Home 2014 December (Page 4)

Month: December 2014

Dr. Maria Russo-Appel Named Chief Medical Officer at Providence

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — Dr. Maria Russo-Appel has been appointed to the position of chief medical officer of Providence Behavioral Health Hospital (PBHH). In this role, she is responsible for the medical leadership at PBHH, including the coordination of all patient care and safety, quality assessment, risk management, patient satisfaction, and improvement in healthcare programs. She also serves as a liaison between the medical staff and administration at PBHH.

Russo-Appel’s appointment at PBHH marks her return to the Sisters of Providence Health System, where she served as medical director for Medical Psychiatry at Mercy Medical Center from 2003-07. Most recently, she served as chief medical officer for CleanSlate Addiction Treatment Centers in Northampton.

Board-certified in adult psychiatry, Russo-Appel has a special interest in women’s issues in psychiatry, as well as co-morbid medical and psychiatric illnesses. She is a graduate of Mount Sinai School of Medicine of New York University. She completed her residency at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, where she also completed her fellowship in Administrative Psychiatry.

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Russo-Appel back to the Sisters of Providence Health System,” said Dr. Scott Wolf, senior vice president of Medical Affairs, chief medical officer, and chief operating officer of Mercy Medical Center. “She is an outstanding physician with extensive clinical experience in both inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services. She also demonstrates enthusiasm and warmth in her interactions with patients and staff, and these qualities will serve her well in this important leadership role at Providence Behavioral Health Hospital.”

Added Russo-Appel, “it is truly an honor to be named the chief medical officer at Providence Behavioral Health Hospital, which has amassed a team of profoundly talented staff prepared to enact the newest models for excellence in mental-health care. Together, our overall goal is to create a continuum of healthcare which enhances ease of access for both physical and emotional care.”

EDC Sounds Alarm on Rising Costs of Natural Gas, Electricity

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Daily News

CHICOPEE — The Economic Development Council of Western Mass. voiced its concerns Tuesday regarding the rising costs of natural gas and electricity in the region.

“More expensive energy affects all of us negatively. All of us need to be concerned. Individuals face a reduction of disposable income and increased hardship,” the agency said in a prepared statement. “Businesses face reduced competiveness that threatens job growth and retention. Municipalities face increased energy costs while facing decreasing revenues. Hospitals and higher-education institutions must divert more resources to energy purchases, thus diverting resources from their core missions. Shrinking business and consumer spending reduces investments in those things that define quality of life in Western Massachusetts.”

Through a series of meetings and discussions with entities familiar with the issues, the EDC infrastructure committee released the following findings:

• Recent and future closings of oil- and coal-fired plants have boosted, and will continue to increase, Massachusetts’ dependency on natural gas for electric power generation. Nearly 50% of all electricity in Massachusetts is generated by natural gas, and that proportion is rising. These conditions, when combined with inadequate supplies of natural gas, are resulting in dramatically increased power costs during the winter.

• Gas companies serving this region are reaching the limits of their capacity to serve new customers. Berkshire Gas will stop adding customers in Greenfield at the end of 2014, and in Amherst in 2016. Columbia Gas is reaching the end of its capacity to serve Northampton and Easthampton. It could serve 10,000 more customers in the region if it had additional capacity. The inability to serve new customers will negatively affect economic growth in the region.

• Kinder Morgan is proposing a pipeline-extension project through Northern Mass. that will increase natural-gas supply to Berkshire, Franklin, and Hampshire counties as well as Eastern Mass.

• NU/Spectra proposes an expansion of the Algonquin Pipeline that would increase natural-gas supplies available to the Springfield area and Eastern Mass.

• Several New England states have been working to bring electricity generated by Hydro Quebec to the region.

EDC Infrastructure Committee Chair Paul Nicolai summarized the committee’s work, suggesting that “supplying cost-effective, responsibly clean energy for our people and businesses is a complicated problem requiring balanced approaches and moderate thinking. EDC has struck that balance and encourages policymakers to do so as well.”

