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Greenfield Builds Momentum on Many Fronts

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planned redevelopment of the former Wilson’s department store
Community Spotlight

Community Spotlight

planned redevelopment of the former Wilson’s department store

An architect’s rendering of the planned redevelopment of the former Wilson’s department store into a mix of retail and housing.

Virginia “Ginny” Desorgher is a retired emergency-room nurse, mother of three, and grandmother of nine.

She had no real desire to add ‘mayor of Greenfield’ to that personal profile, but Desorgher, a transplant from the eastern part of the state and, by this time last year, a veteran city councilor and chair of the Ways and Means Committee, decided that change was needed in this city of almost 18,000.

So she ran for mayor. And she won — handily. And now that she’s been in the job for three months, she can see many similarities between being an ER nurse and being the CEO of a city.

In both settings, there is a need for triage, she explained, noting that, in the ER and with this city, there is a steady stream of cases, or issues, to be dealt with, and they must be prioritized.

“You just have to take care of the thing that’s the most important at the time and try to keep everyone happy,” she said while trying to sum up both jobs.

There is also a need for communication.

Indeed, in the ER, Desorgher said she made a habit of visiting the waiting room and talking with the patients here, explaining why their wait was so long and asking them if they needed something to eat or drink or maybe some ice for their broken ankle. As mayor, she sees a similar need to communicate, whether it’s with other city officials, residents, neighbors of the Franklin County Fairgrounds, or business owners — a constituency she heard from at a recent gathering she described as a “listening session,” during which she received input on many subjects, but especially parking.

“You just have to take care of the thing that’s the most important at the time and try to keep everyone happy.”

“I thought I kind of knew how much people cared about parking,” she said. “Now I really know that parking is quite an issue.”

But while that subject remains mostly a sore spot for this community, there is momentum on many different fronts, and what Desorgher and others described as ‘game changers’ — or potential game changers — in various stages of development.

That list includes the much-anticipated adaptive reuse of the former Wilson’s department store into a mix of retail (in the form of an expanded Green Fields Market) and housing, both of which are expected to breathe new life into the downtown.

“The initial impact on foot traffic downtown from 61 new units will be extraordinary,” said Amy Cahillane, the city’s Community and Economic Development director, adding that the project is being designed to bring these new residents into the downtown area.

It also includes the prospects for the city becoming a stop on what’s being called the ‘northern tier’ of proposed east-west rail service — one that will in many ways mirror Route 2 — as well as the pending arrival of both a Starbucks and an Aldi’s grocery story near the rotary off I-91 exit 43 and a massive redesign of Main Street, now likely to start in 2027.

Together, these game changers — coupled with some new businesses downtown; efforts to inspire and support entrepreneurship, including a new pitch contest called Take the Floor; collective efforts to bring more visitors to Greenfield and the surrounding area, especially at its oldest continuously operating fairgrounds in the country; and a greater sense of collaboration among business and economic-development agencies — have created an upbeat tone in this community, with great enthusiasm for what comes next.

Ginny Desorgher

Ginny Desorgher says she wasn’t keen on adding ‘mayor’ to her personal profile, but became convinced it was time for a change in Greenfield.

“What I’m most excited about is that we now have all these people who are thinking collectively about how we can make the most of this momentum,” said Jessye Deane, executive director of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and Regional Tourism Council.

For this latest installment of its Community Spotlight series, BusinessWest takes an indepth look at the many developing stories in Greenfield.

 

Tale of the Tape

And we start with a somewhat unusual gathering downtown on the Saturday before Easter.

Indeed, Desorgher, Cahillane, Deane, and others spent several hours in the central business district cleaning the bases of streetlights, an undertaking organized by the Greenfield Business Assoc. (GBA).

All three had somewhat different takes on what they were expecting from this exercise, but the consensus is that it was more difficult, and time-consuming, to remove the remnants from countless posters for events — and the tape used to affix them to the structures — than they thought.

But while the work was a grind, they all said it was important, worthwhile, and much more than symbolism. And it even inspired a thought to create one or more community bulletin boards so individuals and groups would have a place to promote their events other than light poles.

Deane said the cleanup was an example of a greater sense of collaboration within the community and its many civic and business organizations, from officials in City Hall to the chamber; from the GBA to the Franklin County Community Development Corp. (FCCDC).

“What I’m most excited about is that we now have all these people who are thinking collectively about how we can make the most of this momentum.”

“There’s new energy taking place on a partnership level, and it was nice to see Greenfield leaders like the mayor come down and take action,” said Deane, adding that the cleanup was just one example of this energy. Another was the aforementioned listening session, which she said was likely the first of its kind.

“The business owners and community leaders really appreciated having the opportunity to have that kind of forum with the mayor — an open forum where they could say, ‘here’s what’s going really well, here’s what we think needs work, and how are we all going to work together to bring Greenfield forward?’ That was great.”

The streetlight cleanup project and listening session represent just two of many forms of progress, with some steps larger and more significant than others, said those we spoke with, but all critical to that sense of momentum and building toward something better.

And there are many reasons for optimism, especially what most refer to simply as the ‘Wilson’s project.’

For decades, the store represented something unique — an old-fashioned department store in an age of malls and online shopping. When it closed just prior to the pandemic, it left a huge hole in the downtown — not just real estate to be filled, but the loss of an institution.

There’s no bringing back Wilson’s, but the current plan, a proposal put forward by the Community Builders and Green Fields Market, a popular co-op currently located farther down Main Street, will bring retail and housing, specifically roughly 60 mixed-income units, to Main Street.

The housing units, as noted earlier, are expected to bring foot traffic and more vibrancy to the downtown, said Cahillane, noting that this will be foot traffic that doesn’t leave at 5 o’clock and should comprise a good mix of age groups, thus providing a boost for the growing number of restaurants and venues like the Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center.

“The Community Builders is being thoughtful in the way they’re designing this space to encourage folks not to just exit out a rear door, get in their cars, and leave,” she explained. “Instead, they’re going to make it so it’s very easy to get from the apartments onto Main Street; this encourages them to come out into the community.”

Greenfield at a glance

Year Incorporated: 1753
Population: 17,768
Area: 21.9 square miles
County: Franklin
Residential Tax Rate: $20.39
Commercial Tax Rate: $20.39
Median Household Income: $33,110
Median Family Income: $46,412
Type of Government: Mayor, City Council
Largest Employers: Baystate Franklin Medical Center, Greenfield Community College, Sandri
* Latest information available

Meanwhile, several other properties downtown are in various stages of bringing upper floors online for housing, Cahillane explained, adding that this movement will help ease a housing crunch — which she considers the most pressing issue in the community — and generate still more foot traffic, which should help bring more businesses to the downtown.

There are already some recent additions in that area, including a computer-repair store on Federal Street, and, on Main Street, Sweet Phoenix, an antiques and crafts store, and Posada’s, a family-owned Mexican restaurant that the mayor said is “always packed.”

Meanwhile, the plans for Aldi’s and Starbucks, both in the early stages, are generating some excitement, the mayor added, noting that the latter, especially, will provide motorists on I-91 with yet another reason to get off in Greenfield and perhaps stay a while.

 

Getting Down to Business

These additions bolster an already large and diverse mix of businesses in the city, which still boasts some manufacturing — though certainly not as much as was present decades ago — as well as a healthy mix of tourism and hospitality-related ventures, service businesses, nonprofits (Greenfield serves as the hub for the larger Franklin County area), and several startups and next-stage businesses in various sectors, from IT to food production.

One of those long-standing businesses is Adams Donuts on Federal Street, now owned by Sabra Billings and her twin sister, Sidra Baranoski.

Originally opened in the ’50s, Adams Donuts is an institution, well-known — and in many cases revered — by several generations of area families. There have been several owners not named Adams, Billings said, adding that the one before her closed the establishment during COVID with the intention of reopening, but never did.

The two sisters stepped forward to keep a tradition alive — and work for themselves instead of someone else.

“It was kind of crazy; we’d never owned a business before, but here we were buying a shuttered business in the middle of a pandemic,” Billings said. “But it’s been really special to be part of the community, and what we call the ‘Adams community’; there are generations from the same families that are customers.”

Thus, they’re part of what could be called a groundswell of entrepreneurship in Greenfield and across Franklin County, one that John Waite, executive director of the FCCDC, has witnessed firsthand over the past 24 years he’s spent in that role.

He said there is a large, and growing, amount of entrepreneurial energy in Greenfield and across the county, largely out of necessity.

Indeed, since the larger businesses, most of them manufacturers, closed or left, the region and its largest city are more dependent on smaller businesses and the people who have the imagination, determination, and ideas with which to start them.

And the FCCDC is supporting these business owners in many different ways. The agency has several divisions, if you will, including direct business assistance — everything from technical assistance to grant funds to support ventures of various sizes — to a venture center that now boasts six tenants, to the Western Massachusetts Food Processing Center, which boasts 66 active clients processing, canning, and jarring everything from salsa to applesauce to fudge sauce.

Overall, the FCCDC served more than 350 clients in FY 2023, loaned out nearly $3 million to 31 businesses, and carried out work that resulted in the creation of 70 jobs and the preservation of 114 jobs, said Waite, adding that one of its more impactful initiatives is its loan program.

The loans vary in size from a few thousand dollars to $300,000, and the agency can work with area banks if a venture needs more. They are offered to businesses across a wide spectrum, including hospitality, a sector where there is often need, Waite noted, citing the example of 10 Forward, a unique performing-arts venue and cocktail bar on Fiske Avenue in the downtown.

“A lot of musicians need a place to play, and they’ll sign them up, and they’ll do comedy once in a while,” he explained, adding that the venue is part of an evolving downtown, one that now has more things happening at night and more events and programs to attract the young people who provide needed energy.

Meanwhile, Take the Floor, a CDC initiative that involves the entire county, is another avenue of support. The Shark Tank-like pitch contest has attracted dreamers across the broad spectrum of business, and the top three performers at three different contests — the latest was in Orange — will compete for $10,000 in prizes in the finale at Hawks & Reed.

“Developing our entrepreneurial infrastructure is very important to this region,” Waite said. “We want to make sure people know where they can go for resources to help them succeed.”

Area Contractors Hoping for a Strong 2024

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Wonderlyn Murphy (standing, center) with her leadership team at City Enterprise.
Construction Special Coverage

Building on Momentum

Wonderlyn Murphy (standing, center) with her leadership team at City Enterprise.

Wonderlyn Murphy (standing, center) with her leadership team at City Enterprise.

 

 

To Wonderlyn Murphy, a successful construction project can be defined in different ways. And one of those is how gratifying it is.

Take the new digital marquee sign at the MassMutual Center, which displays upcoming events, weather, and other information. Springfield-based City Enterprise built the structure that holds the digital display in place and ran the electrical work. The stone exterior in that area of the building had to be removed, reconfigured, and reinstalled after significant steel reinforcement was added to the wall structure to support the 40-by-25-foot display.

“That’s a brand-new sign, and it’s a big deal for Springfield and a big deal for us. We wanted that contract because of everything that Springfield is doing,” said Murphy, City Enterprise president, noting other developments happening in the downtown area, like the transformation of the former Court Square Hotel into housing. “To be part of what’s happening in Springfield, for me, is important.”

Another gratifying project is City Enterprise’s work on Martin Luther King Jr. Community Presbyerian Church, which was set ablaze by an arsonist in December 2021.

“We’re currently working on rebuilding that, to make sure that they have services again,” Murphy told BusinessWest. “It’s a very significant project for us, being a local contractor, and that being an African-American church with all its history. It’s an important project for us, very close to home.”

In terms of sheer volume of work, Murphy said, “it’s been challenging finding the right opportunities for us to bid. We have found them — we have an excellent estimating department that fishes out all these opportunities to bid. But it’s slim pickings out there.”

That said, she added, “it’s cyclical. As the summer comes along, we’ll find more opportunities that fit within our wheelhouse.”

City Enterprise has been involved in an array of intriguing projects, though, from laboratory renovations at UMass Lowell and two projects at UMass Amherst’s Mullins Center — an HVAC system overhaul and chiller replacement — to work at the Moakley federal courthouse in Boston and a complete rebuild of a security entryway for the Air National Guard at Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport.

J.L. Raymaakers & Sons has been busy on a project at Gardner Municipal Airport.

J.L. Raymaakers & Sons has been busy on a project at Gardner Municipal Airport.

“That’s a very significant project,” Murphy said of the latter. “We’ll take on any type of challenge.”

Dan Jodice has a similar take on being involved in a variety of projects. As a co-owner of PDS Engineering & Construction in Bloomfield, Conn., he’s seen the 60-year-old firm specialize in a widening list of sectors, including automotive, aviation, education, healthcare, retail, public safety, and more.

“Self-storage facilities are popular now, and car washes and car dealerships have been very popular with our clients over the past three years,” he said. “We can also do schools; we’re renovating a $40 million school in Hartford right now. Usually we do one school at a time, so we’ll do a school job, and when that ends, we’ll start on another one. We’ve also done a handful of churches over the years, and aerospace and aviation are pretty popular.

“We probably could be busier, but we’re happier with what we have now,” Jodice went on. “I’d say 60% of our work is repeat clients, and the other 40% is just getting out there and finding every lead possible.”

 

Challenge and Opportunity

John Raymaakers Jr. and Josh Raymaakers, directors at J.L. Raymaakers & Sons in Westfield, are plenty optimistic about how business is going, noting that all this year’s projects had been booked by last June.

The firm specializes in excavation, site work, and construction projects of all kinds, including airport runways and taxiways, pump stations, and, most recently, the foundation technique known as sheet shoring. Recent jobs include multiple bridge projects, Gardner Municipal Airport, a pump station in Great Barrington, and a Dunkin’ Donuts in Easthampton. “I’d say it’s a good mix right now,” Josh said.

“These are jobs funded through federal money and have been trickling into our local economy, which is helping us out and giving work for our employees.”

That said, they’ve dealt — like every other firm — with the key challenges of the past several years in construction: higher costs, supply-chain delays, and workforce shortages.

“They’ve been challenges, every one of them,” Josh said. “The pump stations require a lot of electrical components, and those have been an issue.”

Jodice agreed. “The biggest supply-chain issue is for electrical switchgear. If you order that now, it seems like it’s a year out, for some reason. Since COVID, that has not rebounded at all. Everything else is back to normal. Prices aren’t the same — I wish the prices were lower — but the supply chain is better. Ordering a metal building during COVID took six months. Today, it’s three months or faster.”

As for workforce, “we do pretty well,” Josh Raymaakers Jr. said. “Obviously, we would like more, but it’s a difficult challenge to find good people who have experience in our field.”

John recognizes the challenges across the industry as retirees are outpacing new blood, but as someone who grew up around the family business, he said construction is a stable and satisfying career — for those willing to put in the work.

entryway for the Air National Guard in Westfield

One current job at City Enterprise is rebuilding a security entryway for the Air National Guard in Westfield.

“You can’t be scared to get your hands dirty at first. The problem is, everyone wants to start at the top. But you have to work in the field and get your hands dirty. You have to learn. That’s what our parents made us do,” he explained. “That knowledge from being in the field is crucial, and that’s the hardest thing we’ve got to teach people. We have a project manager and bidder who started as a laborer, then became an operator, then a foreman, and now he’s a project manager. And his experience has been crucial for us.”

Challenges aside, “we’re very busy, and it doesn’t look like it’s slowing down, even with the private-sector work,” John continued, noting that about 75% of Raymaakers jobs are public, and 25% private.”

A great deal of the public work is being driven by a recognition that much infrastructure in Massachusetts is in need of repair, and federal money has been flowing in to help address those needs.

“Those are good opportunities,” he told BusinessWest. “These are jobs funded through federal money and have been trickling into our local economy, which is helping us out and giving work for our employees.”

Jodice said PDS doesn’t do as much public bidding as it does private, bidding maybe six public-sector jobs a year. “We try to stay busy in the private market. Public, you’re bidding against 10 to 15 GCs, and private, it’s maybe five, so there’s a better chance you get the project. And if it’s private, you can land a job more by building on a relationship with the owner and having them select you rather than the low number getting the bid.”

PDS got started six decades ago erecting pre-engineered steel buildings, and still does that work today, along with a much wider variety of projects ranging from commercial and industrial buildings to small fit-outs and large college projects — typically about $60 million worth of work each year across Connecticut, Western Mass., and Rhode Island. It also touts its expertise in the design-build realm.

“The convenient thing is we do our own design in-house; we can design and build rather than have the client go to an architect and have several different parties involved. The process is quicker because we’re doing everything here.”

 

From the Ground Up

Several years ago, J.L. Raymaakers & Sons launched a second business called ROAR (Raymaakers Onsite Aggregate Recycling), through which it collected and resold the dirt it dug up from construction jobs. That enterprise, which then expanded into bark mulch, processed gravel, and all kinds of rock, now employs four people full-time.

Because both businesses have been growing, the family bought land on Progress Avenue in Westfield and is building a new, 4,000-square-foot office space, which will be followed next year by a 7,000-square-foot maintenance garage. That property will be the new home of J.L. Raymaakers & Sons, while the current headquarters on East Mountain Road will exclusively house the ROAR operation.

“ROAR started strong, and it complements our other company,” John Raymaakers Jr. said. “We’re able to take the topsoil materials off of our jobs and then recycle them and sell them. That’s been a huge aspect of our business.”

City Enterprise has seen growth over the years as well, and now touts “the best team in the industry,” Murphy said.

“I have core values here, and I have people working with me that are really aligned with those,” she added. “Each department has their expertise, and we have a vision, and we’re working to get things done.”

Picture This

By
Driving Support
Picture This

Email ‘Picture This’ photos with a caption and contact information to [email protected]

 

Driving Support

Balise Auto recently presented a check for $40,000 to Square One, combining Balise’s generosity with matching gifts from Balise’s corporate partners at Lexus and Toyota. Square One currently provides early learning services to more than 500 infants, toddlers, and school-age children each day, as well as family support services to 1,500 families each year, as they work to overcome the significant challenges in their lives.

Driving Support

Pictured, from left: Ken Maffia of Balise; Kristine Allard and Dawn DiStefano of Square One; and Alex Balise and Tim Cardillo of Balise.

 

 

Progress, Promise, and a Name

On March 26, regional leaders unveiled a name for the cybersecurity center at Union Station: the Richard E. Neal Cybersecurity Center of Excellence. U.S. Rep. Neal, who provided a tour of the center currently under construction, led a funding effort in 2023 that resulted in $3 million of congressionally directed spending to establish the center, which is also is supported by a $1.46 million state grant and $500,000 from the city of Springfield.

Progress, Promise, and a Name

Pictured, from left: STCC President John Cook, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Neal, Springfield Redevelopment Authority Chair Armando Feliciano; and CyberTrust Massachusetts CEO Peter Sherlock.

 

Beyond Frames

Mechanics Hall in Worcester unveiled three commissioned portraits of 19th-century Black Americans at an event called “Beyond Frames” on March 14, as part of its Portraits Project. Westfield State University Associate Art Professor Imo Nse Imeh contributed with his portrait of formerly enslaved civil-rights leader, orator, and writer Frederick Douglass. The Mechanics Hall Portrait Gallery is an installation honoring 19th-century Worcester innovators, social reformers, Civil War heroes, and political leaders.

Pictured: Imeh in his studio with his Douglass portrait.

 

Student Art at the Mill District

On April 6, the Mill District General Store & Local Art Gallery unveiled an installation called “Pieces of Us,” a mosaic by more than 120 students at Pelham Elementary School. The front-window exhibit, which runs through April 27, was “inspired by classroom dialogues around identity and the many characteristics that shape our school community,” art teacher Emily Stewart (pictured) said. “Each student had full control over their creative expression within Pelham’s choice-based art studio. The selections they made in subject, media, style, and design invite us to embrace the beauty of their collective diversity and the mosaic of their varied experiences.”

Student Art at the Mill District

The Mill District General Store & Local Art Gallery unveiled an installation called “Pieces of Us,” a mosaic by more than 120 students at Pelham Elementary School

 

Community Effort

Monson Savings Bank’s annual donation and pledge drive to benefit the United Way of Pioneer Valley (UWPV) recently raised a total of $5,184. Employees also raised an additional $1,063 through a bank-wide bingo game and $695 through a TGIF dress-down program. The bank also provided a corporate donation of $1,000, bringing the total United Way donation to $7,942.

Community Effort

Pictured, from left: Dodie Carpentier and President Dan Moriarty of Monson Savings, Tracy Trial and Megan Moynihan of UWPV, and Michael Rouette and Kylie LaPlante of Monson Savings.

 

Learning Opportunity

Five Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) students — Travis Canary, Bradley DeJesus, Samuel Frechette, Jessica Phillips, and Hong Zhang — joined their peers for the Annual Conference on the First-Year Experience in Seattle on Feb. 18-21. The five STCC students in the STEM Starter Academy embarked on a transformative experience, embracing opportunities for growth, connection, and learning.

Learning Opportunity

Pictured, from left: Canary; Zhang; Jason Phillips, academic counselor; DeJesus; Zahi Haddad, professor of Engineering and Physical Sciences; Frechette; and Samar Ghrear, director of the STEM Starter Academy.

Agenda

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Agenda

Cirque du Soleil BAZZAR

Through May 5: Cirque du Soleil BAZZAR has come to Hartford, Conn. for the first time ever. A colourful homage to Cirque du Soleil legacy, BAZZAR opened on April 6 and will continue its performances until May 5 at Under the Big Top on Market Street. The show features acrobatic disciplines such as teeterboard, acrobike, contortion, duo rollerskates, duo trapeze, aerial rope, hair suspension, fire manipulation, slackline, and music performed live on stage. Cirque du Soleil BAZZAR is intended to be an eclectic lab of creativity where a joyful troupe of acrobats, dancers, and musicians craft an awe-inspiring spectacle. Lead by their maestro, they band together to invent a whimsical, one-of-a-kind universe. In a place where the unexpected is expected, the colourful group imagines, builds, and invents vibrant scenes in an artistic and acrobatic game. The high-energy excitement, collision of sounds and colors, and meeting place of diverse characters one might find at a traditional bazaar inspired the name of the show. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/bazzar.

 

Alumni Achievement Award Nominations

Through May 10: When BusinessWest launched its 40 Under Forty program in 2007, it did so to identify rising stars across our region — individuals who were excelling in business and through involvement within the community — and celebrate their accomplishments. In 2015, BusinessWest announced a new award, one that builds on the foundation upon which 40 Under Forty was created. It’s called the Alumni Achievement Award. As the name suggests, it is presented to the 40 Under Forty honoree who, in the eyes of an independent panel of judges, has most impressively continued and built upon his or her track record of accomplishment. Candidates must be from 40 Under Forty classes prior to the year of the award — in this case, classes 2007 to 2023. The 2024 Alumni Achievement Award finalists will be profiled in the June 10 edition of BusinessWest, and the honoree will be announced at the 40 Under Forty gala on June 20. The presenting sponsor of the Alumni Achievement Award is Health New England. Visit businesswest.com/40-under-forty/alumniachievementaward for the nomination form, and visit businesswest.com/40-under-forty/40underforty for a list of the past 40 Under Forty classes.

 

‘The Dangers of Union Activity Within a Non-union Workplace’

April 17: The popularity of unions has created dangers for employers, both unionized and non-unionized alike. Even if an employer is non-unionized, the employer risks violating the National Labor Relations Act and being subject to charges from the National Labor Relations Board if new laws and rulings are not considered. Attorney Trevor Brice from the Royal Law Firm will present a seminar, titled “The Dangers of Union Activity Within a Non-union Workplace and Other Recent Changes to Enforcement of the National Labor Relations Act,” from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the firm’s offices at 33 Elliot St., Springfield. Brice will discuss the dangers of union activity in a non-union environment, as well as other updates and changes to enforcement of the National Labor Relations Act that have occurred in the past year. The cost is $30 per person. Payments should be mailed to, and checks made payable to, the Royal Law Firm. Registration is required, and seating will be limited. Email Heather Child at [email protected] to register or with any questions about this seminar.

 

Get Hired Job Fair

April 17: Holyoke Mall will host its spring job fair from 2 to 5 p.m. on the lower level near Macy’s. The Get Hired Job Fair is a convenient opportunity for Western Mass. employers to interview and hire workers, and to help job seekers connect with businesses who need their skills. Employers from a variety of industries will be in attendance, looking for candidates at all skill levels. The event is free to attend for all job seekers. Employers that have already signed up to staff a table include Baystate Health, PeoplesBank, Holyoke Community College, YMCA Greater Springfield, and more. Last year, the September job fair drew more than 40 employers, representing more than 10 industries, and nearly 400 candidates. Employers interested in participating in the upcoming job fair should contact Jim Geraghty, advertising representative for Holyoke Mall, at (617) 840-2998 or [email protected].

 

YWCA Golf Tournament

May 6: The YWCA of Western Massachusetts Golf Tournament will be held at Springfield Country Club, with registration now open online at ywworks.org. Proceeds of the charity golf tournament will support the Children Who Witness Violence program, which offers therapy for children who have witnessed or experienced abuse and violence. The Healthy and Empowering Relationship Education program of the YWCA, which helps Springfield middle- and high-schoolers learn about healthy relationships and friendships, will also benefit from proceeds raised at the tournament. Cost per golfer to participate in the tournament is $155, which includes golf, cart, lunch, dinner, and a quarter-zip jacket. There will be a raffle and cash bar at the country club. Individuals or organizations interested in registering or sponsoring the event can visit ywworks.org.

 

Pioneer Valley Conference for Women

May 9: The third annual Pioneer Valley Conference for Women will be held at Marriott Springfield Downtown from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The conference will be held in person and virtually. This year’s theme is “Unleashed.” Christina Royal will serve as emcee for the conference. The former president of Holyoke Community College, Royal is now president and CEO of Infinite Unlearning LLC, a woman-, BIPOC-, and queer-owned executive coaching and consultancy service supporting mid- to senior leaders and their organizations. Keynote speakers are Meghan Rothschild, president and owner of the marketing and public-relations firm Chikmedia, and Jessika Rozki, founder of Rozki Rides, a transportation service focusing on children and seniors. The conference will also feature 10 different panels that women can choose to attend in the morning and afternoon. The 30 panelists are all local women. Dianne Fuller Doherty will be presented with the Goddess Award, recognizing her many years of volunteer work on behalf of women. A comedy kickoff reception the night before the conference will feature comedian Jess Miller. Visit ow.ly/qgYJ50QK85h for more information or to purchase tickets. Event sponsors include M&T Bank, Westfield Bank, Liberty Bank, Country Bank, and USI.

 

Free Shred Days

June 8, 22: bankESB invites customers and members of the community to two free shred days at local offices. Events will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. (or until the truck is full) on the following dates and at locations: Saturday, June 8 at 770 Main St., Agawam; and Saturday, June 22 at 241 Northampton St., Easthampton (two trucks at this event). No appointment is necessary. Local residents can reduce their risk of identity theft by bringing old mail, receipts, statements or bills, canceled checks, pay stubs, medical records, or any other unwanted paper documents containing personal or confidential information and shredding them safely and securely for free. A professional document destruction company will be on site in the bank’s parking lot and can accept up to two boxes of documents per person.

 

Hooplandia

June 21-23: Registration is now open for Hooplandia, the second annual 3×3 basketball tournament and festival, at www.hooplandia.com. The three-day event includes levels of play for all ages and divisions. Hooplandia launched in 2023. Taking place in the heart of Greater Springfield, the birthplace of basketball, the event is hosted by Eastern States Exposition (ESE) in West Springfield and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield. Most games will be played on the ESE grounds, with special games held at the Hall of Fame. Seventy-five basketball courts will be set up to accommodate more than 650 games played by approximately 2,100 participants of all ages. Divisions of play have been created to provide an all-inclusive environment for players of all ages and playing abilities. The diverse divisions include young girls, boys, women, men, high-school-level, college-level, OGs, veterans, and more. Players are invited to build teams of four, create their own unique team name and uniforms, and register at www.hooplandia.com. Team fees range according to age, and children in the under-8 category are free of charge. Hooplandia will once again partner with Boys and Girls Clubs throughout the region as its designated philanthropic partner, $10 from every paid team registration to support the mission and programs of the clubs. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For inquiries, email [email protected].

People on the Move

By
People on the Move
Mei-Ann Chen

Mei-Ann Chen

Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO) announced that internationally acclaimed conductor Mei-Ann Chen, who was guest conductor for the SSO’s 2023-24 opening-night performance, is joining the SSO in the newly created position of artistic advisor, effective for the 2024-25 season. Chen will serve as the orchestra’s artistic face, curating programs, selecting guest soloists, and facilitating other artistic needs. She will also conduct a minimum of two symphonic concerts per season. At the same time, the SSO will continue to engage guest conductors in performances of the symphony. An acclaimed, innovative leader both on and off the podium, Chen has served as music director of Chicago Sinfonietta since 2011. Chief conductor of Austria’s Recreation – Grosses Orchester Graz at Styriarte, she also serves as an artistic partner with ROCO in Texas and Northwest Sinfonietta in Washington. A sought-after guest conductor, she has appeared with distinguished orchestras throughout the Americas, Europe, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and Scandinavia (more than 150 orchestras to date). Named one of Musical America’s 2015 Top 30 Influencers, Chen is a recipient of a League of American Orchestras Helen M. Thompson Award, a Taki Concordia fellowship, and several ASCAP awards, and is the only woman in the history of the Malko Competition to have been named First Prize Winner.

•••••

Jack Dill

Jack Dill

Ashley Vanesse

Ashley Vanesse

Lisa Wills

Lisa Wills

Elms College announced that three prominent leaders in the region have joined the college’s board of trustees. B. John (Jack) Dill is the president and principal of Colebrook Realty Services and has been negotiating real-estate transactions on behalf of his clients — buyers, sellers, property owners, and tenants — for more than three decades. He holds the counselors of real estate designation, along with other professional designations and licenses in the fields of real estate, finance, and construction, and is a fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Dill has been an active supporter of more than 20 local nonprofits, including Elms College, and is currently vice chairman of the Fallon Community Health Plan board of directors and a member of the Massachusetts Housing Investment Corp. He earned his bachelor of arts degree cum laude from Williams College. Ashley Vanesse is the president of the Elms College Alumni Assoc. and has been a member of the association since graduating from the Elms in 2011. She is currently office manager for Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home and also held various positions in the Elms College Admission Office. She earned her bachelor’s degree in history from Elms College and her master’s degree in psychology and school counseling from Westfield State University. Lisa Wills is a partner at Whittlesey, one of the largest regional CPA and IT consulting firms in New England. She has worked primarily with nonprofits over her 25-year career and is an expert in complex audits. She is a licensed certified public accountant with the state of Connecticut and an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, as well as the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants (CTCPA). In addition, she is a recognized industry leader and frequent speaker on topics such as FASB changes and female leadership. She earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting and business administration from Elms College in 1988.

•••••

The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce announced that its executive committee has concluded its search for the chamber’s new executive director and selected Jacob Robinson, who brings more than 15 years of experience in building coalitions, fostering partnerships, and promoting business-driven leadership for sustainable impact. In his most recent role as the West Roxbury Main Streets program director, Robinson concentrated on local economic development, offering technical assistance to small businesses, facilitating pandemic recovery efforts, leading community events, and championing inclusive commercial planning efforts. His commitment has extended to serving on municipal planning committees and nonprofit boards and contributing to Belchertown’s Climate Resilience and Sustainable Growth Plan. His past work includes building regional and national networks of business leaders working together to develop and share best practices in energy management and strategy. He is also a skilled researcher and educator on the topics of corporate environmental, social, and governance leadership. He holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental management from Indiana University.

•••••

Thomas Dufault

Country Bank announced the appointment of Thomas Dufault as senior vice president of the Retail Lending department. With 35 years in the mortgage industry and an entrepreneurial and construction background, he brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to his new role. Dufault has gained extensive experience in construction standards, business acumen, and process improvements throughout his career. His diverse background, including as a former business owner, makes him an ideal candidate to lead Country Bank’s Retail Lending team. In addition to his professional achievements, Dufault is also committed to community service. He has served on the board of Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts for 10 years, the past four years as the board president. He supports various charitable initiatives, including the United Way of North Central Massachusetts, the American Cancer Society, Heifer Project International, and the Alzheimer’s Assoc. He has also served on various committees and boards in the town of Rutland, where he lived for 26 years.

•••••

Tech Foundry, the regional leader in IT workforce development and training, announced the hiring of four new staff members as well as promotions of existing staff to support the organization’s growing operations. Phillip Borras, Tech Foundry’s Career Readiness and Recruitment coordinator, was recently promoted to Coaching manager. A professional speaker, comedian, and life coach, he now leads a team of three coaches who mentor student members throughout the organization’s IT support training program and after graduation. This work complements Tech Foundry’s professional-development training, including résumé writing, interviewing, networking, and other professional-development skills. Jessica Cogoli has been promoted to instructor. A Tech Foundry alum, she has been working closely with the organization since she graduated, as a volunteer, assistant instructor, and technical lead for the IT support training program. She recently graduated from Holyoke Community College with an associate degree in computer science and is now working toward her bachelor’s degree at Southern New Hampshire University. Eric Maldonado, a 20-year veteran of the human-services field, joins the Tech Foundry team as a coach. His previous work focused on youth and homeless adults, including experience as a career coach with MassHire in Springfield. He is also an entrepreneur and has been running two successful businesses for the past five years. William Medina, a former instructor at Tech Foundry, returned to the organization as the new Tech Hub director at the end of February. He is a technology enthusiast who helped build the organization during its early years. In his new role, he is responsible for managing the daily operations of the Tech Hub, a Holyoke-based center which provides digital-literacy classes, technical support, and device distribution throughout Western Mass. As director, he manages daily operations, curriculum development, community relations, the digital fellows program, and professional development. Hilda Santa, a recent graduate of Tech Foundry, joins the team as the new administrative assistant and coach. She is a retired 20-year veteran of the U.S. Air National Guard and brings more than 15 years of administrative experience to the organization. In her role as a part-time coach, she will mentor the next generation of student-members. She holds a bachelor’s degree in health studies from UMass Amherst. Pattie Carulli-Hauser brings her passion for coaching and mentoring to the Tech Foundry team as one of the organization’s new coaches. In her role, she will provide ongoing mentoring and support for Tech Foundry’s student members. She has spent most of her career in research and development leadership roles in the consumer-goods industry.

•••••

Caitlin von Schmidt

Franklin Community Co-op recently welcomed Caitlin von Schmidt as its new Outreach and Communications manager, effective March 19. “Caitlin’s time as coordinator of the Greenfield Business Association and in the Mayor’s Office at the city of Greenfield sets her up beautifully to succeed in her new position, and we’re excited to have her on board,” co-op General Manager John Williams said. “We’re happy to have her as the newest member of our successful team.” Williams also thanked Amy Britt for her time in the position as she moves on to other opportunities. “I’m thrilled to be joining the Franklin Community Co-op family,” von Schmidt said. “The co-op is a beloved establishment, and its role as an anchor business and vital community member can’t be overstated. In addition, I’m thrilled to be involved at such an important time, with the expansion into the Wilson’s building on the horizon.”

•••••

Duc-Pac Corp. announced that its president, Gregory Merchant, has been voted to serve as president of Air Distribution Institute (ADI), the national alliance of steel HVAC pipe and fittings manufacturers focused on research and working with industry leading decision makers to create better policy. Duc-Pac is a family-owned and operated business that was founded in 1949. The company moved its manufacturing facility to Springfield in 2022. “I am proud to contribute my experience by helping lead the ADI,” Merchant said. “Duc-Pac has been a member of the organization for over 15 years. There is a lot of attention today on the use of green energy in HVAC and achieving ever-greater efficiencies with heating and cooling our homes. On one hand, we are very specialized production manufacturers. On the other hand, we have a big role to play in providing products and information essential to more efficient HVAC systems. We cannot lose sight that to not participate in HVAC improvements this way is to invite overseas competition to do so.”

•••••

Lauren Tabin

Lauren Tabin

bankESB recently hired Lauren Tabin as assistant vice president, branch officer of its King Street, Northampton office. Tabin has nearly 30 years of banking experience. Prior to joining bankESB, she was assistant vice president, branch officer at PeoplesBank, and previously held various other positions there, including banking center manager, branch officer, trainer, and teller. She brings an extensive background in management and leadership experience to her new role, where she will manage the Northampton office team while remaining engaged in the community. She currently serves on the board of the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club, and previously served on the board of Black Horse Trust, the Miracle League of Western Massachusetts, the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round, and Providence Ministries. She is a member of BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty class of 2011.

•••••

Country Bank announced the appointment of four new corporators and a new trustee at its annual meeting on March 11. Ivon Gois, president of Gois Broadcasting, brings a wealth of experience to the bank. Based in Worcester, Gois operates 12 radio stations in New England and is well-known for his contributions to the media industry, ethnic and racial diversity work, and financial expertise. Mechilia Salazar, CEO and director of Hope for Youth and Families Foundation in Springfield, is a respected leader in the nonprofit sector. Her previous role as CEO of the Ludlow Boys and Girls Club demonstrates her commitment to serving marginalized and underbanked communities. She often serves as the bridge between local businesses and the communities they serve. Samalid Hogan, a business consultant, CEO, and principal at Greylock Management in Ludlow, is a seasoned professional with a strong track record of success. Her leadership as past president of the Springfield Rotary Club and her involvement on various boards further highlight her dedication to making a positive impact. Her passion for empowering small businesses has made her a respected leader in the industry. Walter Pacheco, a prominent figure in the hospitality industry, owns several Western and Central Mass. restaurants and investment properties. His extensive business acumen and local ties make him a valuable addition to the bank. In addition to the new corporators, new Country Bank President Mary McGovern was appointed to the board of trustees.

•••••

Paul Asselin

The Massachusetts chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors announced that Paul Asselin, Gould Construction Institute instructor, is the 2024 ABC National Craft Instructor of the Year. Asselin was honored at the 2024 ABC Convention in Orlando, Fla. on March 13. ABC presents the annual Craft Instructor of the Year Award to an outstanding instructor with a passion for their craft, creativity, a positive attitude, and the ability to transfer knowledge through excellent communications skills and forward-thinking teaching to future construction professionals. With nearly 40 years of experience in the construction industry, Asselin has taught basic through advanced electrical courses since 2001. He is the training manager for Elm Electrical Inc. in Westfield, where he has worked since 1983. He is also the wiring inspector for his hometown of Russell and previously served as chair of Westfield Technical Academy’s general advisory board and electrical shop advisory board. As Craft Instructor of the Year, Asselin received a $10,000 cash prize. Co-sponsors of Craft Instructor of the Year are the National Center for Construction Education and Research, the training, assessment, certification, and career-development standard for the construction industry; and Tradesmen International, North America’s premier craft-professional staffing resource. Asselin will also be profiled in the June issue of Construction Executive magazine.

