QHMA CHOICE AWARDS
Dating back more than two decades, the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce Choice Awards recognizes businesses and individuals who help make the Quaboag Hills region so special.
Following a pandemic caused hiatus that began in 2020, the Choice Awards is making it's triumphant return in 2025.
During the month of January, the public, members, and the Chamber were able to submit their nominations for:
- EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
- FOOD/DRINK ESTABLISHMENT OF THE YEAR
- HERO OF THE YEAR
- RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT OF THE YEAR
- QHMA BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
- QHMA VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
With more than 100 nominations submitted, the following have been named as 2025 QHMA Choice Awards Finalists:
EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
Finalists:
Casey Kibbe, Swift River Elementary (Belchertown)
Gregory Devine, Quabbin Regional School District (Barre)
Heather Weirbrick, Stanley M. Koziol Elementary School (Ware)
Marcie Fusco, Wildwood Acres Farm & Forest School (West Brookfield)
Stephen Duff, Quaboag Regional School District (Warren)
Tina Young, Palmer Public Schools (Palmer)
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FOOD/DRINK ESTABLISHMENT OF THE YEAR
Finalists:
Arc Point Brewery (Belchertown)
Brimfield Winery (Brimfield)
Figlio (Palmer)
The Grapevine Grille (Belchertown)
Hardwick Vineyard & Winery (Hardwick)
Steaming Tender (Palmer)
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HERO OF THE YEAR
Finalists:
Adam Brougham, Belchertown Police Dept. K-9 Officer
Amanda Hodgen, Greene Acres Equestrian Center, educational, safe & community oriented owner
Jennifer Whitehead, Clapp Memorial Library, Children's Librarian & volunteer on several community committees
Jillian Smith, Wales, house fire savior to neighbors Andre & Madeline Bouchard
Paul Kuc, Recreation Program Director for BHN/VHS serving ages 8-19 living Ware, Palmer, Monson, Ludlow, and Belchertown.
Seth Blackwell, Warren Police Dept. (Retired), daily volunteer at Quaboag Regional Middle & High School
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RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT OF THE YEAR
Finalists:
Don's Auto Body (Belchertown)
Hardwick Farmers Co-op (Hardwick)
Life's Memories & More (Three Rivers)
Monson Thrift Shop & Community Center (Monson)
The Spirit Shoppe (West Brookfield)
Tina Marie’s Hair & Boutique (Belchertown)
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QHMA BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Finalists:
Country Bank (multiple locations)
Hardwick Farmers Co-op (Hardwick)
J. Stolar Insurance Agency (Three Rivers)
Monson Savings (multiple locations)
Salem Cross Inn (West Brookfield)
Teresa's Restaurant (Ware)
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QHMA VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Finalists:
Cindy Skowyra, Hitchcock Free Academy
Edward Fisher Jr., Fisher Tech Solutions
Lena Buteau, Monson Savings
Lorna Stone, Christopher Heights of Belchertown
Mary Dembkowski, Cedarbrook Village at Ware
Tracey Giard, Country Bank
VOTE
Vote now through March 31, 2025!
Finalists will be honored and this year's recipients will be announced at the 2025 QHMA Choice Awards banquet on Thursday, May 8 at Teresa's Restaurant in Ware.
HISTORY
Here is a look back at some of our past recipients:
2019
Business of the Year:Â Angels & Backpacks Program
Citizen of the Year:Â Tim O'Brien
Teacher of the Year:Â Gretchen Mollins
Volunteer of the Year:Â Dorrinda O'Keefe-Shea
2018
Business of the Year:Â Fire Service Group
Citizen of the Year:Â Gail Moryl
Heart of the Year:Â Colleen Mucha
Teacher of the Year:Â Heather Malin
2016
Citizen of the Year:Â Dan Flynn
Teacher of the Year:Â Christopher Carlson
2015
Business of the Year:Â The Carson Center
Citizen of the Year:Â Patricia Donovan
2014
Business of the Year:Â Life's Memories & More
Citizen of the Year:Â Beth Beardslee-Romeo, Keith & Kim Goodreau
2011
Business of the Year:Â Ye Olde Tavern
2009
Business of the Year:Â J&J Promotions-Auction Acres
Citizen of the Year:Â Robert Haveles
Volunteer of the Year:Â David Lamberto
2008
Citizen of the Year:Â Kathleen Crevier
2007
Business of the Year:Â Bell & Hudson Insurance Agency
Citizen of the Year:Â Leonard & Barbara Hooton
2006
Citizen of the Year:Â Richard Fiske, Sr.
2004
Citizen of the Year:Â Jean A. Bailey
Teacher of the Year:Â Shawn Gersbach