At a recent meeting, the EDC board of directors approved a resolution supporting the following actions, which, if implemented, will help to provide an adequate, stable supply of energy at competitive prices:

• Increase natural-gas supply by permitting both natural-gas pipeline-expansion projects proposed for the region and state;

• Increase the sources of power generation by enabling the purchase of hydro-generated electricity from the north;

• Continue support of conservation and renewable-energy technologies; and

• Encourage a regulatory environment that promotes market stability and competitive outcomes.

Berkshire Bank Raises $23,091 for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

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Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Bank has been recognized by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for its total corporate impact for participating in the Light the Night Walk fund-raiser in Albany, N.Y. Berkshire Bank raised $23,091 for the Light the Night Walk campaign. Berkshire’s volunteer team was led by Tami Gunsch, senior vice president, Retail Banking, who personally raised $5,159.02 and was recognized as the top individual fund-raiser of 2014.

The Light the Night Executive Challenge is a national fund-raising competition among participating corporate executives in the Greater Albany region to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The challenge ran for six weeks, from Sept. 3 to Oct. 8. Berkshire Bank was an integral part of the 1,100-plus individuals and businesses who participated in the Walk to End Cancer at the Albany chapter’s 16th annual Light the Night Walk at Siena College on Oct. 11.

Berkshire Bank will be recognized at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s awards ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 12 at Revolution Hall in Troy, N.Y. During the event, Berkshire will be recognized as the top corporate supporter for having raised $13,000 in corporate-sponsorship funds, and as a ‘mega plus team’ for having raised more than $10,000 in team funds.

James Garvey Wins National Social-media Award

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The social-media marketing work of James Garvey, social media analyst at Garvey Communication Associates Inc., was recognized with a Top 10 Social Media Standouts award at the recent 2014 Lift Brands Corporate Conference in Las Vegas.

Garvey has been working with a regional Snap Fitness gym and fitness center for the last six months and devised a plan to harvest relevant content and disseminate it according to a defined editorial calendar. The center reported that the new social-media marketing plan has both grown online fans and helped achieve a 25% sales increase.

Garvey is a member of the New England Financial Marketing Assoc., the Advertising Club of Western Mass., an associate member of the Public Relations Society of America, and a registered mentor with Valley Venture Mentors.

Skoler, Abbott & Presser to Present Briefing on Sick-leave Law

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C., a labor and employment law firm serving the Greater Springfield area, announced an upcoming briefing, to be co-hosted by the Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast (EANE), focused on the new Massachusetts sick-leave initiative. The event will take place Thursday, Dec. 18, at the Berkshire Bank Community Room in Pittsfield from 8 to 10 a.m.

The sold-out program demonstrates an extraordinary need to educate business owners and human-resource professionals about the change in law that will go into effect on July 1. Specifically, Massachusetts voters backed paid sick leave, which was a question on the ballot this past November. The law entitles employees to earn up to 40 hours of paid sick time each year if they work for businesses with 11 or more employees; workers at smaller companies may earn 40 hours of annual unpaid sick time.

“Very rarely does an event sell out so quickly,” said Mark Adams, director of human resource solutions for EANE. “It’s a big indicator that this law will have a major impact on business here in Massachusetts. We like to stay on top of the most recent laws governing the workplace and are thrilled to see so many professionals learning more through EANE programs.”

Attorney Amelia Holstrom of Skoler Abbott will present the briefing as part of the firm’s partnership with EANE. She will provide answers to the most common questions about the new law, including:
• What does the law require?
• How is sick time earned?
• When do employees begin to earn this time?
• When can employees begin to use this time?
• What happens to unused sick time left over at the end of a calendar year?
• What can sick time be used for?
• Must employees give advanced notice before taking sick time?
• Can an employer require documentation when an employee uses sick time earned under this law?
• Does unused sick time need to be paid out when an employee leaves a company?
• Are there notice requirements?
• What are the penalties for non-compliance?

“At Skoler, Abbott & Presser, we specialize in these niche matters of employment and represent only the needs of employers,” said Holstrom. “This briefing is one of many resources we offer for business owners and human-resource professionals, and we are available to help employers navigate through the changes needed in order to stay in compliance with the law. Although the changes will not go into effect until July 1, the new year is a great time to re-evaluate sick-time policies and update professional protocol. We encourage all employers to become educated on the new law and make any necessary changes.”