•••••

On April 6, Westfield State University inducted six alumni into the Criminal Justice Alumni Hall of Fame. Inductees are recognized for their excellence in their chosen field and for their accomplishments in criminal justice and law enforcement at the state, federal, and local levels. This year’s alumni inductees are Benjamin Campbell ’11 of the Maine State Police; David Campbell ’84, a retired special agent in the U.S. Department of Justice; Cheryl Clapprood ’92, Springfield Police superintendent; John Kotfila Jr. ’08, who served in the Sheriff’s Office in Hillsborough County, Fla.; Kenneth O’Connor ’87, a chief court officer in the Massachusetts Trial Court; and Jeffrey Trask ’02, a leader in emergency management and preparedness. Kim Tobin, professor of Criminal Justice, was also honored for her distinguished service to Westfield State. Both Benjamin Campbell and Kotfila were recognized posthumously.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Sublime Systems Awarded $87 Million in Federal Funds

SPRINGFIELD — As part of a $6.3 billion initiative funding 33 projects across 20 states, the U.S. Department of Energy announced that Sublime Systems in Holyoke will receive $87 million in federal funding from its Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations and its Industrial Demonstrations Program. Sublime Systems plans to build a new, ultra-low-carbon cement manufacturing facility in Holyoke. The company’s new method to make cement replaces carbon-intensive limestone with abundant calcium-silicate-based feedstocks, resulting in industry-standard cement that is produced electrochemically instead of using high heat. By demonstrating this transformational process that was previously supported by ARPA-E, Sublime aims to strengthen American supply chains for low-carbon products, increase transparency for product environmental impact and performance, and catalyze industry-wide change. The Sublime project expects to create 70 to 90 permanent manufacturing jobs in a community that once produced nearly all of the country’s writing paper but has seen a decline in industry over the 20th century.

 

Bay Path Cybersecurity Program Ranked in Top Five by Forbes

LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University announced that its master of science (MS) in cybersecurity program has been recognized as one of the top five such programs in the nation by Forbes in its Best Online Master’s in Cybersecurity rankings for 2024. Forbes’ ranking of Bay Path’s MS in cybersecurity online program reflects the university’s dedication to providing students with a comprehensive, cutting-edge education that prepares them to address the complex challenges of cybersecurity in today’s digital landscape. With a curriculum designed by industry experts and taught by experienced faculty members, the program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to succeed in this critical field. Bay Path is also a partner in the federally funded, $1.5 million Union Station cyber range project in Springfield. This state-of-the-art cyber range will mirror IT environments and allow students to gain experience through live-fire attacks, blue-team-red-team events, training modules, labs, assessments, and more. In addition, Bay Path is a member of MassCyber’s training and education working group, giving students access to internships and real-world opportunities, the latest research, professional networks, and insight into best practices.

 

Nonotuck Resource Associates Honored Among Top Workplaces

NORTHAMPTON — Nonotuck Resource Associates Inc. was recently named a recipient of a USA Today 2024 Top Workplaces USA award, issued by Energage. The Top Workplaces program has a 15-year history of surveying more than 20 million employees and recognizing the top organizations across 60 regional markets. Top Workplaces USA celebrates organizations with 150 or more employees that have built great cultures. More than 42,000 organizations were invited to participate in the Top Workplaces USA survey. Winners of the Top Workplaces USA list are chosen based solely on employee feedback gathered through an employee-engagement survey, issued by Energage. This news comes on the heels of Nonotuck being selected as a Boston Globe Top Workplace.

 

Modern Workspace Opening in East Longmeadow

EAST LONGMEADOW — Bill Laplante of Laplante Construction announced that Modern Workspace, a co-working facility he is developing with partners Chris Orszulak and Jason Pananos, should be open for business by May at 7 Purves St. in East Longmeadow. The modern, net-zero building will feature 25 individual spaces available on a membership basis for businesspeople who work remotely. The modern, luxury building will be heated and cooled by electricity produced from solar panels on the roof, which will also provide hot water and a charge for tenants’ vehicles. The building will be accessible to tenants 24-7. In addition to high-speed internet, amenities will include conference rooms and office equipment such as standing desks. Laplante and his partners said Modern Workspace is the third in a model that also extends to the historic Brewer Young Mansion in Longmeadow, with 17 offices; and Chatham, on Cape Cod, in a location with nine offices. Various levels of membership will be offered, including an address-only membership, a 10-day pass, or a private office with all amenities.

 

AIC Earns 2024-25 Designation as Military Friendly School

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) announced it has earned the 2024-2025 Military Friendly School and Military Spouse Friendly School designations. Institutions earning the Military Friendly School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2024-25 survey, with 537 earning special awards for going above the standard. The 2024-25 Military Friendly Schools list will be published in the May and October issues of G.I. Jobs magazine and can be found online at www.militaryfriendly.com. Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Viqtory with input from the Military Friendly Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher-education and military-recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment, persistence (degree advancement or transfer), and loan default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.

 

Bulkley Richardson Honors Jeff Poindexter with YMCA Gift

SPRINGFIELD — In continuing Jeff Poindexter’s legacy, Bulkley Richardson has partnered with the Greater Springfield YMCA to help area boys and girls attend summer camp. The firm will send 16 youth campers to a YMCA-run camp this summer for one week. Poindexter was a partner at Bulkley Richardson and the former chairman of the Greater Springfield YMCA board of directors. “Jeff knew summer camp was a privilege not all kids had access to, and he was a huge advocate of advancing equity in our Springfield neighborhoods,” said Dan Finnegan, Bulkley Richardson’s managing partner. “We felt that honoring Jeff’s longtime commitment to the YMCA and its efforts to provide opportunities to youth in the community was something he would be proud of.”

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates

The following business certificates and/or trade names were issued or renewed during the month of March 2024.

EASTHAMPTON

Ain’t Your Average B…
21 Mineral St.
Raven Williams

Annie’s Kitchen
79 Maple St.
Ann LaRochelle

Bark Rangers
38 Clark St.
KJ Nichols

Buri’s Generation HI & GC
31 Exeter St.
Belisario Buri

Easthampton Glass & Screen
42 Morin Dr.
William Therrien Jr.

JKirley Collective
3 Ferry St., Unit 414, Suite 4W
Jessica Kirley

Mango Fish Inc.
117 Maple St.
Lori Novis

Northeast Diagramming Services
27 Overlook Dr.
Michael Allard

Nouria
124 Northampton St.
Tony El-Nemr

Oxbow Tattoo
2 Holyoke St.
Maximilian Rothert

Phoenix Painters
10 Sunset Ave.
Brendyn Phoenix

Pomeroy Pup Pack
7 Lovefield St., Unit 5
Amelia Wilson

SD Services
13 Chapman Ave.
Joshua Dean

Space and Robot
10 East Green St.
Christopher Ferry

Three Posies
49½ Union St., Apt. 5
Bronwen Hodgkinson

The Valley Arts Newsletter
49½ Union St., Apt. 5
Bronwen Hodgkinson

Win/Win
2 Pine St.
Jenna Weingarten

PITTSFIELD

Berkshire Mattress Recycling
51 Stratford Ave.
Wahid Hage

Blackington Artisans Inc.
35 Atwood Dr.
Blackington Artisans Inc.

Brazzucas Market
75 North St.
Brazzucas LLC

David R. Cianflone Attorney at Law
P.O. Box 3613
David Cianflone

Divo Enterprise LLC
44 Scalise Dr.
Mohamed Fofana

Faceframe Collective
436 North St.
Lemon Lash Academy LLC, Magnolia Hair and Co. LLC

Fantastick Patrick
32 Kensington Ave.
Patrick Connor

fauxstainedglasspanes.com
82 Wendell Ave.
Stuff Is Parts LLC

Harvest Health & Nutrition
75 South Church St.
Makenzie Evangelisto

Landscaping by Antonio
22 Elizabeth St.
Antonio Aleman

M&D Auto Sales
105 Fourth St.
Lily Diaz LLC

Millsbeauty
25 Cobblestone Cove
Millicent Homiah Beckham

New England Cleaners
69 Wellington Ave.
New England Cleaners LLC

Rockland Restoration and Masonry
82 Lafayette St.
Matthew Canterella

Stylin’ on Elm
136 Elm St.
Stephanie Vallone

TEC Consulting
45 Woodlawn Ave.
Tamara Sime

Turnkey Innovation Services
5 Cheshire Road
Latoya Gillyard

WeeCare Upwards Childcare Services
82 Wendell Ave.
Amanda Smith

Western Mass Periodontics & Implant Specialists
435 South St.
Western Mass Periodontics P.C.

SOUTH HADLEY

Board and Brush Creative Studio
19 College St., Unit 4
DSPLUMMER LLC

Fleming Banking Co.
51 Woodbridge Ter.
Emily Fleming

Law Office of Richard M. Juang
40 Viviani St.
Richard Juang

Mastercom Design
134 College St., #1
Todd Guenther

Nicnats Bakery
4 Wellington Ave.
Melissa Pontbriant

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

The following bankruptcy petitions were recently filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Readers should confirm all information with the court.

Blanks, Elisa
PO Box 51154
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/05/2024

Bushey, Anthony
92 Grove St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/04/2024

Connors, Erinn
161 Kendall St.
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/14/2024

Crevier, Marilyn Ruth
31 Old Pendleton Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/04/2024

DaCruz, Matthew E.
104 Longview St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/11/2024

Fulton, Hanna M.
121 Lenox Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/11/2024

Girard, Joseph M.
142 Franklin St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/07/2024

Giard, Paul A.
42 Purlington Lane
Colrain, MA 01340
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/12/2024

Hadley, Kyle
1286 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/09/2024

Hankins, Gloria
19 Morgan St.
Lenox, MA 01240
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/06/2024

Huebner, Amy Lynne
19 Livingston Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/05/2024

Larange, Linda J.
711 South Barre Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/14/2024

Lemke, Diane M.
24 Brightwood St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/07/2024

Lopez-Martinez, Diosdado
19 Springdale Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/08/2024

Martinez, Joel A.
623 Osborn Ter.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/04/2024

McCaughey, Sean E.
77 Flynt St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/04/2024

Moriarty, Daniel P.
Moriarty, Lynne
535 Nassau Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/15/2024

Parmelee, Wendy R.
7 Anthony St., Apt. B
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/08/2024

Rodriguez, Kaila
180 Cherokee Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/01/2024

Rodgers Painting Service
Goodhind, Rodger E.
144 Stuart St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/05/2024

Rosario, Xavier
837 State St., Apt. 330
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/11/2024

Shaw, David
175 Tully Road
Orange, MA 01364-9526
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/11/2024

St. Pierre, Dana M.
1081 West St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/05/2024

Therrienc Robert R.
157 North St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/14/2024

Tobiasz, Timothy E.
Lacharite, Piper L.
230 Linden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/15/2024

Torres, Ana Hilda
70 Shumway St., Lot 28
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/01/2024

Tosti, Peter J.
71 Ferry St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/15/2024

Vautour, Paul
Vautour, Jeanne
436 Daniel Shays Highway
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/05/2024

Real Estate Transactions

By
Real Estate

The following real estate transactions (latest available) were compiled by Banker & Tradesman and are published as they were received. Only transactions exceeding $115,000 are listed. Buyer and seller fields contain only the first name listed on the deed.

FRANKLIN COUNTY

BERNARDSTON

90 Church St.
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $259,000
Buyer: Rebecca Harrison
Seller: Bruce R. Hietala
Date: 03/14/24

213 Northfield Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Alexander J. Wahlstrom
Seller: Drenna M. Mahaney
Date: 03/15/24

BUCKLAND

11 Rand Road
Buckland, MA 01370
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Tara Mason
Seller: Woodsome, Marian L., (Estate)
Date: 03/15/24

CHARLEMONT

East Oxbow Road
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Margaret M. Hobbs
Seller: Rotima SA Inc.
Date: 03/13/24

480 West Oxbow Road
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Margaret M. Hobbs
Seller: Rotima SA Inc.
Date: 03/13/24

COLRAIN

15 Griswoldville St.
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Giselle Harrington
Seller: Mortgage Equity Conversion TR
Date: 03/11/24

DEERFIELD

4 Industrial Dr. West
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $1,400,000
Buyer: Norava Deerfield LLC
Seller: 4 Industrial Dr. West LLC
Date: 03/15/24

59 Mathews Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $334,000
Buyer: Jacob Savage
Seller: Philip J. Savage
Date: 03/08/24

ERVING

91 Mountain Road
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $288,900
Buyer: Selene Flance LP
Seller: Arthur S. Johnson
Date: 03/08/24

GILL

65 Ben Hale Road
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Deonisie Gheorghita
Seller: Gould, Donald R., (Estate)
Date: 03/14/24

GREENFIELD

30 Green River Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Perrin C. Hendrick
Seller: Robert K. Brown RET
Date: 03/01/24

306 High St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: FRST Strength Properties LLC
Seller: Anderson & Dolby LLC
Date: 03/14/24

36 Shattuck St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: John R. Jennings
Seller: Eileen Naughton
Date: 03/04/24

76 Smith St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Rey Mathiau
Seller: Eva M. Babits
Date: 03/01/24

HEATH

Flagg Hill Road
Heath, MA 01346
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Charles W. Nartowicz
Seller: Peter E. Schriber
Date: 03/01/24

MONTAGUE

76 2nd St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $360,500
Buyer: Jedathan O. Richhardson
Seller: Van Brothers Co. LLC
Date: 03/05/24

12 Chester St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Albert Emond
Seller: A. E. & Rita E. Belanger IRT
Date: 03/11/24

8 Madison Ave.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Nadezhda A. Vozniuk
Seller: Vincent A. Rupp
Date: 03/15/24

76 Park St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Matthew Latkiewicz
Seller: Christopher R. Shea
Date: 03/14/24

NEW SALEM

423 Daniel Shays Hwy.
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Aneil Mehta
Seller: Bruce W. Whittier
Date: 03/01/24

ORANGE

85 East Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: 107 E. Main LLC
Seller: Athol Credit Union
Date: 03/05/24

98 East Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Swaz Properties LLC
Seller: Donald R. Dion
Date: 03/05/24

16 Maynard St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $259,900
Buyer: Yvette E. Silva
Seller: Michael L. Fernet
Date: 03/14/24

10 Oaklawn Ave.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Wayne Barba
Seller: Spagnuolo, Michael, (Estate)
Date: 03/04/24

39-41 Pleasant St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Vargas & Son Properties LLC
Seller: M. Jemms Orange I LLC
Date: 03/13/24

21 Smith Ave.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $155,500
Buyer: Harry E. Foster
Seller: Kathleen A. Goodrum
Date: 03/12/24

SUNDERLAND

313 Amherst Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $620,000
Buyer: Hskim Sea & Salt LLC
Seller: Lesser FT
Date: 03/01/24

11 Plumtree Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $1,200,000
Buyer: Joshua J. Kenney
Seller: Jack Radetsky
Date: 03/11/24

WHATELY

135 Long Plain Road
Whately, MA 01373
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Kyle R. Keith
Seller: Gregoire, Lawrence J., (Estate)
Date: 03/14/24

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

737 Barry St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Daniel J. Frye
Seller: David M. Grimaldi
Date: 03/15/24

28 Center St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Nora Wine
Seller: Silver Snake Properties LLC
Date: 03/08/24

244 Colemore St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Barbara A. Myca
Seller: Christine M. Vershon
Date: 03/14/24

41 Federal Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Clark Dore
Seller: Moore Jr., Leslie J., (Estate)
Date: 03/15/24

23 Fenton St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $308,000
Buyer: Emin Mammadov
Seller: Jeremy Daunais
Date: 03/04/24

85 Garden St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Ina Stavila
Seller: Joseph F. Giordano
Date: 03/14/24

232 Meadow St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $509,000
Buyer: Evelyn O. Hackman
Seller: 232 Meadow RT
Date: 03/14/24

35 Mill St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $309,500
Buyer: Colin J. Robinson
Seller: Michael A. Luciani
Date: 03/07/24

612 North West St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $309,900
Buyer: Mila Sinigur
Seller: Gregory R. Forsman
Date: 03/07/24

507 River Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Timothy Ayre
Seller: Gina M. Buoniconti
Date: 03/13/24

417 Shoemaker Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Michael G. Shepard
Seller: Ellis L. Langone
Date: 03/06/24

441 Silver St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Mark Don Realty LLC
Seller: St. John Sr., David F., (Estate)
Date: 03/07/24

45 Southwick St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Jacob Rodriguez
Seller: Michael Shepard
Date: 03/06/24

CHICOPEE

19 Ash St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $415,726
Buyer: 19 Ash Street LLC
Seller: Source Nine Development LLC
Date: 03/01/24

20 Ash St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $415,726
Buyer: 19 Ash Street LLC
Seller: Source Nine Development LLC
Date: 03/01/24

403 Britton St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $298,000
Buyer: Alycia Beavis
Seller: Donald J. Duda
Date: 03/07/24

21 Call St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Daniel I. Langame
Seller: Bozena A. Wisniewska
Date: 03/13/24

153 Center St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $415,726
Buyer: 19 Ash Street LLC
Seller: Source Nine Development LLC
Date: 03/01/24

145 Champagne Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $236,000
Buyer: Said M. Umari
Seller: Lisa M. Kusek
Date: 03/01/24

Chicopee River Business Park
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Westmass Area Development Corp.
Seller: Harvey Industries LLC
Date: 03/14/24

759 Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Tavernier Investments LLC
Seller: Joao A. Ferreira
Date: 03/08/24

196 Clarendon Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Josue Escobar
Seller: Nexus Apartments LLC
Date: 03/04/24

32 Emerald St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Jodanne St. George
Seller: Freedom Spire Holding LLC
Date: 03/11/24

31 Farmington St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Olivia Curto
Seller: Laura S. Allen
Date: 03/01/24

391 Front St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $572,000
Buyer: Arlin R. Troncoso
Seller: Victor J. Garriga
Date: 03/06/24

394 Granby Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Kayleen E. Estrada
Seller: Lacy N. Lariviere
Date: 03/13/24

591 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: 19 Ellen Street LLC
Seller: Leclerc Holdings LLC
Date: 03/08/24

36 Green St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $366,000
Buyer: Kathleen M. Ludwig
Seller: Kenneth R. Craven
Date: 03/15/24

49 Harrison Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Adam Cutter
Seller: Brady Williams
Date: 03/08/24

41 Hillman St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $166,000
Buyer: Vera Samoylich
Seller: Joan M. Westcott
Date: 03/07/24

50 Lorimer St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Vicky Esteves
Seller: Kmak LLC
Date: 03/04/24

32 Medford St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Thomas P. Ferris
Seller: Damien A. Kozikowski
Date: 03/11/24

1682 Memorial Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Daviau & Robert Properties LLC
Seller: 896-900 Prospect St. Inc.
Date: 03/06/24

544 Montgomery St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Charlene Coelho
Seller: Billy J. Bergeron
Date: 03/01/24

420 New Ludlow Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Yuri Suprunets
Seller: Leonid Ignatyuk
Date: 03/12/24

44 Park St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Jonathan Rivera
Seller: Haze Gray LLC
Date: 03/01/24

678 Pendleton Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Jillian Obrien
Seller: Anthony R. Fields
Date: 03/11/24

40 Piquette Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Shannon Parncutt
Seller: Brian P. Cooper
Date: 03/05/24

Prospect St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Anthony R. Fields
Seller: Moise, Gerald J., (Estate)
Date: 03/12/24

60 Roy St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Andrew Reilly
Seller: Naila Akram
Date: 03/15/24

79 Saratoga Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Jose Martinez
Seller: Felmarie Feliciano-Merced
Date: 03/01/24

EAST LONGMEADOW

33 Athens St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01108
Amount: $339,999
Buyer: Gary R. Farina
Seller: Jrchr LLC
Date: 03/01/24

3 Hazelhurst Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Josh D. Diaz
Seller: Carrie D. Feliciano
Date: 03/15/24

17 Holy Cross Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Meghan K. Godfrey
Seller: Callahan, Karen E., (Estate)
Date: 03/08/24

115 Lasalle St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $221,000
Buyer: Brianna Fenney
Seller: Desiree Miller
Date: 03/08/24

15 Linden Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: James R. Stevens
Seller: Minh T. Chau
Date: 03/04/24

52 Melwood Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $358,500
Buyer: Daniel Tarbell
Seller: 52 Melwood Avenue NT
Date: 03/04/24

346 Prospect St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Ugur Turan
Seller: Tina M. Johnson
Date: 03/11/24

37 Vadnais St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $269,000
Buyer: Sara Roper
Seller: Herbert A. Bonacker
Date: 03/12/24

247 Vineland Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: C. Rosario-Lafontaine
Seller: Jean D. Richard
Date: 03/14/24

GRANVILLE

740 Main Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Peter R. Sorrajja
Seller: Sandra A. Stevens
Date: 03/15/24

HAMPDEN

147 Chapin Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $704,484
Buyer: Michael N. Richard
Seller: Cumberland Blues RT
Date: 03/01/24

261 Chapin Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Ian Edwards
Seller: Fumi Realty Inc
Date: 03/08/24

HOLLAND

63 South Cottage Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Kepler Despeines
Seller: Herbert F. Seymour
Date: 03/05/24

HOLYOKE

42 Evergreen Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Scott Lacombe
Seller: Christine Torda
Date: 03/12/24

36-38 Gates St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Adrian Cruz
Seller: Northern Flooring & Remodeling
Date: 02/01/24

267 Jarvis Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Segundo A. Alvacora Lala
Seller: Bigelow, David, (Estate)
Date: 03/13/24

1103 Main St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $153,000
Buyer: Pamela Connors
Seller: Citizens Bank
Date: 03/14/24

289-291 Main St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Johnna N. Caizan Torres
Seller: Real Estate Investors Northeast LLC
Date: 03/13/24

130 Middle Water St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Mass. Real Estate Holdings LLC
Seller: Alaska Assets LLC
Date: 03/04/24

110-112 Nonotuck St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $339,000
Buyer: Yanissel Sanchez
Seller: Gerald Glasser
Date: 03/11/24

461 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $194,648
Buyer: Federal National Mortgage Association
Seller: Marion Gartman
Date: 03/11/24

73-75 Pearl St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $318,000
Buyer: Elizabeth A. Lotter
Seller: Chad D. Alexander
Date: 03/11/24

53 Pine St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Jaminton Palma
Seller: Amanda Bialas
Date: 03/15/24

LONGMEADOW

96 Dunsany Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $469,000
Buyer: Michael Kearing
Seller: Beth A. King
Date: 03/01/24

141 Englewood Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $739,000
Buyer: Joseph C. Ruddeforth
Seller: James A. Most
Date: 03/07/24

37 Hopkins Place
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Benjamin A. St Aubin
Seller: Nicholas J. Jacks
Date: 03/15/24

144 Lincoln Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $308,000
Buyer: Leigh Cherkas
Seller: Kings Enterprise LLC
Date: 03/15/24

857 Longmeadow St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $755,000
Buyer: Alexander Belonis
Seller: Benjamin Kraus
Date: 03/14/24

132 Maple Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Joseph M. Martorelli
Seller: Ernest Abramian
Date: 03/15/24

82 Massachusetts Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: David B. Dagostino
Seller: Nola Management LLC
Date: 03/15/24

101 Riverview Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Megan Lingerfelt
Seller: Timothy Quinn
Date: 03/01/24

723 Shaker Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $233,000
Buyer: Timothy A. Lucier
Seller: William M. Fitzgerald
Date: 03/07/24

LUDLOW

57 Barre Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Steven Balicki
Seller: Scott A. Theriault
Date: 03/15/24

35 Bluegrass Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $363,000
Buyer: Michael Henry
Seller: Jeannette I. Reopel
Date: 03/08/24

51 Bridle Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $529,000
Buyer: Heath J. Racela
Seller: William P. Koscher
Date: 03/08/24

1352 Center St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Kevin P. Geissler
Seller: Ashley Rourke
Date: 03/08/24

1535 Center St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $319,987
Buyer: Rebecca Hulsey
Seller: Cioccolate RT
Date: 03/08/24

13 Lillian St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $147,500
Buyer: Thomas F. Hodgins
Seller: Thomas Lennon
Date: 03/08/24

150-152 Sewall St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Matthew Nye
Seller: CTC Property Holdings LLC
Date: 03/05/24

110 Swan Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Taylor Alves
Seller: Robert Alves
Date: 03/15/24

278 Ventura St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $449,900
Buyer: Nelson P. Da Costa
Seller: Dorothy Mikaelian
Date: 03/15/24

MONSON

420 Boston Road West
Monson, MA 01069
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: David L. Sweetman
Seller: Louis J. Rivers
Date: 03/01/24

5 Lincoln Place
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Joshua Stoddard
Seller: Maaz A. Siddiqui
Date: 03/07/24

284 Lower Hampden Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Ariana Sandillo
Seller: Wheeler, Deborah L., (Estate)
Date: 03/14/24

226 Wilbraham Road
Monson, MA 01036
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: David Canelas
Seller: Robert B. Webb
Date: 03/08/24

PALMER

15 Advance St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Mark A. Cady
Seller: Mikayla Harris
Date: 03/01/24

98 Beech St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $322,000
Buyer: Windi L. Muraszka
Seller: Casper-Hacker RT
Date: 03/11/24

29 Cabot St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Nathan Garrity
Seller: Laviolette, Robert R., (Estate)
Date: 03/15/24

Emery St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Deborah M. Southworth
Date: 03/04/24

Forest St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Deborah M. Southworth
Date: 03/04/24

2173 Main St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: A&T Properties LLC
Seller: Betty A. Smith
Date: 03/14/24

2089 Oak St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Chenevert Properties LLC
Seller: William S. Heilman
Date: 03/15/24

1274 Park St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Michael Lamothe
Seller: Jeffrey H. Landers
Date: 03/12/24

State St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Deborah M. Southworth
Date: 03/04/24

7 Walters Way
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Brian H. Lyons
Seller: Stephen M. Erickson
Date: 03/15/24

1028 Wilson St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Blake Lamonthe
Seller: Ronald L. Russis
Date: 03/15/24

SPRINGFIELD

11-13 Ainsworth St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Radhame Brito
Seller: Two Riveras LLC
Date: 03/04/24

69 Appleton St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Craig Davis-Lawson
Seller: Junior Properties LLC
Date: 03/08/24

1112 Bay St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $1,300,000
Buyer: Titanium Springfield Real Estate LLC
Seller: Bzgjj Inc.
Date: 03/08/24

20 Beaudry St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Millicent U. Olisenekwu
Seller: Armando Torres
Date: 03/04/24

411 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Jerieme Daley
Seller: Kelnate Realty LLC
Date: 03/14/24

1208 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: SH Properties LLC
Seller: John A. Von Roemer
Date: 03/12/24

1267 Boston Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $850,000
Buyer: T5 Mass. Real Estate LLC
Seller: KA RT
Date: 03/05/24

25 Brookline Ave.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Emmanuel E. Colon
Seller: Sierra, Celsa Cruz, (Estate)
Date: 03/04/24

24 Capitol Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $159,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Kenneth T. Martin
Date: 03/06/24

15 Cedar St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Real Estate Investments Northeast LLC
Seller: Kempton Pollard
Date: 03/04/24

251 Central St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Rosa V. Feliciano
Seller: North End Housing Initiative
Date: 03/13/24

402 Central St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Samari Rivera
Seller: C. & C. Homes LLC
Date: 03/12/24

11 Champlain Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Elizabeth Lewis
Seller: P&R Investments LLC
Date: 03/11/24

22 Cornell St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Vivian A. Tomas
Seller: JJJ17 LLC
Date: 03/15/24

177 Denver St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Cristina M. Colon-Pagan
Seller: Better Builders Construction LLC
Date: 03/13/24

95 Fenimore Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Plata O. Plomo Inc.
Seller: Tyrus T. Ferguson
Date: 03/01/24

80 Florida St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Silver Snake Props
Seller: Plata O. Plomo Inc.
Date: 03/12/24

24 French St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Teresa Sedgwick
Seller: Corigliano, Mary Rose, (Estate)
Date: 03/06/24

20 Gardens Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Alexandria R. O’Connor
Seller: Fredi L. Merriam
Date: 03/01/24

63 Gates Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Maggi Predmore
Seller: Natalya Gavel
Date: 03/08/24

58-60 Gold St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Alexandria Vasquez
Seller: Carlos M. Mejia
Date: 03/13/24

158 Goodwin St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $326,000
Buyer: Andy Cenat
Seller: Zaida Burgos
Date: 03/11/24

19 Hillcrest St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $277,000
Buyer: Luz S. Gomez
Seller: Ronald A. Watt
Date: 03/05/24

53 Homestead Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Sean Chaez
Seller: Northeast Asset Mgmt. LLC
Date: 03/14/24

60 Intervale Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $349,900
Buyer: Ryan Stead
Seller: James & Deborah Myers LT
Date: 03/04/24

28-30 Kendall St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $438,000
Buyer: Selina V. Cruz
Seller: Mason Capital Ventures LLC
Date: 03/04/24

200 Kendall St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $2,562,000
Buyer: Mass. Detox Holding LLC
Seller: Chapin Center Real Estate LLC
Date: 03/04/24

54 Kittrell St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Ashelly Megit
Seller: Fumi Realty Inc.
Date: 03/12/24

9 Lafayette St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: James E. Klimek
Seller: Hank Orne LLC
Date: 03/14/24

4 Langdon St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Adem Demir
Seller: Morgan Stanley Home TR 2007
Date: 03/06/24

165 Laurelton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $124,000
Buyer: RM Blerman LLC
Seller: Robert J. Brauer
Date: 03/08/24

90 Leavitt St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Xavier Cruz
Seller: Real Estate Investors Northeast LLC
Date: 03/12/24

198 Leopold St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Meghan Jackson
Seller: Jillian O’Brien
Date: 03/11/24

73 Lorimer St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Edward Denehy
Seller: Christian Wiernasz
Date: 03/08/24

24 Manchester Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $306,000
Buyer: Walter C. Jenkins
Seller: Daniel J. Frye
Date: 03/15/24

85-87 Mooreland St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Aixa C. Vazquez
Seller: Eufemio G. Ortega
Date: 03/13/24

N/A
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Jean Laguerre
Seller: Hat Trick Properties LLC
Date: 03/05/24

703 Newbury St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Karen E. Gonzalez
Seller: Lisandra Sepulveda
Date: 03/11/24

127 Newland St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $297,000
Buyer: Mykel J. Simmons
Seller: Nathaniel Pace
Date: 03/01/24

110 Oklahoma St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Dnepro Properties LLC
Seller: Landauer FT
Date: 03/12/24

347 Orange St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Alliance Associates LLC
Seller: Errol W. Campbell
Date: 03/08/24

45 Orlando St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Shawn Harvey
Seller: Iris O. Perez
Date: 03/08/24

36 Orleans St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Emmanuel Camilo
Seller: Ali H. Abdraba
Date: 03/15/24

138 Park Dr.
Springfield, MA 01106
Amount: $570,000
Buyer: Molly L. Dill
Seller: Maggi D. Predmore
Date: 03/15/24

403 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Kenneth Torres
Seller: Melissa M. Russell
Date: 03/05/24

91-93 Parkside St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $208,855
Buyer: RCF 2 Acquisition TR
Seller: Silverio Jimenez
Date: 03/06/24

78-80 Phillips Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Louis E. Huang
Seller: Paul R. Gauthier
Date: 03/01/24

278 Pine St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Cathy Monteforte
Seller: Elizabeth Torres
Date: 03/01/24

98 Princeton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Pedro A. Luciano
Seller: Bobby R. Williams
Date: 03/12/24

153 Princeton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Angelique Rodriguez
Seller: Round Two LLC
Date: 03/08/24

172 Rosewell St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: JoeJoe Properties LLC
Seller: Lisa L. Levesque
Date: 03/13/24

79 Quincy St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: JHN Investments LLC
Seller: Eastcoastbuyers LLC
Date: 03/01/24

4 Rogers Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $297,000
Buyer: Pb07 Wale LLC
Seller: Lachenauer LLC
Date: 03/07/24

1265 Saint James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Eliezer R. Martinez
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 03/15/24

49 School St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $2,200,000
Buyer: 340 Appleton LLC
Seller: School Holdings LLC
Date: 03/11/24

30 Seneca St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Eduardo Diaz
Seller: Dianne S. Mikaelian
Date: 03/01/24

124 Stuart St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Brickhouse Homes LLC
Seller: Greene, Paul Douglas, (Estate)
Date: 03/15/24

24 Sue St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Manchester Enterprises LLC
Seller: Bazinet, Theresa J., (Estate)
Date: 03/12/24

92 Sunset Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $234,500
Buyer: RCF 2 Acquisition TR
Seller: Grafton C. Catwell
Date: 03/13/24

18 Superior Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Antonio Crespo
Seller: James Randall
Date: 03/15/24

64 Timothy Circle
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Cristnely Rodriguez
Seller: Timothy D. Leclair
Date: 03/15/24

238-240 Union St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $630,000
Buyer: Matthew P. Gittens
Seller: Illuminati Holdings LLC
Date: 03/01/24

112 Wollaston St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Cecilia Afrifa
Seller: Global Homes Properties LLC
Date: 03/11/24

SOUTHWICK

22 Noble Steed Xing
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $649,000
Buyer: Ryan McLane
Seller: Giberson Construction Inc.
Date: 03/04/24

12 Sawgrass Lane
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Steven M. Gutkowski
Seller: Hamelin Framing Inc.
Date: 03/01/24

234 Sheep Pasture Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Aga Brothers LLC
Seller: Vanessa Filiault
Date: 03/08/24

3 Tall Pines Trail
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Jada Homes LLC
Seller: Hamelin Framing Inc.
Date: 03/06/24

WALES

4 Brows Beach Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $358,000
Buyer: Bruce E. Boutin
Seller: Arthur Ferrara
Date: 03/15/24

15 Grove Point Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $785,000
Buyer: Craig Rahemba
Seller: Diane L. Blais
Date: 03/06/24

2 Grove Point Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $570,000
Buyer: Daniel R. Ogoley
Seller: David Samuels
Date: 03/01/24

4 Grove Point Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $570,000
Buyer: Daniel R. Ogoley
Seller: David Samuels
Date: 03/01/24

2 Laurel Lane
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $570,000
Buyer: Daniel R. Ogoley
Seller: David Samuels
Date: 03/01/24

WEST SPRINGFIELD

201 Circle Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $224,000
Buyer: Brital1987 LLC
Seller: Flynn, Janet, (Estate)
Date: 03/08/24

201 Circle Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Jose Rosado-Medina
Seller: Brital 1987 LLC
Date: 03/08/24

419 Dewey St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Lisa Carbonell
Seller: Zaide Soufane
Date: 03/06/24

30 Druids Lane
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Taylor M. Tucker
Seller: Ryan P. McLane
Date: 03/04/24

54-56 Elm Circle
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Amjad Real Estate LLC
Seller: Stewart T. Hillios
Date: 03/15/24

1163 Elm St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $8,500,000
Buyer: School Holdings LLC
Seller: Deville Apartments LLC
Date: 03/12/24

81 Fairview Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: London Realty LLC
Seller: Aga Brothers LLC
Date: 03/07/24

50 Garden St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Irem Karaarslan
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 03/15/24

163 Labelle St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Jennifer H. Ochner
Seller: Sergey Savonin
Date: 03/15/24

199 Labelle St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Nader Gheit
Seller: Hutchinson, Denise M., (Estate)
Date: 03/08/24

25 Lewis Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $323,000
Buyer: Kenneth K. Mayer
Seller: Mark A. Cady
Date: 03/01/24

250 Main St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $262,500
Buyer: Kemran Lachinov
Seller: Td Bank
Date: 03/15/24

134 Ohio Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Aneesh Sharma
Seller: Regina Laboranti
Date: 03/15/24

6 Plateau Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Omar Shehzad
Seller: Adam M. Ciborowski
Date: 03/04/24

195 Wayside Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Suffield Street Holdings LLC
Seller: Kathleen S. McGovern RET
Date: 03/15/24

WESTFIELD

52 Briarcliff Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $399,900
Buyer: Alex Jez
Seller: Joseph F. McGovern Jr. RET
Date: 03/08/24

29 Butternut Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Krittaya Yannaphornhiran
Seller: Amenadiel RT
Date: 03/01/24

33 Day Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Mhi Properties LLC
Seller: Marcus D. Kane
Date: 03/12/24

67 Woodside Ter.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $266,155
Buyer: LSF9 Master Participation Trust
Seller: Lori J. Andras
Date: 03/13/24

WILBRAHAM

4 Conifer Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $533,000
Buyer: Austin O. Harding
Seller: Jennifer Smolnik
Date: 03/04/24

12 Hillcrest Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $176,000
Buyer: Emi Investments LLC
Seller: William K. Prendergast
Date: 03/01/24

6 Hitching Post Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $705,000
Buyer: Ryan Shaink
Seller: Timothy C. Lavoie
Date: 03/15/24

6 Hitching Post Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $549,000
Buyer: Timothy C. Lavoie
Seller: Gary J. Lennox
Date: 03/14/24

659 Tinkham Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: James Leavitt
Seller: Ronald L. Taylor
Date: 03/15/24

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

36 Grantwood Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $416,000
Buyer: Grantwood LLC
Seller: Marie E. Armentano 2022 TR
Date: 03/12/24

8 Hillcrest Place
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $542,000
Buyer: Yg Pond LLC
Seller: Justin C. Ching
Date: 03/08/24

51 Hunters Hill Circle
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: CIL Realty Of Massachusetts
Seller: Manuel R. Townes
Date: 03/01/24

251-253 Pelham Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $302,000
Buyer: Kayvon Ross
Seller: Ryan Karb
Date: 03/12/24

170 Pine St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Yeon S. Kim
Seller: Bidwell, James N., (Estate)
Date: 03/14/24

48 Ridgecrest Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $516,000
Buyer: Ana D. Villalobos
Seller: Robert D. Marx RET
Date: 03/06/24

89 South East St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Fern & Company LLC
Seller: Lincoln Ave. Partners LLC
Date: 03/07/24

BELCHERTOWN

228 Amherst Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $176,500
Buyer: Mark Wallace
Seller: 228 Amherst LLC
Date: 03/15/24

Franklin St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Burgundy Brook Land & Cattle
Seller: Stoneyfield Farm LLC
Date: 03/11/24

786 Franklin St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $364,000
Buyer: Robert Jacques
Seller: Mariah Mccaughey
Date: 03/06/24

425 Mill Valley Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Arpc LLC
Seller: Matthew H. Caldwell
Date: 03/12/24

475 South Washington St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $649,900
Buyer: Adam Nyzio
Seller: Paul A. Valentine
Date: 03/15/24

85 Underwood St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $427,000
Buyer: Amber O’Reilly
Seller: Justin Stockwell
Date: 03/15/24

CHESTERFIELD

19 Don Emerson Road
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Kris E. Rafferty
Seller: Barbara B. Stasiak
Date: 03/01/24

EASTHAMPTON

140 Everett St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $394,500
Buyer: Aaron Onidi
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 03/14/24

23 Mount Tom Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $369,900
Buyer: Whitney M. Brooks
Seller: Veteran Stan LLC
Date: 03/01/24

15 Zabek Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Daniel C. Wauczinski
Seller: Arthur L. Hill
Date: 03/08/24

GRANBY

7 Breezy Lane
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Kevin Lizotte
Seller: Jendrysik FT
Date: 03/15/24

148 Porter St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Wesley Calhoun
Seller: Martha Giroux
Date: 03/12/24

12 Truby St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $258,500
Buyer: Patrick R. Fugler
Seller: Leo E. Fugler
Date: 03/11/24

HADLEY

3 Adare Place
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $865,000
Buyer: Michael D. Thomas
Seller: Rosemund LLC
Date: 03/07/24

3 Aqua Vitae Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $462,000
Buyer: Annabell Lee
Seller: Perrin Hendirck
Date: 03/01/24

Roosevelt St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Devine Brothers LLC
Seller: John S. Kelley
Date: 03/11/24

HATFIELD

22 Bridge St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Leah Terrell
Seller: Susan Diggins
Date: 03/11/24

20 West St.
Hatfield, MA 01088
Amount: $1,300,000
Buyer: 92 Hatfield LLC
Seller: Kirit K. Patel
Date: 03/04/24

HUNTINGTON

39 Goss Hill Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Mark S. Hanks
Seller: Donna L. Rowe
Date: 03/01/24

NORTHAMPTON

61 Bridge Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Kristen G. Brookes
Seller: John Horton
Date: 03/06/24

908 Bridge Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Maxim Mireyev
Seller: Bixby, Anne L., (Estate)
Date: 03/11/24

56 Crestview Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Walter E. Drenen
Seller: Yao Wu
Date: 03/05/24

231-233 Main St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $469,000
Buyer: David Ciernia
Seller: Heather A. Bell
Date: 03/01/24

29 Summer St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Gary Hawkins
Seller: Shirley D. Connelly
Date: 03/14/24

10 Wright Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Bourgeois Properties LLC
Seller: Christopher Colby
Date: 03/15/24

PELHAM

76 Amherst Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Khoder Hamdan
Seller: Walker, Robert J., (Estate)
Date: 03/13/24

378 Daniel Shays Hwy.
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Julie Gimbrone
Seller: Isa Wang
Date: 02/20/24

SOUTH HADLEY

12 Bolton St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $242,500
Buyer: Bryan E. Perlak
Seller: Kristiaan S. Krause
Date: 03/04/24

14 Cedar Ridge
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $646,695
Buyer: Youngbin Kwak
Seller: Donald E. Baranowski
Date: 03/04/24

22 Easy St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $318,000
Buyer: Joseph W. Blair
Seller: KMAK LLC
Date: 03/01/24

16 Pershing Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Alex J. Tremblay
Seller: Brian H. Lyons
Date: 03/15/24

35 San Souci Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $660,000
Buyer: Evan Conley
Seller: John T. Conner
Date: 03/15/24

SOUTHAMPTON

8 Russellville Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $434,000
Buyer: Justin J. Brown
Seller: Alan M. Wine
Date: 03/08/24

19 Valley Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $540,000
Buyer: Haley R. Pedruczny
Seller: Steven Hermanson
Date: 03/08/24

WARE

15 Longview Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $376,500
Buyer: Erich J. Lamb
Seller: Marilyn E. Niquette
Date: 03/11/24

6-10 West St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Akena A. Segovich
Seller: Charming Colonials LLC
Date: 03/01/24

WILLIAMSBURG

Old Goshen Road, Lot 2
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Alan E. Cottle
Seller: Abbott Gray RT
Date: 03/12/24

Old Goshen Road, Lot 3
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Alan E. Cottle
Seller: Abbott Gray RT
Date: 03/12/24

Old Goshen Road, Lot 4
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Alan E. Cottle
Seller: Abbott Gray RT
Date: 03/12/24

14 South Main St.
Williamsburg, MA 01039
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Catherine A. Higgins
Seller: Catherine A. Higgins
Date: 03/13/24

Building Permits

By
Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the month of March 2024.

