fund’s budget to cover operating costs and a reserve for emergency expenses.

Six applicants were denied funding because they either were not eligible, withdrew or their mission was not aligned with the Children’s Fund.

The Children’s Fund’s Distribution Committee worked tirelessly from October 2025 through March to review the grant applications and evaluate the health of each organization and its past use of funding to ensure that every dollar the fund grants has impact.

Board Chair Doug Morrissette is pleased with the process the organization uses to determine grant eligibility. 

“Our process is thorough, transparent and trusted,” Morrissette said. “We are confident that funds we raise and distribute significantly work to improve the lives of local children and their families by ensuring their basic needs are met, and they have opportunities to thrive.”

Distribution Committee Chair Larry Poliquin said, “The committee is charged with problem-solving, analysis, empathy and community awareness, so we can assure all who donate, bid and volunteer that the funding is being spent wisely.”

For a list of organizations that received funding, visit ChildrensFundNH.org/whereourmoneygoes.  

The next round of grant applications will be due by Oct. 15. To apply for funding or learn more, visit ChildrensFundNH.org/apply-for-funding.

In the past 44 years, the Children’s Fund has distributed over $10 million to nonprofit organizations in the community.  

For more information, visit ChildrensFundNH.org.

The post Greater Lakes Region Children’s Fund Awards $765,035 to 76 area nonprofits at annual Distribution Event for Agency Leaders appeared first on Beetle Press.

New store owner took the helm Jan. 1 and intends to diversify sizing and price range and broaden product scope 

NORTHAMPTON—Ooh La La, a lingerie shop in Thornes Marketplace with items that range from the traditional to the risqué, has changed hands, and the new owner—a loyal customer—took the lead on Jan. 1. 

Monica Fogg of Shutesbury purchased the three-year-old business from founder Ali Ingellis of Amherst in a sale that was finalized on Dec. 10, 2025. Ingellis works full time at Mount Holyoke College and recently received a promotion that took her time away from the business.

Fogg holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and art history from the University of Delaware and began her work in the hospitality industry at 13 as a self-described peppy coat-check girl at a high-end restaurant in Delaware. She has worked for Nickelodeon in its book publishing division, and most recently at IBM as a product marketing manager.

After 17 years in sales and marketing, Fogg took time off in 2023 to focus on a long-term eating disorder and her struggles with body size. She came to the Valley soon after and, with her sister, became an Ooh La La customer; in September, she began work at the store part time.

Now, she plans to blend her marketing experience with her personal learnings to connect with customers, diversify the price range and expand product lines—and size options. 

“I want to be sure most people can come to our shop and find something that fits well,” she said. “It’s a tender business and a tender experience to hold somebody coming into a space where, a lot of times, people are really anxious and coming to peace with judgments about their bodies. I will enjoy helping them feel like their best, their sexiest, regardless of size, body type and gender.”

She describes clients of the shop as ranging from teens to those 70 and above who “want their under-things to feel good.” 

Products range from items in laces, silks, velours and velåvets with unique textures. 

Fogg plans to create events like a Boy’s Night for trans masculine folk, a Trans Women Shopping Night and a Big Night, for people with larger bodies. 

“My hope is to be a safe space in the community that brings joy and exploration and curiosity with none of the judgement that often comes with it,” Fogg said. 

Ooh La La is located on Lower Level I in Thornes, to the left of the entrance for the arcade. For more information, visit oohlalamv.com.

For more information on Thornes Marketplace, visit thornesmarketplace.com.

Thornes Marketplace has been the cornerstone of downtown Northampton and at the center of the Main Street shopping district for more than a century. Built in 1873, it holds 55,000 square feet of space for merchants and includes features like pressed tin ceilings and hardwood floors.

The post Ooh La La Lingerie Shop in Thornes Marketplace Changes Hands appeared first on Beetle Press.

The two events will offer information and experience with owning an electric vehicle

NORTHAMPTON—DC Station will offer its first two public programming options beginning in February.

Demo Day with Rivian, an EV manufacturer, will be held on Saturday, February 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the business at 5 Fulton Ave. 