Additional EANE forums for education about the new sick-time-leave initiative will be considered after further guidance is issued by the state Attorney General’s Office. The attorney general is expected to announce interpretations of the law between now and when it takes effect.

Winstanley Partners Hires Lesia Gribbin as Graphic Designer

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Daily News

LENOX — The marketing and creative agency Winstanley Partners, based in Lenox, announced that Lesia Gribbin has been appointed to the position of graphic designer.

Gribbin holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the College of St. Rose in Albany, N.Y.; studied graphic design at Studio Art Centers International in Florence, Italy; and maintains membership with the New York City chapter of AIGA, the professional association for design.

Following stints at the New York Post, global design consultancy Dragon Rouge, and Delmar, N.Y.-based advertising agency 2Communiqué, Gribbin brings experience in visual communication, concept development, and branding to her new position, in addition to proficiency in digital design as well as lithography, photography, illustration, and more.

Leadership Pioneer Valley Launches Leadership 2.0

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Leadership Pioneer Valley (LPV) is offering offering a new series of bite-sized training sessions beginning in January to enhance leadership skills and understanding of the region. The sessions are open to LPV alumni and other emerging and established leaders.

LPV recognizes that leadership is a lifelong process, and the Leadership 2.0 series features six two- to three-hour training sessions on a variety of topics with the goal of deepening leadership skills, creating new and diverse connections, and making an impact on the region. The sessions are open to LPV alumni who want to continue their learning or others who are unable to be part of LPV’s 10-month program. The intent is to diversify Leadership Pioneer Valley’s offerings and create new opportunities.

Workshop topics include “Effective Communications,” “Becoming a Superhero Board Member,” and a field experience to explore the Agawam area. The series sponsors include Sisters of Providence Health System/Mercy Hospital, Appleton Corp., the Beveridge Family Foundation, and the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts.

Valley Gives Attracts Record Number of Nonprofits

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Daily News

PIONEER VALLEY — This year, 463 nonprofit organizations serving Western Mass. — more than 100 above the total in 2013 — will be raising money on Dec. 10 during Valley Gives, an annual, 24-hour e-philanthropy event.

This year, the event has a goal of attracting 20,000 donors. To help promote participation, Valley Gives organizers will have mobile teams appearing around Western Mass., spreading information about Valley Gives as well as using iPads to help passersby make gifts to their favorite nonprofits. The giving stations will be found at the following times and places:
• 8:30-10:30 a.m., Tower Square, 1500 Main St., Springfield
• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tower Square, 1500 Main St., Springfield
• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Balise, 1399 Riverdale St., West Springfield
• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Balise, 1979 Boston Road, Wilbraham
• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Greenfield Community College: Street Level, 270 Main St., Greenfield
• 3:30-6:30 p.m., Big Y, 503 Memorial Ave., West Springfield
• 3:30-6:30 p.m., Big Y, 237 Mohawk Trail, Greenfield
• 3:30-6:30 p.m., Big Y, 136 North King St., Northampton

At the end of the day, a countdown-to-midnight celebration is being hosted at Luxe Burger Bar, 1200 West Columbus Ave., Springfield. The event, beginning at 7 p.m., is open to participating nonprofits and donors and is being organized by the Terrace Group.

A complete list of participants is available at valleygives.wordpress.com/2014-participants. Gifts can be made on Dec. 10 at www.valleygivesday.org. Valley Gives is spearheaded and hosted by the Community Foundation of Western Mass. Joining this effort as partners are eight of the leading funding organizations serving Western Mass., including the Jewish Federation of Western Mass., the Jewish Endowment Foundation, the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts, United Way of Hampshire County, United Way of Franklin County, United Way of Pioneer Valley, the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation, and the Beveridge Family Foundation.