CHICOPEE

83 Worthen Street Inc.
650 Memorial Dr.
$15,804.43 — Concrete work for EV chargers

Rodrique Augustin
154 School St.
$7,000 — Concrete handicap ramp

Terese Clapp
3 Connecticut Ave.
$20,630 — Roofing

Veden LLC
55 Main St.
$1,500 — Install fire alarm in Building B, Suite 102

EASTHAMPTON

136 Pleasant LLC
136-148 Pleasant St.
$26,100 — Construct non-structural, non-load-bearing walls

136 Pleasant LLC
136-148 Pleasant St.
$15,600 — Construct non-structural, non-load-bearing walls

136 Pleasant LLC
136-148 Pleasant St.
$15,600 — Construct non-structural, non-load-bearing walls

136 Pleasant LLC
136-148 Pleasant St.
$15,000 — Extend partition walls to ceiling, add partition wall

Lathrop Community Inc.
100 Bassett Brook Dr.
$194,980 — Insulation

Park Hill Orchard Holdings
82 Park Hill Road
$730,000 — Construct pre-engineered, steel-framed barn for orchard operations

HADLEY

360 Russell LLC
360 Russell St.
N/A — Apply maintenance coating over roof membrane

NORTHAMPTON

City of Northampton
210 Main St.
$3,500 — Make counters in City Clerk’s Office handicap-accessible

City of Northampton
240 Main St.
$14,000 — Make counters in Veterans Office and Retirement Office handicap-accessible

Cooley Dickinson Hospital Inc.
30 Locust St.
$5,400 — Illuminated ambulance wall sign

Cooley Dickinson Hospital Inc.
30 Locust St.
$5,400 — Illuminated emergency wall sign

Firefly Properties LLC
155 Industrial Dr.
$21,000 — Insulation and weatherization

Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield
3 Elm St.
$10,000 — Remove five top stained-glass windows at St. Mary of the Assumption Church

Silk Mill Offices LLC
267 Locust St., Unit R5
$2,543 — Close off doorway

Suher Properties LLC
24 Center St.
$95,995 — Roofing

SPRINGFIELD

180 Redevelopment LLC
1179 East Columbus Ave.
$1,705,000 — Erect new Panera Bread restaurant with drive-thru

1492 Redevelopment LLC
90 Carew St.
$118,500 — Roof repair at Springfield Dialysis Center

American International College
1057 State St.
$483,067 — New roof structure, roof system, and minor building envelope encapsulation on Health Sciences building

Bicentennial Plaza LLC
1490 Allen St.
$5,000 — Insulation

Big Y Trust
1090 St. James Ave.
$1,352,000 — Interior alterations, including reconfiguration of books room, customer service, café, offices, meat, seafood prep, and entry; upgrades to equipment and finishes; new cases and gondolas

Calvary’s Love Church
19 Oakland St.
$17,107 — Insulation and air sealing

City Properties Corp.
25 Avocado St.
$377,442 — Revise existing warehouse floor space at City Tire for more service area

Gleason Johndrow Rentals LLC
73 Chestnut St.
$28,400 — Repair front and rear porches of office building

KD Collins Realty LLC
180 Spring St.
$15,000 — Roofing

Liberty Medical Building Associates
125 Liberty St.
$4,775 — Replace fire-alarm panel

Listen Lynda LLC
339 State St.
$195,000 — Alter second-floor interior space for classroom use at Springfield Conservatory School of the Arts

Picknelly Family LP
1414 Main St.
$38,730 — Repair East Columbus Avenue pedestrian bridge panel system lower and underside

Pride Stores LLC
1900 Wilbraham Road
$2,175 — Siding

Razzak Building LLC
39 Mulberry St.
$10,000 — Interior office remodel

Snapland 59 LLC
51 Taylor St.
$1,500 — Change of use from pizza shop to bar/brewery restaurant for Loophole Brewing

Titeflex Commercial Inc.
603 Hendee St.
$257,000 — Roofing

William Street LLC
979 Main St.
$300,000 — Alter interior space on all three levels of mixed-use property

BusinessTalk with Delcie Bean, owner of Paragus Strategic I.T.

By
Business Talk Podcast

We are excited to announce that BusinessWest has launched a new podcast series, BusinessTalk. Each episode will feature in-depth interviews and discussions with local industry leaders, providing thoughtful perspectives on the Western Massachuetts economy and the many business ventures that keep it running during these challenging times.

Go HERE to view all episodes

Episode 207: April 1, 2024

Joe Bednar talks with Delcie Bean, owner of Paragus Strategic I.T.

When BusinessWest celebrates its Difference Makers class of 2024 on April 10, one of the honorees will be Delcie Bean, who has been a fixture in the region’s IT space for the past two decades — and has begun to grow the footprint and reach of his company, Paragus Strategic I.T., well outside it. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar talks with Bean about that growth plan, how to build and retain an IT workforce, why he transitioned Paragus to a 100% employee-owned model, and the excititing changes ahead in the high-tech world, from VR and automation to AI, and how that will impact businesses of all kinds. It’s must listening, so tune in to BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest.

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Used-car Values Decline, Leaving Some in a Tricky Spot

By Contributor
Autos

Change of Direction

A growing number of consumers across the U.S. are finding themselves upside down on their car loans as the used-vehicle market continues to stabilize and used values dwindle, according to the latest Edmunds Used Vehicle Report. Among the findings:

• Used-car values continue on a downward trend. The average transaction price (ATP) for all used vehicles in the fourth quarter of 2023 dipped to $28,371, a 4.4% decrease from $29,690 in Q4 2022.

• Trade-ins with negative equity are on the rise, as 20.4% of new vehicle sales with a trade-in had negative equity in Q4 2023 — the highest in two years — compared to 17.7% in Q4 2022 and 14.9% in Q4 2021.

• Consumers who are upside down on their auto loans owe more than ever before. The average amount owed on upside-down loans climbed to a record high of $6,064 in Q4 2023, compared to $5,347 in Q4 2022 and $4,143 in Q4 2021.

“A storm is brewing in the used market as incentives and inventory continue to trickle back into the new-vehicle market,” said Ivan Drury, Edmunds’ director of insights. “With demand for near-new vehicles on the decline, used-car values are depreciating similarly to the way they did before the pandemic, and negative equity is rearing its ugly head.”

Edmunds analysts note that consumers who paid above MSRP for a new vehicle during the pandemic are the most vulnerable to falling underwater on their car loans because their newer tradeins are the most susceptible to dramatic decreases in value.

According to Edmunds data, one- and two-year-old vehicles are experiencing the most significant drops in value compared to older used vehicles. Compared to Q3 2022 (when used vehicle values were at their peak), Edmunds data reveals:

• The ATP for one-year-old vehicles in Q4 2023 dropped to $38,720, a $6,763 decrease;

• The ATP for two-year-old vehicles dropped to $32,583, a $3,294 decrease; and

• The ATP for 10-year-old vehicles dropped to $12,447, a $1,304 decrease.

“During the last few years, consumers could jump into new-car loans, and their tradeins were shielded from negative equity because some dealers, desperate for used inventory, were willing to pay near original purchase prices,” Drury said. “These days, consumers need to be more careful — especially if they’re trading in newer vehicles — because near-new cars are being hit the hardest by depreciation.”

Although a downturn in used values is negatively affecting a growing share of new-car owners, Edmunds analysts note that there’s a bright spot for car shoppers with bigger budgets. In an analysis of ATPs of used vehicles up to three years old compared to ATPs for new vehicles, large luxury cars offered an average discount of $48,111 — the greatest dollar savings across all vehicle segments — with new vehicles going for $118,309 compared to $70,198 for used. Large mainstream SUVs also offered a notable average discount of $19,966, with new vehicles going for $76,131 compared to $56,164 for used.

“If you want to save big on used versus new, you still have to be willing to spend big,” said Joseph Yoon, Edmunds’ consumer-insights analyst. “Unfortunately, the most price-sensitive consumers seeking affordable transportation will have a much harder time finding discounts because the supply of older used vehicles is still pretty restricted.”

Looking forward, Edmunds analysts caution that a number of factors influencing used-vehicle prices will make trade-in values increasingly difficult to predict heading into 2024.

“As near-new vehicles sit on dealer lots for longer periods of time and automaker incentive programs continue to change dramatically month to month, dealers will likely be hedging their bets against value reductions as they manage their inventory,” Drury said.

Toward the end of 2023, Edmunds experts issued a number of predictions for the vehicle-sales industry, with 15.7 million new cars to be sold in 2024, a 1% increase from the estimate of 15.5 million new vehicle sales in 2023. Electric-vehicle (EV) market share is expected to tick slightly higher to 8% of total new vehicle sales in 2024, up from 6.9% in 2023.

Still, hybrids remains the more comfortable choice for the majority of Americans seeking electrified options right now. According to Edmunds data, hybrid market share increased to 9.7% in November 2023 from 4.9% the year prior.

Area Auto Dealers Optimistic About Year Ahead

By
Rob Pion
Autos Special Coverage

Drive Time

Rob Pion

Rob Pion says the customer experience has become more important in a competitive marketplace for dealers.

 

 

 

Auto dealers have seen it all over the past few years, from soaring costs for vehicles, parts, and labor to inventory shortages to a rapid rise in interest rates.

But they’ve adjusted and adapted, they say — and so have consumers.

“We’re still doing all right. There still seems to be plenty of traffic and activity out there,” said Rob Pion, general manager of Bob Pion Buick GMC in Chicopee. “I would say there was a period last year where people really started to get rate-conscious, but that has passed to some extent. We’ve seen rates start to come down as well as people just kind of accepting it. I mean, it’s not our rate; the Fed sets the rate.”

Despite those concerns, Pion added, “2023 was a great year for us. GMC’s got a couple new products and redesigns coming out, and Buick’s got a number of redesigns coming out. We’re going to have almost a completely new set of models by this time next year. So there’s a lot happening. The used-car market has somewhat stabilized, too, and think that’s going to continue to stabilize throughout ’24. But right now, the public still seems to be out there buying and looking for vehicles.”

Especially on the new-car side, “everything’s kind of back to where things were,” said Mike Filomeno, general manager of Marcotte Ford. “The inventories are really good; products are coming in quickly. Prices are still up there, though, based on supply and demand.”

Manufacturers recognize the dual crunch of rising costs and rising interest rates, however, said Mike Marcotte, president of the dealership. “When interest rates rose last year, Ford started putting programs on the new vehicles again, like the 1.9% or lower interest rates that help with the financial changes going on. The market is definitely starting to react to that.”

Pion has seen similar moves. “Throughout the year — and it’s still continuing — GM has had some aggressive financing rates out there. We’re not seeing the big rebates of years past, but depending on credit approvals, we’ve seen 3.9%, 2.9%, they even went down to 0.9% for a little bit for 36 months. So there has been some help from the factory on that side of things. Not the big cash rebates that we saw in years past, but certainly interest-rate relief.”

Carla Cosenzi, president of TommyCar Auto Group, said business has been strong, and she’s seeing positive trends across her family of six dealerships.

“We’re not seeing the big rebates of years past, but depending on credit approvals, we’ve seen 3.9%, 2.9%, they even went down to 0.9% for a little bit for 36 months.”

“Despite inflation affecting costs of parts and services, consumers understand the situation,” she told BusinessWest. “Manufacturers are offering more aggressive lease incentives, which our customers are taking advantage of, leading to increased business. Certain manufacturers like Volkswagen, Nissan, and Hyundai are also offering 0% financing to consumers.”

That’s in addition to TommyCar’s internal loyalty program, which allows customers to earn up to 15% back on every dollar spent in the service department, which can be used toward their next vehicle purchase.

Meanwhile, “our inventory levels for both new and used vehicles are returning to normal,” Cosenzi noted. “We’ve seen an increase in our used inventory levels, primarily due to steady trade-ins and our aggressive buy-back offers, which have helped us maintain a steady supply of used cars. We’re optimistic about the year ahead.”

 

Back in Stock

Marcotte said his dealership, like many others, dipped to around half of normal inventory in the wake of the pandemic. “But now we’re back to good levels. I’m so glad we can offer gas, diesel, hybrid, and now electric vehicles, which are 8% of the market right now. We’re in every segment.”

Used-car inventories were one of the biggest stories in auto sales across the U.S. over the past few years, as shortages led to soaring values. That situation has stabilized (not necessarily to car owners’ benefit; see story on page 22), but dealers are breathing easier when it comes to what they can put on their lots.

“We’re a big Ford certified pre-owned dealership,” Filomeno said, “and there’s still demand for a good used car out there. A lot of people have been holding on to their cars for the last five years and repairing them because there wasn’t a vehicle for them to buy, so now they’re trying to trade those vehicles in.”

Marcotte Ford’s mobile service vans

Marcotte Ford’s mobile service vans have been a popular customer perk.

Pion agreed, noting that inventory has rebounded, for both new and used vehicles, and across the spectrum, from cars to SUVs to trucks.

“Some of the specialty trucks, especially the heavy-duty trucks, things of that nature, are still difficult to get. It could be anywhere from 12 weeks to 8 months to get it. But people have also become a little more accustomed to that today, too. They don’t expect things tomorrow. They kind of know what it’s like, so they’re willing to wait a little longer.

“Specific trucks are still hard to get,” he went on. “If you come in here and you want a black one with a black interior with the 22-inch wheels with this type of engine … that could still be a hard truck to get. If you came in here and said, ‘hey, Rob, I want a pickup truck. I don’t need to have a big engine, I’m going to use it mostly for my family, some landscaping on the weekends, just around the house’ … I have that. So that purchaser who isn’t incredibly specific about their needs can walk in and be serviced pretty quickly. But that business owner that only wants the white truck for their company? That can be tough.”

The used-car market has continued to favor sellers, Pion added, “and I think it’s created a desire in some people to keep their vehicles longer. In the service department, we definitely see larger repair bills than we have in the past because people are keeping their vehicles longer.”

Another big shift in auto sales continues to be the proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs), a trend that TommyCar has embraced.

“We’ve been a strong electric-vehicle dealer and continue to be one of the top electric-vehicle dealers,” Cosenzi said. “Electric vehicles are more affordable than ever, thanks to federal and state rebates, along with manufacturer incentives.”

While some new EVs, like the Volvo EX90 and EX30 models, require pre-orders due to their popularity and limited availability, others can easily be found on lots, including the Volkswagen ID.4, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 6, and Nissan Ariya.

“Once people are in the EVs, they’re going to buy another EV. I love the EV. That’s my next purchase.”

Marcotte Ford boasts three EVs — the Mach-E, the F-150 Lightning, and the E-Transit — and “they’re bringing a different shopper than we normally see, with different trade-ins. So it’s bringing a new face, a new customer, into the dealership,” Marcotte said. This evolution is also why the dealership installed four high-speed EV chargers on its lot last year.

“We see people from all over New England coming through here on the weekends. They’ll charge up before going skiing,” he said. “Our employees, if they buy, can charge right here. Customers can come here to charge.”

Marcotte said EV adoption is still increasing, but not as quickly as before, and Ford has changed its production level based on that trend, but the company still envisions a strong future for electrics.

Carla Cosenzi

Carla Cosenzi says interest-rate incentives, the return of healthy inventory levels, and solid options in electric vehicles have all boosted sales.

“Once people are in the EVs, they’re going to buy another EV. I love the EV. That’s my next purchase,” he told BusinessWest, noting that some drivers are more comfortable driving hybrid vehicles first, and many of those will eventually move to all-electric as well. “So it’s good we can offer every option to customers.”

Many drivers, he added, are waiting to feel more confident about charging stations becoming more widespread. “So once there’s more infrastructure, I think that anxiety will go away a little bit.”

Whether they’re buying electric, hybrid, or traditional vehicles, today’s drivers tend to be interested in certain bells and whistles, Cosenzi said.

“Customers are seeking vehicles with advanced high-tech features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, large touchscreens, smartphone integration, and voice recognition,” she noted. “These trends reflect a desire for practical, safe, convenient, and sustainable vehicles with the latest technology.”

 

Out and About

Still, at the end of the day, customers still appreciate a positive experience when purchasing a vehicle, Pion said.

“These brands mean everything to us,” he said, noting that he’s now the only Buick dealership within an hour’s drive. “I just hope that we can offer an experience where people want to be here and be a part of the family. That’s how we try to treat everybody and differentiate ourselves. I try to meet and talk to as many of my customers throughout the day as I can because it’s important to me.”

Marcotte agreed the customer experience is critical. One intriguing development at his dealership has been the introduction of five mobile service vehicles that will drive to a home or business and service a car on the spot.

“It’s bringing the convenience to the customer, and we know time is so valuable, and want to get them up and running,” Marcotte said, noting that the program has been a positive for Ford. “It’s a whole brand differentiator, and not all manufacturers are up on this. So we keep focusing on the guest experience, giving them every option, and now you can be at your home while we do the oil change, or keep your business up and running. We’ve had really great feedback from the customers.”

Spring Allergies and Asthma Are Problems in Western Mass.

By Contributor
Healthcare News Special Coverage

A Blooming Challenge

By David Robertson, MD, MPH, MBA

Spring is a season of rebirth and rejuvenation, with flowers blooming and the world around us turning from brown to green. However, for many area residents, this beautiful transformation comes with a less-welcome companion, with Springfield consistently ranking as one of the worst cities in the country for allergies and asthma.

This year, the warm winter that just came to an end is set to extend the allergy season, bringing about an early and possibly more intense onset of symptoms for allergy sufferers.

 

The Warm Winter Effect

Typically, cold winters help delay the start of the allergy season by keeping plants dormant and the ground frozen longer. A warmer winter can lead to an earlier thawing and activation of outdoor molds in the soil. This early activity, combined with spring rains, means that outdoor mold spores are already circulating, ready to trigger allergy symptoms. With tree pollen following closely behind, residents may find themselves in the midst of a particularly challenging allergy season.

 

Understanding Allergies and Asthma

Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to substances in the environment, known as allergens, which are harmless to most people. These can include tree, grass, and weed pollens; molds; animal danders; and dust mites. When these allergens are inhaled or come into contact with the skin, they can cause symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes.

“Managing allergies and asthma requires a multifaceted approach. The three basic strategies for dealing with environmental allergens are avoidance, medications, and allergy immunotherapy.”

For some, allergies can also exacerbate asthma, a condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways in the lungs, leading to wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing. Asthma can be triggered by allergens as well as changes in the weather, making the spring season particularly challenging for individuals with both allergies and asthma.

 

Strategies for Relief

Managing allergies and asthma requires a multifaceted approach. The three basic strategies for dealing with environmental allergens are avoidance, medications, and allergy immunotherapy.

The first line of defense is to minimize exposure to allergens. This can include staying indoors on days when pollen counts are high, using air purifiers at home, and changing clothes and rinsing off after time spent outside. Some people also find wearing masks or even protective eyewear helpful, particularly with activities that may increase allergen exposure, like cutting the grass and gardening.

Many over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications can help manage symptoms of allergies and asthma. Antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, and eye drops are widely used to alleviate allergy symptoms, while asthma sufferers often use prescription inhalers to control their symptoms. However, choosing the right medication can be daunting due to the vast array of options available.

For those with severe allergies, allergy immunotherapy, which includes allergy shots and sublingual tablets, may be an option. This long-term treatment gradually desensitizes the body to specific allergens, potentially providing lasting relief.

 

Navigating Treatment Options

While many effective treatments are available over the counter, selecting the right product can be challenging without professional guidance.

In studies, nasal steroid sprays like Flonase or Nasacort are the most effective family of medicines for helping with congestion, sneezing, and post-nasal drip, but many people do not like using them. They may not be right for everyone, particularly people prone to nosebleeds or with glaucoma or cataracts.

Oral antihistamines, like Allegra, Claritin, or Zyrtec, can help with sneezing and itching, and these new antihistamines are not supposed to cause drowsiness, though everyone’s body is different. Antihistamine eye drops can help with itchy, watery, or swollen eyes, but can also cause or worsen dry eyes.

Oral decongestants can provide temporary relief of sinus pressure, but can also cause increased blood pressure and insomnia, so we generally recommend minimizing these medications. Nasal decongestant sprays like Afrin can provide temporary relief of congestion, but should not be used for more than two or three days in a row because they can cause increased congestion.

All of these medicines are available in less expensive generic forms, which most people find equally effective.

Given the number of treatment options and potential side effects for some people, it may beneficial to consult with a healthcare provider or an allergist to develop a personalized treatment plan. If you already have a treatment strategy that works for you and your family, now may be a good time to get a few boxes of your preferred medicine — in the last few years, there have been occasional shortages at the peak of allergy season. But leave enough for your neighbors!

 

The Road Ahead

As Springfield and the surrounding region brace for a longer allergy season, staying informed and proactive in dealing with allergens will be crucial for those looking to enjoy the spring while keeping their symptoms in check.

By understanding the triggers, using effective management strategies, and seeking professional guidance when necessary, allergy sufferers should be able to navigate the challenges of spring allergies and asthma with increased confidence.

 

Dr. David Robertson is an allergist and clinical immunologist and owner of Western Massachusetts Allergy, LLC in Springfield.

Picture This

By
Baystate Health and Audacy Springfield
Picture This

Email ‘Picture This’ photos with a caption and contact information to [email protected]

 

Healthy Support for a Good Cause

The annual 94.7 WMAS Children’s Miracle Network Radiothon, held on March 5-6, raised $289,355 in support of Baystate Children’s Hospital. Throughout the two-day event, WMAS personalities spearheaded fundraising efforts, rallying listeners and supporters to contribute to the cause and make a difference in the lives of children facing medical challenges.

Baystate Health and Audacy Springfield

Pictured: the Kellogg Krew’s Chris Kellogg (left) and Dina McMahon (third from left) with one of the families that received treatment at Baystate Children’s Hospital. (Photo courtesy of Baystate Health and Audacy Springfield)

 

 

Empowerment and Inspiration

Springfield Technical Community College capped off its celebration of Black History Month on Feb. 29 with an inspiring talk by Ilyasah Shabazz, an award-winning author, educator, and producer, and daughter of the late activists Malcolm X and Betty Shabazz. She spoke about historical injustices and offered a message of empowerment and social change. She also shared engaging personal stories about her parents and addressed larger themes of social justice, love, and human rights.

STCC group

Pictured: Shabazz (second from left) with STCC students and Karolyn Burgos-Toribio, STCC’s Community Outreach counselor (far right). (Photo by Ed Cohen)

 

Positive Steps in Mental Health

During his Feb. 27 tour of the newly renovated adolescent unit at MiraVista Behavioral Health Center, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal called this age group a population that can be treated successfully, and the recently reopened unit “clearly a step in the right direction.” He was joined on the tour by Holyoke City Councilor Juan Anderson-Burgos and some of the psychiatric hospital’s executives.

MiraVista and TaraVista Behavioral Health Centers

Pictured, from left: Joel Doolin, executive vice president of MiraVista and TaraVista Behavioral Health Centers; Dr. Negar Beheshti, chief medical officer of MiraVista and TaraVista; Shelley Zimmerman, hospital administrator at MiraVista; and Neal.

 

 

Agenda

By
Agenda

Women’s Leadership Conference

April 4: Bay Path University announced that real-estate legend, investor, best-selling author, entrepreneur, producer, and Shark Tank shark Barbara Corcoran will be the keynote speaker at the 27th Women’s Leadership Conference (WLC), taking place at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield. The WLC will also feature lunchtime speaker Amy Purdy, a three-time Paralympic medalist in snowboarding for Team USA. This year’s conference will also feature breakout sessions led by business experts and authors, including Yvonne Camus, the former COO of SPINCO, Canada’s largest indoor cycling brand and the only female to outperform the Navy Seals in the multi-terrain adventure race known as Eco-Challenge. In addition, the WLC will welcome Sylvia Baffour, an author, podcast host, and emotional-intelligence coach recently ranked by HubSpot among the top 15 female motivational speakers. For further information on the 2024 conference, sponsorship information, and ticket sales, visit baypath.edu/wlc.

 

Margarita Madness

April 4: The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce will host its largest event of the year, Margarita Madness, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Interskate 91 at the Hampshire Mall. Attendees will network and enjoy an evening of tasty margaritas and vote for this year’s fan favorite. Local restaurants showcase their culinary skills, and dozens of raffle prizes are donated by Amherst Area Chamber members. The event’s presenting sponsor is TommyCar Auto Group, and the supporting sponsor is Hampshire Mall. The cost is $35 pre-registered or $45 at the door. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Cooley Dickinson Hospital’s Emergency Department. Visit business.amherstarea.com/events/details/2024-margarita-madness-24121 to purchase tickets.

 

Difference Makers 

April 10: The 16th annual Difference Makers Gala will be held at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. Since 2009, BusinessWest has been recognizing the work of individuals, groups, businesses, and institutions through this recognition program. The 2024 Difference Makers — profiled in the Feb. 19 issue of BusinessWest and at businesswest.com — are Matt Bannister, senior vice president, Marketing and Corporate Responsibility, PeoplesBank; Delcie Bean, CEO, Paragus Strategic I.T.; Linda Dunlavy, executive director, Franklin Regional Council of Governments; Dr. Fred and Mary Kay Kadushin, co-founders, Feed the Kids; Scott Keiter, CEO, Keiter; the staff of Rock 102; Shannon Rudder, president and CEO, Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services; and Springfield Symphony Orchestra and Springfield Chamber Players. Tickets cost $95 each, with reserved tables of 10-12 available and available now through March 29. Partner sponsors for the 2024 Difference Makers include Burkhart, Pizzanelli, P.C., Keiter, Mercy Medical Center/Trinity Health, the Royal Law Firm, and TommyCar Auto Group. Supporting sponsors include the Springfield Thunderbirds and Westfield Bank. For more event details and to reserve tickets, visit businesswest.com/difference-makers/difference-makers-tickets.

 

Common Threads

April 11: Common Threads, the signature event of Dress for Success Western Massachusetts (DFSWM), will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. Common Threads will feature networking, a sit-down dinner, and a silent auction leading into a program that will highlight multiple local women who have made significant strides toward financial stability and personal goals. Award-winning weeknight evening anchor Ciara Speller of WWLP 22News will be the emcee for the event. LaTonia Monroe Naylor, school committee representative, small-business entrepreneur, gunshot survivor, author, nonprofit founder, wife, and mother, will serve as the keynote speaker. During the event, Sarai Arroyo of West Springfield Public Schools and a student at Holyoke Community College will be given the Distinguished Alumna Award, Tammy Hickey will be honored as Volunteer of the Year, and Jessica Dupont of Alliant Health Plans, a DFSWM past board president, will be recognized as an Outstanding Contributor. All proceeds support DFSWM’s mission to provide women and non-binary people in the community with the tools and network of support to achieve financial independence. Local programs include the Foot in the Door workforce-readiness program, the Margaret Fitzgerald Mentorship Program, the Professional Women’s Group, a digital-literacy program, and the suiting program. The event will feature opportunities to donate to the work of Dress for Success Western Massachusetts. Tickets, which cost $75 each, are available until April 1 at www.dfswm.org.

 

Get Hired Job Fair

April 17: Holyoke Mall will host its spring job fair from 2 to 5 p.m. on the lower level near Macy’s. The Get Hired Job Fair is a convenient opportunity for Western Mass. employers to interview and hire workers, and to help job seekers connect with businesses who need their skills. Employers from a variety of industries will be in attendance, looking for candidates at all skill levels. The event is free to attend for all job seekers. Employers that have already signed up to staff a table include Baystate Health, PeoplesBank, Holyoke Community College, YMCA Greater Springfield, and more. Last year, the September job fair drew more than 40 employers, representing more than 10 industries, and nearly 400 candidates. Employers interested in participating in the upcoming job fair should contact Jim Geraghty, advertising representative for Holyoke Mall, at (617) 840-2998 or [email protected].

 

YWCA Golf Tournament

May 6: The YWCA of Western Massachusetts Golf Tournament will be held at Springfield Country Club, with registration now open online at ywworks.org. Proceeds of the charity golf tournament will support the Children Who Witness Violence program, which offers therapy for children who have witnessed or experienced abuse and violence. The Healthy and Empowering Relationship Education program of the YWCA, which helps Springfield middle- and high-schoolers learn about healthy relationships and friendships, will also benefit from proceeds raised at the tournament. Cost per golfer to participate in the tournament is $155, which includes golf, cart, lunch, dinner, and a quarter-zip jacket. There will be a raffle and cash bar at the country club. Individuals or organizations interested in registering or sponsoring the event can visit ywworks.org.

 

Hooplandia

June 21-23: Registration is now open for Hooplandia, the second annual 3×3 basketball tournament and festival, at www.hooplandia.com. The three-day event includes levels of play for all ages and divisions. Hooplandia launched in 2023. Taking place in the heart of Greater Springfield, the birthplace of basketball, the event is hosted by Eastern States Exposition (ESE) in West Springfield and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield. Most games will be played on the ESE grounds, with special games held at the Hall of Fame. Seventy-five basketball courts will be set up to accommodate more than 650 games played by approximately 2,100 participants of all ages. Divisions of play have been created to provide an all-inclusive environment for players of all ages and playing abilities. The diverse divisions include young girls, boys, women, men, high-school-level, college-level, OGs, veterans, and more. Players are invited to build teams of four, create their own unique team name and uniforms, and register at www.hooplandia.com. Team fees range according to age, and children in the under-8 category are free of charge. Hooplandia will once again partner with Boys and Girls Clubs throughout the region as its designated philanthropic partner, providing $10 from every paid team registration to support the mission and programs of the clubs. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For inquiries, email [email protected].

People on the Move

By
People on the Move
Claudia Pazmany

Claudia Pazmany

Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services (MLKFS) named Claudia Pazmany as its new chief Development officer. She will be responsible for developing a sustainable institutional development effort to both support existing programs and expand them to serve the emergent needs of the organization’s clients. Pazmany had served as a volunteer member of the MLKFS development committee before being appointed to her new position. Pazmany, who most recently served as executive director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, brings a history of professional fundraising with a career total of raising more than $15 million in a development capacity for the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts, Providence Ministries, and other organizations. She also serves as volunteer, advisory board member, and former board president of CHD’s Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County, a development committee member of the United Way of Franklin & Hampshire Region, and as a 2020 and 2021 EforAll Pioneer Valley mentor. In 2021, Pazmany received a citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives for her leadership role in supporting Amherst’s small businesses throughout COVID, leveraging more than $2 million in small-business assistance. She was honored with the Family 2022 Outreach Center’s Helen Mitchell Community Service Award for conceptualizing and implementing a program that provided restaurant relief while feeding families who were disproportionately impacted by COVID. She was also honored as a 2023 BusinessWest Difference Maker along with Amherst Business Improvement District Executive Director Gabrielle Gould for their partnership and leadership to build a stronger community throughout COVID. Pazmany earned a bachelor’s degree with concentrations in French and business from UMass Amherst, and an MBA from Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst. She earned a program leadership certificate from the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts’ Leadership Institute for Political and Public Impact.

•••••

Peter Banko

Peter Banko

The Baystate Health board of trustees announced it has appointed Peter Banko as Baystate Health’s new president and CEO. He succeeds Dr. Mark Keroack, who previously announced his plans to retire after serving as the system’s leader for 10 years. An executive experienced in leading multi-faceted health systems in markets throughout the country, Banko was chosen after an extensive national search by the board of trustees. Banko will officially join Baystate Health at the beginning of June. Banko most recently served as president and CEO of Centura Health in Centennial, Colo., which was part of the national CommonSpirit Health system. The $3.8 billion hospital and health-services system comprised more than 20 owned and affiliated tertiary and rural hospitals, an extensive network of physician partners, and numerous community-based services and clinics across Colorado, Kansas, and Utah. Banko, a native of New Jersey, started his calling in healthcare as a junior volunteer and has served in CEO-level roles for several health systems for nearly two decades. He has an industry reputation of leading innovation, transformation, integration, and partnerships with hospitals, physician groups, and health plans. He earned his bachelor of business administration degree from the University of Notre Dame and his master of health administration degree from the Sloan Program in Health Services Administration at Cornell University.

•••••

Vicki Baldyga

Vicki Baldyga

Amber Messer

Amber Messer

Monson Savings Bank announced that Vicki Baldyga, former Ware branch manager, and Amber Messer, former assistant Ware branch manager, have transferred to the bank’s Wilbraham branch to take the helm as the new management team of the 100 Post Office Park location. Baldyga has 25 years of experience in the banking industry, 17 of which have been in branch management. She has been employed with Monson Savings Bank for five years. Committed to expanding her knowledge and skill set, she is currently enrolled in the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. New England School for Financial Studies and holds several diplomas and certificates from the Center for Financial Training. In her role as Wilbraham branch manager, she will be responsible for planning, organizing, and directing branch operations. She aims to foster an environment of teamwork and provide a high level of leadership to her team, as well as provide a high level of customer service with a positive, respectful, and courteous attitude. Baldyga is very involved in the local community, volunteering at Crossway Community Clothing Outreach, serving on the board of the Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce, and donating blood to the Red Cross. Messer began her banking career as a customer service representative and teller at Monson Savings Bank six and a half years ago. Throughout her career, she has proven to be an asset to the bank and has achieved several promotions, ultimately attaining the position of assistant branch manager. In 2023, she was a nominee for Monson Savings Bank’s President’s Award. She was recognized by a peer for her commitment to customer and community service, teamwork, and excellence. She has also received several customer-service excellence awards during her time with the bank for going above and beyond. As the assistant Wilbraham branch manager, Messer will support Baldyga to manage the branch. She will also assist customers with their banking transactions, drawing on her extensive knowledge of bank products and services, while promoting an atmosphere of positive staff morale by inspiring trust and respect.

