News & Updates

August 21, 2026

Dear Friends,

Hope everyone is enjoying the last few weeks of August. This summer has brought MIFA exciting developments! Check out our updates below and stay tuned for more fall announcements.

It's a small world after all

Owners of Guarducci Stained Glass Studios of Great Barrington, MA, are evaluating 124 Chestnut St.'s stained glass windows.

MIFA is consulting with glass experts Guarducci Stained Glass Studio as part of the restoration plan for MIFA Victory Theatre's future office at 124 Chestnut St.

David Guarducci, founder of Guarducci Stained Glass Studios and third-generation artisan, is the grandson of Victory Theatre WPA muralist Vincent Maragliotti! Guarducci Studios is also the company restoring the stained-glass windows of Holyoke City Hall Ballroom (1876).

All good things come to Holyoke!

Speaking of Good Things...

In July, MIFA received an extraordinary in-kind gift from the Clayton family of Holyoke. The Clayton family, who owned and managed the Yankee Pedlar from 1995 to its closing in 2016, has entrusted the restoration and reuse of the 8-foot, 36-light crystal-and-brass Pedlar Ballroom chandelier (circa 1900-1910). The chandelier was originally installed at the historic New York Metropolitan Opera House, which was demolished in 1963. Our restoration experts will assess the fixture and restore it to its original beauty.

Interim Office Up & Running

While waiting for the completion of 124 Chestnut St, we're settling into our interim office on Race St. Let us know if you'd like to stop by!

In Florence, MA

MIFA's Executive Artistic Director Don Sanders, Managing Assistant Fleur Kuhta, and Marie Waechter, Special Projects, visited Sip 413, a wonderful coffee shop in Florence. Governor Maura Healey came to speak and visit Hampshire County, accompanied by Northampton Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra and Senator Jo Comerford.

In Holyoke, MA

MIFA's Don Sanders, Fleur Kuhta, and Marie Waechter attended a Town Hall at Holyoke Community College's Leslie Phillips Theater. The event was hosted by Senator Elizabeth Warren and Senator Ed Markey with Holyoke Mayor, Joshua A. Garcia.

Wyckoff Bridgerton Ball

MIFA had a wonderful time at Wyckoff Country Club's Bridgerton Ball. The night was full of splendid music, fashion, dancing, and wonderful guests. MIFA is a proud ongoing supporter of programming at Wyckoff and we're excited to see what they bring to Holyoke next.

L-R: Justin Roberts of Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council (WMEDC), Heather Caisse-Roberts of Springfield Symphony Orchestra, Marie Waechter MIFA Special Projects.

MIFA's Fleur Kuhta Managing Assistant and

Marie Waechter Special Projects.

Springfield Regional Chamber visit Holyoke

MIFA hosted the Springfield Regional Chamber for a tour of the Victory Theatre. We had a lovely time fostering new connections with businesses and individuals in the region. Photos courtesy of Dawn Creighton