Valley Gives is supported by presenting sponsor Balise Auto and featured sponsors Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury & Murphy, Big Y, UBS Keady Foard Montemagni Wealth Management Group, and Easthampton Savings Bank. Underwriters include Paragus Strategic IT and Greenfield Cooperative Bank. Partners include Peter Pan, United Personnel, Andrew & Associates, as well as numerous individual donors.

Springfield Preservation Trust Announces Sale of 77 Maple St.

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Preservation Trust (SPT) announced the sale of 77 Maple St. to DevelopSpringfield for $35,000. The property, built in 1832 as the Springfield Female Seminary, had fallen into a state of disrepair and near-collapse in 2009 when the trust intervened to save the property from demolition.

“Today’s sale represents the completion of the trust’s important preservation work and the transfer of the property to a responsible owner who is doing great things next door at 83 Maple St.,” said Don Courtemanche, president of the Springfield Preservation Trust. “We believe having these properties together under single ownership will ultimately be in both properties’ best interests in terms of preservation and marketability.”

Added Jay Minkarah, president and CEO of DevelopSpringfield, “we are thrilled to add this wonderful property to our portfolio. It makes so much sense for us to include the rehabilitation of this building in our plans for rehabilitation of the Ansel Phelps House at 83 Maple St.”

Since purchasing the property, SPT has made significant structural repairs, including the critical rebuilding of a collapsed wall as well as foundation repairs, roof and trim repairs, and the repair and restoration of 24 of the building’s large, historic windows. The project has been the beneficiary of a great deal of public support, including contributions from the Springfield CDBG Program, the Massachusetts Historical Commission, the 1776 Foundation, MassMutual Financial, the Hampden Bank Foundation, Bob McCarroll, and a vast number of SPT members and friends through year-round SPT special events.

“We are an all-volunteer organization and could not have saved this building without the support of the community and funders,” said Courtemanche. “This truly was a community effort.”

In addition to the Ansel Phelps House, DevelopSpringfield also owns a former carriage house and row of garages on an abutting parcel and an adjacent vacant lot that will provide parking, access, and green space to support both buildings. For information on leasing opportunities, contact Minkarah at (413) 209-8808 or [email protected].

Luso Federal Credit Union Makes Donation to Noble Hospital

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Daily News

WESTFIELD — Noble Hospital recently received a donation of $8,600 from Luso Federal Credit Union, to go toward helping women at the hospital’s Center for Comprehensive Breast Health.

During the month of October, Luso’s employees held a team competition to see which employee team could raise the most money for breast-cancer research through various fund-raising activities. As a result, this year’s donation from employees and customers represents a 230% increase over the prior year’s donation.

Hampshire Mall to Host Holiday Performance on Dec. 11

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Daily News

HADLEY — Hampshire Mall announced that the West Mass Brass band will be performing its holiday-themed compositions on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. near the food court.

West Mass Brass is a British-style, brass and percussion band that was formed in September 2014. Organized and conducted by Kenneth McCance of Millers Falls, the group consists of music majors and teachers, brass-band enthusiasts, and talented high-school students. The mission of the band is expose the British-style brass-band experience to others to enjoy and perpetuate, and to provide a challenging opportunity for capable individuals to play and perform.

Bay Path Announces Commitment to Expand College Access

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Daily News

LONGMEADOW — On Thursday, Bay Path University President Carol Leary joined President Obama, the first lady, and Vice President Biden, along with hundreds of college presidents and other higher-education leaders, to announce new actions to help more students prepare for and graduate from college. The White House College Opportunity Day of Action helped support Obama’s commitment to partner with colleges and universities, business leaders, and nonprofits to support students across the country.

“I am honored to participate in this important initiative and to represent the 76.6 million adult women in this country who do not have a baccalaureate degree,” said Leary. “Through the launch of the American Women’s College at Bay Path University, we are making a bold commitment to provide a truly revolutionary model of higher education for underserved adult women. It is time that we as a country focus on this population. Higher education has the potential to transform a woman’s life and, in so doing, positively impact her community, her workplace, and her family.

“The generational impact of educating adult women is profound,” Leary continued. “Research demonstrates that only 13% of children of women without a degree go on to college. When a woman earns a degree, that figure escalates to 49%. A focus on the education of adult women is critical to President Obama’s goal of restoring our nation as a global leader in college-educated citizenry.”