•••••

Country Bank announced the appointment of Clare Ladue as the assistant vice president of the Customer Care Center. With 30 years of financial-service experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to her new role. Ladue graduated from Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. New England School of Financial Studies. She has a commercial lending certificate from the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. and numerous professional leadership certifications. Throughout her career, she has gained extensive experience in banking, including retail banking, deposit operations, commercial lending, and regional management, making her the ideal candidate to lead Country Bank’s Customer Care team. Her connection to the local community is evident through her previous involvement as an executive committee member of the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce. She has also participated in numerous charitable initiatives, including the Walk of Champions, Junior Achievement, Rays of Hope, Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen, and Link to Libraries. Her dedication to making a positive impact aligns with Country Bank’s core values.

•••••

Hector Suarez

Hector Suarez

bankESB recently hired Hector Suarez as assistant vice president, branch officer of its Sargeant Street office in Holyoke. Suarez grew up in Holyoke and Puerto Rico and has nearly 30 years of banking experience. He says he is passionate about providing a customer-first experience and brings an extensive background to his new role, where he will manage the Holyoke office team while fostering relationships within the community. Prior to joining bankESB, he was a vice president, branch manager at M&T Bank, People’s United Bank, and United Bank. Before that, he was a branch manager at Key Bank and First Niagara Bank, as well as a personal banker with Baybank, BankBoston, FleetBoston, and Bank of America.

•••••

Seth Clark

Seth Clark

bankESB recently promoted Seth Clark to wire transfer officer, based in the 36 Main St., Easthampton office. Clark has 11 years of banking experience and has held a variety of positions since joining bankESB in 2013, including wire transfer manager, assistant branch manager, personal banker, and senior teller. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Westfield State College. Outside of work, he has been a part-time church organist in Westhampton and Holyoke for 20 years.

•••••

Alignable, an online networking platform for business owners, invited its more than 8.7 million members to shout out local business leaders who have gone above and beyond guiding peers and supporting entire communities amid challenging economic conditions. The network announced that Judy Herrell of Herrell’s Ice Cream has again been elected Northampton’s 2024 Businessperson of the Year. Alignable’s 2024 Local Businessperson of the Year contest reached unparalleled participation levels, logging more than 309,000 votes, more than 64,000 recommendations, and more than 5,100 local winners across the U.S. and Canada. It was most popular competition Alignable has hosted in more than five years, marking a 40% jump in participation over 2023. Winners were commended for helping their peers and communities through a year with many challenges, including rising interest rates and rents, not to mention skyrocketing supply costs.

•••••

Jessica Roncarati-Howe

Jessica Roncarati-Howe

The board of directors of Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts (DFSWM) announced that Jessica Roncarati-Howe is the organization’s new executive director, effective March 1. Candidates were vetted by a volunteer hiring committee and the board of directors. After four years with DFSWM, most recently as director of Programs and Operations before taking on the interim executive director role, Roncarati-Howe has an intimate understanding of the work of the organization. Before joining DFSWM, Roncarati-Howe held several leadership roles, including executive director of both the AIDS Foundation of Western Massachusetts and the Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce. She has dedicated her career to promoting dignity and quality of life in the community and has 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, focusing on program development, management, board governance, and leading mission-based organizations toward maximum community impact. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English and fine arts from Elms College and a master’s degree in nonprofit management and philanthropy with a certificate in fundraising from Bay Path University.

•••••

Caolo & Bieniek Associates Inc. announced that Principal Bertram Gardner has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Donald & Lois Prescott Founders Award by the Boys & Girls Club of Chicopee. This recognition is awarded annually to individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to the youth, community, and mission of the club. Each year, the Boys & Girls Club of Chicopee carefully selects community members who exemplify dedication and support toward the club’s vision. Gardner has been chosen as this year’s recipient in acknowledgment of his inspirational commitment, vision, courage, enthusiasm, and leadership. The Donald & Lois Prescott Founders Award, initiated at the Centennial Gala in 2012, honors the legacy of Lois Prescott and the late Donald Prescott, a longstanding member of the club’s board of directors.

•••••

Shannon Ortona

Shannon Ortona

Monson Savings Bank announced the recent promotion of Shannon Ortona to Ware branch manager. In addition to her new role, Ortona will continue to serve as the bank’s IRA administrator. She is now based out of the Ware branch, located at 136 West St. Prior to joining the Monson Savings Bank family 11 years ago, Ortona began her banking career with Chicopee Savings Bank. After five years there, where she held the positions of full-time teller, senior teller, and head teller, she accepted the position of customer service associate supervisor in Monson Savings Bank’s Ware branch. During her tenure with the bank, Ortona has earned positions of increasing responsibility. She became the assistant branch manager of the Ware branch and became a certified IRA specialist through Ascensus. Prior to her most recent promotion, she worked as the Wilbraham assistant branch manager. In her new role, she will draw on her extensive experience and knowledge of retail banking. She will be responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the Ware branch’s operations. She will also aim to foster an environment of teamwork within the branch and provide her team with a high level of leadership. She will work with customers to conduct various banking transactions and help them reach their financial goals. Ortona is board member with the Ware Business Civic Assoc.

•••••

Aaron Lansky, founder and president of the Yiddish Book Center, announced he plans to retire in June 2025. Lansky founded the Yiddish Book Center in 1980 as a 24-year-old graduate student, and since then, the organization has rescued more than 1.5 million Yiddish books, created educational programs that bring the language and culture to new audiences, documented the oral histories of more than 1,300 narrators, created a publishing imprint devoted to Yiddish translation, and much more. Susan Bronson, who has been the center’s executive director for 14 years and holds a doctorate in Russian and Jewish history, will succeed Lansky as president.

•••••

Heather Rush

Market Mentors LLC recently welcomed Heather Rush to its team as associate creative director. She arrives with more than 20 years of experience in everything from graphic design, photography, and copywriting to creative direction, art direction, and brand development. In her previous roles, Rush has been immersed in all things creative, from storyboarding, strategizing, and conceptualizing to brand development and implementation, photography, and video shoots. Over the past six years, she managed a marketing team of designers and project editors and launched campaigns and products through digital and print channels. A graduate of Elms College with a degree in commercial arts, Rush is a member of the American Institute of Graphic Arts. She has received the Moonbeam Children’s Book Award for book-cover design and layout, and several awards for book-series design from BookBuilders of Boston, which also awarded her the 2017 iPad App UX/UI design award. An avid painter, she recently spent two weeks in Italy on a watercolor painting intensive. Active in the Hampshire County community, Rush is a team captain and team organizer/top-50 fundraiser for the Hot Chocolate Run for Safe Passage, a member of the Easthampton Farmers and Makers Market committee, and a volunteer with Easthampton Arts.

•••••

Francis “Sandy” Dibble, John Pucci, and Jeffrey Roberts, attorneys at Bulkley Richardson, have been recognized by Super Lawyers for 20 consecutive years, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of Massachusetts Super Lawyers. According to Super Lawyers, there are 42,635 attorneys registered with the Massachusetts state bar, but only 264 attorneys selected to Super Lawyers all 20 years, making this an elite group of 0.6% of attorneys in the state. Dibble, partner, has been recognized in the area of business litigation. He has tried and won, or favorably settled, significant cases for a wide range of clients throughout the U.S. Pucci, partner, has been recognized in the area of criminal defense: white collar crimes. He is one of Massachusetts’ top trial lawyers, representing individuals and companies in complex civil and criminal litigation of all kinds in both state and federal courts. Roberts, counsel, has been recognized in the area of estate & probate. He has handled many sophisticated estate-planning matters throughout his career, as well as corporate work and business transactions, primarily for closely held companies.

•••••

Tech Foundry, the regional leader in IT workforce development and training, announced the appointment of 12 new members to its board of trustees. Hailing from a wide variety of professional backgrounds and including an alumnus of the organization’s 18-week IT support training program, the new slate of directors represents the diversity of the communities served by Tech Foundry. The organization welcomes Paul Nicholson (treasurer), Finance director at Wellfleet Insurance, and Briana Dawkins (clerk), associate attorney at Litchfield Cavo LLP in Simsbury, Conn. They join veteran officers Mike Walker (chair), retired financial-services professional at MassMutual Financial Group, and Delcie Bean (founder and immediate past chair), CEO of Paragus Strategic IT. New directors include Jay Ash, CEO of Mass Competitive Partnership; Everton Chin, director of IT at Travelers; Damon DePaolo, director of Human Risk Management at MassMutual; Samalid Hogan, CEO and principal consultant at Greylock Management Consulting; Xiaolei Hua, first vice president at PeoplesBank; Cindy Knowles, Strategy & Change Management lead at MassMutual; George Timmons, president of Holyoke Community College; and Hector Toledo, commercial lender and vice president at New Valley Bank. Patrick Streck, president and founder of Estli Consulting, returns to Tech Foundry after serving on the original board of advisors from 2013 to 2021. Salam (Sam) Zebian, Information Protection senior advisor at Cigna, graduated from Tech Foundry in 2017 and has been volunteering with the organization as a guest speaker since then. They join veteran board members Greg Bialecki, principal at Redgate; Ann McFarland Burke, owner of Ann McFarland Burke Consultancy; Dawn Creighton, Community Outreach officer at Liberty Bank; and Dianne Fuller Doherty, one of the original founders of the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts.

•••••

Hubert Benitez

Nicolle Cestero

Nicolle Cestero

American International College (AIC) announced that Hubert Benitez plans to step down as president of the college at the end of the current academic year on June 7. Frank Colaccino, chair of the AIC board of trustees, said Nicolle Cestero, who serves as executive vice president and chief operating officer at AIC, will be appointed interim president immediately. In his letter of resignation, Benitez said, “I made this decision by engaging in a deep process of prayer and discernment, and after thoughtful consideration and reflection with my family, I have decided to focus on the next chapter of our lives.” Colaccino said the tenure of Benitez’s service as president of the college was marked by a number of progressive actions designed to promote the mission of AIC and his effective leadership in the development of AIC Reimagined, the strategic plan that will guide the initiatives undertaken by the college during the coming years. Cestero, who will serve as interim president until the next president is identified, has been with AIC since 2011 when she joined as associate vice president for Human Resources. She has served the college as chief of staff and most recently as executive vice president and chief operating officer. Prior to joining AIC, her professional journey began in New York City at the Council on Foreign Relations, a leading nonpartisan foreign-policy think tank in the U.S., focused on disseminating information to members, government officials, and the public on matters of international significance. She holds an MBA degree from AIC, a master of arts degree from the University of West Florida, and a bachelor of arts degree from Mount Holyoke College. According to Colaccino, as COO, Cestero has overseen the day-to-day operations of the college and played a key role in implementing AIC’s strategic plan.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

AIC Launches Center for Sport Physiology and Exercise Testing

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) recently opened its Center for Sport Physiology and Exercise Testing (CSPET). The state-of-the-art human-performance laboratory, located in the AIC Colaccino Center for Health Sciences, is the only one of its kind in the Greater Springfield area. It features sophisticated testing equipment used to provide advanced exercise assessments and analyses in all aspects of health and performance, including BOD POD body composition testing, resting metabolic rate testing, and VO2 max testing. Working in the testing center benefits AIC students in the allied health professions, providing them with learning opportunities to advance their practical knowledge in exercise science. After being trained by faculty, students gain experience administering exercise testing protocols and educating participants on their results, setting them apart from others as they enter their careers. The CSPET is now open to members of the college and Greater Springfield community by appointment. AIC student-athletes, coaches, faculty, and staff may sign up for testing at a discounted rate. To request information or to make an appointment, visit www.aic.edu/lp/sport-physiology.

 

Keiter Executive Headquarters to Move to West Springfield

FLORENCE — Keiter, a construction-services firm located in Florence since 2008, recently announced it will relocate its executive headquarters to a 6,000-square-foot facility at 1 Interstate Dr., West Springfield later this year. Keiter is comprised of Keiter Builders, the commercial/institutional division; Keiter Homes, the residential arm; and Keiter Properties, the real-estate venture. Its pre-construction, sales and marketing, finance and administration, and operations departments will be located in the new space. The move is prompted by growth and will allow Keiter much-needed space to collaborate with customers and partners on projects. The new location will also help Keiter better serve clients in Hampden and Berkshire counties while continuing to serve clients in Hampshire and Franklin counties.

 

Gazebo Opens Second Store in East Longmeadow

NORTHAMPTON — Gazebo, the lingerie, bra-fitting, and swimsuit store in downtown Northampton, has expanded with the opening of Gazebo Too in the location of the former Coughlin’s Place restaurant at 182 North Main St., East Longmeadow. Gazebo was founded in 1978 by Judith Fine and sold to employees Donna McNeight and Amy Dickinson in 2016. McNeight will run Gazebo Too, and Dickinson will run the original Gazebo in Northampton. Gazebo prides itself on full-service bra, binder, and cup-sized swimsuit fittings, with cups ranging from AA to N. Gazebo is a proud ally of the LGBGTQ community and is wheelchair- and service-animal-friendly.

 

Eversource Tests New Mobile Batteries for Emergency Power

SPRINGFIELD — As part of Eversource’s commitment to advancing clean technologies and exploring innovative ways to help the Commonwealth achieve its decarbonization goals, the company is testing a mobile battery energy storage system (MBESS) as a zero-carbon backup power source. As part of its MBESS pilot program, the energy company now has two mobile batteries that it is strategically deploying across its Massachusetts service territory, including in environmental-justice communities, to provide power to customers while its crews make upgrades or repairs to the electric system that would otherwise require a power outage. Eversource is also charging one of the batteries using a solar array at its Springfield Area Work Center, further enhancing the clean-energy applications of the technology. Mobile batteries produce no exhaust fumes, and, unlike diesel generators, the MBESS operates virtually silently. Also, by eliminating noise, batteries can facilitate clearer communication between workers on construction job sites or disaster-relief efforts. The MBESS can also be swapped out for recharging and save money previously spent on diesel fuel to power generators. One new 500 kilowatt-hour mobile battery can, for example, charge a 50-home neighborhood for four hours. The current plan is to have two mobile batteries at the Springfield Area Work Center for deployment.

 

Independent Connections Expands into Pittsfield

PITTSFIELD — Independent Connections (IndyConn), an IT-solutions company in the Berkshires, announced the grand opening of its Pittsfield office. The new building will serve as the company’s Massachusetts branch and will house its growing team of skilled professionals dedicated to providing innovative technology solutions to businesses across the region. The company has other office locations in Hartford, Conn. and East Greenbush, N.Y.

 

Tighe & Bond Opens Second New York Office

WESTFIELD — Tighe & Bond announced the opening of a new office in Troy, N.Y. Located at 433 River St. in the Hedley Building, this location will allow the firm to better service its growing base of clients in the Albany region. Tighe & Bond’s newest location brings the firm’s total office count to 16 throughout the Northeast and is the firm’s second New York location, in addition to the Hudson Valley office located in Rhinebeck. Vice President Erin Moore will provide leadership for the establishment of the Troy office as location manager. A lifelong resident of New York’s Capital District, with more than two decades of experience in municipal water, wastewater, and stormwater projects, she has been actively engaged in expanding Tighe & Bond’s services throughout New York in response to clients’ needs.

 

Three Nonprofits Deliver Pet Food to the Elderly

NORTH ADAMS — In partnership with the Berkshire Humane Society Pet Assistance Program, BFAIR and Elder Services of Berkshire County are helping elders feed their pets in conjunction with Meals on Wheels, which provides hot lunchtime meals for people age 60 and older. BFAIR’s Community Based Day Services (CBDS) program participants fill a vehicle at Berkshire Humane Society before embarking on a journey through Pittsfield and Dalton to deliver pet food to more than 20 elders in the Berkshire community. The program will run monthly, and BFAIR program participants will continue to deliver this resource. BFAIR’s Community Based Day Services program helps adults with disabilities participate in their community and improve their skills by providing access to regular, meaningful social contact and stimulating activities. Services are designed to maximize a person’s ability to manage everyday life activities in their community. To be eligible to receive pet assistance through this program, the individual must receive services through Elder Services’ Meals on Wheels program. For more information on how to get started, visit esbci.org or call (413) 499-0524.

 

Community Foundation Receives $560,000 Grant from MassMutual Foundation

SPRINGFIELD — The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts announced it has received a $560,000 gift from the MassMutual Foundation to support grantmaking in Springfield through the Community Foundation’s Flexible Funding program. Through this grant, the MassMutual Foundation seeks to create more equitable access to social and economic opportunity in its local community. Recognizing a need in Springfield to address barriers to financial well-being, the MassMutual Foundation identified the opportunity to support the Community Foundation’s Flexible Funding grant program, which uses a trust-based approach, informed by community, to make resources available to those nonprofits best positioned to increase equity and opportunity for all residents. The MassMutual Foundation’s funding will specifically target programs and organizations with a focus on building financial resiliency through four focus areas: building networks, fostering financial health, fulfilling basic financial needs, and expanding employment opportunities. The Flexible Funding program provides unrestricted financial support to nonprofits and other organizations assisting their communities in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties, prioritizing organizations actively working to combat racial disparities, promote equity and justice, and create pathways for marginalized communities. The program is designed to uplift the day-to-day operations and sustainability of these organizations. Applications for the next Flexible Funding round will open in August, and recipient grantees will be announced in December.

 

bankESB Parent Wins 2024 Top Workplaces USA Award

EASTHAMPTON — Hometown Financial Group, parent company of bankESB, Abington Bank, and bankHometown, announced it was named a winner of the 2024 Top Workplaces USA award by Energage. Top Workplaces USA celebrates organizations with 150 or more employees that are dedicated to building an exceptional, people-first culture. Winners are chosen based solely on employee feedback gathered through an anonymous, third-party employee-engagement survey, issued by Energage, a leading provider of technology-based employee-engagement tools. More than 42,000 organizations across the country were invited to participate in the Top Workplaces USA survey. Results are calculated by comparing the survey’s research-based statements, including 15 culture drivers that are proven to predict high performance, against industry benchmarks.

 

Rocky’s Ace Hardware Supports Baystate Children’s Hospital

SPRINGFIELD — Rocky’s Ace Hardware announced the results of its semiannual Round Up for Kids fundraiser, with its Western Mass. stores raising a grand total of $8,336.74 for Baystate Children’s Hospital. Local participating Rocky’s locations include the Island Pond Road and Liberty Street stores in Springfield, and the Agawam, East Longmeadow, Westfield, Ludlow, Palmer, and South Hadley stores, with all local funds benefiting Baystate Children’s Hospital. Throughout the campaign, which took place at all 48 Rocky’s stores during November, customers rounded up their purchase totals to the next dollar. The difference added up to $41,376.96 and was donated to the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) hospital nearest to each store. This was the second Round Up for Kids fundraiser the 48 Rocky’s stores held in 2023.

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates

The following business certificates and/or trade names were issued or renewed during the month of March 2024.

LEE

Berkshire Craftsmen
1240 Cape St.
Kurt Warner

Convenience Plus #2750
241 Main St.
Global Montello Group Corp.

Hanesbrands Inc.
400 Premium Outlets Blvd.
Jeffrey Teal

Nautica #2253
110 Premium Outlets Blvd.
Nautica Retail USA LLC

Rick Puleri Carpentry
365 Fairview St.
Richard Puleri

LONGMEADOW

180 Construction
190 Englewood Road
Garrett Moulton

Clear Eyed Media
75 Erskine Dr.
Joseph Douglass

Fibrenew Springfield
82 Canterbury Lane
Brian Newburn

Flynn Consulting Services
37 Birnie Road
John Flynn

Keller Williams Realty
66 Dwight Road
Laura Stevens

Mortgage Giver LLC
1650 Longmeadow St.
Daniel Edwards

Mulberry Real Estate Group LLC
18 Fernleaf Ave.
Jason Donaldson

OASSA Lean Quality Consulting
253 Pendleton Lane
Muhammed Awais

Prime Real Estate
111 Warren Terrace
David Roffo

Razzmatazz Kids
803 Williams St.
Anna Whitton

Sonny’s Junk Removal
45 Berwick Road
Sonny Nicholas

PITTSFIELD

Alpine Services
71 Bartlett Ave.
Christopher Dombrowski

Berkshire Event Lighting
30 South Merriam St.
Alana Gillooly

Bittersweet Farm
973 Barker Road
David Halley

Bliss Nails
180 Elm St.
Thoa Kim Huynh

Elm Street Barber Shop
321½ Elm St.
Christopher Welker

Empire Pizza
413 North St.
Larry Food Corp.

Entech Engineering Associates Inc.
82 Wendell Ave.
Entech Engineering Inc.

General Machine and Control Engineering
82 Wendell Ave.
James Ruggieri

Greylock Investment Group
150 West St.
Greylock Federal Credit Union

Heal to Toe Nursing Foot Care
20 Euclid Ave.
Lynette Dukehart

Ideal Insurance Agency Premier
82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100
Ideal Insurance Agency Inc.

Jehovah’s Business Solutions
32 King St.
Stacia Wright

KLE Project Services
82 Wendell Ave.
KLE Inc.

Mom’s Auto Sales
221 Newell St.
Jaime Traversa, Christopher Barris

Negotiation Task Force
82 Wendell Ave.
Negotiation Design and Strategy LLC

Nerdz for Hire
146 South St.
Poulton Zane

NetworkFolio LLC
82 Wendell Ave.
Gabrielle Chanel

NJS Concrete
51 Robert St.
Nicholas Sumner

Pittsfield Language Services
22 Worthington St.
Elizabeth Trabulsi

Ready Set Clean
82 Wendell Ave.
Edward Savarese

Sister’s Cleaning Services
283 First St.
Cintia de Moura Miranda

Teddy’s Pizza
508 East St.
Wind Chime Properties LLC

Third Avenue Fitness
54 Wendell Ave.
Brittany Gingras

SOUTHWICK

Baystate Printing
13 Sterrett Dr.
Nick Boldyga

Capital Strategies
13 Sterrett Dr.
Nick Boldyga

Coffee Canvas Café
141 Congamond Road
Volkov Demyan

Congamond Coffee & Café
108 Congamond Road
Pam Sclafani

Fusion Bar & Grill
141 Congamond Road
Jose Fernandes

Great Brook Greens
11 Great Brook Dr.
Erica Heng

Hillside Property Services LLC
198 Hillside Road
Mark McDonald

Lynch’s Heating & Cooling
303 North Loomis St.
Kenneth Lynch

Southwick Pools
18 Woodside Circle
Thomas Favreau

Speakers and Sports Services
535 College Highway
Konstantin Makarov

Walker’s Landscape Services
35 Birchwood Road
Jacob Walker

WESTFIELD

413 Alarms
174 Honey Pot Road
Eric Dauplaise

Appalachian Press
11 Railroad Ave.
Michael Dion

Bhatnagar Enterprises
19 Winding Ridge Lane
Nitin Bhatnagar

Dream Meadow Farm
631 West Road
Pamela Boisseau, Joseph Boisseau, Justin Boisseau

Forever Dream Boutique
20 Goose Hollow Road
Holly Janisieski

Kaylisse Ruiz @ A Slight Edge Salon
20 Elm St.
Kaylisse Ruiz

Lauri’s Locks
33 Broad St.
Lauri Gardner

M.D. Siebert Renovations
51 Barbara St.
Mark Siebert

NAP Electric
160 Holyoke Road
Neil Peloquin

NAP Properties LLC
160 Holyoke Road
Neil Peloquin, Dawn Peloquin

Natalia’s Custom Crayons
126 Union St., #821
Shahana Gaston

Nouria
88-90 South Maple St.
Nouria Energy Retail Inc.

Pearl City Antiques
284 Hillside Road
Jessi Messier

Pioneer Valley Home Sales
77 Mill St., #120B
Juan Cruzado

PLAYNOW!
5 East Silver St.
Jennr Ventures LLC

Rick’s Home Improvements
63 Country Club Dr.
Richard Doiron

Right Solution
13 Madison St.
Nelya Misiruk

Slumber Massage Therapy
102 Elm St., Suite 1
Fantasia Garcia

Southwick Road Shell
27 Southwick Road
Abdulsalam Alsaleh

Sushi’s Thrift
56 Washington St.
Kseniya Covileac

Willow and Grace Photography
22 Cherry St.
Jessica Cernak

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Class General Contracting
425 Union St.
Class General Contracting

Delta Bulk Transport
66 Western Ave.
J.E.P. Inc.

JG Site Services LLC
78 Poplar Ave.
JG Site Services LLC

John R. Sweeney Insurance Agency
1233 Westfield St.
John R. Sweeney Insurance Agency

Money Wise Mom
41 Galaska St.
Money Wise Mom

Mylyfe Specialty Pharmacy
1111 Elm St.
Mylyfe Specialty Pharmacy

Park Square Realty
464 Westfield St.
PSQ Inc.

Shah Traders
464 Main St.
Shah Traders

Sono Bello
171 Park Ave.
Sono Bello

Tied Down Solutions LLC
110 Quarry Road
Tied Down Solutions LLC

Treehouse Orthodontics
46 Daggett Dr.
Treehouse Orthodontics

Visiting Angels
33 Westfield St.
Living Assistance Corp.

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

The following bankruptcy petitions were recently filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Readers should confirm all information with the court.

Brown, Bryan D.
19 Evergreen Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/20/2024

Byrnes, Donna Louise
44 Riverboat Village Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/29/2024

Charland-Tait, Michael Valentine
80 Barrett St., #22
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/29/2024

Clark, Everett D.
Clark, Tammy L.
10 -12 Weber St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/27/2024

Cormier, Anthony J.
59 Mary St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/15/2024

D and J’s Hash House, Inc.
a/k/a D&J’s Hash House
P.O. Box 1151
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 11
Date: 02/23/2024

Decasse, Elizabeth A.
45 Summer St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/26/2024

Elgin, Linda
1038 Morgan Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/29/2024

Galica, Eric
595 Northampton St., Apt. 8A
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/25/2024

Larose, Elba
11 Allison Lane
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/25/2024

Mancini, Robert M.
110 Lancaster Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/20/2024

Moulton, Jeffrey Gillman
75 Riverview Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/22/2024

Muisa, Judith L.
161 Davis St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/20/2024

Mumblo, Yvonne Dale
60 Prescott Lane
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/28/2024

O’Brien, William R.
30 Birchwood Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/29/2024

Oliva, Jeffrey M.
1009 Wauwinet Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/29/2024

Perez Lorenzano, Edwin
35 Highview Dr., Apt C
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/29/2024

Ponce, Jacqueline
11 Bessemer St.
Springfield, MA 01104-1507
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/22/2024

Rofulowitz, Logan H.
6 Ed Holcomb Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/28/2024

Roncarati, Lynndia Ann
309 Parker St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/28/2024

Sedberry, Don Wesley
629 West St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/01/2024

Shackelford, Dara Lum
Lum, Dara Michelle
44 Evergreen Road, Apt. 104
Leeds, MA 01053
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/16/2024

Shackelford, Jason Keith
55 Empire St., Unit 68
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/16/2024

Smith, Allen F.
314 Caldwell Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/20/2024

Torres, Felix
408 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/15/2024

Vega-Mata, Yoana Padua
52 Breckwood Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 02/26/2024
Date: 13

Real Estate Transactions

By
Real Estate

The following real estate transactions (latest available) were compiled by Banker & Tradesman and are published as they were received. Only transactions exceeding $115,000 are listed. Buyer and seller fields contain only the first name listed on the deed.

FRANKLIN COUNTY

ASHFIELD

228 Plainfield Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $318,000
Buyer: Serena Bouvier
Seller: Fidelis Bridge Loan V
Date: 02/28/24

BUCKLAND

200 Lower St.
Buckland, MA 01370
Amount: $199,000
Buyer: 1900 Capital TII
Seller: Daniel Hyytinen
Date: 02/20/24

ERVING

3 Central St.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Elise Edward
Seller: Ala J. Escott
Date: 02/23/24

48 River Road
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $359,000
Buyer: Michael J. Winn
Seller: Daniel M. Majewski
Date: 02/26/24

GREENFIELD

633 Bernardston Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $599,000
Buyer: Nancy Conner
Seller: Eds Enterprises LLC
Date: 02/22/24

81-83 Hope St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: House Hack Helpers LLC
Seller: Kevin J. Cummings
Date: 02/23/24

171 Leyden Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $309,000
Buyer: Matthew Saba
Seller: Mark S. Richardson
Date: 02/29/24

MONROE

9-A Main Road
Monroe, MA 01247
Amount: $216,200
Buyer: Ramon F. Deandrade
Seller: Tammy R. Habacker
Date: 02/27/24

MONTAGUE

4 Depot St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Cody J. Celino
Seller: Angela D. Varilly
Date: 02/29/24

12 Montague St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Christopher M. Varilly
Seller: Pamala J. Reipold
Date: 02/29/24

NEW SALEM

21 Old County Road
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $131,500
Buyer: Daniel T. Leaders
Seller: William F. Leanders
Date: 02/28/24

NORTHFIELD

Fisher Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $120,900
Buyer: Ramona M. Pinto
Seller: Valerie A. Duvall
Date: 02/22/24

15 South Mountain Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Gary M. Weber
Seller: Cynthia J. Harrington
Date: 02/23/24

ORANGE

27 Chaste St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Jacobo Delacruz
Seller: Vrmtg Asset TR
Date: 02/26/24

49 Cherry St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Matthew V. Buscaenra
Seller: Kenneth M. Capasso
Date: 02/23/24

20 Fieldstone Dr.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Jessica Schavrien
Seller: Christie Goodwin
Date: 02/20/24

23 Stone Valley Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $162,800
Buyer: Pennymac Loan Services LLC
Seller: Judith M. Gancorz
Date: 02/26/24

15 West Myrtle St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Deysi V. Barahona
Seller: Gleison Rocha
Date: 02/27/24

94 West Orange Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $299,900
Buyer: David J. Murphy
Seller: Murphy, David J., (Estate)
Date: 02/23/24

ROWE

16 Hazelton Road
Rowe, MA 01367
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Matthew Brown
Seller: Richard K. Quinn
Date: 02/21/24

SHUTESBURY

74 Lake Dr.
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Timothy A. Pickering
Seller: Maryjane Trubulski
Date: 02/28/24

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

206 Colemore St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Randy Wessels
Seller: Darlene A. Sandstrom
Date: 02/29/24

73 Edward St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $377,000
Buyer: Brandon Montalvo
Seller: Payden Yates
Date: 02/22/24

94 Harvey Johnson Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Gregg Dipietrantonio
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 02/23/24

19 Lancaster Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Andrew Armstrong
Seller: David E. Kozel
Date: 02/21/24

111 Reed St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Emily Ashe
Seller: Joseph R. Moore
Date: 02/21/24

17 Rowley St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: William Rivera
Seller: David B. Donoghue
Date: 02/20/24

925 Shoemaker Lane
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Nicholas W. Turnberg
Seller: Michael S. Lynch RET
Date: 02/26/24

164 Tobacco Farm Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Latina A. Devaughn
Seller: David B. Dussault
Date: 02/21/24

174 Tobacco Farm Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $499,900
Buyer: Russell Oneill
Seller: Michael J. Breault
Date: 02/29/24

194 Tobacco Farm Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $459,900
Buyer: Isidro Acosta
Seller: Ward, Gregory Lee, (Estate)
Date: 02/20/24

CHESTER

10 William St.
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Eugene B. Watters
Date: 02/05/24

CHICOPEE

20 Alvord Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Logan M. Lacroix
Seller: Alycar Investments LLC
Date: 02/29/24

46 Bromont St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Jennifer T. Labonte
Seller: DGL Properties LLC
Date: 02/28/24

63 Clarendon Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Nathaniel E. Martinez
Seller: Eduardo Zayas
Date: 02/29/24

37 Erline St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Handyflippers Inc.
Seller: Wicked Deals LLC
Date: 02/23/24

23 Fitzpatrick Lane
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Julian Arias
Seller: George A. Croteau
Date: 02/29/24

120 Gill St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Jose A. Diaz
Seller: Suzanne L. Krause
Date: 02/28/24

10 Harding St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $396,000
Buyer: Aneudi J. Ortiz
Seller: DCL General Construction LLC
Date: 02/29/24

69 Lafayette St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $261,000
Buyer: Irene T. Rollings
Seller: Anne M. Labrecque
Date: 02/28/24

86 Lapa Farm Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $386,000
Buyer: Alexander Richi
Seller: Robert Desroches
Date: 02/29/24

6 Leo Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $173,000
Buyer: William J. Rokowski
Seller: Zakowski Jr., Leo F., (Estate)
Date: 02/29/24

505 McKinstry Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $232,000
Buyer: Connor D. Presz
Seller: Roman Tryba
Date: 02/20/24

27 Moreau Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Joshua Croake
Seller: Matthew Dunn
Date: 02/28/24

58 Rzasa Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Dominik R. Bieniasz
Seller: Nancy A. Coughlin
Date: 02/26/24

104 Stedman St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $286,500
Buyer: Amer Alalean
Seller: Dean M. Fay
Date: 02/22/24

40 Sunnymeade Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Handyflippers Inc.
Seller: Wicked Deals LLC
Date: 02/29/24

24 White Birch Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $249,900
Buyer: Timothy J. Kulig
Seller: Henry P. Roux
Date: 02/29/24

18 Wildermere St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $284,700
Buyer: Artur Tkachenko
Seller: Manchester Ent. LLC
Date: 02/29/24

189 Wilson Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Gilberto R. Cruz
Seller: Aneudi J. Ortiz
Date: 02/29/24

209 Woodcrest Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $258,000
Buyer: Ali M. Mourad
Seller: LSF11 Master Part TR
Date: 02/27/24

EAST LONGMEADOW

239 Braeburn Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Hong Nguyen
Seller: Christine A. Martin
Date: 02/26/24

325 Kibbe Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: John McCullough
Seller: Rinaldi, James A., (Estate)
Date: 02/22/24

228 Pleasant St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Angel L. Agront
Seller: Barbara J. Nutbrown
Date: 02/21/24

88 Porter Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Abigail Caple
Seller: Patrick Ayres
Date: 02/20/24

16 Shawmut St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Liam R. O’Donnell
Seller: Karen M. Schmidt
Date: 02/23/24

HAMPDEN

102 Baldwin Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Matthew Catjakis
Seller: Lumturi RT
Date: 02/28/24

66 Forest Hill Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Yabela RT
Seller: Bienvenue, Camille C., (Estate)
Date: 02/23/24

34 Mountainview Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Devin Hoagland
Seller: Robert G. White
Date: 02/28/24

129 Somers Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Paul M. McKenna
Seller: Susan Arce-Beaver
Date: 02/05/24

HOLLAND

38 Lake Shore Dr.
Holland, MA 01081
Amount: $677,000
Buyer: Roy St Andre
Seller: Michael A. Benedetto
Date: 02/23/24

HOLYOKE

Anniversary Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: 0 Anniversary Road LLC
Seller: Telahc Properties LP
Date: 02/26/24

340 Appleton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $570,000
Buyer: Mango Group LLC
Seller: 340 Appleton LLC
Date: 02/21/24

16 Arden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $337,900
Buyer: Kathy J. Labombard
Seller: Patricia L. Matthews
Date: 02/28/24

75 Brook St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Calvin Stotz
Seller: Debra Bombard
Date: 02/29/24

17 Clayton Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Brian Johnson
Seller: Rene M. Barkyoumb
Date: 02/28/24

606 County Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $289,000
Buyer: Ellen Little
Seller: Bryce G. Menninga
Date: 02/23/24

820 High St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: ER Energy LLC
Seller: OM Holyoke Real Estate LLC
Date: 02/27/24

48-50 Holy Family Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $30,000,000
Buyer: Devonshire Owner LLC
Seller: Holy Ventures LLC
Date: 02/22/24

82 Knollwood Circle
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $347,500
Buyer: Cody A. Ross
Seller: Corbin H. Chicoine
Date: 02/29/24

28-30 Longwood Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $299,900
Buyer: George Papulis
Seller: Shane M. Ezyk
Date: 02/28/24

71-73 Longwood Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $292,000
Buyer: Julio Fernandez
Seller: Sullivan, Karen M., (Estate)
Date: 02/20/24

1244 Main St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Nicolas Feliciano
Seller: Justin Tomasini
Date: 02/23/24

100 Nonotuck St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Elizabeth A. Hurley
Seller: Gregory K. Hurley
Date: 02/23/24

280-282 West Franklin St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Frederic R. Beddall
Seller: Jordan Doucette
Date: 02/20/24

LONGMEADOW

18 Barbara Lane
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $240,418
Buyer: Maria O. Perales
Seller: Samantha Fenska
Date: 02/21/24

157 Captain Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $477,000
Buyer: Diego V. Calle
Seller: Craig A. Super
Date: 02/28/24

83 Longfellow Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $412,295
Buyer: Lakeview Loan Servicing LLC
Seller: Christina A. Knybel
Date: 02/05/24

195 Meadowbrook Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Chris J. Dobbins
Seller: Stephen B. Shelasky
Date: 02/29/24

191 Nevins Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Douglas J. Bixby
Seller: William J. Kaplita
Date: 02/26/24

80 Roseland Ter.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Jonathan L. Dent
Seller: Anthony Rubio
Date: 02/26/24

94 Westwood Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Anne R. Most
Seller: Frank T. Lucchesi
Date: 02/05/24

186 Williams St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $397,000
Buyer: Amanda May
Seller: Katrina Martin
Date: 02/20/24

109 Williston Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $660,000
Buyer: Jatin J. Patel
Seller: John P. Ward
Date: 02/28/24

49 Wimbleton Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $306,000
Buyer: Yeslin B. Gonzalez
Seller: Sheehan, Catherine M., (Estate)
Date: 02/21/24

LUDLOW

17 Arnold St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Edward R. Perlak
Seller: Lisa A. Chaves
Date: 02/27/24

Athol St., Lot 11B2
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Banas Jr., Joseph, (Estate)
Date: 02/21/24

Athol St., Lot 43
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Banas Jr., Joseph, (Estate)
Date: 02/21/24

Athol St., Lot 43A
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Banas Jr., Joseph, (Estate)
Date: 02/21/24

Athol St., Lot 44
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Banas Jr., Joseph, (Estate)
Date: 02/21/24

Athol St., Lot 45
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Banas Jr., Joseph, (Estate)
Date: 02/21/24

48 Baker St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $131,000
Buyer: Dreambighomes LLC
Seller: Maureen A. Buccacio
Date: 02/29/24

60 Blanchard Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Tiago B. Martins
Seller: Mint Realty Group LLC
Date: 02/28/24