On Saturday, March 7, DC Station will host a workshop, “The ABCs of EV Ownership,” from 1 to 2 p.m., at its EV Base Camp.

For the Demo Day, DC Station Developer Bruce Volz said three to four Rivians will be on site for test drives. Participants may stop in to ride or sign up for a time slot on the Rivian website at https://bit.ly/4tize7K. (Follow the prompts, then click on the zip code that shows and enter “01060.”)

Anyone curious about electric vehicles is welcome to attend the workshop on March 7 to learn all there is to know about making the switch to electric driving. The 45-minute offering will be led by Greg Goff, who oversees EV Base Camp, the education center for DC Station.

Goff is an automotive consultant with over a decade of experience with EVs, and he will offer a talk and then answer questions. Topics to be covered include the benefits of going electric; home versus public charging options; understanding charging times and costs; battery care, range, and life span; costs; ownership experience; and tax credits, rebates, and other incentives.

DC Station opened in October 2025, offering 10 fast, Level 3 charging ports for electric vehicles and, once tenants are found, a place for drivers to grab a fast cup of good coffee or healthy meal while they wait.

The station is named DC for Direct Current.

Any restauranteur interested in leasing space should contact Volz’s realtor, Ben Bolotin at Region Commercial in West Springfield, at ben@regionco.com or 413-415-1200.  

For information on EV Base Camp, contact greg@evbasecamp.com. To learn more about DC Station, contact info@thedcstation.com.

The post DC Station to Host its First Programming Options: a Demo Day and an educational workshop appeared first on Beetle Press.

Going forward, the organization will be known as the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Fund 

LACONIA—Leaders of the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction today unveiled a new brand identity for the 44-year-old organization that supports children in need in the area. Going forward, the nonprofit will be known as the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Fund.

The Children’s Fund will represent the organization’s philanthropic umbrella, which distributes hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to over 60 nonprofits, and since its founding, has donated over $9.2 million. The organization’s new URL is ChildrensFundNH.org.

Underneath that overarching foundation are the four annual events that drive key fundraising: the annual Children’s Auction, Pub Mania, Christmas in July and the Sweepstakes Social. Each of these main fundraisers feed the Children’s Fund.

“We are so excited to be launching this new branding,” Children’s Fund Executive Director Jennifer Kelley said. “It’s familiar yet fresh, and it ties together all that we do.”

A logo system for the new brand identity was created by Kate Lilly of Lilly Designs, the organization’s longtime designer and a staunch advocate. Lilly donated her services and spent a year working with the Children’s Fund’s Communications Committee.

The Children’s Auction was founded 44 years ago by the late Warren Bailey as a one-day collection to support local children; it raised $2,100 that first year and eventually grew into a week-long event. Over the past several decades, the organization has increased fundraising—and its capacity to make grants to nonprofits—by growing the number of events that raise funds.

The former logo for the auction was created at least 15 years ago.

The rebranding process with Lilly began a year ago as auction leaders surveyed over 5,000 area residents to gather feedback on whether the organization’s existing branding was still resonating, given the tremendous growth.

“We were grateful to receive feedback from so many people,” Kelley said. “It helped us to see that it was time to refresh our brand, ensuring it would stay true to Warren and the vision of the auction while also being mindful that we are more than the Children’s Auction. We do four events throughout the year, and our branding should reflect that.”

The new primary logo features two children at play, and Lilly said it reinforces the mission with a youthful feel and familiar elements—such as the font, color palette and gold oval—while secondary logos for the four events offer a simpler option for specific marketing needs.

“During this rebrand, we were mindful of how important and beloved the organization is,” Lilly said. “We didn’t want to introduce too many changes, but wanted updates that felt fresh, yet still honored the core identity.”

She added, “The elements are highly recognizable, and keeping them was essential for a smooth transition.” 

Logos for the events that support the Children’s Fund have evolved over time, with the exception of the Christmas in July logo, which was created simultaneously with the rebrand. In the past, event logos were used on their own.