Leary is among the participants being asked to commit to new action in one of four areas: building networks of colleges around promoting completion, creating K-12 partnerships around college readiness, investing in high-school counselors as part of the first lady’s Reach Higher initiative, and increasing the number of college graduates in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Expanding opportunity for more students to enroll and succeed in college, especially low-income and underrepresented students, is vital to building a strong economy and a strong middle class. Today, only 9% of those born in the lowest family income quartile attain a bachelor’s degree by age 25, compared to 54% in the top quartile.

In an effort to expand college access, the Obama administration has increased Pell scholarships by $1,000 a year, created the new American Opportunity Tax Credit worth up to $10,000 over four years of college, limited student-loan payments to 10% of income, and laid out an ambitious agenda to reduce college costs and promote innovation and competition.

Baystate Franklin’s Clinical Notes to Present Free Holiday Concert

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Daily News

GREENFIELD — Baystate Franklin Medical Center’s Clinical Notes, a hospital-based women’s a cappella chorus, will perform a free holiday concert, “Songs of Stars and Roses,” on Thursday, Dec. 18, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the hospital’s main conference rooms. Under the direction of Kathryn Aubrey-McAvoy, the group will perform both traditional and contemporary holiday and secular music. Hospital staff, patients, visitors, and the public are invited to attend.

“This will be our first time holding an evening concert,” said Phyllis Stone, chorus manager. “We are hoping to attract staff, as well as family and friends, who often can’t make it to our noontime concerts.”

Clinical Notes was formed in 2003 by Stone and Annginette Anderson, who shared a love of a cappella singing and a belief that music should be part of a healing environment. Though members have come and gone over the 11 years, most of the singers have been in the group since its inception. The group performs two formal concerts yearly (during the holidays and at the beginning of summer), and sings at various hospital-related events, such as the annual Chocolate Fantasy, Nurses’ Week, and other celebrations. They have also performed during the Relay for Life Sacred Gathering, the Hospice of Franklin County tree lighting, the United Way A Cappella Festival, and the BFMC Follies.

For more information, contact Stone at (413) 773-2573 or [email protected].

Junior Achievement Announces New Officers, Board Members

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Junior Achievement of Western Mass. recently elected new officers and welcomed new members to its board of directors.

JA’s 2014-15 officers include chair Darlene Libiszewski of Chicopee Savings Bank; co-vice chairs John Boudreau of Contractor’s Edge LLC and Michael Ginsberg of Insurance Industry Consulting Services; treasurer Nicole Denette of Savage Arms; and clerk Margaret LaMotte of Paragus Strategic IT. Rounding out the executive committee are former chairmen Al Kasper of Savage Arms and Phil Goncalves of Country Bank.

“I’m pleased to be a part of the synergistic relationship between Junior Achievement, local schools, and many supporters to position our students to achieve economic and career success,” said Libiszewski. “I look forward to continuing our efforts of helping Western Massachusetts young people reach their full potential, and applaud everyone who has contributed toward achieving this important objective.”

Junior Achievement also announced the addition of William Sepaniak of Baystate Medical, Brendan Greeley of RJ Greeley, Tracey Alves-Lear of TD Bank, Christine Quiterio of Comcast, and Jon Feeney of Smith & Wesson.

WNEU Accepting Small Business Legal Clinic Applications

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Western New England University (WNEU) Small Business Legal Clinic is now accepting applications from entrepreneurs and small-business owners seeking legal assistance for the spring 2015 semester.

Under faculty supervision, law students assist clients with legal issues including choice of entity, employment policies, contract drafting, regulatory compliance, and intellectual-property issues relating to trademark and copyright. This is a free service available to local businesses that would not otherwise have the resources to obtain these types of services.

The Small Business Clinic at the WNEU School of Law has assisted more than 250 small businesses. The clinic is a resource for entrepreneurs who lack the finances to retain an attorney. By using the clinic’s services, businesses can avoid problems by getting legal issues addressed early and correctly. It also provides students with a great opportunity to get real-world experience.