18 Butler St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $369,000
Buyer: Trisha L. Arsenault
Seller: Blanco Realty LLC
Date: 02/28/24

1634 Center St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $165,500
Buyer: Wicked Deals LLC
Seller: Brain T. Gaudreau
Date: 02/21/24

329 Holyoke St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Banas Jr., Joseph, (Estate)
Date: 02/21/24

30 Lillian St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Michael Bettencourt
Seller: AEM Property Investment LLC
Date: 02/22/24

1385 Lyon St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Amanda Mcclure
Seller: 1385 Lyon Street RT
Date: 02/23/24

63 Margaret Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $281,500
Buyer: Nicholas R. Fales
Seller: Richard S. Fales
Date: 02/20/24

441 Miller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $303,000
Buyer: Brandon M. Underwood
Seller: Stephen M. Nareau
Date: 02/27/24

32 Warsaw Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Cherie A. Ptaszkiewicz
Seller: Rogerio B. Costa
Date: 02/23/24

MONSON

139 Stafford Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $327,500
Buyer: Jeffrey Peristere
Seller: John M. Wilson
Date: 02/20/24

12 Upper Palmer Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $649,900
Buyer: Frank W. Kochanowski
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 02/22/24

PALMER

46 Glenn St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $301,000
Buyer: Frank C. Didomenico
Seller: Elaine T. Rice TR
Date: 02/29/24

3182-3184 High St.
Palmer, MA 01009
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Carlson Abel
Seller: Chenevert Properties LLC
Date: 02/22/24

4425 High St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $211,300
Buyer: Allyson Strahan
Seller: Lakeview Loan Servicing LLC
Date: 02/29/24

3205 Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: B. & B. Realty Partners LLC
Seller: Abaigeal M. Duda
Date: 02/05/24

1512 North Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Nsroma Multi Buses Corp.
Seller: Wicked Deals LLC
Date: 02/27/24

209 Old Warren Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: William O’Toole
Seller: David M. Ingram
Date: 02/05/24

126 State St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $241,000
Buyer: Tommy Leigh RET
Seller: Roman, Judith A., (Estate)
Date: 02/29/24

SPRINGFIELD

31 Alice St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $219,000
Buyer: Stephanie O. Rodriguez
Seller: Dexter Williams
Date: 02/27/24

14 Aster St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Post Investment LLC
Seller: Solo7 Capital & Consulting LLC
Date: 02/23/24

Balis St.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $510,000
Buyer: United We Care LLC
Seller: Roy FT
Date: 02/22/24

126 Benton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Giovanni Crespo
Seller: Rodman Capital Group LLC
Date: 02/29/24

29 Berbay Circle
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Olmstead Realty LLC
Seller: Courageous Lion LLC
Date: 02/20/24

270 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Qian Z. Li
Seller: Wei Q. Ni
Date: 02/29/24

40 Bissell St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Hassan Thomas
Seller: Paul L. Gauthier
Date: 02/28/24

174 Bloomfield St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Juan C. Reynoso
Seller: 174 Bloomfield Street RT
Date: 02/26/24

17-19 Braddock St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $323,000
Buyer: Peter M. Mungara
Seller: Yellowbrick Property LLC
Date: 02/27/24

29 Bruce St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Jerry B. Gonzalez
Seller: Steven Dunn
Date: 02/27/24

18 Brunswick St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $201,000
Buyer: Hualiang Zhou
Seller: Mclp Asset Co. Inc.
Date: 02/27/24

89 Carroll St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Sybel Gonzalez
Seller: Fiorini Sr., John Donald (Estate)
Date: 02/29/24

126 Caseland St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Christos Notidis
Seller: Loleta Collins
Date: 02/23/24

309 Chestnut St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Independent Housing I Inc.
Seller: Springfield Housing Authority
Date: 02/26/24

520-526 Chestnut St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Aliza Abid
Seller: Gonzalez, Pedro M., (Estate)
Date: 02/23/24

91 Denver St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Olmsted Realty LLC
Seller: Courageous Lion LLC
Date: 02/20/24

53 Clifton Ave.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Rodney Eltinor
Seller: Springfield Ventures RT
Date: 02/28/24

68 Crestmont St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $146,000
Buyer: Manchester Enterprises LLC
Seller: Johnson, Marnie-Faye, (Estate)
Date: 02/27/24

93 Crestmont St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Jonathan Stone
Seller: Carolyn A. Curpenski
Date: 02/27/24

72 Darling St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: William A. Chapman
Seller: Michael G. Kijek
Date: 02/26/24

21-27 Decker Place
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $439,000
Buyer: Cherlie Magny-Normilus
Seller: Hat Trick Properties LLC
Date: 02/28/24

100 Derryfield Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Pennymac Loan Services LLC
Seller: Kendall J. Brea
Date: 02/21/24

109 Dewitt St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $296,000
Buyer: James L. Omahoney
Seller: Anthony J. Zalowski
Date: 02/28/24

98 Drexel St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Gilberto J. Sotolongo
Seller: Luis E. Dominguez
Date: 02/29/24

88-90 Edgewood St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Hunter Property Group LLC
Seller: Omar Abeed
Date: 02/29/24

103 Euclid Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Newlife LLC
Seller: Thuy T. Tran
Date: 02/27/24

16 Fordham St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Chenevert Properties LLC
Seller: Mary A. Figueroa Torres
Date: 02/23/24

396 Grayson Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Cottages By Lorraine LLC
Seller: Andrew M. Croteau
Date: 02/22/24

86 Gresham St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Margaret Vanderburgh
Seller: Mae O. Bell
Date: 02/29/24

177 Hartford Ter.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Keila Santiago
Seller: Daniel A. Richton
Date: 02/29/24

66 Hermitage Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Zachary Larabee
Seller: John P. Ryan
Date: 02/23/24

49 Hillmont St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: P. & R. Investments LLC
Seller: Courageous Lion LLC
Date: 02/29/24

30 Hood St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Virgen Santa
Seller: Matadormus LLC
Date: 02/27/24

31 Kerry Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $278,000
Buyer: James A. Bunch
Seller: Thomas M. Slavin
Date: 02/28/24

70 Kirk Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Mariapamela Caldas
Seller: Cornerstone Homebuying LLC
Date: 02/26/24

66 Lancaster St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $352,000
Buyer: Maya N. McCann
Seller: Better Builders Construction LLC
Date: 02/26/24

 

60 Malibu Dr.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Sandra I. De La Cruz
Seller: Carmen R. Palma
Date: 02/26/24

55 Mandalay Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $181,000
Buyer: Prestigious One LLC
Seller: Marie J. Bates
Date: 02/29/24

77 Maple St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: SFMG Capital LLC
Seller: Develop Springfield Corp.
Date: 02/22/24

83 Maple St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: SFMG Capital LLC
Seller: Develop Springfield Corp.
Date: 02/22/24

63 Margerie St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Michael Simmonds
Seller: MCLP ASSET CO. Inc.
Date: 02/21/24

146-148 Marion St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $449,000
Buyer: Elizabeth W. Wanjigi
Seller: Advanced Aesthetics Medical
Date: 02/21/24

18 Mark St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $267,500
Buyer: Rachel Jansen
Seller: Cornerstone Homebuying LLC
Date: 02/21/24

68-70 Massachusetts Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Kelnate Realty LLC
Seller: AJN Rentals LLC
Date: 02/23/24

25 Mayflower Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $262,000
Buyer: Karen Paris
Seller: Joanne M. Denver
Date: 02/26/24

57-59 Michigan St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Mert Gunaydin
Seller: Annie Salem
Date: 02/05/24

79 Monmouth St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $136,500
Buyer: Chenevert Properties LLC
Seller: David J. Hartman
Date: 02/29/24

123-125 Moxon St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Ivan M. Valdez
Seller: G. A. Irizarry-Marrero
Date: 02/29/24

281 Newton Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $206,500
Buyer: Sareen Properties LLC
Seller: Freedom Mortgage Corp.
Date: 02/29/24

63 Quincy St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Neysha M. Marrero
Seller: Yadira Santiago
Date: 02/20/24

60 Rencelau St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Plata O. Plomo Inc.
Seller: Sandra M. Pallotta
Date: 02/22/24

32-34 Rittenhouse Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Julio M. Santana
Seller: Keishla M. Diaz-Olavarria
Date: 02/20/24

10 Rollins St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Adianez Lopez-Andujar
Seller: Roberto Rivera-Negron
Date: 02/23/24

37 Stanhope Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Diana I. Garcia
Seller: Calvin F. Owens
Date: 02/29/24

1522 State St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $510,000
Buyer: United We Care LLC
Seller: Roy FT
Date: 02/22/24

234-236 Union St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Sfmg Capital LLC
Seller: DevelopSpringfield Corp.
Date: 02/22/24

161 Verge St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Elliot M. Lehane
Seller: Lorraine L. Gazda
Date: 02/05/24

200 Whittum Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $287,000
Buyer: Shayna J. Sullivan
Seller: Mary K. Flaherty
Date: 02/21/24

114 William St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $407,000
Buyer: Christopher Flores
Seller: RBT Enterprise LLC
Date: 02/23/24

96 Willowbrook Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $289,900
Buyer: Michael Cahill
Seller: James A. Glover
Date: 02/29/24

1275 Worcester St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Lavotto Group LLC
Seller: Alexis Martinez
Date: 02/29/24

 

SOUTHWICK

59 College Hwy.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $1,475,000
Buyer: Catic Exchange LLC
Seller: Papyrus Equities LLC
Date: 02/29/24

23 Congamond Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $221,000
Buyer: Rene L. Crete
Seller: David Humphrey
Date: 02/21/24

4 Crystal Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Steven R. Manning
Seller: Timothy A. Barry
Date: 02/27/24

16 Crystal Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $435,100
Buyer: Timothy Fratini
Seller: Daniel L. Garrity
Date: 02/22/24

183 Feeding Hills Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $121,755
Buyer: Real Estate Investments Northeast LLC
Seller: Orcutt, Constance, (Estate)
Date: 02/28/24

3 Gargon Ter.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $283,000
Buyer: Christopher Bedard
Seller: Jeremy P. Fisher
Date: 02/26/24

11 John Mason Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $475,100
Buyer: Magdalena Czerkawska
Seller: James McInerney
Date: 02/22/24

26 Noble Steed Xing
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Hailey E. Charpentier
Seller: Giberson Construction Inc.
Date: 02/23/24

Silvergrass Lane, Lot 13
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Hamelin Framing Inc.
Seller: Fiore Realty Holdings LLC
Date: 02/23/24

279 South Longyard Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Viktor Moshkovskiy
Seller: Patricia J. Schmidt LT
Date: 02/20/24

36 South Longyard Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Matthew T. Seklecki
Seller: Erik Roberts
Date: 02/21/24

WEST SPRINGFIELD

57 Burford Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Michael Laguerre
Seller: Shaji S. Almstoo
Date: 02/29/24

511-R Elm St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $473,000
Buyer: Lilliya G. Salem
Seller: Pavel Panasyuk
Date: 02/21/24

533 Elm St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $473,000
Buyer: Lilliya G. Salem
Seller: Pavel Panasyuk
Date: 02/21/24

116 Greystone Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Stephanie Dusza
Seller: Cornerstone Homebuying LLC
Date: 02/29/24

61 Homestead Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $353,000
Buyer: Victoria L. Colpas
Seller: Ashleigh Chrusciel
Date: 02/29/24

61 Larchwood St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Kai Devlin
Seller: Carocci, Claire E., (Estate)
Date: 02/26/24

79 Massasoit Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Ilyas Koc
Seller: Melan Gurung
Date: 02/26/24

51 Spring St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $296,000
Buyer: Philip O. Champigny
Seller: Mohanad Jumaah
Date: 02/26/24

77 Wilder Ter.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Toby L. Daniels
Seller: Larkspur LLC
Date: 02/23/24

WESTFIELD

80 Alexander Place
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Michael W. Farrell
Seller: Jeffrey P. Grabiec
Date: 02/21/24

66 Barbara St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $303,000
Buyer: William M. Lamirande
Seller: William M. Lamirande
Date: 02/23/24

62 Bayberry Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Milan P. Peich
Seller: Thomas D. Pirnie
Date: 02/20/24

2 Big Wood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $466,000
Buyer: Nadezhda S. Tsvor
Seller: Jan I. Dickinson
Date: 02/23/24

4 Birch Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Cora Knurek-Hogan
Seller: Kvitek, Ricky David, (Estate)
Date: 02/20/24

98 Dartmouth St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: John Marcyoniak
Seller: Krystal S. Guilmette
Date: 02/27/24

312 East Mountain Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $293,500
Buyer: Nicholas M. Roy
Seller: Alexandra Whiting
Date: 02/29/24

25 Ellsworth St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $216,667
Buyer: Tim A. Balser
Seller: James Garcia
Date: 02/22/24

289 Granville Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $268,851
Buyer: Freedom Mortgage Corp.
Seller: Jason M. Donnachie
Date: 02/05/24

15 Jeremy Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Michael P. Grise
Seller: Christopher R. Manfredi
Date: 02/29/24

140 Meadow St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $392,000
Buyer: Peace I. Ovabor
Seller: Vantage Home Buyers LLC
Date: 02/05/24

99 Mountain View St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $318,500
Buyer: Sarah A. Welch
Seller: Manchester Enterprises LLC
Date: 02/23/24

38 Park Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Veniamin Shovgan
Seller: Brian R. Knowlton
Date: 02/23/24

23 Pearl St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $302,500
Buyer: Barbara J. Nutbrown
Seller: Krista D. Chechile
Date: 02/21/24

21 Summer St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Summerset II LLC
Seller: John P. Morizio
Date: 02/28/24

WILBRAHAM

310 3 Rivers Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Xiaotian Zhang
Seller: Danyun Huang
Date: 02/29/24

33 Delmor Ave.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Brian Fortier
Seller: Matthew Enzor
Date: 02/28/24

104 Sandalwood Dr., Lot 104
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $634,935
Buyer: Thomas K. Brown
Seller: AC Homebuilding LLC
Date: 02/29/24

675 Tinkham Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $433,088
Buyer: Blanco Realty LLC
Seller: Christopher Anciello
Date: 02/29/24

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

42 Hills Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $589,000
Buyer: Joanna Carber
Seller: Snoeyenbos FT
Date: 02/28/24

111 Logtown Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Amherst Community Land Trust Inc.
Seller: Maly Mao
Date: 02/23/24

BELCHERTOWN

North St., Lot 1A
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Richard G. Prager
Seller: Hilary Whitlock
Date: 02/29/24

EASTHAMPTON

15 East St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Kyle D. Cross
Seller: Keely S. Sexton
Date: 02/23/24

25 Golden Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Evergrain Orchard LLC
Seller: Diane J. Miller
Date: 02/20/24

21 Pepin Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $412,000
Buyer: Elizabeth Holland
Seller: Jaime M. Rogers
Date: 02/20/24

GRANBY

4 Deerbrook Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $535,000
Buyer: Wood FT
Seller: John J. Curley RET
Date: 02/20/24

12 Truby St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $129,250
Buyer: Leo E. Fugler
Seller: Kumiega, Christine M., (Estate)
Date: 02/23/24

 

12 Truby St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $129,250
Buyer: Leo E. Fugler
Seller: Walter A. Kumiega
Date: 02/23/24

NORTHAMPTON

469 Audubon Road
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $699,000
Buyer: Rachel S. Piscette
Seller: Frederick J. MacInnis TR
Date: 02/27/24

239 Bridge St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $522,000
Buyer: Deborah Keisch
Seller: Gordon M. Meadows
Date: 02/29/24

236 Grove St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Thea Paneth
Seller: Kelly A. Gallagher
Date: 02/29/24

21 North Maple St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $787,000
Buyer: Robert M. McKittrick
Seller: Roger P. Clark
Date: 02/29/24

54 Pilgrim Dr.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $697,025
Buyer: David Bond
Seller: Barbara J. Ryan LT
Date: 02/22/24

39 Ridge View Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: 21st Century Green Home Inc.
Seller: James Bachand
Date: 02/29/24

PELHAM

378 Daniel Shays Hwy.
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Julie Gimbrone
Seller: Isa Wang
Date: 02/20/24

49 Enfield Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $438,000
Buyer: Bank Of America
Seller: Joan R. Hart
Date: 02/28/24

SOUTH HADLEY

Bombardier St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Mary G. Biastoff
Seller: Kathleen A. Duffy-Silcott
Date: 02/27/24

4 Douglas Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Mary G. Biastoff
Seller: Kathleen A. Duffy-Silcott
Date: 02/27/24

49 Fairview St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: David B. Grey
Seller: Charlebois, John A., (Estate)
Date: 02/29/24

1 Hollywood St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Thala Rivers
Seller: Baker, Janet M., (Estate)
Date: 02/29/24

27 Hollywood St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $316,000
Buyer: Andrew J. Jacobs
Seller: Robert K. Desgres
Date: 02/20/24

150 Lyman St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $342,000
Buyer: Ml Sale Holdings Inc.
Seller: Plata O. Plomo Inc.
Date: 02/28/24

28 Maple St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $312,500
Buyer: Joshua Breault
Seller: Corrine Lavalle
Date: 02/22/24

81 River Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $386,000
Buyer: Joshua D. Sanford
Seller: Carol Dineen
Date: 02/20/24

SOUTHAMPTON

116 County Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $416,300
Buyer: Cyris R. Copen
Seller: Wiliams, Marcia B., (Estate)
Date: 02/23/24

WARE

56 Old Belchertown Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $224,000
Buyer: Todd A. Blais
Seller: Toni J. Stewart
Date: 02/26/24

11 Old Would Dr.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $634,600
Buyer: Mark Dore
Seller: Evergreen Design Build Inc.
Date: 02/29/24

39 South St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: R&L Property Invest LLC
Seller: David Guerra
Date: 02/22/24

80 West Main St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $292,000
Buyer: Ian J. Merry
Seller: Ronald W. Gresty
Date: 02/26/24

WESTHAMPTON

89 Northwest Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $329,000
Buyer: Garrett Tenczar
Seller: Hayden, Richard J., (Estate)
Date: 02/20/24

WILLIAMSBURG

8 Petticoat Hill Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $216,000
Buyer: Alicia M. Smith
Seller: Smith FT
Date: 02/28/24

WORTHINGTON

226 Huntington Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Mark Nielsen
Seller: Leon W. Horning
Date: 02/21/24

Building Permits

By
Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the month of March 2024.

CHICOPEE

Buckley Property Investments
30 Buckley Blvd.
$35,000 — Remove ceiling tiles

EIP 1 Better Way LLC
1 Better Way
$144,000 — Roofing

Holly Gay
82 Olea St.
$14,000 — Air sealing and insulation, install ventilation, weatherize accesses

Willard McKinstry II
753 Montgomery St.
$18,000 — Shed

EASTHAMPTON

Atomic Real Estate Inc.
193 Northampton St.
$8,000 — Sheetrock, flooring

Joe Martinez
36 Chapman Ave.
$16,823.55 — Insulation

The Philipp Maufacturing Co.
17 Ward Ave.
$23,000 — Roofing

HADLEY

Joseph Boisvert
8 Stockwell Road
N/A — Build new agriculture storage building

E&A/I&G Campus Plaza LP
454 Russell St.
N/A — Fire sprinkler work

NORTHAMPTON

1XO LLC
6 Fairfield Ave.
$22,350 — Roofing

310 Bridge Street Realty LLC
310 Bridge St.
$1,500 — Install free-standing, illuminated, double-faced sign with changeable copy track

Blue Mountain Properties LLC
76 Maple St.
$16,000 — Renovate basement bathroom

City of Northampton
20 Florence St.
$407,500 — Replace windows at Leeds Elementary School

D.A. Sullivan & Sons Inc.
84 North St.
$425,000 — Convert business space to residential unit

JW Inc.
13 Old South St.
$30,587 — Insulation and weatherization

Lathrop Community Inc.
680 Bridge Road
$30,000 — Kitchen and bath renovation

Maiewski Real Estate Investments
218 Audubon Road
$65,940 — Install detached ground-mount solar carport

Maiewski Real Estate Investments
102 Vernon Road
$2,500 — Insulation and weatherization

New England Deaconess Assoc.
37 Coles Meadow Road
$243,466 — Renovate community room

Northampton Holdings LP
180 North King St.
$75,000 — Replace HVAC rooftop units and one split unit

ServiceNet Inc.
48 Pleasant St.
$140,000 — Create new space for pharmacy; modify second floor to create offices, break room, and waiting area

Smith College
2 Tyler Court
$106,700 — Renovate Room 309 of McConnell Hall

Smith College
14 Green St.
$1,000 — Non-illuminated wall sign for Sub Rosa

Suher Properties LLC
24 Center St.
$95,995 — Roofing

PITTSFIELD

The Cooper Center LLC
116 North St.
$3,000 — Repair beam supporting fourth floor and roof

Hurricane Properties LLC
307 Springside Ave.
$7,000 — Upgrade existing common-area fire alarm to monitored, addressable system

Pittsfield Realty Investments LLC
831 Dalton Ave.
$45,600 — Roofing

White Terrace Building LLC
592 North St.
$2,000 — Temporary plywood enclosure in Building 1 to accommodate asbestos abatement work

One Way Brewing Is Taking the High Road to Success

By
Zach Schwartz (left) and Jason Tsitso
Features

Getting Revved Up

Zach Schwartz (left) and Jason Tsitso

Zach Schwartz (left) and Jason Tsitso have One Way Brewing on the fast track to continued growth.

 

As with every brewery operation in Western Mass., there’s a story behind the name of this venture, one Jason Tsitso has told many times.

It harkens back to the days when he was a motocross racer, he said, adding that one of his good friends at the time worked for Ryder truck rentals. Tsitso said he and another friend would often help out at the Ryder facility, and one day he discovered his bike covered with the ‘one-way’ stickers that were affixed to the company’s vehicles.

“The next day, I was racing in a moto, and I was doing well, and the announcer said, ‘296 from One Way Racing,’” he went on, adding that, soon thereafter, he actually created a racing team with that name, complete with jerseys and other apparel with a ‘one-way’ logo.

And when he started home brewing with one of those friends from his racing days, they started tossing around ideas for a name and settled on something from the past. And it has stuck.

But there are other meanings behind this brand that Tsitso has established and grown with partner Zach Schwartz.

“There’s only one way to brew beer, and that’s fresh and local,” he told BusinessWest, adding that this way has helped give their brand a following, one that has enabled it to become one of the many emerging craft-beer labels in the 413 and a developing success story.

The two partners now have a taproom on Maple Street in Longmeadow, across from the plaza that was destroyed by fire just after they opened (more on that later), and a growing portfolio of craft beers, a few of them with racing-related names, such as Brraaap! (that’s the sound motorcycles make when their drivers hit the throttle), a New England IPA; and Kick Starter, another New England IPA, with which the partners got things started.

But there’s also the Betty, a Scottish export ale, One Rustic Cranberry Stout (no explanation needed for that one), One Hard Lime Seltzer (ditto), and others.

“Home brewers will come in and ask, ‘what’s your favorite? It’s very hard to be objective when all of these beers are your babies.”

The business plan is rather simple and direct, Schwartz said — to continue developing more of these beers and continue building on the solid foundation they’re created.

For Tsitso, vice president of Operations for a commercial construction company, and Schwartz, owner of Manchester, Conn.-based Fusion Cross Media, a printing company, this is still a part-time pursuit, or “passion,” as they call it, but one that is absorbing ever-larger amounts of the time not spent at their day jobs.

“This is more of our passion project,” said Tsitso, who also takes the title of head brewer. “Zack and I both like to build things, and this was our project when we started out. We wanted to see where we could take it and build it from grassroots; we expand as we have the bandwidth to do so.”

For this issue and its focus on breweries, BusinessWest takes an in-depth look at One Way Brewing and how its fast start has it on track for a high-octane brand of success in this sector where there’s friendly competition — or, as Tsitso described it, a “community” where customers are shared.

 

Lager Than Life

As he and Tsitso talked one recent Saturday morning about One Way Brewing, the route traveled to date, and where the road might take them from here, Schwartz first went about describing what they’ve created on Maple Street, and how it is different from a bar.

One Way’s portfolio of craft beers

One Way’s portfolio of craft beers continues to grow and now includes a wide spectrum of offerings.

“At a bar, you eat food, you have a drink, and maybe you watch TV,” he told BusinessWest. “Here at the brewery, Jason and I talk business with you. I don’t want to say that we’re entertaining, but we are engaged. And people are always asking questions — ‘how did you come up with that?’ and ‘what are your ingredients?’ or ‘what malts did you use?’

“Home brewers will come in and ask, ‘what’s your favorite?’” he went on. “It’s very hard to be objective when all of these beers are your babies.”

And that’s essentially how this venture started — two guys, Tsitso and Schwartz, talking about brewing, then doing it, and never stopping when it comes to asking questions, perfecting their craft, and creating more of these ‘babies.’

Elaborating, the two partners said they’ve known each other a long time and that their daughters hung out together. They both developed a thirst for craft beer — Tsitso has always had one, and Schwartz’s developed over time.

“I would say we got him into craft beer four ounces at a time,” Tsitso said of Schwartz, adding that they and other friends would do a lot of tasting over the years, activity that would eventually lead them down that stimulating but challenging path that would take them from tasters to brewers.

“We got tired of waiting in line,” Tsitso said with a laugh, adding that, rather than queuing up for other brewers’ offerings (although they still did some of that, too), they decided to brew their own.

They started attending brew fests, which back then drew both professional and home brewers, and found themselves often mistaken for the former.

“At our first brew fest, we had a logo, we had a brand, we looked like pro brewers,” Schwartz recalled. “We were at a beer fest in Vermont, and people kept asking, ‘where’s your brewery? We want to check out your brewery.’ And we said, ‘we brew out of our garage.’

“And at every brew fest after that, people would enjoy and ask the same thing — ‘where’s your brewery?’” he went on, noting that with those comments as inspiration — and as the pandemic forced brew fests to take a lengthy pause — they eventually went about creating one.

They began with cans and eventually opened their taproom after COVID restrictions were fully lifted in the spring of 2021.

As for beers, they started with … Kick Starter, a beer that would in many ways set the tone for this venture.

“It came about as West Coast IPAs were really popular and New Englands were just getting started,” Tsitso recalled. “Our whole concept with that beer was to create something that was really approachable for non-IPA drinkers, was well-balanced, and really got them into enjoying IPAs and broadening their beer drinking.”

 

Draught Choice

This same thought process has gone into subsequent additions to the portfolio, including Brraaap!, which was created to mark the two-year anniversary of the opening of the taproom; One Hard Lime Seltzer; One Rustic Cranberry Stout; and Spilled Milk Mango, a mango milkshake IPA and another popular seller.

While Tsitso is the head brewer and recipe developer, the two will work together on potential additions to the roster, looking at what might be missing from the lineup and what the next logical new label should be.

The same is essentially true of the broad business plan, said the partners, adding that the goal is sustainable growth and building on the solid base they’ve created.

“One thing we’ve always tried to do is not overextend ourselves and get to the point where we can’t manage it, either from the stress level or it just doesn’t become fun anymore,” Tsitso said. “As we get the bandwidth to expand, we expand.”

Possible avenues for expansion include a larger footprint in the plaza where they’re currently operating, and enhanced distribution, with most of it coming currently at the taproom, with beers on tap in only a few area restaurants.

Moving forward, the partners say they’re looking forward to operating with the nearby shopping plaza rebuilt. Former anchor Armata’s grocery store will not be part of the new mix, as it was destroyed by fire just a few months after they opened in the spring of 2021, but they could already see that it helped drive traffic to their business, and they long for the day when that busy intersection can turn back the clock and become a true destination.

“We’re excited that they’re rebuilding across the street, because that will really enhance traffic,” said Schwartz, adding that the taproom has a solid working relationship with a pizza shop next door and other businesses at that intersection.

Meanwhile, the partners are already drawing visitors from Longmeadow, East Longmeadow, Springfield, Enfield, and well beyond, he went on, noting that craft-beer enthusiasts travel well and are willing to put some miles on the odometer to experience something new and different.

Still, the taproom’s bread and butter is a cadre of regulars who come, as Schwartz noted earlier, not simply to drink beer, but to talk beer and experience beer.

“In the beginning, we bartended Thursday and Friday nights; we alternated every week,” he went on. “And those regulars … we developed relationships with them, talked beer with them, and shared our passion and dream with them. A lot of them come here to drink beer and visit — it’s that kind of atmosphere here.”

All this has made One Way not just a business, although it is certainly that, but also a passion, one that has taken the high road to success and is certainly revved up about what might come next.

Deerfield’s Economy Goes Well Beyond Tourism

By
Chris Dunne
Community Spotlight

Community Spotlight

Chris Dunne

Chris Dunne says one of the town’s priorities is to create more housing.

 

‘Diverse.’

That’s the one word Jessye Deane kept coming back to as she talked about Deerfield and its business community.

And with good reason.

Indeed, while this community of just over 5,000 is home to Yankee Candle Village, Historic Deerfield, the Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory, and other tourist attractions, its economy is quite broad, covering sectors ranging from agriculture to craft brewing (which doubles as a tourist attraction, as we’ll see); manufacturing to retail; restaurants to the arts.

They all come together in a picturesque community that is a true destination, said Deane, executive director of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, which also calls Deerfield home. And this diversity is certainly an asset, she added, especially as manufacturing declines in many other communities.

“This diversity is the real strength of the economy of Deerfield,” she told BusinessWest, noting that, while large employers like Yankee Candle are always important, the backbone of the community’s economy is small businesses.

And, as noted, they cover all sectors, from restaurants like Leo’s Table in the community’s small but vibrant downtown to Ames Electrical Consulting, a growing business, soon to move to Greenfield, that specializes in helping manufacturers and even municipalities with efforts to automate facilities and processes.

That list also includes manufacturers like Worthington Assembly, which has become noteworthy not only for the circuit boards it produces for a wide range of clients but for a decidedly different culture, one it describes as ‘humanizing manufacturing’.

The obvious goal moving forward is to continue adding more pieces to this diverse business puzzle, said Chris Dunne, Deerfield’s Planning & Economic Development coordinator, while also making the town even more livable and, well, simply providing more places to live.

Indeed, like most other communities in this region — although not all those in Franklin County, where population loss is a pressing issue  — Deerfield needs more housing, said Dunne, adding that creating more is part of a larger effort to repurpose land and property in what he called the town campus.

“Approximately 45% of Deerfield residents are over age 55, so there is a definite need for senior housing.”

This is a collection of buildings, many of them currently or soon to be town-owned, including the current Town Hall, two churches, and a former elementary school, some of which could likely be converted to senior housing, said Denise Mason, chair of the town’s Planning Board, adding that there is real need in this category, and if it is met, other homes could become available to younger families.

“Approximately 45% of Deerfield residents are over age 55, so there is a definite need for senior housing,” Mason said. “And there is a housing issue across our region, and especially in Deerfield. We’re hoping that by building senior housing — and we’re looking to add approximately 32 units — that would free up some of the other homes, because we do have some older seniors who would like to downsize, but they have no place to move to.”

For this, the latest installment of its Community Spotlight series, BusinessWest turns the lens on Deerfield, where an increasingly vibrant community and ever-changing destination comes into focus.

 

Developing Stories

They are referred to as the ‘1821 Building’ and the ‘1888 Building,’ respectively, because that’s when they opened their doors.

The former is a long-closed church, and the latter is the aforementioned former elementary school that, with the help of a $4 million federal earmark, is being eyed as a replacement for the current town offices, built in the ’50s and now outdated and energy-inefficient.

Wade Bassett

Wade Bassett says Yankee Candle is one of many intriguing draws that have helped transform Deerfield into a true destination.

Transformation of those two historic properties tops the list of municipal initiatives in Deerfield, Dunne and Mason said.

And if town offices can be moved to the renovated school, new uses, perhaps senior housing, could be found for the current Town Hall, which, as noted, is an aging, inefficient structure.

These properties and others sit on what is called the campus, a slice of land, most of it town-owned, between North Main Street and Conway Street that includes several structures, including Town Hall, the 1821 and 1888 buildings, the town’s senior center, a ballfield, and a second church, St. James Roman Catholic Church, and its rectory, which the town may acquire with an eye toward preservation and reuse, perhaps for more senior housing, said Mason, adding that a request for proposals will soon be issued for that property.

As noted, there is real need for this type of housing, said Mason, noting that, if it is created, homes will come on the market, opening the door for more families to move to the community.

Meanwhile, new senior housing on the campus and more young families would provide a boost for the nearby downtown, said Dunne, adding that, while that area is vibrant, there are some ‘infill projects,’ as he called them, to contend with, including a long-vacant Cumberland Farms (a new, much larger one was opened on Route 5).

Other initiatives include ongoing development of a municipal parking lot with EV chargers, one complete with a large amount of green space to counter all the paved surfaces downtown — and a Complete Streets project that include improvements to sidewalks and adding a tree belt to downtown streets.

While there’s a concerted effort to create more housing inventory for those who want to live in Deerfield, there’s already a deep portfolio of attractions for those who want to visit.

“Tree House is driving a lot of traffic to this area, with their beer and with their concerts.”

Yankee Candle has long been the mainstay, and it continues to evolve in this anchor role, said Wade Bassett, director of Sales and Operations at Yankee Candle Village.

But the tourist sector, like the overall economy, is diverse, boasting everything from butterflies to history lessons at Historic Deerfield to the latest draw — craft beer and accompanying events, especially at Tree House Brewery, now occupying the large campus that was once home to publisher Channing Bete.

That campus incudes a concert venue that brings thousands of people to Deerfield for shows, said Dunne, adding that the brewery is working with town officials to increase the limit for attendance so it can bring larger acts to that campus and thus increase the ripple effect.

19th-century building

This 19th-century building is among the properties in the town ‘campus’ being eyed for renovation.

And that effect is already considerable, said Jen Howard, owner of Leo’s Table, a breakfast and lunch restaurant on North Main Street, named after her grandfather, who owned and operated a similar establishment in Fitchburg after returning from military service.

Howard said she explains the name on a regular basis, adding that many guests will ask her male kitchen employee if he is Leo.

Those guests run the gamut, she said, noting that there is a solid core of locals, many of them senior citizens, but many diners are coming on their way to attractions like Yankee Candle, the butterfly conservatory, and, increasingly, Tree House.

“We even see some from the parking lot — people charging their vehicles will come in,” she told BusinessWest, adding that a much larger boost comes from the tourist attractions, which fuel many other hospitality-related businesses.

 

Staying Power

At Yankee Candle, they call it the “golden key.”

That’s the name of a long-standing program, a tradition, really, at the company, whereby one family, or an individual guest, is chosen to receive an actual, and quite large, golden key, which they are required to wear, and which entitles them to enjoy all the many experiences at the Village for free.

Deerfield at a Glance

Year Incorporated: 1677
Population: 5,090
Area: 33.4 square miles
County: Franklin
Residential Tax Rate: $13.85
Commercial Tax Rate: $13.85
Median Household Income: $74,853
Median Family Income: $83,859
Type of Government: Open Town Meeting
Largest Employers: Yankee Candle Co., Pelican Products Inc.
* Latest information available

“They can enjoy Wax Works, they can fill a candy jar, they can get some ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s — it gives a next-level experience to the guest,” said Bassett, adding quickly that the program was designed to engage not only guests, but employees at the Village as well. Indeed, each day a different team member is assigned the task of deciding who, if anyone, is worthy of the golden key, which is awarded for many good reasons, from a 100th birthday to a wedding anniversary to marking one’s final round of chemotherapy.

“Recently, we had two people get engaged in our Black Forest, and one of our employees came back and said, ‘we just had an engagement in our store — why don’t we give them the golden key?” Bassett went on, adding that the program is just one way the Village strives to heighten what is still in most respects a retail experience and take it to the next level.

That level has been raised continuously over the more than 30 years that the Village has been operating, he said, adding that the facility, which is in seemingly constant motion and changing with the holidays and seasons — Easter and April school vacation are next on the schedule, and programs are already being developed — is now part of a broad effort to make Deerfield and all of Franklin County a true destination.

Indeed, like others we spoke with, Bassett said Deerfield has become a regional tourism hub, with a variety of attractions that can broaden a visit from a few hours to an entire day — or even longer.

Tree House has been an important addition to the mix, he told BusinessWest, adding that it is part of a craft-beer trail, if you will, along with Berkshire Brewing nearby in the center of Deerfield. But Tree House has become a much bigger draw with its concerts and other types of events.

“Tree House is driving a lot of traffic to this area, with their beer and with their concerts,” Bassett said, adding that this traffic is finding its way to different stops in the area, including Yankee Candle.

Deane agreed, and said that the goal in Deerfield, and across Franklin County, is to simply “extend the stay.” Elaborating, she said the community has Yankee Candle to bring visitors in, but it also has Tree House, Berkshire Brewing, Historic Deerfield, and other attractions to keep them there for an extended stay — and bring them back again.

 

Hometown Financial Group Continues Course of Acquisition

By
Matt Sosik
Banking and Financial Services

Branching Out — Again

Matt Sosik

Matt Sosik says Hometown’s latest acquisition is part of an ongoing initiative to gain needed size and extend the institution’s footprint.

 

Matt Sosik referred to it as a “mutual admiration society.”

That’s how he chose to describe the respect that he developed for the manner in which Kevin Tierney had grown North Shore Bank into a force in that region of the Commonwealth and, likewise, how Tierney respected what Sosik had done with Easthampton-based Hometown Financial Group, using acquisition and organic growth to transform it into a $4.7 billion multi-bank holding company with a reach that extends across Western and Central Mass., the South Shore, and into Northeastern Conn.

This mutual admiration eventually became the catalyst for talks to bring the institutions together, said Sosik, chairman and CEO of Hometown Financial, adding that North Shore will become part of the Hometown family of banks through a merger of Abington Bank, acquired by Hometown in 2019, into North Shore.

The combined bank will have more than $3 billion in assets and 25 full-service retail locations across the Bay State’s North and South Shore regions and Southern New Hampshire. Meanwhile, Hometown will become, with more than $6 billion in assets, one of the largest mutual banks in the country, said Sosik, adding that the merger gives the group more of what banks need in this challenging day and age — size.

“Margins have been falling steadily, and the only way to beat that back and try to win that battle is drive down costs, at least on the average.”

Indeed, when asked what greater size — $6.4 billion in assets compared to $4.7 billion — provides, Sosik started by saying simply, “survival.”