“With this rebrand and the development of the Children’s Fund logo, the Children’s Auction can now be positioned as a supporting event for the fund, similar to Pub Mania, The Sweepstakes Social, and Christmas in July — with the potential for many more in the future,” Lilly said.

She also created what she calls a brand badge, a simple icon that can create a visual tie to the Children’s Fund when space is tight.

Doug Morrissette, chairperson of the Board of Directors for the Children’s Fund said, “Turning the organization into a year-round source of support has really been a team effort. We’re so grateful to everyone who helped refresh our look and lift up our mission so we can do even more for local kids and families.”

For more information, visit ChildrensFundNH.org. 

About the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Fund:

Numerous fundraising events in the Lakes Region throughout the year support the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Fund, including the Children’s Auction, our four-day signature event every December; Pub Mania; Christmas in July; and the Sweepstakes Social. In the past four decades we have distributed more than $9.2 million to over 80 nonprofits that serve low-income families and children in the Lakes Region, all through volunteer efforts, community donations and corporate sponsorship. The Auction falls under the umbrella of the Greater Lakes Region Charitable Fund for Children, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps local community organizations that serve children and families in need. For more information about the Auction, the nonprofits it supports and how you can help, visit ChildrensFundNH.org.

The post Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction Unveils New Brand Identity After Year-long Process appeared first on Beetle Press.

New collaboration also makes out-of-state connections possible

PITTSFIELD—Three regional transit authorities in Western Mass will on Wednesday, January 28, launch Link413, a joint collaboration that offers customers three new longer-distance, weekday bus routes providing direct service across four counties and enabling out-of-state connections. 

The pilot initiative is a partnership of the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA), Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA), and Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA). It was created in response to feedback from customers surveyed in recent years who noted connectivity as a key area for improvement. 

“Link413 will fulfill those regional service needs, so now you finally can get there from here,” said BRTA Administrator Robert Malnati.

The three transit authorities received grant funding for multiple years from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) through the Regional Connectivity and Innovations grant programs.

The Link413 buses offer amenities such as high-back seats, free WiFi and accessibility for customers traveling with the help of mobility devices. The coaches are branded with the Link413 name and images of Western Mass such as the Connecticut River and surrounding farmland, rolling hills and popular destinations like the Poet’s Seat Tower, Bridge of Flowers and Mount Greylock. 

The buses will provide service on three new commuter routes: route 901 will travel one way in approximately 45 minutes between Pittsfield and North Adams; route 903 will travel one way in approximately 90 minutes between North Adams and Greenfield via the communities of Adams, Savoy, Plainfield, Ashfield and Charlemont; and route 904 will travel one way in approximately 90 minutes to connect customers between Pittsfield and Northampton along the Route 9 corridor with intermediate stops in the communities of Dalton, Windsor, Cummington, Goshen and Williamsburg. 

Connections to Boston, Connecticut, New York, and Vermont are also possible with Amtrak’s Valley Flyer, Vermonter, Lake Shore Limited, and Berkshire Flyer train services. 

Link413 service will also offer multiple roundtrips on weekdays between the cities of North Adams, Greenfield, Pittsfield and Northampton. Each route will provide intermediate stops in communities along each corridor. 

A one-way Link413 ticket will cost $10 per trip, or $5 per trip for qualifying customers. Riders can buy tickets through MassDOT’s BusPlus+ mobile phone app.

“When combined with local transit service improvements, the Link413 system will increase accessibility and help connect residents throughout Western Mass,” said Sandra Sheehan, administrator of PVTA.  

Tina Cote, the administrator for FRTA, said “Our goal with this project is to provide improved direct connections between our Western Mass communities for commuters, job seekers, students and visitors. Projects like Link413 demonstrate how much can be done when authorities work together.” 

Follow Link413 at @link413bus on Instagram and @link413 on Facebook. 

For more information about Link413, visit Bit.ly/link413 or contact Malnati at BRTA, 413-499-2782; Sheehan at PVTA, 413-732-6248; or Cote at FRTA, 413-774-2262.

The post Three Regional Transit Authorities to Launch Link413, Offering Three New Weekday Commuter Routes Across Four Counties appeared first on Beetle Press.