The Small Business Legal Clinic asks small business owners to submit their applications by Dec. 12. Applications received after that date will be considered if additional resources are available. Students will begin providing services in January. For more information, call the Legal Clinic at (413) 782-1469 or e-mail [email protected].

The Western New England University Small Business Legal Clinic was established to provide law students with an opportunity to provide practical consultation to entrepreneurs launching small businesses or growing existing businesses in the community. For more information, visit www1.wne.edu/cie.

ACCGS Business@Breakfast to Tout Region’s Entrepreneurial Spirit

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The entrepreneurial spirit of the region will take center stage at the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield’s Business@Breakfast on Jan. 7, from 7:15 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Ludlow Country Club, One Tony Lema Dr., Ludlow.

Paul Silva, executive director of Valley Venture Mentors (VVM), will discuss “Putting the PIONEER Back in Pioneer Valley.” He will be joined by Natasha Clark, founder of LionessMagazine.com, a Western Mass.-based, all-digital magazine for the female entrepreneur.

VVM is a nonprofit based in Springfield that provides key support to the entrepreneurial ecosystem through its mentorship and accelerator programs. Silva is the manager of the River Valley Investors angel-investor network and co-founder of the Valley Venture Mentors entrepreneurship-mentoring program and All in Play, a company creating software that helps the blind socialize with their fully sighted friends and families as equals. He is the former president of the co-working space and incubator Click Workspace.

The breakfast will also honor Dr. Mark Keroack on his new role as CEO of Baystate Health, and recognize Andrew Associates on its 30th anniversary in business. Reservations are $20 for ACCGS members in advance ($25 for members at the door) and $30 for general admission. Reservations are suggested and can be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com.

WNEU School of Law Offers 
Five-week Mini-Law School

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Western New England University School of Law will open its doors to the community with a five-week program focused on demystifying the law. The Mini-Law School will be held from Feb. 10 to March 10 on Tuesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Blake Law Center, Room D, 1215 Wilbraham Road, Springfield.

“Individuals interested in becoming better-informed and engaging in stimulating dialogue will find this program rewarding,” said Pat Newcombe, associate dean for Library and Information Resources. “No legal knowledge is necessary, just a curious mind.”

Mini-Law School offers non-lawyers an understanding of legal topics that impact their everyday lives. Each class is taught by School of Law faculty and moderated by the Hon. Kenneth Neiman, magistrate judge, U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts. Blending theory and practice, the classes will focus on family law, health law, constitutional law, and environmental law. The sessions include:

• Feb. 10: “Welcome to Mini-Law School: An Inside View of Law School and the Courts,” presented by Neiman and School of Law Dean Eric Gouvin;

• Feb. 17: “Family Law: What Defines a Family?” presented by 
Professor of Law Jennifer Levi and Neiman;

• Feb. 24: “Health Law: End-of-Life Choices,” presented by 
Professor of Law Barbara Noah and Neiman;

• March 3: “Constitutional Law: Real Law or Just Another Kind of Politics?” presented by Professor of Law Bruce Miller and Neiman; and

• March 10: “Environmental Law: Legal Solutions to Pollution Challenges,” presented by 
Professor of Law Julie Steiner and Neiman.

“After five weeks, you won’t be a lawyer,” said Western New England University Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Beth Cohen, “but you will be able to better understand laws that have an effect on your life, and, unlike traditional law school, there are no tests or homework.”

Tuition is $35 for all five sessions, or $10 for each individual session. The program is free of charge for any high-school, college, or graduate student with a valid student ID. To register by phone or for more information, call Newcombe at (413) 782-1616. Registration will continue through Jan. 19. Learn more at www.law.wne.edu/minilaw.

Farmington Bank Appoints Catherine Turowsky Vice President

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Daily News

FARMINGTON, Conn. — Farmington Bank announced the appointment of Catherine Turowsky as vice president, cash management sales and services representative. Turowsky operates out of Farmington Bank’s Western Mass. Commercial Services Office, located at 138 Memorial Ave. in West Springfield.