“Margins have been falling steadily, and the only way to beat that back and try to win that battle is drive down costs, at least on the average,” he explained. “So scale is the way to achieve that; when you put more assets under one roof and achieve more efficiencies, you’re driving down per-asset costs, and that’s what this business model tries to attain.

“We want to use that $6.5 billion chassis that’s headquartered in Easthampton to run the back offices of all of our three subsidiary banks,” he went on, listing bankESB, bankHometown in Central Mass., and the soon-to-be-much-larger North Shore Bank. “We can liberate those banks to do what they do best, which is use the power of their local brand in their communities they’re serving and let the shared service model of the holding company do the grungy stuff to produce efficiencies.”

That business model he mentioned has been an aggressive course of acquisitions that makes sense on every level, but especially those involving new opportunities for achieving growth and diversity when it comes to markets and regional vibrancy.

For this issue and its focus on banking & financial services, we take an in-depth look at the latest of these acquisitions for Hometown Financial and what it means for the institution moving forward.

 

Another Transaction of Note

As he talked about Hometown’s latest expansion effort, Sosik broke it down into two parts, essentially.

The first is the merger of North Shore into Hometown Financial Group, and then the merger of two of its subsidiary banks, North Shore and Abington, under the North Shore banner — although the Abington name will live on.

Putting those two institutions together under one roof, if you will, gives Hometown a dynamic presence in the eastern part of the state, which, like Western Mass. — and all corners of the state, for that matter — is a highly competitive region charactized by a strong mix of local, regional, and national banks, Sosik said.

Elaborating, he noted that the joining of Abington and North Shore brings a number of benefits, everything from resolution of succession issues at Abington — long-time President and CEO Andrew Raczka is entering retirement — to needed size and scale for North Shore.

“For North Shore, this makes a lot of sense strategically because they’re going to expand their footprint around Boston, gain market share … all the important things,” Sosik told BusinessWest. “But they’re also sliding underneath this $6.5 million company. They’re going to get to run their bank, and yet they can have their cake and eat it too in the sense that they’ll have access to our shared services and gain the efficiences of a much larger company. The benefits are the same for us — ensuring long-term viability and relevance in a very slim-margin industry.”

Rewinding the tape, Sosik said the talks between him and Tierney began just over a year ago and accelerated over the past few months. The merger was announced early last month, and the transaction is anticipated to close in the second half of this year.

It is the latest of seven strategic mergers for Hometown Financial Group over the past nine years, an aggressive pattern of acquisition that has taken the institition well beyond the 413. Indeed, its reach now extends across most of the state into neighboring Connecticut and New Hampshire.

Recounting those acquisitions, Sosik said they started in June 2015, when Citizens National Bancorp and its subsidiary, Citizens National Bank, merged into bankESB, which was operating at the time under the name Easthampton Savings Bank. In April 2016, Hometown Community Bancorp and its subsidiary, Hometown Community Bank, joined Hometown Financial Group to become the second subsidiary of the holding company; Hometown Community Bank has since changed its name to bankHometown. And in January 2019, Pilgrim Bancorp and its subsidiary, Pilgrim Bank, joined Hometown Financial Group.

Later that year, Abington Bank merged into Pilgrim Bank, with the name of the combined bank changed to Abington Bank, and Millbury Savings Bank merged into bankHometown. In October 2022, Randolph Bancorp and its subsidiary, Envision Bank, merged into Abington Bank, and last month, North Shore Bancorp and its subsidiary, North Shore Bank, announced plans to merge with Abington Bank; at transaction closing, Abington Bank will operate as a division of North Shore Bank.

 

Moves of Interest

This latest merger transforms North Shore into a $3.1 billion powerhouse, one of the largest mutuals in that part of the state, with reach across Eastern Mass., where, again, there are many competitors, size is an all-important asset, and meaningful, organic growth is far more attainable than it is Western Mass., which is typically described as a slow- or no-growth area.

“It’s a very competitive market, but also a very vibrant market,” said Sosik. “When you look at our demographics in the Pioneer Valley, they’re not very impressive; we love that market, and it’s very stable, but it’s not high-growth.

“It’s different in the eastern part of the state,” he went on. “In spite of the depth of the competition, it’s still a great market to be in; there are opportunites for growth.”

From a bigger-picture perspective, this latest merger provides an opportunity to take the stability of Western Mass. and juxtapose it against the “higher highs and lower lows” that define the far more dynamic eastern part of the state, he continued, adding that this diversity of regions and markets is another solid asset for Hometown Financial Group.

It’s an asset most other banks in the region are seeking as well, he said, noting that several banks in Western Mass. are pushing into Connecticut and other regions, and some Connecticut-based banks are moving north.

It’s all a function of gaining access to higher-growth areas and, overall, much-needed size, said Sosik, as he returned once again to the topics of margins — and how they became even smaller in the wake of repeated interest-rate hikes last year — and scale and the importance of attaining it.

“Banks are not built to withstand that kind of pressure,” he said in reference to climbing deposit rates and an inability to increase yields on existing loan portfolios beyond a certain point. “So you’re seeing banks in various degrees of duress becase of that predicament.”

The pace of interest-rate increases has certainly slowed, and rates may even decline somewhat this year, but this will remain a challenging climate for banks of all sizes, he went on, adding that the only course of action is to achieve greater size.

“In a low-margin business of any kind, and banking is certainly right at the top of that list, you have got to grow, or you’re going backward,” he went on. “That’s the nature of the beast. How do you acomplish that growth? We’ve chosen one model, and there are other successful pathways.”

Thus far, this model has chosen to be successful at achieving its various goals — from territorial expansion and regional diversity to much-needed scale.

And Sosik expects this pattern to continue with the acquisition of North Shore Bank.

Area Banks, Credit Unions Stress Philanthropy, Volunteerism

By
Mary McGovern, incoming president of Country Bank.
Banking and Financial Services Special Coverage

Community Interest

Mary McGovern, incoming president of Country Bank.

Mary McGovern, incoming president of Country Bank.

 

When asked why Country Bank supports local nonprofits, incoming President Mary McGovern gave a simple answer. “It’s a way for us to make a difference in our community.”

Then she elaborated.

“We have a tagline we adopted two years ago, ‘made to make a difference.’ We feel that encapsulates what Country Bank is all about, trying to make a difference in our community. It’s something we’ve done over the history of Country Bank, and we continue to make a positive impact by supporting local nonprofits, specifically the kind that rely on donations from their local businesses to help support them.”

Those efforts have focused in recent years on a number of priorities, she added, including food insecurity, health, education, and financial literacy, as well as homeless shelters, senior-serving programs, youth organizations, and more.

To that end, Country reported more than $1.2 million in donations in 2023, with 463 organizations receiving grants. One highlight last year was a partnership with (and $30,000 donation to) the Wonderfund, which aims to improve the lives of individuals in the Department of Children and Families system.

That large number of supported nonprofits resonates with Matt Bannister, senior vice president of Marketing and Corporate Responsibility at PeoplesBank, who was named a 2024 Difference Maker by BusinessWest last month for his extensive role in the bank’s community-support efforts. PeoplesBank recorded $1.6 million in donations last year to more than 550 area nonprofits, making the average grant just under $3,000.

“We continue to make a positive impact by supporting local nonprofits, specifically the kind that rely on donations from their local businesses to help support them.”

“We give a little to a lot of groups. We don’t tend to do large capital campaigns,” he said. “One big ‘yes’ often means a lot of little ‘no’s.’ So many nonprofits out there are doing good work, so it feels wrong to say ‘no’ to people.”

So, outside of a few big splashes — like a major donation to help the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts build its new headquarters — spreading the wealth around is a guideline the bank tends to stick with.

“The overall philosophy for our funding is we want to level the playing field — give opportunities to those who are disadvantaged and need more help,” Bannister added. “We have funding areas — food insecurity, housing, economic development, etc. — and the overarching principle of all these funding areas is to level the playing field.”

Many area institutions share their donation figures each year; Pittsfield Cooperative Bank donates nearly $200,000 — a striking number, considering it boasts around $385 million in total assets — through its charitable contributions to regional scholarships, youth mentorship programs, and nonprofit, economic-development, and health and human-service organizations.

Meanwhile, the Liberty Bank Foundation granted $1,453,742 to local nonprofits in 2023, including $10,000 as an annual ‘holiday gift’ from the bank, with the recipient chosen by bank customers. And Greenfield Savings Bank (GSB) gave more than $1 million in 2023 to more than 300 organizations.

Peter Albero, GSB’s chief financial officer and treasurer, noted that, while profits have been challenged over the past couple years by rising interest rates, the bank has not cut back on its financial support in the community, or its level of employee volunteerism.

Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch (right) presents a check to John Beaulieu

Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch (right) presents a check to John Beaulieu, president of the Westover Galaxy Community Council, one of the recipients of Freedom’s Month of Giving campaign.

“Profitability may be reduced, but we have not reduced our commitment to our communities. I think we are a pillar of Greenfield and the broader community,” Albero said. “So we continue to reinvest in the community, and everyone benefits from that.”

A.J. Bresciano, first vice president and commercial loan officer at GSB, agreed.

“Even in a higher-interest-rate environment, we’re taking measures to ensure our impact in the community is not being impacted and not deteriorating. So many local organizations throughout the Pioneer Valley rely on contributions of time, talent, and treasure. We make supporting those organizations a priority at Greenfield Savings Bank, and we want our team members to invest going forward.”

 

Philanthropic Priorities

Bannister made it clear that banks are required, to some degree, to be involved in their communities in a charitable way, noting that bank examiners make sure a bank’s locations and loan activities are representative of where it does business — meaning not just serving and lending to those with high incomes or profits — and they also ask how the institution gives back to the community.

“The challenge with that is there’s no right answer. We just have to go to the examiners each year and say, ‘here’s what we did.’ And when we give, we make sure a substantial amount that we give away benefits LMI — lower- to middle-income communities.”

Area banks and credit unions have increasingly inspired employees and customers to involved in giving efforts as well. In 2023, Freedom Credit Union contributed $181,898 to more than 70 charitable organizations throughout the four counties of Western Mass.

Of that, corporate charitable giving accounted for $130,432, but throughout the year, Freedom also conducts Month of Giving campaigns, in which customers can support a specific organization each month; those programs raised $17,316 in 2023. And local branch and department giving contributed an additional $34,150 to local charities.

“Our members and staff are passionate about supporting the community where we live, work, and serve,” Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch said. “In 2023, we were proud to donate funds for a wide variety of deserving institutions.”

“We give a little to a lot of groups. We don’t tend to do large capital campaigns. One big ‘yes’ often means a lot of little ‘no’s.’ So many nonprofits out there are doing good work, so it feels wrong to say ‘no’ to people.”

Other institutions take customer involvement to the polls. Both Florence Bank and Monson Savings Bank boast popular programs — called the Customers’ Choice Community Grants Program and the Community Giving Initiative, respectively — that complement other bank philanthropy by letting customers vote for nonprofits to support.

Through that initiative, Florence Bank awarded $150,000 to 46 area nonprofits in 2023, the 21st year of the program; the higher-than-usual total commemorated the bank’s 150 years in business.

“It’s amazing to see so many community organizations being recognized, and the fact that the recognition comes from Florence Bank customers in the form of votes is really special,” President and CEO Matt Garrity said.

Meanwhile, in the 14th year of its community-giving program, Monson Savings Bank awarded a total of $15,000 to the 10 top vote-getting nonprofits.

PeoplesBank employees volunteers

A team of PeoplesBank employees volunteers at Kent Memorial Library in Kent, Conn.

“Everyone’s passion for our annual Community Giving Initiative is always so exciting,” said Michael Rouette, the bank’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. “As a locally operated bank, Monson Savings has a great desire to support the residents, businesses, and nonprofits of the communities that we work in and live in.”

President and CEO Dan Moriarty added that “these organizations are worthy nonprofits that supply important resources to our communities. It is clear why they were chosen by our community members to receive support from Monson Savings.”

 

More Than Money

But community banks and credit unions in Western Mass. aren’t just giving money; many also emphasize a culture of volunteerism, even providing time for their employees to get involved in the community.

For example, employees at UMassFive College Federal Credit Union raised more than $18,000 for two local nonprofits last fall — $13,677 for the UMass Cancer Center via participation in the UMass Cancer Walk and Run, and $4,800 for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts via participation in Will Bike 4 Food.

A supporter of the UMass Cancer Walk and Run for more than 20 years — during which time it has raised more than $186,600 for the cause — UMassFive employees join together annually as Team UMassFive to raise funds, both personally and in branch locations. In 2023, fundraising efforts included raffle baskets, bake sales, candy sales, and art and jewelry sales, and the credit union’s corporate partners also pitched in.

Will Bike 4 Food is a more recent priority at UMassFive, as employees have taken part since 2020, raising a total of $17,500 in just four years, which equates to providing 70,332 meals to neighbors in need.

“We are so proud of our employees for supporting local causes that they care about,” said Cait Murray, Community Outreach manager at UMassFive. “Together, our team can make a more significant impact than if we all participate in events on our own. These organizations make such a big difference in our communities, and we are thrilled to support those efforts.”

Country Bank reported that its team members volunteered 1,255 hours of community service in 2023, while 37 team members served on 65 nonprofit boards and committees.

“Oftentimes, we can supplement or replace a monetary donation with volunteers, whether it’s picking vegetables at a local farm to be donated out, or helping nonprofits clean up the facility, or doing outdoor work like volunteering with Habitat for Humanity,” McGovern said. “We’re still putting the bank’s dollars to work, but the hands of our employees are helping to sustain some of these nonprofits as well.”

Liberty Bank reported 13,721 employee volunteer hours, including nearly 170 hours at Connecticut Foodshare, the aforementioned recipient of the bank’s holiday gift in 2023. The bank also actively solicits nonprofits to share information on what types of volunteer help is needed — whether working on a project or serving on a board or committee — and aims to meet those requests.

At PeoplesBank, employee volunteerism is considered part of the bank’s culture, Bannister said — part of its DNA, in fact, and something made clear to job applicants.

“We report volunteer hours to the bank examiners, and we were third in the state last year in hours volunteered per employee. It’s something that’s expected, and it’s something that builds camaraderie,” he said.

And it’s something that community banks simply should do.

“We’re more engaged in the community, where national banks are not known for that as much,” Bannister told BusinessWest. “And we consider it a competitive advantage. When you’re choosing a bank, hopefully the bank’s values are something you consider, and hopefully that volunteerism reflects well on the brand.”

 

Mill Town Capital Aims to Make an Impact in Pittsfield

By
The Mill Town Capital team atop Bousquet Mountain Ski Area.
Commercial Real Estate Special Coverage

A Visionary Approach

The Mill Town Capital team atop Bousquet Mountain Ski Area.

The Mill Town Capital team atop Bousquet Mountain Ski Area.

 

Real-estate development can be a profitable business. In fact, it’s safe to say that’s the key driver for most players in this sector.

For the team at Mill Town Capital, it’s about impact — on more than the bottom line.

Formed in 2016 and based in Pittsfield, Mill Town is an “impact investment platform,” said Tim Burke, the company’s CEO. “Our overall mission and mandate is to really make the area of Pittsfield and the Berkshires a better place to live through traditional investments, impact investments, and pure philanthropic community work.”

But what is impact investment?

“To us, impact investment means focusing on key assets or amenities or projects that have a high potential positive impact on the region,” he explained. “So it’s a little bit different than maybe a traditional impact investment that might look at energy or other areas of impact. Ours is really place-based in terms of our approach.

“When we think about impact, it’s taking on investments that most traditional investors wouldn’t take on either because the rate of return is lower, or it takes a much longer time to realize it, or they’re just really difficult projects,” he added. “We’re not necessarily restrictive to different sectors or industries. It’s really about, is this project good for the region? Is it good for the local economy? Does it have the chance to spur economic development or other potential investment, and, if so, how can we make it work?”

The company’s first ventures into real estate centered on housing-development projects in Pittsfield.

“Impact investment means focusing on key assets or amenities or projects that have a high potential positive impact on the region.”

“Pittsfield used to be a 60,000-person city, but now has 40,000 people. So you would think that there is enough housing for everyone, but the stock itself is significantly deteriorated,” Burke explained. “You have a lot of really old stock, things that are run down, properties where absentee landlords have a lot of deferred maintenance. And the living conditions in some of these are really tough.”

Since taking what he called a “clustered approach” to housing stock in the area, Mill Town has accumulated more than 200 units of housing in Pittsfield alone, as well as a few commercial buildings and mixed-use properties, with apartments on the upper floors and commercial space on the lower floors.

“So the real-estate approach there has been trying to improve neighborhoods with housing at the forefront, but also supporting small businesses and restaurants where we can.”

Bousquet complex

Tim Burke calls the Bousquet complex “a critical local asset that had fallen on some tough times.”

Public investment has sometimes followed that private investment, Burke said, with the city or state coming in with utility upgrades or streetscape improvements.

“So it’s really a multi-faceted approach, and it certainly has a patient-capital component to it as well, where we’re not looking to get in and monetize things really quickly. We have more of a patient, long-term approach to it.”

On the business-enterprise side of the ledger, Mill Town now owns about a dozen local businesses, either directly or in partnerships.

One example is Bousquet Mountain Ski Area, one of the oldest continuously operating ski areas in the country. “We felt that’s a great example of a critical local asset that had fallen on some tough times and needed a lot of investment,” Burke said. “I don’t think many rational investors would have gone in there with a pure investment business case, but we felt like it was worth saving.”

These enterprise investments tend to be clustered in regional assets in real estate, recreation, and hospitality, such as the Central Downtown Inn & Suites in Pittsfield; Gateways Inn in Lenox; Blueprint Property Group in Pittsfield; Framework, a Pittsfield co-working space; and others — about a dozen in all.

“We’ve been involved in those types of projects for a number of years, some of which are business-oriented projects, and some are philanthropic, that we do through our our 501(c)(3) foundation. That includes things like improvements in Springside Park, which is a large, local park in Pittsfield where we helped reshape and reinvest in trail networks there.”

Tim Burke

Tim Burke

“Is this project good for the region? Is it good for the local economy? Does it have the chance to spur economic development or other potential investment, and, if so, how can we make it work?”

Mill Town has also provided contributions to the Berkshire Natural Resources Council for a project that connects the various trail networks in the Berkshire mountains.

“And then we have two businesses that are in the recreation space,” Burke said. “We own an athletic center that’s called Bousquet Sport, which is across the street from the ski area, where we’re currently undergoing a 15,000-square-foot addition plus renovation to the facility, and that’s an investment in tennis, fitness, and pickleball.”

Then there’s Camp Arrow Wood, where the former Lakeside Christian Camp on Richmond Pond was converted into a new, sleep-away summer sports camp.

“We run three- and six-week summer camp sessions out of that property. That’s another project that we kind of uncovered during the COVID period … and we’ve been building that up over the past year and a half or so.”

 

Coming Home

Prior to Mill Town, Burke spent a number of years in corporate finance roles with United Technologies and then later with a couple different biotechnology companies, most recently Biogen in Boston’s Kendall Square biotech cluster.

Camp Arrow Wood

Mill Town transformed the former Lakeside Christian Camp on Richmond Pond into Camp Arrow Wood, a new, sleep-away summer sports camp.

But his connection to Pittsfield was strong, having grown up there, and around 2015, he met Dave Mixer, Mill Town’s founder “and really kind of the motor and the initiative and the capital behind everything that we do,” Burke said. “So I ended up meeting with Dave, and he had a general idea of what he wanted to do.”

Mixer, like Burke, is a Berkshire native and had just come back to the area after being away for a long period of time, and he wanted to make an impact, Burke explained.

“His view of making an impact is a little bit non-traditional from a philanthropic standpoint. He didn’t want to just write checks and then walk away. He really wanted to see if he could drive economic development and job growth and population stabilization and new housing and educational improvements — all across the spectrum of economic development and quality of life.

“It’s been a great, challenging, unique run for us over the past six or seven years, and we’re at a point now where, through Mill Town and our businesses, we employ over 300 people in the area. We’re constantly looking to grow and make this engine work and also kind of preach what we’ve learned over the years to other communities and people and investors and philanthropists and see if there are ways we can help other areas progress with what we’ve done in Pittsfield.”

“I think we’re pretty hard on ourselves in that we think we have a ways to go before we achieve the impact that we want to achieve. But it is validating to a certain degree that people see that we’re heading in the right direction.”

Indeed, Burke firmly believes Mill Town has a replicable model, but it’s one that’s still evolving. “We think we’re in the second or third inning of what we’re doing here in Pittsfield.”

And as someone with a lifelong heart for the city, he envisions what a vibrant, thriving Pittsfield can one day be.

“I think it’s a place where people from all aspects of the economic spectrum can find quality housing. They can send their kids to schools and get them a good education. They can find jobs that will allow them to live here productively and raise a family.

“And then we can provide those systems on the periphery that allow people to have a good quality of life here — places where kids have opportunities to have athletic endeavors in camps, places where adults can enjoy the natural assets that the area has,” he went on. “That comes back to trail networks and all the outdoor recreation assets that we have here.”

After all, he added, those are some of the things the Berkshires are most known for.

“Making sure that we can maximize those benefits for the people of Pittsfield is where we want to make a difference,” Burke told BusinessWest. “That involves a lot of different things and broader socioeconomic issues that are much harder to solve, like education and poverty and addiction. But we still should try to get involved in some of those things through partnerships with organizations who have that expertise.”

 

Moment of Recognition

Last fall, at 1Berkshire’s Celebrate the Berkshires event, Mill Town Capital was recognized as a special honoree for “putting the Berkshires on the map” — an honor that recognized the company’s investments in housing and downtown redevelopment, as well as its philanthropic support around the region.

“When our regional economic-development group recognized Mill Town for the work that we’re doing, it was tremendously gratifying for our team to see that people see the work that we’re doing and that it is having a positive impact,” Burke said. “I think we’re pretty hard on ourselves in that we think we have a ways to go before we achieve the impact that we want to achieve. But it is validating to a certain degree that people see that we’re heading in the right direction.

“That hasn’t always been the case,” he added. “I think when we first started out, there was a lot of skepticism and questioning: ‘what’s the angle?’ ‘What are you trying to accomplish?’ So it was great to see that, at a minimum, people view it as positive-intent work that has the potential to drive change.”

Franklin County Businesses Face Challenges, but Also Opportunity

By
Franklin County Special Coverage

Big Ideas in Small Towns

Lucy Damkoehler has developed a strong following from both within and outside Franklin County for her bakery and cooking classes.

When Lucy Damkoehler returned to Western Mass. after 20 years away, she opened a bakery in a town she knew well — Bernardston, to be exact, with its population of 2,000.

That was in 2018. Today, Sweet Lucy’s Bakeshop is thriving, demonstrating, like many other businesses already have, that it’s possible to succeed in a county whose 26 communities total around 71,000 residents — less than half of Springfield alone.

“It took off right away,” she said. “My prices were competitively high. I knew the cost of food was going up and the cost of labor was going up, so I priced it so I didn’t have to change my prices too often. But people didn’t complain about it, and I felt like it was doing pretty well.”

When COVID shut down much of the world, Damkoehler pivoted to a concept called Take & Bake Meals, which, at its height, was sending 50 to 60 meals out the door each day, which wound up expanding her reach and widening her exposure.

“We were getting people from Connecticut, from New York, discovering us,” she recalled, and those days partly explain why her customer base went from 90% local before 2020 to a ratio today of about 60% repeat customers — who come anywhere from every day to once a month — and 40% travelers checking out the bakery for the first time.

And Damkoehler’s success continues; she used a crowdfunded grant and a bank loan to build an addition, doubling her kitchen space and allowing her to begin offering cooking classes last September. She now employs six full-time bakers and six front-of-house staff, and is looking to hire a chef instructor as well.

“It blows my mind that I’ve only had one class that’s had to cancel due to low enrollment. They usually sell out within a couple of weeks, if not days,” she told BusinessWest. “It shows there’s a major need for that part of the business; there’s nothing like that around here. We’re doing kids’ classes now, too.

“I’m amazed every day that we’re able to do this successfully,” she added, especially in a community of just over 2,100 residents. “The prices are not cheap. But people recognize the value, and they appreciate it, and they’re willing to spend more money on something that’s done right. It doesn’t scare people away.”

So that’s what Damkoehler brought to the table: talent, quality, drive, and the instincts to pivot to what the market needed, which, both during the pandemic and with her classes, generated further opportunities for growth. Meanwhile, other businesses throughout this mostly rural county bring their own differentiators, but they also testify to a supportive, if small, community.

“Business owners here who are thriving have really committed, loyal customers. They have customers who love to come out and spend time there, spend their dollars with them, and they’re focused on providing a really great experience every time someone comes in,” said Hannah Rechtschaffen, director of the Greenfield Business Assoc. (GBA).

“One thing that I hear from some business owners is a sense of community and mutual support,” she added, noting that one of the GBA’s goals is to keep building opportunities for business owners to know each other better, so they can recommend each other.

“I think it’s organizations like ours and like the chamber that are able to listen to business owners and respond and really be another set of hands in their business success. That’s not overrated when you’re wanting to have a brick-and-mortar presence. So I hope businesses will think about opening here; I hope businesses will think about opening a second location here.”

“We were getting people from Connecticut, from New York, discovering us.”

To that end, Rechtschaffen added, “when we’re in conversation with Greenfield Community College about getting an internship program going, or when we’re in conversation with the Franklin County CDC about small-business support and entrepreneurship, all of those relationships are so, so crucial. None of us want to feel like we’re toiling away alone. We want to feel like we’re part of a larger ecosystem.”

Jessye Deane, executive director of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and Regional Tourism Council, agreed.

“Partnership and collaboration are the special ingredients in Franklin County. The way our communities come together to support our small businesses, it’s not like anything I’ve seen elsewhere,” she said.

“What I love to see here are thoughtful partnerships and strategies around how to best support business owners in filling in some gaps and resources that some more populated areas have, and how to attract different industries to the area,” she continued, touting, as Rechtschaffen did, the partnership between the chamber and GBA, but also Greenfield Community College, the CDC, and various economic-development entities.

“We want everyone’s business to be as successful as possible and have as many resources as they can tap into to ensure that success,” Deane said. “We wake up every day asking how to best support them.”

 

Declining Numbers

Such partnerships and mutual support are especially meaningful in a county that, after years of plateauing population, has seen those numbers start to creep downward, especially in the small towns beyond Greenfield and Deerfield.

“Certainly, population decline — or the projection of population decline we see — is a pretty major threat to many rural parts of Massachusetts,” said Linda Dunlavy, executive director of the Franklin Regional Council of Governments. “As Baby Boomers age, we need help, and not attracting young people to our region will be a concern for us. So we’re working on that.

Double Edge Theatre in Ashfield

Double Edge Theatre in Ashfield is just one example of the many cultural offerings in Franklin County.

“But population decline also hurts Franklin County and its rural areas because so many state and federal funding formulas, the distribution of aid money to municipalities, is based on population,” she continued. “So as our population decreases, the amount of money we have for infrastructure improvements, for education, etc., also decreases, which compounds the problem: how do we get people to come to our region if we’re not caring for our infrastructure, our assets, adequately?”

Dunlavy, who was named one of the Difference Makers for 2024 by BusinessWest, has been working for the benefit of Franklin County for decades, so she understands its assets — from arts and culture to outdoor recreation to that supportive business community others mentioned — but she understands the challenges of an aging, shrinking population base, too.

“Because we’re so rural, we have to work together,” she told BusinessWest. “We are a very collaborative region, probably one of the most collaborative regions in Massachusetts, because all the regional organizations are working together. We combine services of municipalities, our businesses work together, and they are served by strong regional support systems. It’s a great region to live in — if you know about us.”

A.J. Bresciano, first vice president and commercial loan officer at Greenfield Savings Bank (GSB), has been lending in Franklin County for the past 16 years, and he feels good about the current strength of business activity in the region.

“In terms of business lending, I think there’s some growth and some optimism, post-pandemic, in starting businesses and seizing opportunities to capitalize on improving economic markets. I think there is some opportunity for people with great ideas and a passion for what they do to come in and start something new,” he told BusinessWest.

That said, “there are certainly some challenges in the interest-rate environment,” he added, especially on the residential side, where higher rates and a shortage of housing have taken away the ‘churn’ of a vibrant market. “But I think that will change. Hopefully we’ll see rates start to come down in the near future, which will give people an opportunity to go out and seek new opportunities. We’re pretty optimistic about what the future holds.”

On the plus side, “there’s a lot of interest in this market because it’s less expensive than other markets that are overdeveloped. So a lot of borrowers see opportunity here,” said Peter Albero, chief financial officer and treasurer, noting that GSB originated $100 million in commercial loans and $70 million in residential loans last year. “The residential side is still a little bit lower … but the commercial side is very strong. A lot of banks are competing for strong borrowers.”

The aging of the population has created a fair amount of business turnover, Bresciano added, as long-time business owners are looking to retire and move into the next chapter of their lives.

“So there’s definitely opportunity for someone else to come in with new ideas, new ambitions, and to cultivate a new environment,” he said, pointing to one project — the conversion of the former Wilson’s Department Store in downtown Greenfield to a mixed-use property — as an example of forward thinking.

“None of us want to feel like we’re toiling away alone. We want to feel like we’re part of a larger ecosystem.”

For her part, Deane has seen a pipeline emerge of younger leaders in many Franklin County communities as older leaders, like those older business owners, look to retirement. “I’m excited about the leadership we’re seeing step into those roles,” she said.

 

Plenty to Promote

Rechtschaffen is acutely aware of what a spread-out county like Franklin faces in terms of housing, transportation, and access to amenities, but she tends to light up when talking about what she loves about the region — and there’s a lot of that.

“We have so much amazing outdoor arts, outdoor activities, whitewater rafting, skiing, theater … there are so many things. So I always want to make sure that people know what there is to visit up here.”

The target audience isn’t just visitors from afar, though.

“We have an advantage in Franklin County, which is that people really do want to support local, so it’s important that we have the right retail mix and experience mix here for people to be able to do that,” Rechtschaffen said, which is the impetus behind efforts like the “find it in Greenfield” campaign running on Bear Country radio and through other outlets.

“A lot of people don’t realize what’s so close by. So getting the word out can be a challenge,” she added. “We’re really trying to keep beating that drum and making sure that things are affordable, things are accessible, and we’re bringing businesses into Greenfield and Franklin County that people really want. That’s also a crucial part of the puzzle.”

Dunlavy has helped put many pieces in place, from north-south rail to broadband access to a planned partnership with other regional councils of government on a Connecticut River climate-resiliency plan.

“You do nothing alone. Everything takes partnership and many people working together,” she said. “And I like that part of the job. I like that challenge, and I like that focus. I’m never bored, ever. There’s always something to work on and always something to think about.”

Rechtschaffen never stops thinking about Franklin County, either.

“This is really creative work,” she said, “to be problem solving, to be listening, to be connecting people with one another so that their business can thrive, maybe in ways they didn’t think about. I really love all of this work to grow Greenfield and Franklin County in a way that feels good, for as many people as possible.”

 

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Bay Path University to Acquire Cambridge College

LONGMEADOW — The boards of Bay Path University and Cambridge College announced today that Bay Path has entered into a formal agreement to acquire Cambridge College. This move reflects a strategic focus by both institutions on planning for future success providing career-focused education models to a diverse student population. Each based its decision to join together on the shared mission of the two institutions. The two institutions have shared their plans and the greater opportunity created by a combined organization with both the Commonwealth’s Department of Higher Education, which has regulatory purview over both Bay Path and Cambridge, and the New England Commission of Higher Education, which accredits both institutions. Both organizations will be working with Bay Path and Cambridge to ensure the process to combine the institutions meets their respective standards and regulatory requirements. The acquisition of Cambridge College will nearly double the number of students served by Bay Path and bring total enrollment to more than 5,000, including a growing number of international students. The geographies served by Bay Path will expand to include Cambridge’s Eastern Mass. location as well as its growing Puerto Rico location. Opened in downtown San Juan more than 20 years ago, the campus provides graduate programs in business and technology as well as education and counseling to working professionals. Bay Path currently operates two locations: its Longmeadow campus, which serves women at the undergraduate level, and the state-of-the-art Philip H. Ryan Health Science Center in East Longmeadow, which provides graduate degrees in education, healthcare, and psychology. The university also grants undergraduate degrees online through the American Women’s College. Bay Path’s acquisition of Cambridge College is likely to be complete in June. Full integration of Cambridge College into Bay Path will take 18 to 24 months, pending a series of approvals by accreditors and appropriate state and federal regulators.

 

Florence Bank Supports West Springfield’s 250th

FLORENCE — Florence Bank has donated $4,000 to the city of West Springfield to help support four events the city has planned in 2024 as part of a year packed with 250th-anniversary festivities. Florence Bank’s backing of the West Springfield 250th celebration specifically offers support for three 5K races, happening in March, July, and November; a block party on June 22 and 23, when Elm and Central streets will be closed for activities from dancing to vendors and food trucks; family photo sessions at historic town locations; and a golf tournament in July. Also part of the 250th events in West Springfield are a birthday celebration in Clark Field today, Feb. 23, the same day West Springfield was incorporated in 1774; a black-tie ball in May; various ongoing public art projects; and a Bright Nights display next winter. In addition to the financial support, a team of bank staff will volunteer at some of the events in town. Since 2007, Florence Bank has had a presence in West Springfield, which was enhanced five years ago when the current full-service branch opened at 1010 Union St.

 

Second Chance Composting Program Comes to Pittsfield

PITTSFIELD — Second Chance Composting recently brought its residential community composting program to Pittsfield. Memberships are open and ongoing for the 9 South Atlantic Ave. dropoff location. The program runs continuously all year, through all four seasons. Memberships start at $9.99 per month, offering unlimited dropoff of household food scraps to the location each month. Members simply save their food scraps at home and, at their convenience, bring them to 9 South Atlantic Ave. and drop their material into the tote. Members can come as little or as often as needed each month. All food and food scraps are accepted, including meat, fish, dairy, bones, and shells. Other membership pricing options are available for those who wish to receive finished compost back. In addition to the new Pittsfield location, Second Chance Composting currently has dropoff locations in North Adams, Williamstown, and Adams, which have continuous and ongoing membership signups. Every week, Second Chance Composting picks up the material, which is brought to its MassDEP-certified facility in Cheshire to process the food scraps into compost, which is then distributed back to the community to grow more food, flowers, plants, and trees. Those interested in learning more or signing up for a membership can do so by visiting www.secondchancecomposting.com.

Incorporations

By
Incorporations

The following business incorporations were recorded in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties and are the latest available. They are listed by community.

AGAWAM

SDS Mobile Welding Services Inc. 450 Silver St., Agawam, MA 01001. Scott Swenson, same. Welding fabrication and related services on real-estate, personal, and business property.

AMHERST

Vivid Vision Inc., 186 College St., Amherst, MA 01002. Jacob Torres, 419 Enterprise Dr., Somerset, MA 02725. Nonprofit organization established to foster and promote emerging musical talent within the academic and greater community and provide resources, support, networking opportunities, and education.

CHICOPEE

FZ Corp., 643 Prospect St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Maninder Arora, same. Convenience store.

Rybachuk Pro Master Inc., 26 Sampson St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Andrii Rybachuk, same. Construction services.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Dust Collectors Cleaning Service Inc., 20 Hillside Dr., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Kathryn Koske, same. Cleaning services.

FLORENCE

Play Incubation Collective Inc., 264 Riverside Dr., Florence, MA 01062. Sarah Marcus, same. Supports the development of new theatrical work and fosters creativity, collaboration, and a celebration of the creative process through programs and workshops for all ages.

HATFIELD

Skawski Farms Inc., 455 Main St., Hatfield, MA 01038. Michael Skawski, 40 Straits Road, Hatfield, MA 01038. Agricultural farm.

LONGMEADOW

Community Alliance for Peace and Justice Inc., 468 Inverness Lane, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Mehlaqa Samdani, same. Alliance to amplify the political voice of the American Muslim community in Massachusetts and Connecticut.

NORTH ADAMS

Live Balanced Bookkeeping Inc., 382 West Shaft Road, North Adams, MA 01247. Stephanie Roy, same. Bookkeeping and tax services.

PITTSFIELD

Avalor Technologies Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Raanan Raz, same. Provides SAAS solutions.

Garden Blossoms Florist Corp., 31 Essex St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Sean Colombari, same. Retail florist shop.

Silverspace Technologies Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Mounish Soni, 806 Green Valley Road, Suite 200, Greensboro, NC 27408. Connects businesses with qualified candidates for temporary, permanent, and contract positions.

SHELBURNE FALLS

Hill Street Concrete Designs Inc., 107 State St., Shelburne Falls, MA 01370. Taylor Powell, 12 Dungarbin Dr., Shelburne Falls, MA 01370. Design and fabrication of custom concrete home and commercial furnishings such as sinks, countertops, exterior floors, and patios.

SOUTHAMPTON

Western Mass Masons Inc., 383 College Highway, Southampton, MA 01073. David Osiecki, same. Masonry services.

SPRINGFIELD

Clearer Vision Foundation Corp., 1690 Boston Road, #1073, Springfield, MA 01129. Tracy Hill, same. Nonprofit organization established for the purpose of empowering youth through diverse mentorship for clearer career paths.

Pearl Food Mart Inc., 1112 Bay St., Springfield, MA 01109. Mian Saleem, 188 Clearwater Circle, Ludlow, MA 01056. Retail food sales.

Winter Sports Retailers Inc., 235 Cadwell Dr., Springfield, MA 01104. Gary Fleming, same. Retailer of winter sports gear.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

A&T Carpentry Inc., 17 Herrman St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Engages in the acquisition and/or disposition of sports and/or snow goods, equipment, accessories, and products for wholesale and retail business.

WILBRAHAM

Dispatch Dogs Inc., 6 Mountain Brook Road, Wilbraham, MA 01095. John O’Keefe, same. Dog therapy services providing support and healing to individuals within the law-enforcement, fire, EMS, and mortuary communities, with secondary services in victim advocacy, youth initiatives, addiction support, and senior/assisted-living programs.

Picture This

By
Picture This

Email ‘Picture This’ photos with a caption and contact information to [email protected]

 

Brrrrrr

The polar plunge and draft horse wagon rides were just two highlights of Winterfest 2024, a series of events, culminating on Feb. 11, presented by the Nashawannuck Pond Steering Committee as a fundraiser for the committee’s cleanup and preservation efforts in and around the pond in Easthampton. The committee’s annual maintenance and operating costs are approximately $10,000, which is why Winterfest is so important.