“We’re pleased to welcome Catherine to our Farmington Bank Commercial Services team,” said John Patrick Jr., chairman, president, and CEO of Farmington Bank. “She joins a group of experienced bankers who bring a wealth of local business knowledge and insights to our Western Massachusetts operation.”

Turowsky, with more than 28 years of banking experience in Massachusetts, comes to Farmington Bank from People’s United Bank, where she served as senior vice president/market manager of cash management services. She is a member of the Treasury Management Assoc. of New England and the Assoc. for Financial Professionals.

In September, Connecticut-based Farmington Bank announced its plans to enter Massachusetts with the establishment of the commercial services office now open in West Springfield and two de novo hub branches planned to open, subject to regulatory approval, in West Springfield and East Longmeadow in 2015.

HMC Names Barry Waite Corporate Director of Human Resources

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Medical Center welcomes Barry Waite as corporate director of Human Resources.

Waite, a native of Holyoke, served five years as corporate director of Human Resources for the Loomis Communities in South Hadley and seven years as regional director of Human Resources with HealthBridge Management in Concord. Previously, he served as director of Public Affairs and Strategic Communications for Baystate Health in Springfield, and as director of Communications and Marketing for Qualidigm in Middletown, Conn.

“This is an exciting time for Holyoke Medical Center, as we bring a new vision and strategic plan into action. The people who work here every day, providing the excellent care that our community hospital is recognized for, are the reason I’m here,” said Waite. “In HR, we have a real impact on how that care is provided, whether the focus is on the morale of the workplace, employee benefits, or creating a healthier workplace environment for our employees — creating an environment where they can thrive and serve our patients to the best of their ability.”

Waite attended Boston College and earned his master’s degree in health communications at Emerson College/Tufts University School of Medicine. He lived in Boston for 14 years and was delighted to return to his native Western Mass. in 2000 so his wife could pursue a doctorate in nutrition at UMass Amherst. Among Waite’s plans for HMC are to introduce a new employee-wellness program including an initiative for achieving a healthy work-life balance.

“From an HR perspective, it’s rewarding being part of the team that will bring Holyoke Medical Center into the future, with a focus on patient-centered healthcare delivery,” Waite said. “I am working with people who have dedicated their lives to what this hospital has to offer. Taking the wealth of knowledge and experience that they have and being part of bringing it to the next level is exciting.”

Paragus Strategic IT Recognized as Model Employer

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Daily News

HADLEY — Paragus Strategic IT was recently honored with an Employer of Choice award by the Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast at the organization’s Employment Law and HR Practices Conference in Sturbridge. Paragus CEO Delcie Bean was also a featured speaker at the 21st Century Talent event focused on how top employers are changing today’s workforce.

Winners of the Employer of Choice award are recognized for developing a culture of transforming and rewarding employee performance. Entrants are judged in categories including company culture, training and development, communication, recognition and reward, and work-life balance. Past winners include Maybury Material Handling, PeoplesBank, and Health New England.

The 21st Century Talent conference was organized by Bank of America, Commonwealth Corp., and Grads of Life. Along with representatives from Harvard and Udacity, Bean was invited to speak about Paragus Strategic IT’s commitment to the next generation of workforce.

Since Bean founded the company at age 13, Paragus has grown from a one-man operation to a regional leader in business computer service, consulting, and information-technology support. And despite a sluggish economy, Paragus IT has continued to thrive and expand. In 2012 and 2013, Paragus was named in Inc.’s annual ranking of the 5,000 fastest-growing businesses. With a 546% growth rate over six years, Paragus is the second-fastest-growing outsourced IT firm in New England.

Most recently, Bean started Tech Foundry, a nonprofit education program designed to provide area high-school students with strong education and career training in technology.

TommyCar Auto Group Supports Rock 102 Mayflower Marathon

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Daily News

HADLEY — TommyCar Auto Group was a supporter and sponsor of the Rock 102 Mayflower Marathon, with its Service Department offering discounts on vehicle maintenance to anyone willing to donate non-perishable canned goods. In addition to the generous community support, Country Hyundai, Country Nissan, and Northampton Volkswagen matched the first $1,000 that was donated by listeners each day, donating a grand total of $3,000 to Springfield Open Pantry.