Photo by Colin McGahan

 

 

Special Experience

American International College (AIC) hosted the 2024 Western Massachusetts Basketball League Tournament for Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA) at AIC’s Butova Gym on Jan. 21, Feb. 4, and Feb. 17. The campus community supported three weekends of games, with student volunteers assisting with scoring and timing, student-athletes interacting with players, and others cheering from the stands, creating an uplifting experience for the 79 SOMA participants.

Photo by AIC student Swastik Chuke

 

 

Welcome Home

Bluebird Estates, a Holiday by Atria independent-living community in East Longmeadow, recently completed a renovation project for capital upgrades in design and amenities. A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on Feb. 22 with state Sen. Jacob Oliveira, state Rep. Brian Ashe, East Longmeadow Town Manager Thomas Christensen, Deputy Town Manager Rebecca Lisi, and others, followed by refreshments, live entertainment, and community tours.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on Feb. 22 with state Sen. Jacob Oliveira, state Rep. Brian Ashe, East Longmeadow Town Manager Thomas Christensen, Deputy Town Manager Rebecca Lisi, and others, followed by refreshments, live entertainment, and community tours.

 

 

Shining Stars

The Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce hosted its 39th annual Shining Stars Awards Gala, themed “The Greatest Show in Chicopee,” on March 1 at the Castle of Knights in Chicopee. Presented by Westfield Bank, this year’s event featured performers from SHOW Circus Studio in Easthampton roaming about the event.  (Photos by Michael Epaul Photography)

The evening’s hosts, Hayley Procon (left) and Jeremy Procon (right), present the Business of the Year honor to Michelle and Peter Wirth of Mercedes-Benz of Springfield

 

Citizen of the Year Ashley Kohl with her “ohana,” which is Hawaiian for family

 

a group of attendees, including Amie Miarecki and Tracey Alves-Lear from Nonprofit of the Year Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts, along with Volunteer of the Year Daryl Grabowski, pose for a selfie with a stilt walker

 

 

 

Agenda

By
Agenda

Pynchon Award Nominations

Through March 31: The Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts is seeking nominations from throughout Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties for the Pynchon Award, which recognizes area citizens who have rendered outstanding service to the community. To nominate an individual, submit a letter explaining why the nominee should be considered. Be sure to include biographical information, outstanding accomplishments, examples of service to the community, organizations he or she is or has been active in, and the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of at least three people who can further attest to the nominee’s eligibility for induction into the Order of William Pynchon. The Pynchon trustees reserve the right to eliminate nominations from consideration due to insufficient information. Qualifying nominees will be considered and researched by the Pynchon trustees, composed of the current and five past presidents of the Advertising Club. Nominations should be submitted to William Pynchon Trustees, Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts, P.O. Box 1022, West Springfield, MA 01090-1022 or by email to [email protected]. The 2024 recipients will be announced in June, with an awards ceremony tentatively scheduled for the fall.

 

Spirit of Girls Fundraiser

March 22: Girls Inc. of the Valley’s annual major fundraiser is back at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield. Spirit of Girls: Rewind // Fast Forward features co-lead sponsors PeoplesBank and the Women’s Foundation of Boston. Guests and attendees will hear the impactful stories of Girls Inc. youth, families, alumni, and more. The evening will include heavy appetizers and a cash bar. Girls Inc. of the Valley is actively seeking sponsors and volunteers to support the event. Sponsors include PeoplesBank, the Women’s Foundation of Boston, Hazen Paper Co., bankESB, BonaVita Aesthetics, the Collins Companies, Monson Savings Bank, SourcePass, UMass Amherst, Parker’s Portables, Kuhn Riddle Architects, and the Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts.

 

Bay Path President’s Gala

March 23: Bay Path University announced its fifth President’s Gala, themed “Breaking Through,” will be held at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. The evening will begin with a 5:30 p.m. VIP reception, followed by dinner, program presentations, and dancing. Tickets can be purchased by visiting baypath.edu/gala or calling (413) 565-1063. The gala will focus on supporting learners enrolled in healthcare degree programs, recognizing their resilience and dedication. Like many regions across the country, Western Mass. faces shortages in many healthcare professions, including primary-care physicians, nurses, and mental-health providers. Through its more than 20 undergraduate and graduate healthcare degrees, Bay Path is educating and training future healthcare workers to be on the front line of helping to keep communities safe and healthy. Proceeds from the gala will directly contribute to scholarships, resources, and initiatives that benefit learners pursuing healthcare degrees, reinforcing Bay Path University’s commitment to fostering excellence in the healthcare field, she added. Both healthcare policy and advocacy play crucial roles in shaping the healthcare landscape in Western Mass. To that end, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal and Sr. Mary Caritas, SP will be honorary chairs for this event. To view a full list of gala committee members, sponsors, and additional event details, visit baypath.edu/gala.

 

Second Chance Dinner Auction

March 23: Tickets for the 25th annual Second Chance Dinner Auction are now available for purchase. This significant fundraising event marks the kickoff of Second Chance Animal Services’ year-long 25th-anniversary celebration, promising an evening of philanthropy and joy to benefit homeless shelter pets in need of veterinary care. The event will take place at the La Salle Reception Center in Southbridge. The evening will commence with a cocktail hour at 4 p.m., giving attendees the opportunity to peruse and bid on myriad silent-auction items and try their luck with raffle prizes. The main event unfolds with dinner at 6 p.m., followed by the highlight of the night, the auction. Tickets are $55 per person with the option to reserve a table of nine for $495. The success of the event relies on the generosity of sponsors and item donors. Second Chance encourages businesses and individuals to consider lending their support by becoming a sponsor or contributing items. As noted, the event features both a silent and live auction featuring hundreds of items ranging from gift certificates for local businesses and restaurants to gift baskets and everything in between. To enhance the auction experience, a selection of gift cards and small, easy-to-ship items will be available for advance online bidding March 14-21. For those interested in sponsoring, donating items, or attending the event, complete information and tickets can be found at www.secondchanceanimals.org/dinner-auction.

 

Women’s Leadership Conference

April 4: Bay Path University announced that real-estate legend, investor, best-selling author, entrepreneur, producer, and Shark Tank shark Barbara Corcoran will be the keynote speaker at the 27th Women’s Leadership Conference (WLC), taking place at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield. Corcoran has been an investor/shark on ABC’s four-time Emmy award-winning show Shark Tank for 10 seasons, investing in more than 80 businesses to date. She chronicled her rise from waiting tables in a New York diner to heading a $5 billion real-estate company in her bestselling book, Shark Tales: How I Turned $1,000 into a Billion Dollar Business! She’ll bring her personal brand of no-nonsense wisdom and supportive advice to the more than 1,600 attendees who are expected to attend this year’s WLC. The WLC will also feature lunchtime speaker Amy Purdy, a three-time Paralympic medalist in snowboarding for Team USA. This year’s conference will also feature breakout sessions led by business experts and authors, including Yvonne Camus, the former COO of SPINCO, Canada’s largest indoor cycling brand and the only female to outperform the Navy Seals in the multi-terrain adventure race known as Eco-Challenge. In addition, the WLC will welcome Sylvia Baffour, an author, podcast host, and emotional-intelligence coach recently ranked by HubSpot among the top 15 female motivational speakers. Additional keynote and breakout session speakers will be announced soon. For further information on the 2024 conference, sponsorship information, and ticket sales, visit baypath.edu/wlc.

 

Margarita Madness

April 4: The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce will host its largest event of the year, Margarita Madness, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Interskate 91 at the Hampshire Mall. Attendees will network and enjoy an evening of tasty margaritas and vote for this year’s fan favorite. Local restaurants showcase their culinary skills, and dozens of raffle prizes are donated by Amherst Area Chamber members. The event’s presenting sponsor is TommyCar Auto Group, and the supporting sponsor is Hampshire Mall. The cost is $35 pre-registered or $45 at the door. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Cooley Dickinson Hospital’s Emergency Department. Visit business.amherstarea.com/events/details/2024-margarita-madness-24121 to purchase tickets.

 

Difference Makers 

April 10: The 16th annual Difference Makers Gala will be held at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. Since 2009, BusinessWest has been recognizing the work of individuals, groups, businesses, and institutions through this recognition program. The 2024 Difference Makers — profiled in the Feb. 19 issue of BusinessWest and at businesswest.com — are Matt Bannister, senior vice president, Marketing and Corporate Responsibility, PeoplesBank; Delcie Bean, CEO, Paragus Strategic I.T.; Linda Dunlavy, executive director, Franklin Regional Council of Governments; Dr. Fred and Mary Kay Kadushin, co-founders, Feed the Kids; Scott Keiter, CEO, Keiter; the staff of Rock 102; Shannon Rudder, president and CEO, Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services; and Springfield Symphony Orchestra and Springfield Chamber Players. Tickets cost $95 each, with reserved tables of 10-12 available and available now through March 29. Partner sponsors for the 2024 Difference Makers include Burkhart, Pizzanelli, P.C., Keiter, Mercy Medical Center/Trinity Health, the Royal Law Firm, and TommyCar Auto Group. Supporting sponsors include the Springfield Thunderbirds and Westfield Bank. For more event details and to reserve tickets, visit businesswest.com/difference-makers/difference-makers-tickets.

 

Hooplandia

June 21-23: Registration is now open for Hooplandia, the second annual 3×3 basketball tournament and festival, at www.hooplandia.com. The three-day event includes levels of play for all ages and divisions. Hooplandia launched in 2023. Taking place in the heart of Greater Springfield, the birthplace of basketball, the event is hosted by Eastern States Exposition (ESE) in West Springfield and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield. Most games will be played on the ESE grounds, with special games held at the Hall of Fame. Seventy-five basketball courts will be set up to accommodate more than 650 games played by approximately 2,100 participants of all ages. Divisions of play have been created to provide an all-inclusive environment for players of all ages and playing abilities. The diverse divisions include young girls, boys, women, men, high-school-level, college-level, OGs, veterans, and more. Players are invited to build teams of four, create their own unique team name and uniforms, and register at www.hooplandia.com. Team fees range according to age, and children in the under-8 category are free of charge. Hooplandia will once again partner with Boys and Girls Clubs throughout the region as its designated philanthropic partner.

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates

The following business certificates and/or trade names were issued or renewed during the month of February 2024.

AMHERST

Alkemia LLC
150 Fearing St.
Sara Russell

Alpine Commons
133 Belchertown Road
Mass Alpine Commons LLC

Amherst Grant Consulting
6 University Dr., Suite 206
Michael Wright

Amherst Guitar Works
3 Sand Hill Road
Maximo Heuck

Aspen Chase
615 Main St.
Aspen Chase Woodbridge LLC

Borges Co.
370 Northampton Road, Apt. A
Oscar Borges

Gordon’s Gardens
95 Columbia Dr.
Gordon Kaufman

Hair by Harlow
220 North Pleasant St.
Lora Gross

J&J Farms
324 Meadow St.
Michael Waskiewicz, Joseph Waskiewicz Jr.

Johnson Woodworks and Remodeling LLC
333 Strong St.
William Johnson

The Laundry Club
6 University Dr.
Peter Colt

Newmarket Dentistry
28 University Dr.
Ayad Ahmed

Nouria Energy Retail Inc.
399 Northampton St.
Tony El-Nemr

PhD Painting
151 Shays St.
Laura Quinn

PZ Home Care Solutions LLC
1175 Bay Road
Heather Monoc

Stone House Farm
649 East Pleasant St.
Candace Talley

Unique Potential Educational Consulting
48 Fairfield St.
Karen Harrington

BELCHERTOWN

Barton Beeswax Candles
72 Barton Ave.
Melissa Hibler

Cold Spring Country Club
336 Chauncey Walker St.
Xiaowei Guo

Pioneer Valley Brews Cruise
18 Pepper Ridge Dr.
Scott Beaulieu

Upright Home Improvements
241 Franklin St.
Douglas Murray

DEERFIELD

2 J’s Landscaping
60 North Main St.
Joshua Candelaria

HADLEY

Exotic Auto S&S
373 River Dr.
Paul Narus

Hadley Concrete Service
35 Middle St.
Christopher Baj

Hukowicz Farm
35 East St.
Andrew Hukowicz

Joy Bowl
344 Russell St., Unit 13
Ru Jing Zhao

Meadow Street Styles
31 Meadow St.
Heather Salvatore

Smithland Pet Center
335 Russell St.
CT Gardens LLC

Supercuts
344 Russell St., Suite 7
Peterborough Group LLC

ZHI Services
245 Russell St.
Zachary Zahradnik

HOLYOKE

Clean Queen Car Wash
185 South St.
Richard Sherwood, Nicole Stasz

Jo-Ann Stores #677
2267 Northampton St.
Jo-Ann Stores LLC

Pandora
50 Holyoke St.
Pandora Ventures LLC

Rewarding Tax Services
284 Maple St.
Lidia Rodriguez

Sabracadabra
2 Loomis Ave.
Sabrina Vaissiere

Scorpio’s Lair Creations
33 Maple Crest Circle
Sarah King

A Touch of Beauty Hair and Nails
50 Holyoke St.
Hoang Vo

SOUTH HADLEY

BSS Additive
46 North Main St.
Brainstorm Studio LLC

Fishing Hole
103 Main St.
Matthew Yacovone

People on the Move

By
People on the Move
Hannah Pimenta

Hannah Pimenta

Alex LaValley

Alex LaValley

1Berkshire announced the addition of two staff members, one on the Member Services team and one on the Economic Development team. In addition, 1Berkshire has also added four new members to its board of directors. Hannah Pimenta assumed the role of Member Engagement associate. In her position, she will support the director of Member Services with membership-related initiatives, special events, and the Berkshire Leadership Program. Additionally, she will work in conjunction with the 1Berkshire business office, President and CEO Jonathan Butler, the 1Berkshire Strategic Alliance board of directors, and the 1Berkshire Foundation board. Pimenta is certified in project management and has a bachelor’s degree in English and communications from MCLA. She previously worked for Berkshire Family & Individual Resources before joining the 1Berkshire team. Alex LaValley joined the Economic Development team as Economic Development associate. In this position, he will work with both the vice president of Economic Development and the deputy director of Economic Development. 1Berkshire also announced that Ari Zorn of Devine Retail Cannabis, Christian Hanson of Balderdash Cellars, Scott St. George of Berkshire Health Systems, and Dubois Thomas of Blackshires Community Empowerment Foundation have joined the 1Berkshire board of directors for 2024.

•••••

Evan Garber

Evan Garber

Evan Garber has been named senior consultant and vice president of A.L. Cignoli & Associates Inc. Garber, who received his master’s degree in public affairs from the UMass Amherst School of Public Policy, started working with the firm as an intern during his time as an undergraduate student at UMass studying political science and education. He attended Chicopee High School and found his first interest in history, theater, leadership, economics, and politics there. Throughout his time at UMass, he was able to refine those interests. While in college, he chaired the UMass Theatre Guild, got experience working in grassroots political campaigns, was on the student staff of the UMass Marching Band, and got his class B commercial driver’s license to work at UMass Transit. Garber will be responsible for oversight of all Cignoli client efforts. He works directly with company President Anthony Cignoli on all daily client operations, including drafting strategies, media monitoring, designing solutions that are customized to the firm’s unique clients, and contributing to the successful results of clients.

•••••

Maybury Material Handling, a leading provider of industrial products and services to manufacturing, distribution, and warehousing customers throughout New England, announced a transition of leadership as John Maybury, who has served as president for almost five decades, assumes the role of chairperson, and his son, William Maybury, assumes the role of president. John established Maybury Material Handling in 1976, and the company began by making benches, stools, and cabinets. From there, it got into warehouse racks and shelving and now provides many automated material-handling products, including conveyors, conveyor systems, lift trucks, and more. Will has been involved in the business for as long as he can remember. From taking out the trash as a child to working in inventory to learning how to install warehouse equipment, to then coming back in 2015 and working in the Accounting department and serving as controller, he has learned the business from various points of view.

•••••

Christine Byrne

Christine Byrne

Eastern States Exposition (ESE) announced the promotion of Christine Byrne to the position of director of Finance. She assumes this role following the retirement of Jerry Richard in December. Byrne holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in accounting from Western New England University. Her love for numbers started in high school when she took her first accounting class, and she has never looked back. She joined the ESE team last May, initially serving as assistant director of Finance. With more than 25 years of experience in accounting and finance, she brings a wealth of expertise to her new role. Prior to joining ESE, Byrne held the position of chief financial officer at Center of Hope Foundation Inc., demonstrating her commitment to financial excellence and strategic management. Byrne has also held finance and accounting roles at the Tri-Community YMCA, Howlett Lumber Co., Wing Memorial Hospital, and Court Square Group.

•••••

Rose Colon, chair of the board of directors of Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services (MLKFS), announced the addition of the following new board members: William Davila, Byron Jones, Rania Kfuri, Dr. Yolanda Marrow, Awildo Morales, and Kimberly Robinson Williams, who will fill the Dora D. Robinson legacy board seat. Davila is vice president of Diversion, Shelter & Housing for the Center for Human Development Inc. in Springfield, as well as a licensed independent clinical social worker in Massachusetts and a licensed clinical social worker in Connecticut. Jones is a digital strategist and government contractor for the International Trade Assoc. (ITA) through Platinum Technologies (PT78) and has 19 years of business and digital strategy experience. Kfuri is a Philanthropy officer at the Baystate Health Foundation and has more than 20 years of development and related experience. Marrow is a pediatric trauma and Acute Care Surgery program manager at Baystate Medical Center and has 31 years of healthcare experience. Morales is a branch manager and Retail Banking and Security officer for Monson Savings Bank and has over 12 years of financial-services experience. Williams is Managing Partner of FDR & Associates LLC, which offers engagement with companies, organizations, and individuals committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). She has more than 27 years of experience working in HR, development, alumni relations, and DEI positions.

•••••

Richard Greco

American International College (AIC) announced the appointment of Richard Greco as assistant vice president for Academic Affairs and Student Life. With his experience and proven success in leading teams that drive student success, Greco brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to the institution. In his new role, he will be leading efforts to integrate and align academic affairs and student life, ensuring a seamless support system for students. He will also spearhead innovative program development and foster community partnerships that provide meaning to students and community beyond the classroom. Bringing more than 25 years of management experience, both within and outside higher education, Greco previously served as dean of Liberal and Professional Studies at Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) and has been a faculty member at AIC since 2012. He holds a master’s degree in biology from the University of Saint Joseph, as well as bachelor’s degrees in human biology and biochemistry from AIC and an associate degree in general studies from STCC. He is currently working toward a doctorate in public administration at West Chester University.

•••••

The International Language Institute of Massachusetts (ILI) announced that La Wanza Lett-Brewington, Dora Tseng, and Jenni Greenhouse have joined ILI’s board of directors. Lett-Brewington led Old Dominion University’s Women and Gender Equity Center in Norfolk, Va. for nearly a decade. She is now Title IX coordinator and Affirmative Action officer for Greenfield Community College (GCC) and Berkshire Community College. A graduate of GCC and UMass Amherst’s University Without Walls and Graduate School of Education, she is known for innovative work in leadership development, diversity, equity, inclusion, conflict resolution, human-services administration, and crisis management. Tseng is access coordinator of Disability Services at UMass Amherst. In 2023, she celebrated her tenth year in the U.S., having arrived from Taiwan in 2013, and is now a permanent resident. She earned an associate degree from Greenfield Community College and a bachelor’s degree and master of education degree from UMass Amherst. As an immigrant, she is eager to share her experiences with newcomers and also continue her passionate commitment to social justice. Greenhouse moved from her home country of Colombia to Northampton in 2013, quickly enrolled in ILI’s intensive English classes, and studied at GCC. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Western New England University and an MBA from Boston University and is now senior manager of operations for Customer Support at Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford, Conn. She plans to put her business and leadership skills to use in making an impactful contribution to ILI’s growth and future.

•••••

Jacqueline Charron

Jacqueline Charron

Greenfield Cooperative Bank announced the appointment of Jacqueline (Jackie) Charron as its new senior vice president of Strategy & Implementation. She brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role. With nearly 40 years in the banking industry, she possesses a track record of leadership and innovation. Charron’s focus will be on navigating the evolving CRA landscape and ensuring the bank thrives under the new regulations. Additionally, she will lend her support across various initiatives within the bank. Her deep understanding of the banking industry is expected to be instrumental in driving the bank’s continued success and reaffirming its commitment to its customers and communities.

•••••

The Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) welcomed five new board members at its first meeting of 2024. Together, they bring to the chamber diverse experience as entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and business managers. The new board members are Jamie Cocco, Caroline Gear, Taylor Robbins, Elena Sharnoff, and Cigdem Turkomer. Cocco owns Empowered Digital Marketing and Empowered Social Media. In addition to his role on the board, he serves on the GNCC’s executive committee and chairs the ambassador committee. He brings an extensive marketing background to the GNCC, along with strong interests in building community and business development. Gear is the executive director of the International Language Institute of Massachusetts in Northampton. As executive director of a nonprofit organization, she brings to the chamber rich experience in working with a board, budgets, fundraising, and more. Robbins is a business relationship manager at UMassFive College Federal Credit Union. With a focus on commercial lending and cash management, she uses her experience in the field to offer individualized advice for business owners. Sharnoff owns B Strategic Communications and brings more than 25 years of experience in strategic communications and marketing, branding, and messaging to her role at the GNCC. She has served on che chamber’s ambassador committee for several years. Turkomer grew up in Istanbul and has spent more than 25 years creating set designs for commercial and documentary films. After studying for several years at San Francisco State University, Cigdem moved back to Northampton to open LeBonNton, which supports women artists and business owners from the U.S. and around the world.

•••••

Derick Santos

Derick Santos

Holyoke Community College (HCC) recently welcomed Derick Santos as its veterans-benefits and financial-aid counselor. He joined HCC on Jan. 22. Originally from Lajas, Puerto Rico, Santos holds a bachelor’s degree in computational mathematics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla., where he also worked in the Military and Veterans Services department for the university’s online campus. His father is an active-duty serviceman with the Puerto Rican National Guard. In his new role, Santos is HCC’s school-certifying official and will process all benefits for U.S. veterans and military-affiliated students. He will also counsel prospective and returning students through the financial-aid process and serve as part of the counselor on-call rotation.

•••••

Dulye & Co. founder and President Linda Dulye, who 16 years ago established a philanthropic organization to develop and connect emerging leaders in the Berkshires and beyond, has been honored for her achievements by the Zonta Club of Berkshire County. After receiving nominations from the public, Zonta Club members voted on their final choices of Berkshire County women whose outstanding work is building a better world for women and girls. Dulye joins five other women who have made significant contributions in their fields and to the Berkshire community in receiving this annual award. They were recognized at the Zonta International Women’s Day celebration dinner on March 8.

•••••

Robert Tyrol III

Robert Tyrol III

Pearson Wallace Insurance announced a new hire, Marc Membrino, and shared the achievement of current employee Robert “Bobby” Tyrol III, who has acquired his property and casualty insurance producer license. Membrino joins the team with an extensive background in the insurance industry. He moved to the Berkshires in 1979 and worked for his family-owned insurance company, which he later bought in 1989 and subsequently sold years later. Membrino’s current role with Pearson Wallace Insurance is customer service representative, in which he rates and services policies and provides help to customers. Tyrol has been with Pearson Wallace Insurance for two years. After working as an assistant golf professional at Berkshire Hills Golf Course in Pittsfield for six years, he joined Pearson Wallace Insurance in 2021 as a personal lines client manager. After receiving his insurance designation of a property and casualty producer, Tyrol has been promoted to customer service manager. He takes charge of all personal-line services for Pearson Wallace Insurance, with the goal of making customers’ experiences seamless.

•••••

AXiA Insurance Services recognizes the recent professional achievements of two employees in its West Springfield location. Aidil Cortinhas, personal lines account relationship manager, earned the certified insurance service representative (CISR) designation. The CISR program is nationally recognized with the mission to further develop insurance-related competencies for industry customer-service representatives. Cortinhas has been with AXiA since October 2017, servicing clients’ home and auto insurance coverage. She is also a current member of the company’s team and events committee, which coordinates company employee events, and an active volunteer in AxiA Charitable Fund programs. Colin Dandy, administrative coordinator, earned his property and casualty insurance license, having passed the Massachusetts state exams. This qualifies him to now sell insurance coverage, continuing his growth track at the agency and in the industry. Dandy has been with AxiA since September 2022, after graduating high school that same year. He currently is a member of a company process/procedural committee.

•••••

Advantage Truck Group (ATG) named its 2023 Pete DePina Legacy Award winners for Massachusetts, recognizing one individual from each of its locations in Raynham, Shrewsbury, and Westfield for making an impact on their fellow employees, customers, and the company. Gerry Avery received the legacy award for ATG’s Westfield facility. Employees were nominated by their peers for the award, and a winner was selected from each of ATG’s eight locations. Winners were presented with a monetary award that they will continue to receive as part of their profit-sharing bonus each year throughout their employment with the company.

•••••

Sylviana Lopez

Sylviana Lopez

Viability Inc. announced the appointment of Sylviana Lopez as its chief people officer in Human Resources. She brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the organization, and she is expected to drive Viability’s commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. For more than two decades, Lopez has been at the forefront of solving complex problems at scale across industries from the private sector to human services, blending human-resources strategy with forwardthinking creativity. She is expected to be an asset to Viability in its pursuit of building a strong, diverse culture and strengthening its resolve to build a world in which individuals with disabilities and other disadvantages realize acceptance, inclusion, and access. She earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Universidad del Sagrado Corazón in San Juan, Puerto Rico and an MBA in human resources management from the University of New Haven in Connecticut.

•••••

Springfield College Professor of Exercise Science Samuel Headley has been accepted as a fellow in the inaugural cohort of the Clinical Exercise Physiology Assoc. (CEPA), a recognition of his outstanding service to the field of clinical exercise physiology (CEP). Headley, currently program director of the Springfield College master’s and doctoral programs in exercise physiology, is one of the founders of CEPA and previously served as its president. Clinical exercise physiology is a branch of exercise physiology that focuses on the acute and chronic responses of both healthy individuals and individuals with chronic diseases to exercise. Headley is a well-known scholar in the field, with more than 50 peer-reviewed publications, 30 peer-reviewed abstracts, and six books or book chapters in exercise physiology. His scholarship has recently focused on the impact of exercise on patients with chronic kidney disease. During his time at Springfield College, he helped develop the college’s nationally accredited clinical exercise physiology program.

•••••

William Pitt Sotheby’s announced that Richard Aldrich has joined the company. He will work with Steven Weisz to expand the company’s current market leadership role in commercial property sales and leasing. Aldrich has been in sales since 1971. As a real-estate broker in the Berkshires, he has become a leader in commercial property sales, leasing, and business brokerage. He has been involved with the sale of the Countryside Landscaping building in Williamstown, Camp Half Moon in Monterey, Country Curtains in Lee, and Patrick’s Pub in Pittsfield. He is currently representing the Fuel Coffee Shop and the Gorham & Norton Market.

•••••

Michelle Muro

Michelle Muro

Dietz & Company Architects Inc. announced the addition of Michelle Muro, AIA to its staff in the role of senior architect in the Cambridge office. She holds a bachelor of architecture degree from Montana State University and is a licensed architect in Massachusetts, Vermont, New Jersey, and Kansas. She brings more than 26 years of experience to Dietz & Company, having worked for firms in Massachusetts and Colorado. Muro has worked on a variety of projects in the industrial, multi-family, commercial, retail, and sports-entertainment sectors. She has expertise in code compliance and accessibility and specializes in project management and construction administration. As such, she will be managing the construction process at the Walkling Court senior-housing development project in Medford.

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

The following bankruptcy petitions were recently filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Readers should confirm all information with the court.

Avella, Giuseppe
Avella, Marlene B.
18 Vail St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/14/2024

Cormier, Anthony J.
59 Mary St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/15/2024

Dotson, Delores
120 Sunrise Ter.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/12/2024

Feliberty, Natasha Lee
7 Clark St., Apt. 1
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/06/2024

Kenney, James Francis
19 Andersen Road
Chicopee, MA 01022
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/12/2024

Murard, Daril
19 Lockhouse Road, Apt. 4-1
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/08/2024

Quinones, George J.
1348 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/04/2024

Nieves, Veronica
a/k/a Rodriguez, Veronica
a/k/a Nieves-Rodriguez-Sonner, Veronica
1880 Main St.
P.O. Box 3790
Springfield, MA 01101
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/14/2024

Ray, Miasyn
76 Northampton Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/05/2024

Salazar, David
121 Brewster St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/14/2024

Skidmore, Daniel Joseph
54 Spring Hill Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/08/2024

Stasiowski, Debra A.
16 Bartlett Ave.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/14/2024

Torres, Felix
408 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/15/2024

Valdes, Charles G.
Valdes, Maria R.
1021 Maple St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/14/2024

Wright, Arnold Bishop
148 Arcadia Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/09/2024

Real Estate Transactions

By
Real Estate

The following real estate transactions (latest available) were compiled by Banker & Tradesman and are published as they were received. Only transactions exceeding $115,000 are listed. Buyer and seller fields contain only the first name listed on the deed.

FRANKLIN COUNTY

BUCKLAND

12 Main St.
Buckland, MA 01330
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Grace A. Kennerly
Seller: McCutchen, Martha J., (Estate)
Date: 02/06/24

CHARLEMONT

2151 Route 2
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Reo T2021-NR4
Seller: Michael D. Odell
Date: 02/13/24

ERVING

11 Church St.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $342,000
Buyer: Timothy W. Momaney
Seller: Lemieux FT
Date: 02/16/24

17 Maple Ave.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $326,000
Buyer: Cole G. Larose
Seller: Lewis Int.
Date: 02/15/24

5 North St.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $247,000
Buyer: Kenneth A. Rounds
Seller: Michael J. Richardson
Date: 02/06/24

GREENFIELD

7 Congress St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $685,000
Buyer: Greenfield Elizabeth
Seller: 325 Canton St. LLC
Date: 02/15/24

110 Cottage St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $278,000
Buyer: Robyn D. McKelvey
Seller: Dauntless Path LLC
Date: 02/12/24

81 High St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $522,500
Buyer: Zoe D. Smith
Seller: Steven Lanciani
Date: 02/16/24

231 Hope St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Congamond Management LLC
Seller: Wicked Deals LLC
Date: 02/08/24

41 Norwood St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $286,500
Buyer: Spencer Telega
Seller: Bosch, Roland, (Estate)
Date: 02/08/24

100 Silver St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Michael J. Marotto
Seller: Katherine Buttolph RET
Date: 02/08/24

200 Wisdom Way
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Mark Wightman
Seller: Damon Blake
Date: 02/08/24

LEVERETT

295 Shutesbury Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $118,000
Buyer: Frederick P. Hartwell
Seller: Barbara J. Raymond
Date: 02/05/24

MONTAGUE

113-115 Avenue A
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Avenue A. Group LLC
Seller: 113 Avenue A LLC
Date: 02/05/24

7 Avenue C
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $189,900
Buyer: Eds Enterprises LLC
Seller: Ann Engley
Date: 02/09/24

257 Wendell Road
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $540,000
Buyer: Diana L. Tobin
Seller: AGT Homes LLC
Date: 02/09/24

NORTHFIELD

21 Meadow St.
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Joshua Willis
Seller: MW&MW Realty LLC
Date: 02/09/24

ORANGE

125 East Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Anne M. Pole
Seller: Steven S. Barnes
Date: 02/14/24

63 Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $901,000
Buyer: James B. Berry
Seller: Lorrett A. Estabrooks
Date: 02/08/24

82 Mechanic St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Schwowens Properties LLC
Seller: Mary Chapli
Date: 02/07/24

ROWE

58 Tatro Road
Rowe, MA 01339
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Joshua W. Giard
Seller: William, Albert R., (Estate)
Date: 02/15/24

SHUTESBURY

North Laurel Dr.
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Thomas C. Miller
Seller: Stein, Richard S., (Estate)
Date: 02/16/24

94 Pratt Corner Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $487,500
Buyer: Allen H. Pease
Seller: The Suter FT
Date: 02/09/24

SUNDERLAND

Hadley Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: 282 Hadley Rd LLC
Seller: Charles W. Smiarowski LT
Date: 02/12/24

WHATELY

282 Haydenville Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $529,000
Buyer: Nicole L. Pietraszkiewicz
Seller: Brenden J. Monahan
Date: 02/09/24

62 Long Plain Road
Whately, MA 01373
Amount: $605,000
Buyer: Kathleen P. Harrington
Seller: Nicole L. Pietraszkiewicz
Date: 02/09/24

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

Doane Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $680,000
Buyer: Denali Investments LLC
Seller: J. D. T. Rosati Inc.
Date: 02/08/24

174 Edgewater Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $560,000
Buyer: Margaret M. Cahillane
Seller: David Kutz
Date: 02/15/24

48 Fairview St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $324,000
Buyer: Sean P. Burke
Seller: Berkshire Land Co. LLC
Date: 02/06/24

210 Meadow St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: NSP Residential LLC
Seller: RCF 2 Acquisition TR
Date: 02/08/24

210 Meadow St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $294,000
Buyer: Vincent M. Canavan
Seller: NSP Residential LLC
Date: 02/08/24

11 Randall St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Appleton Grove LLC
Seller: Michelle Amanda TR
Date: 02/16/24

77 Reed St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Colemac NT
Seller: Allyson Sacco
Date: 02/12/24

405 Silver St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $343,000
Buyer: Denali Investments LLC
Seller: J. D. T. Rosati Inc.
Date: 02/07/24

415 Silver St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $680,000
Buyer: Denali Investments LLC
Seller: J. D. T. Rosati Inc.
Date: 02/08/24

431 Silver St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Denali Investments LLC
Seller: J. D. T. Rosati Inc.
Date: 02/07/24

250 South West St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $332,900
Buyer: Luis E. Aponte-Ortega
Seller: Brian D. Kibbe
Date: 02/12/24

BRIMFIELD

62 1st St.
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Kevin McManaman
Seller: McManaman RET
Date: 02/15/24

1538 Dunhamtown Brimfield Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Erik Ramsland
Seller: Josephine R. Sears RET
Date: 02/16/24

228 Sturbridge Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $1,060,000
Buyer: Kyle Twarowski
Seller: Leszek Twarowski
Date: 02/06/24

CHESTER

110 Old State Hwy.
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Amanda N. Ursia
Seller: Watson, Susan Lynn, (Estate)
Date: 02/09/24

CHICOPEE

66 Beaudry Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Peter A. Lemieux
Seller: Alfred J. Albano
Date: 02/15/24

43 Chapin St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $361,000
Buyer: John R. Dimatteo
Seller: Robert J. Lefebvre
Date: 02/09/24

360 Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Christopher S. Dodson
Seller: Lucas Real Estate LLC
Date: 02/14/24

158 College St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Kevin G. Ryan
Seller: Soren W. Johnson
Date: 02/08/24

25 Freedom St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Robert E. King
Seller: Lynn M. Chlosta-Menard
Date: 02/12/24

310 Front St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $840,000
Buyer: Jonah Holdings LLC
Seller: Paf IRT
Date: 02/16/24

318 Front St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $840,000
Buyer: Jonah Holdings LLC
Seller: Paf IRT
Date: 02/16/24

339 Front St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Steven Hoheb
Seller: Paf IRT
Date: 02/09/24

433 Front St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Frantz E. Laporte
Seller: BMM Realty LLC
Date: 02/14/24

37 Hajec Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Michelle L. Lancto
Seller: Roman Catholic Bishop
Date: 02/09/24

18 Harding St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Diomedes Chavez
Seller: DCL General Construction LLC
Date: 02/12/24

68 Kaveney St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $277,000
Buyer: Takuya Seaver
Seller: Mark S. Hager
Date: 02/08/24

499 Montgomery St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $1,802,077
Buyer: Mercury Storage 1-B LLC
Seller: UH Storage LP
Date: 02/07/24

115 Saratoga Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Azusa RT
Seller: Kimberly A. Runkle
Date: 02/13/24

6 Sesame Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $467,100
Buyer: James McInerney
Seller: Haleigh R. Scott
Date: 02/16/24

24 Walnut St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $251,000
Buyer: Ricky L. Cates
Seller: Hussein Hamadi
Date: 02/14/24

17 Woodcrest Court
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Robert Lussier
Seller: Thomas Trudell
Date: 02/12/24

EAST LONGMEADOW

5 Brynmawr Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Devan P. Summers
Seller: Mark A. Haraty
Date: 02/09/24

4 Crescent Hill
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $334,500
Buyer: Suzanne V. Weber
Seller: Russell L. Morton
Date: 02/16/24

42 Knollwood Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: 18 Knollwood Drive LLC
Seller: Donald F. Anderson
Date: 02/09/24

66 Nelson St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Ramon Tapia
Seller: Daponde, Karen M., (Estate)
Date: 02/15/24

217 Porter Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $492,000
Buyer: Samuel Oseibonsu
Seller: Jaclyn M. Predergast
Date: 02/07/24

HAMPDEN

15 Wilbraham Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Richard C. Gelinas
Seller: Victor B. Scibelli
Date: 02/09/24

HOLYOKE

77 Central Park Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $212,000
Buyer: Marcelo F. Rocha
Seller: EPB Real Estate Services LLC
Date: 02/16/24

360 Chestnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Antonia Santos
Seller: Greater Springfield Habitat
Date: 02/16/24

99 Knollwood Circle
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: John P. Larose
Seller: Richard A. Moussette
Date: 02/15/24

154 Rock Valley Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Christopher J. Larose
Seller: John P. Larose
Date: 02/15/24

HOLLAND

8 Heritage Dr.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: John D. Holdcraft
Seller: Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.
Date: 02/16/24

LONGMEADOW

73 Bel Air Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $312,000
Buyer: NRES LLC
Seller: Janee Mays
Date: 02/16/24

166 Converse St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: David Obrien
Seller: Gary S. Veratti
Date: 02/15/24

173 Farmington Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $574,750
Buyer: Steven A. Carra
Seller: Gail C. Wesson TR
Date: 02/09/24

286 Hopkins Place
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $457,500
Buyer: Usman Aslam
Seller: Anthony Aveyard
Date: 02/14/24

83 Longfellow Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Anthony P. Aveyard
Seller: HUD
Date: 02/09/24

LUDLOW

Balsam Hill Road, Lot 73
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $176,400
Buyer: Georgiy Sinigur
Seller: Whitetail Wreks LLC
Date: 02/15/24

54 Cady St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: William Raleigh
Seller: Patricia Bernard
Date: 02/13/24

436 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $379,999
Buyer: Akhmad Abdul-Razzaq
Seller: Plata O. Plomo Inc.
Date: 02/08/24

274 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Tati & Cristi LLC
Seller: Ana P. Dias
Date: 02/16/24

24 Elm St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $242,000
Buyer: Turan Gun
Seller: Dorothy A. Lobik
Date: 02/16/24

102 Motyka St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $243,000
Buyer: Diane Crane
Seller: John A. Pisarczyk
Date: 02/13/24

100 Pine St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $146,000
Buyer: Privilne Real Estate LLC
Seller: Sandy D. Kudla
Date: 02/09/24

7 Ventura St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Michael S. Hajdamowicz
Seller: Dianne M. Easley
Date: 02/15/24

MONSON

14 Upper Palmer Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $639,000
Buyer: Alexander B. Tsagaris
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 02/16/24

PALMER

2026 Cross St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $368,000
Buyer: Nicholas Tiscione
Seller: Dorcas RT
Date: 02/09/24

2158-2160 Main St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $299,900
Buyer: Derek R. Beaulieu
Seller: Joseph Sawicki
Date: 02/15/24

4 Meadow Lane
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Joseph E. Messer
Seller: Christopher Welsh
Date: 02/16/24

51 Squier St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $334,000
Buyer: Kevin J. Serio
Seller: Samuel Cobb
Date: 02/06/24

RUSSELL

501 Woodland Way
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $409,000
Buyer: Andrei Filistovich
Seller: Judith M. Stolfo
Date: 02/14/24

SOUTHWICK

17 Castle St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Sergey Domnenko
Seller: Robert, John E., (Estate)
Date: 02/12/24

21 Sterrett Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Kimberly Hatch
Seller: Randy Wessels
Date: 02/14/24

SPRINGFIELD

500-508 Armory St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: 500 Armory Street LLC
Seller: C. & A. Realty Co. Inc.
Date: 02/07/24

1 Balboa Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $565,000
Buyer: Leo Best
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 02/08/24

164 Balboa Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $319,900
Buyer: Jack Palladino
Seller: Federal National Mortgage Assn.
Date: 02/14/24

167 Berkshire St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $214,900
Buyer: Manuel M. Morocho
Seller: Bonita Amtmann
Date: 02/13/24

476 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Unlimited Property Services LLC
Seller: US Bankruptcy Court
Date: 02/08/24

39 Blanding St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Christian Hegland
Seller: Manchester Enterprises LLC
Date: 02/16/24

469 Boston Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Pinkal & Hiral LLC
Seller: 469 Boston Road RT
Date: 02/13/24

212 Breckwood Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $243,000
Buyer: Teresa F. Young
Seller: Ronelson Lovaincy
Date: 02/09/24

28 Burke St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $247,000
Buyer: Evelyn S. Sanchez
Seller: Round Two LLC
Date: 02/14/24

6 Carlos St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $263,000
Buyer: Aaron D. Roberson
Seller: Margaret M. Pilon
Date: 02/07/24

23 Catalpa Ter.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Joselyn Arroyo-Lopez
Seller: John P. Doty
Date: 02/14/24

72 Chesterfield Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: DS Group Investments LLC
Seller: Mary Fitzgerald
Date: 02/16/24

11-15 Clantoy St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: B-9 Industries Inc
Seller: 11-15 Clantoy St. TR
Date: 02/09/24

261 Connecticut Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Josentt Thompson
Seller: Patrick O’Neil
Date: 02/08/24

77 Daviston St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Richard Abankwah
Seller: Equity Trust Co.
Date: 02/16/24

60 East Alvord St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $337,750
Buyer: Cindy Tai
Seller: Adolphus P. Christian
Date: 02/16/24

25-27 Eagle St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Inas S. Alitbi
Seller: Ian A. Riley
Date: 02/16/24

199 Eastern Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Wagner B. Soto
Seller: Grace M. Melendez-Riva
Date: 02/12/24

48 Enfield St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Ming Tsang
Seller: JPS Realty LLC
Date: 02/09/24

30 Farnsworth St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Sophia N. Samms
Seller: Roberto Rivera-Negron
Date: 02/12/24

80 Fenimore Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Cynthia J. Mulcahy
Seller: Kathryn A. Mulcahy
Date: 02/14/24

12-14 Foster St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Robert A. Fournier
Seller: Brvsa Associates LLC
Date: 02/16/24

44 Georgetown St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Xavier Cody
Seller: Stebbins, Jennie A., (Estate)
Date: 02/14/24

67 Harmon Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $297,500
Buyer: Paul D. Arrighi
Seller: Michael P. Whitehead
Date: 02/08/24

25 Huntington St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Muhammad M. Taqi
Seller: Jaime J. Melendez
Date: 02/13/24

82 Jardine St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Catrina M. Hamilton
Seller: Janusz Lecko
Date: 02/16/24

25 Laurence St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $379,900
Buyer: Christa Nunez
Seller: Laurie T. Lauture-Best
Date: 02/08/24

61 Leslie St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $184,000
Buyer: Eduardo A. Ramos
Seller: Katherine M. Nogiec
Date: 02/16/24

44-46 Lexington St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $322,000
Buyer: Yongyao Cai
Seller: 44 Lexington Street RT
Date: 02/16/24

60 Lexington St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Israel Calderon
Seller: Citizens Bank
Date: 02/09/24

79 Mandalay Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Jill K. Barlow
Seller: Barbara M. Barlow
Date: 02/08/24

103-105 Maryland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: MDDO LLC
Seller: Lisa M. Martin
Date: 02/09/24

8 Maxwell Place
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Alcimar R. Dasilva
Seller: Mary F. Auldridge
Date: 02/09/24

136 Maynard St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Tyrus T. Ferguson
Seller: Ferguson, Classie, (Estate)
Date: 02/09/24

Methuen St.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Preferred Property Management Inc.
Seller: Courageous Lion LLC
Date: 02/12/24

171 Methuen St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Preferred Property Management Inc.
Seller: Courageous Lion LLC
Date: 02/12/24

93-95 Middlesex St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Justin C. Ching
Seller: Junior R. McKenzie
Date: 02/16/24

83 Oak St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Jose R. Garcia-Sanchez
Seller: Rejuvenate Real Estate LLC
Date: 02/15/24

78 Pennsylvania Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $282,500
Buyer: Michelle Urban-Flores
Seller: Mary K. Miller
Date: 02/16/24

Pine St.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: MA Pine Street LLC
Seller: Brvsa Associates LLC
Date: 02/16/24

123 Pine St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: MA Pine Street LLC
Seller: Brvsa Associates LLC
Date: 02/16/24

40 Price St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $175,200
Buyer: Valery E. Nater-Pagan
Seller: Julie Kamrowski
Date: 02/15/24

20-22 Rutledge Ave.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Paul S. Roberts
Seller: Paul D. Calder
Date: 02/15/24

893 Saint James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Bryan E. Negron
Seller: Tony E. French
Date: 02/16/24

136 Samuel St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $168,795
Buyer: Javed Shah
Seller: Rmtp TR Series Bkm-Tt-V
Date: 02/09/24

78-80 Shamrock St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $175,923
Buyer: Phoenix Development Inc.
Seller: Chuong Truong
Date: 02/09/24

Switzer Ave.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Daniele Manzi
Seller: Secretary Of Veterans Affairs
Date: 02/06/24

82 Temple St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $248,000
Buyer: Cassi Stewart
Seller: Temple G3 Realty NT
Date: 02/09/24

61 Victoria St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Preferred Property Management Inc.
Seller: Courageous Lion LLC
Date: 02/12/24

208-210 White St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Julian Solano
Seller: Daniel Cruz
Date: 02/15/24

283 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $188,182
Buyer: Cascade Funding Mortgage TR Hb4
Seller: Shirley L. Richard
Date: 02/12/24

61-63 Woodlawn St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $237,500
Buyer: Livingwater Capital LLC
Seller: Jason Gobin
Date: 02/07/24

38 Worthy St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Brandon Garey
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 02/09/24

WALES

12 Church St.
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Anthony R. Felix
Seller: Scott M. Carrigan
Date: 02/08/24

100 Stafford Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Bradley Arcoite
Seller: James R. Reilly
Date: 02/09/24

98 Stafford Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Bradley Arcoite
Seller: James R. Reilly
Date: 02/09/24

WEST SPRINGFIELD

46 Fox St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Jared M. Longley
Seller: Disantis, Lindsay D., (Estate)
Date: 02/09/24

189 Morgan Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Ansh Arya Inc.
Seller: Paul R. Seymour
Date: 02/16/24

107 Nelson St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: James Roberts-Manning
Seller: Goodhind, Susan M., (Estate)
Date: 02/16/24

146 Nelson St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Steven Thompson
Seller: CIG4 LLC
Date: 02/06/24

45 Piper Cross Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $910,000
Buyer: Ansh Arya Inc.
Seller: Paul R. Seymour
Date: 02/16/24

68 Plateau Circle
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Lawanda Cox
Seller: Deepon Realty LLC
Date: 02/13/24

379 Riverdale St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $1,210,000
Buyer: Lakshmi Bhula Inc.
Seller: Thirteen Views Realty NT
Date: 02/14/24

WESTFIELD

23 Clinton Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Coalie RT
Seller: Champion, Richard G., (Estate)
Date: 02/12/24

52 Court St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Baypoint Real Estate LLC
Seller: Flowers By Webster LLC
Date: 02/16/24

Falcon Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Raymaakers Properties LLC
Seller: Koziar Capital LLC
Date: 02/06/24

67 Farnham Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Brandon L. Mobrice
Seller: Brian P. Barnes
Date: 02/14/24

88 Glenwood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Sandra A. Stevens
Seller: Andrew J. Martindell
Date: 02/07/24

85 Granville Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Frankie Cortes
Seller: Surprenant, Hilda, (Estate)
Date: 02/14/24

21 Mainline Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $1,020,000
Buyer: Brennan & Sons LLC
Seller: 21 Mainline LLC
Date: 02/13/24

135 Meadow St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Lismary P. Ortiz
Seller: Kmak LLC
Date: 02/16/24

49 Roosevelt Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $252,000
Buyer: Steven R. Rosinski
Seller: Brandon L. Mobrice
Date: 02/14/24

14 Stuart Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: No Limit Assets LLC
Seller: Progulske, Doreen, (Estate)
Date: 02/16/24

WILBRAHAM

117 Bartlett Ave.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $286,500
Buyer: Jon T. Kurowski
Seller: Joseph Belanger
Date: 02/12/24

2391 Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $975,000
Buyer: D&V Property Holdings LLC
Seller: KS Diner Inc.
Date: 02/09/24

4 Hillcrest Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Wilson & Family Real Estate LLC
Seller: Tony Vital
Date: 02/16/24

939 Monson Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Joshua D. Easley
Seller: BP LLC
Date: 02/16/24

1 Old Bay Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Jason Cochran
Seller: Clonmacnoise Realty LLC
Date: 02/16/24

6 West Colonial Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Andrew Croteau
Seller: Ronald B. Hale
Date: 02/15/24

8 West Colonial Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Andrew Croteau
Seller: Ronald B. Hale
Date: 02/15/24

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

166 College St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Aews Partnership LLC
Seller: Railroad St Partners LLC
Date: 02/15/24

684 East Pleasant St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $603,000
Buyer: Benjamin H. Detenber
Seller: Anke Voss
Date: 02/05/24

41 Fairfield St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $264,408
Buyer: Lindsay G. Read
Seller: Gerald G. Guider Jr. FT
Date: 02/05/24

176 Flat Hills Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Gary Toth
Seller: Dja-Maa Shepp
Date: 02/05/24

129 Lindenridge Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $1,030,020
Buyer: Helen Wang
Seller: Bercume Construction LLC
Date: 02/15/24

16 South Whitney St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Aews Partnership LLC
Seller: Belchertown Road Partners LLC
Date: 02/15/24

486 Sunderland Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $545,000
Buyer: Christopher Croteau
Seller: John G. Reid
Date: 02/09/24

241 Sunset Ave.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $447,000
Buyer: Sunset Partnership LLC
Seller: Good Ol Daves LLC
Date: 02/15/24

15 Sunset Court
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $499,000
Buyer: 289 East Pleasant St. LLC
Seller: Lincoln Ave. Partners LLC
Date: 02/16/24

BELCHERTOWN

656 North Washington St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $489,000
Buyer: Stephanie C. Bonafini
Seller: M. & G. Land Development LLC
Date: 11/30/23

37 Old Sawmill Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $542,000
Buyer: Jaroslaw Larskarzewski
Seller: Mark T. Jaszek
Date: 02/15/24

20 Pine St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $635,000
Buyer: Michael Kane
Seller: Robert A. Morra
Date: 01/26/24

171 South Washington St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $649,900
Buyer: Jeffrey M. Charron
Seller: Gary G. Decoteau
Date: 12/06/23

30 Summit St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Arpc LLC
Seller: Ronald E. Lakota
Date: 02/12/24

CHESTERFIELD

309 Ireland St.
Chesterfield, MA 01084
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Jordan H. Jaquess
Seller: Rauscher, Laura M., (Estate)
Date: 02/16/24

 

EASTHAMPTON

5-15 Adams St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $1,100,000
Buyer: SGS Holdings LLC
Seller: Krupalu LLC
Date: 02/06/24

422 Main St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $570,000
Buyer: NB Main Realty LLC
Seller: A-Z Storage & Properties LLC
Date: 02/06/24

63 Phelps St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Lindsay N. Dubols
Seller: Silver Snake Prop LLC
Date: 02/05/24

13 Sterling Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $262,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Timothy A. Graham
Date: 02/07/24

GRANBY

127 Maximilian Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $835,000
Buyer: Brett R. Diamond
Seller: Kotowicz Custom Homes LLC
Date: 02/09/24

161 South St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Duane C. Noyes
Seller: Laura A. Noyes
Date: 02/06/24

 

HADLEY

6 Kozera Ave.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $680,000
Buyer: James N. Sullivan
Seller: Robert E. Leveille
Date: 02/15/24

NORTHAMPTON

81 Autumn Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $316,000
Buyer: Adam Gladstone
Seller: Walter Warchut
Date: 02/09/24

300-A Elm St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Arthur C. Edelstein
Seller: Antil, Robert E., (Estate)
Date: 02/09/24

8 Swan St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Sasha Statman-Weil
Seller: Karen A. Normand
Date: 02/16/24

SOUTH HADLEY

150 Lyman St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Plata O. Plomo Inc.
Seller: Joanne I. Delong LT
Date: 02/15/24

13 Lyon Green
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $585,900
Buyer: Ahmed Elmogy
Seller: JN Duquette & Son Construction

28 Saybrook Circle
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Jaydon G. Diamond
Seller: Eric C. Jimmo
Date: 02/08/24

SOUTHAMPTON

8 Cold Spring Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $234,500
Buyer: DLJ Mortgage Capital Inc.
Seller: Kimberley F. Coffin
Date: 02/16/24

27 Mountain View Circle
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $323,000
Buyer: Nicole Leadenham
Seller: Kate S. Kelly
Date: 02/09/24

WARE

4 Barnes St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $254,000
Buyer: Kristen A. Foster
Seller: Anthony M. Lapete
Date: 02/07/24

5-7 Bellevue Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Brandon Andrews
Seller: Joseph M. Garbiel
Date: 02/15/24

23-25 Dale St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $155,505
Buyer: Bezviner Real Estate Inc.
Seller: First Landing Investments LLC
Date: 02/16/24

23-25 Dale St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: First Landing Investments LLC
Seller: Virbrant Ventures LLC
Date: 02/16/24

230 Greenwich Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Michael Sadoval
Seller: Donald F. Bullock
Date: 02/09/24

33 High St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Travis Brown
Seller: Blaise P. Berthiaume
Date: 02/16/24

31 Meadow Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: G&W New Construction LLC
Seller: Palano 3rd, Antonio J., (Estate)
Date: 02/14/24

82 North St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: First Landing Investments LLC
Seller: Virbrant Ventures LLC
Date: 02/16/24

82 North St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Veloz & Associates LLC
Seller: First Landing Investments LLC
Date: 02/16/24

160 Osborne Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Drew J. Lavalley
Seller: William J. McCloskey
Date: 02/07/24

121 River Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $472,500
Buyer: Amanda L. Lapete
Seller: Nicole Nesbit
Date: 02/07/24

123 River Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $472,500
Buyer: Amanda L. Lapete
Seller: Nicole Nesbit
Date: 02/07/24

WILLIAMSBURG

26 Mountain St.
Williamsburg, MA 01039
Amount: $453,600
Buyer: Keely S. Sexton
Seller: Sharon A. Loomis
Date: 02/12/24

Building Permits

By
Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the month of February 2024.

CHICOPEE

City of Chicopee
0 Front St.
$409,500 — Remove exterior doors, windows, existing MEP equipment, concrete slab in basement; asbestos abatement

Dow Jones & Co. Inc.
200 Burnett Road
$107,970 — Roofing

Steve Hoheb
339 Front St.
$28,000 — One window replacement, drywall patchwork, fix fascia trim and soffit on roof, repair slate roof tiles, minor brick repointing, exterior painting

Jerad Ostrowski
50 Orchard St.
$15,000 — Remove old siding and install new siding, remove front porch windows

EASTHAMPTON

Julia Gawle
90-106 Union St.
$22,000 — New plumbing and electrical

Patel Harnish
47 Cottage St.
$4,000 — Erect dividing wall in retail space with two doors

Norwich Properties LLC
17 East St.
$24,700 — Insulation, outlet installation, and siding

HADLEY

Jerry Rybczynski
26 Russell St.
N/A — Finish existing second floor into three-room, two-bath conference room

To Your Health LLC
270 Russell St.
N/A — Roofing

Walter Wanczyk Jr.
180 Russell St.
N/A — Install 12 new construction windows

LEE

Edward Willins, Alison Dick
880 East St.
$15,000 — Remodel kitchen

LENOX

MRG CRW Holdings LLC
55 Lee Road
$412,000 — Roofing

Toole Properties Inc.
461 Pittsfield Road
$100,000 — Replace floor tile, vanity countertop, shower pan, and shower surrounds in 36 guest bathrooms in main building

Toole Properties Inc.
461 Pittsfield Road
$20,000 — Install 33 vinyl windows

PITTSFIELD

Clock Tower Partners LLC
73 South Church St.
$39,000 — Tenant space build-out

Patriot Suites Inc.
8 Dan Fox Dr.
$180,000 — Roofing

Carlo Petrucci Jr.
108 East Housatonic St., #10
$25,330 — Remove and replace four windows and one patio door

Sonal Patel LLC
360 Pecks Road
$10,000 — Construct three baths and one office

SPRINGFIELD

Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church of Springfield
27 Pendleton Ave.
$2,500 — Remove and replace ceiling tiles

Caring Health Center Inc.
1235 Boston Road
$2,800,000 — Alter interior space for build-out for medical office use

City of Springfield
1435 Carew St.
$122,808 — Alter auditorium stage for four new breakout classrooms at Mary O. Pottenger Elementary School

City of Springfield
141 Washington St.
$98,000 — Repair/replace water-damaged plaster ceilings in basement

City of Springfield
300 White St.
$11,500 — Assemble and install prefabricated shade pavilion at White Street Elementary School

Fathima LLC
263 Hancock St.
$11,500 — Close off existing openings on front and back of building, create new opening in interior

FB Development LLC
1537 Main St.
$25,000 — Demolish interior only for future build-out on first floor of Fuller Block

Mari Real Estate Corp.
1781 Page Blvd.
$12,000 — Demolish non-structural wall and install sheetrock to bathroom ceiling at United Rentals

Nalani Capital LLC
494 Belmont Ave.
$60,000 — Demolish three-story portion of former funeral home building, including foundation and canopy

Pioneer Valley Transit Authority
665 Cottage St.
$1,933,400 — Alter interior space for replacement of six electric bus chargers and associated electrical work and upgrade fire protection and structural steel at PVTA bus operations and maintenance facility

Sumner Avenue 473-477 LLC
475 Sumner Ave.
$23,000 — Repair section of failing foundation wall

Unifirst Corp.
295 Parker St.
$180,369 — Roofing

Western New England University
1215 Wilbraham Road
$263,865 — Alter interior space on ground floor of Deliso Building for Marketing Department offices

D1 Hockey Regional Comes with Risks, High Expectations for the Region

By
Cover Story

Goal Oriented

 

Sean Dolan, general manager of the MassMutual Center

Sean Dolan, general manager of the MassMutual Center

 

Jeff Smith acknowledged that, at this time of year, he’s certainly plugged into the NCAA Division 1 hockey rankings, standings, and something called … bracketology, a science of sorts whereby an analyst, starting several weeks in advance, projects which teams will wind up in the season-ending tournament and where they will play.

Most of his attention is focused on UMass Amherst — he’s the school’s deputy athletic director for External Operations — which has been a regular in the tournament the past several years and won the national championship in 2021. But he’s also looking at how the tournament brackets will shake out and what the competition might be.

This year, however, he’s watching things even more closely, because there is much more at stake than where the Minutemen might play and whom — although that’s still top of mind, obviously.

Indeed, it was Smith who went to his boss several years ago with the idea of the university, working in tandem with the MassMutual Center and American International College, co-hosting one of the tournament’s regional slate of games.

Long story short — we’ll go back and fill in some of the details later — the three parties submitted a bid in early 2020 to host a regional round in 2023, 2024, and 2025, and the NCAA awarded Springfield one for 2024 — specifically, three games to be played later this month that will determine which team will punch their ticket for the Frozen Four, to be played in St. Paul, Minn.

Which brings us back to bracketology.

Smith and other organizers of this regional are watching closely to see which teams might be coming to downtown Springfield. UMass Amherst is very likely to be one of them — the team was ranked in the top 10 as of this writing and stood a good chance of winning either one of the 10 at-large bids or the automatic bid that comes with the Hockey East crown (it was in fourth place as the regular season was winding down). And if UMass is in the tournament field, he said, it will play in Springfield because it’s a host and the MassMutual Center is not its home rink.

Jeff Smith

Jeff Smith

“I think Western Mass. has become this 413 hockey hotbed right now.”

As for the others, quality hockey is assured, but another team or even two from the Northeast would be ideal, said Sean Dolan, general manager of the MassMutual Center, who described this venture as a financial risk for its partners, but one that those involved consider well worth taking.

“There’s financial risk here — there’s a guarantee that goes to the NCAA, and your finances need to be covered,” he said, adding quickly that several thousand tickets have already been sold, well in advance of Selection Sunday, and almost 1,000 hotel rooms have been blocked off for the NCAA, the teams, their fans, their bands, television crews, referees, and more.

The decision to bid for the D1 hockey regional is part of a broader effort to bring more sporting events of this nature to the MassMutual Center, a facility owned by the state and managed by MGM Springfield.

Indeed, bids have been submitted for D2 basketball (men’s and women’s), D2 and D3 wrestling, D2 and D3 volleyball, and additional D1 hockey regionals, he said, adding that, while word is awaited on those bids, it’s very likely that this spring’s regional will the first of many collegiate sporting events coming to the facility.

Jessica Chapin, director of Athletics at AIC, another partner in this venture who’s also watching bracketology closely, agreed. She noted that AIC, which has played in the tournament in recent years, is experiencing an injury-plagued season and is unlikely to be in the field of 16. And if it did win the Atlantic Hockey conference title, it could not play in Springfield because the MassMutual Center is the Yellowjackets’ home rink.

But AIC is sharing in the risk of hosting this regional, she said, adding that, like all those involved, she’s crossing her fingers on the draw and expecting a strong showing and more collegiate sporting events in the future.

“We’re super excited to hopefully have a team from down the Mass Pike,” she said. “Hopefully, that will be the top seed in our building, and that will help drive attendance to this event and make it great for not only AIC, but Springfield and the greater community.”

Mary Kay Wydra, president of the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau, concurred, noting that the event should provide a real boost for the region’s tourism and hospitality sector, especially coming at an otherwise slow time of year she described as “our traditional mud season.”

“We’ve run the preliminary, and I’m stressing preliminary, economic-impact calculation, and, based on the current information available, the result is a little over $1 million for our local economy,” she said. “Of course, that number could vary up or down slightly depending on which teams participate, how far their fans will travel, how big their fan base is, and even the weather that weekend.”

“You have a community that’s really invested in hockey, and we will bring some the nation’s best talent to Springfield.”

Those comments certainly explain the interest in bracketology and the risks involved with this venture, which, overall, is seen as an opportunity to spotlight the emergence of hockey in this region and provide a boost to both its prominent arena and the entire hospitality sector.

 

New Gains

For those not familiar with the Division 1 hockey tournament, it’s very much like the better-known basketball event known as March Madness, only on a much smaller scale.

Indeed, while there are more than 330 Division 1 basketball teams spread across 33 conferences, each with its own automatic bid to the tournament, D1 hockey features roughly 60 teams in just six conferences, with teams mostly in the Northeast and Midwest.

Sixteen teams make the tournament, and deciding where they play can be a complicated process. Indeed, the selection committee likes to keep teams relatively close to home, for many obvious reasons, but there are competing forces, including the dominance of Hockey East, which could have three number-one seeds, requiring at least one of them to travel. Also, the committee tries to avoid teams from the same conference playing in the first round. And, yes, UMass being a host, guaranteeing it a spot in Springfield, complicates things even further.

There’s still three weeks for the brackets to be worked out, and local organizers will certainly be watching. But they’re expecting the event to sell and anticipating that the risk they’re taking will pay off — for Springfield, the region, the MassMutual Center, area businesses, and more.

The Frozen Four games are now played annually in cities and rinks with NHL teams, said Smith, adding that the regionals are usually played in smaller arenas, typically those that are home to American Hockey League teams — like the MassMutual Center, home to the Thunderbirds, a franchise that has seen success on and off the ice under the direction of President Nate Costa.

That success, coupled with the emergence of UMass Amherst and AIC as true hockey powers, is one of several motivating factors for bidding on the D1 hockey regional, said Smith and Dolan, who knew each other from when Dolan worked at the Mullins Center on the UMass campus, adding that a hockey regional is one way to build off that momentum.

Mary Kay Wydra

Mary Kay Wydra

“The NCAA has blocked 940 rooms in our area, which is significant for a late March weekend that coincides with the Easter holiday.”

“I think Western Mass. has become this 413 hockey hotbed right now,” said Smith, citing the success of AIC, UMass Amherst, and the T-Birds. “That’s kind of cool, and hosting a regional is a way to promote that and celebrate it.”

Dolan agreed, noting that bidding for the D1 hockey regional is part of a larger effort to bring more sporting events to the region and, overall, fill more dates at the MassMutual Center.

For many years, Springfield hosted a D2 basketball regional, he recalled, and even a D1 basketball regional in the ’70s when that tournament was much smaller. But there has been little in recent years beyond the the Hall of Fame Classic games each fall.

Dolan said Las Vegas has landed a number of collegiate and professional sporting events in recent years (it just hosted the Super Bowl, for example), and those at MGM Springfield and the MassMutual Center conferred with their partners in Vegas about how to bring similar events to Springfield.

At the same time, talks between those at the facility and UMass, and then AIC, about hosting D1 hockey picked up in intensity. The bid was submitted just prior to COVID in 2020, and word was received that Springfield had been awarded one of the regionals for 2024 that October.

And, as noted earlier, it was just the first of many bids to be submitted, said Dolan, adding that sporting events of this nature are advantageous for many reasons. They bring people to Western Mass. from outside the region, thus giving it some exposure while also filling hotel rooms and restaurants. They also bring energy to the downtown for several days at a time.

“Our goal is to have Springfield host an NCAA championship every year,” he told BusinessWest, “so that this becomes something that we all, as community members, can anticipate. The sport will change by the year, but we want to have something each year.”

 

Icing on the Cake

When asked what to expect over those three days in late March, those we spoke with said there will certainly be some quality hockey on tap.

After that … well, much depends on how this bracket comes together.

One recent bit of bracketology, from Feb. 21, had UMass Amherst, Boston University, Denver, and Cornell coming to the MassMutual Center; that’s three teams from the Northeast and one from 2,000 miles away.

But other factors will play into this equation as well, everything from the weather to the fact that this will be Easter weekend (in making their bid, the local partners specifically bid for games to be played on Thursday and Saturday, rather than Friday and Sunday, to avoid playing on Easter).

Advance ticket sales, as noted, have been solid, Dolan said, adding that the brackets will not be announced until the Sunday before the games start. Most tickets will be sold after Selection Sunday, he explained, but organizers will push for advanced sales, emphasizing the quality of the hockey and the fact that Springfield hasn’t seen anything quite like this before.

“The NCAA has blocked 940 rooms in our area, which is significant for a late March weekend that coincides with the Easter holiday,” Wydra said. “So this figure is a very good indicator of the likely impact on our accommodations sector. It’s a little tougher to predict the overall room demand without knowing which teams will make it into the regional tournament. Some fanbases are very engaged and will follow their teams more enthusiastically than others, and of course distance is a factor, but we’re certainly expecting the room demand to be high.”

Having the Minutemen, which have been averaging more than 5,000 fans per game this year and have drawn as many as 8,000 to some tilts, including one against Michigan, will be huge, but other teams are expected to travel well.

When asked how they will measure success, those involved said there will be several yardsticks, including everything from ticket sales to how well those attending the games support downtown businesses.

And the results may ultimately play into how well the three partners fare as they vie for other regionals — bids have been submitted for 2026, 2027, and 2028.

“We’re planning on having a lot of success with this,” Smith said. “And it would be great to have it where every few years we have this in our backyard.”

Chapin, a member of the BusinessWest 40 Under Forty class of 2023, agreed.

“You have a community that’s really invested in hockey, and we will bring some the nation’s best talent to Springfield,” she said. “So I expect near-sellout crowds for the event.”

Added Wydra, “we’re sure the NCAA will be looking at how Springfield measures up to the other regional tournament locations,” which include Providence, R.I., Maryland Heights, Mo., and Sioux Falls, S.D.

“Here, our attention will be focused on the hotel-occupancy data, ticket sales for the games, attendance at area attractions, and dining volume at local restaurants. We expect to see a busy downtown in late March, with foot traffic on the street, and our enthusiasm for this event is high.”

Now, they’re just waiting for the puck to drop.

As the Population Ages, Memory Care Continues to Evolve

By
Allison Baker
Healthcare News Special Coverage

Peace of Mind

Allison Baker

Allison Baker says the Atrium at Cardinal Drive aims to both give residents a high quality of life and take stress away from their loved ones.

It’s a moment so many families dread — until they come out on the other side.

“There’s a lot of anxiety. There’s a lot of guilt,” said Allison Baker, director of Community Relations at the Atrium at Cardinal Drive in Agawam, about the decision to move a loved one — usually a parent or spouse — into the assisted-living facility, which specializes in memory care.

“Families can feel like they might be giving up on their loved one by moving them to a setting like ours. And I think our challenge is to show that you’re not placing your loved one in a place just to live out the rest of their life. The point of our community is to give them the best quality of life.”

Cathy Ballini, executive director of Mason Wright Senior Living in Springfield, agreed.

“I always tell families, ‘nobody shops for this until they have to shop for this.’ And there’s a lot of guilt involved when you take parents out of their home. But you have to look at the bigger picture of what’s best for them.”

What often precedes that discussion, especially with individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia, is large quantities of “caregiver burnout,” Ballini added.

“When one or two people are caring for someone, there comes a time when something is sacrificed or suffers because you’re not providing this level of care. There’s only so much one person can do to keep someone entertained. There’s only so much the television can do.

Cathy Ballini

Cathy Ballini

“That time they have left should be quality time. You’re taking the business end of the relationship and putting that on us so that you can truly enjoy your time with your with your parent, with your brother, with your spouse.”

“Coming here, they’re building friendships and trust with us so their relationship with the parent becomes what it should be,” she went on. “That time they have left should be quality time. You’re taking the business end of the relationship and putting that on us so that you can truly enjoy your time with your with your parent, with your brother, with your spouse.”

But what makes it quality time, and how does memory care differ from traditional assisted living?

Since it opened 26 years ago, the Atrium has featured two buildings with 22 apartments each, both dedicated to a memory-care model.

“We don’t divide residents based on their care level or their cognitive functioning,” Baker said. “With residents with memory loss or cognitive impairment, huge crowds can be overwhelming or overstimulating, so limiting the number of people is better for a resident. That’s why we have two neighborhoods. They have the same amenities — they both have a courtyard, they both have dining rooms, they both have the atrium area, they both have living rooms and sitting-room areas; they’re identical to one another.”

The Atrium aims to provide a level of care often associated with skilled-nursing facilities — such as two-person transfer assistance, feeding assistance, medication administration, and total care with all aspects of daily living — but in a home-like, assisted-living environment, she added. “It’s a little bit different model than most other communities, but the hope is that our residents can remain here in their home through end of life and not have to move to another setting.”

Mason Wright, like many assisted-living residences, has a neighborhood, called Reflections, dedicated to memory care on its third floor. There, “the caregivers build consistency and trust with the same people,” Ballini said. “The caregivers who are helping them out of bed in the morning are doing activities throughout the day and are serving meals to them. The routine is very important.”

That daily routine includes an extensive roster of activities that actively engage the mind. Residents in Reflections are able to join the rest of the Mason Wright community for events like entertainers, baking sessions, and other activities that anyone can enjoy, but also engage in activities exclusive to their neighborhood that are aimed at preserving cognition.

Laura Lovoie

Laura Lavoie

“Some people contact me when they’re almost at the end of their rope and they just need somebody to say, ‘it’s OK. You’ve done a great job, but there needs to be more support around them 24/7, and you need to sleep.’”

At the Atrium, Baker said, “we’re often able to pique new interest with our residents or encourage them to try something that they haven’t done, like our art therapy program, for example. Residents who have never had an interest in art or painting may be willing to try, and we have seen them partake in that and do an amazing job.”

The Atrium infuses music into many activities, she added, from bringing in professional musicians to utilizing the baby grand pianos in both neighborhoods to playing instrumental music during mealtimes.

“In memory care, music is something that resonates with pretty much the entire population, all of our residents. Not necessarily the same song or same genre, but music is something they can relate to, regardless of what stage someone’s at with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or any cognitive impairment.”

 

Helping the Helpers

Laura Lavoie straddles both the world of family caregiving and residential senior-care facilities through her consulting business, Our Dementia Life, which offers assistance to families dealing with the challenges of memory care and workshops and training to assisted-living facilities and other settings.

With the latter, “it’s really focused on relationships between the staff member and the person living with dementia so that they can give them better care,” she explained, adding that facilities are mandated to offer just two hours per year of dementia training, which isn’t nearly enough. “So many people, not only in memory care but in assisted living and independent living, have dementia, and nobody’s taught how to actually work with these people in order to support them and let them be as autonomous as possible and let them feel as empowered as possible, while still asking for help.”

Meanwhile, Lavoie said, “I also deal with families, especially people who have their loved one in their home, who are really struggling with how they can understand what’s happening, what’s going on inside their brain, and how they can communicate better so that they can care for them better.”

Sometimes those conversations lead to a realization that the family simply can’t do it alone. “Some people contact me when they’re almost at the end of their rope and they just need somebody to say, ‘it’s OK. You’ve done a great job, but there needs to be more support around them 24/7, and you need to sleep.’”

Lavoie said she got into this work almost three decades ago. “My grandfather had dementia. He had a brain tumor, and then he developed dementia because of it and lived with us for a couple of years. And I watched my mom care for him 24/7 with zero training, and she did a beautiful job, but I remember the struggles that she had.”

With people living longer and the over-65 population growing, the need for her services is only growing.

“The mindset at many facilities needs to change and grow with it, and we need people to be well-trained to work with these people in order for them to have a really good quality of life,” she told BusinessWest. “Just because you get a dementia diagnosis does not mean you stop living. Some people have dementia for many years, and why do they have to be bad years?”

She emphasized that the crux of her beliefs lies in looking at the person living with dementia and discovering — and cultivating — what they still have, rather than focusing on what has been lost. “There is a mass culture change that has to happen as the Baby Boomers begin to explode into the various realms of dementias, and I hope to be a part of that even more than I am now.”

Baker also wants to cultivate what residents enjoy, which is why residents at the Atrium are encouraged not to spend the majority of their time in their apartments, but rather in the common areas, taking part in activities that range from trivia and conversations about history to physical activities like cornhole or bowling, as well as outings to local restaurants, parks, and community events.

“We’re trying to keep our residents as engaged as possible throughout the day,” she explained, “with the understanding that we know not every single resident enjoys every single activity that we offer, but the idea is to offer such a variety that there’s something that our residents will enjoy.”

 

Being the Problem Solver

Meanwhile, what families enjoy is spending time with their loved ones without the burden of constant caregiving, Baker said.

“I often talk with families and say, ‘our goal is to relieve you of all that caregiver stress.’ We want them to be able to come and visit their loved one and just be their daughter, son, niece, nephew, husband, wife, and not be worried about whether they got their medications on time, did they take a shower, did they get whatever level of personal care that they may need? We want our families to visit their loved ones and let us worry about all of those other pieces.

“Sometimes you can visibly see the stress relieved from somebody,” she went on. “They just look so much more relaxed once their loved one acclimates.”

Ballini said the need for quality memory care is only growing, and most facilities have waiting lists — and, as a result, many people end up in nursing homes before they need to because there’s not enough spots at facilities like Mason Wright that can meet their care needs in a home-like setting. “In this age of medicine, people are living longer, and there aren’t enough beds for people.”

For the families that can access the right care, however, the rewards can be great, especially if they’re burned out on caregiving at home.

“To see someone come in, not knowing what to do with all the stress, walking through, and they’re not sure it’s right for their loved one, but then seeing their loved one a month or two later, it’s so gratifying,” Ballini told BusinessWest. “It’s nice to be the problem solver. You’re taking care of the family as much as the actual resident.”

Lavoie finds her work satisfying as well, both working with families and helping to train facility staff on how to interact with people with dementia, showing them techniques and communication skills that enhance quality of life for everyone involved.

“It’s the best thing in the world. I get these ‘a-ha’ moments all the time, where even really good care workers in facilities that are really dedicated realize they can make this person feel like they can paint again, and they come to you crying, saying, ‘you should have seen her face.’ Or families say, ‘I can’t believe this this is all it took.’ It’s just the most gratifying thing ever, and I’m thrilled to be doing it, and I just want to give more people the opportunity to learn more.”

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