“It was inspiring to see how many people come out during those three days to donate non-perishable items. We were honored to be part of this amazing cause” said TommyCar co-owner Carla Cosenzi.

This year, the annual Rock 102 Mayflower Marathon raised $108,000 for Springfield Open Pantry. Bax & O’Brien broadcasted 52 hours from the Basketball Hall of Fame in downtown Springfield. Their goal was to fill three 48-foot trailers with non-perishable food donations.

Chief Executives at U.S. Companies Expect Sales to Keep Growing

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Daily News

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Business Roundtable said Tuesday that 40% of its member CEOs plan to hire more workers, up from 34% in the third quarter. Nearly three-quarters project their sales will rise, roughly the same as the previous quarter.

The findings suggest that slowing growth overseas hasn’t caused large corporations to pull back on their hiring plans. Still, the CEOs say they are less likely to invest in new facilities or equipment; 13% say they plan to cut such spending, up from just 10% in the previous quarter.

The survey was conducted between Oct. 22 and Nov. 12, and is based on 129 responses from the Roundtable’s 200 member CEOs.

Construction Spending Increases in October

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Daily News

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Construction spending increased in October amid growing public-sector demand for construction and continued modest growth in residential work, according to an analysis by Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the new spending figures underscore the need for measures to increase the supply of qualified construction workers as firms worry about growing labor shortages.

“Today’s data shows that construction growth remains volatile,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “While overall construction spending jumped by more than 1% in October, the gain followed two months of stagnation. Public construction was the fastest-growing segment for the month but the slowest-growing over the past year and for the first 10 months of 2014 combined. Conversely, private, non-residential construction inched down from September to October but has risen at double-digit rates — 11% — for the combined January-through-October period. And private residential construction continues to grow very modestly, with multi-family construction taking the lead on an annual basis.”

Construction spending in October totaled $971 billion at a seasonally adjusted annual rate, up 1.1% from the September total and 3.3% higher than in October 2013, Simonson noted. Private residential spending edged up 1.3% from September and 1.9% from a year earlier, while private non-residential spending dropped 1.0% for the month but rose 6.4% year-over-year. The third component of the total — public construction spending — increased 1.5% from September and 2.3% from a year ago.

Single-family home construction gained 1.8% for the month and 13.2% over 12 months, and multi-family work increased 1.0% from the September level and jumped 27.2% from a year earlier. The largest private non-residential type, power construction — which includes oil and gas fields and pipelines as well as electric power — slumped 1.9% in October but rose 0.3% from the prior year.

Commercial construction — comprising retail, warehouse, and farm projects — decreased 2.6% for the month but increased 9.3% for the year. Manufacturing construction increased 3.4% for the month and 23% year-over-year. Among the largest public segments, highway and street construction inched up 1.1% for the month and declined 0.1% from October 2013. Public-education construction inched up 2.2% and 6.1%, respectively.

“For 2014 as a whole and 2015, private non-residential spending and multi-family spending should be the strongest segments, followed by single-family construction, with very limited prospects for public construction,” Simonson said.

Association officials said the spending increases come as many firms report growing labor shortages. They urged elected and appointed officials to act on a series of measures the association has identified that will help expand the supply of qualified construction workers. “We need to make sure there are enough workers available to meet growing demand for construction,” said Stephen Sandherr, the association’s CEO.

BusinessWest Publisher Donates $500,000 to Cathedral High School

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Cathedral High School has received a $500,000 donation from Cathedral alumnus John Gormally, owner and publisher of BusinessWest magazine. Cathedral High School President Dr. Ann Southworth said the gift “will be used to provide immediate tuition assistance to students desiring a Cathedral High School education, as well as support faculty.”

But the money is more than just a donation. Gormally is also challenging the business community in Western Mass. to “step up to the plate and show their support” like he has done.

“I have confidence in Catholic education,” said Gormally, a 1978 graduate of the school. “I think it is important to have a Catholic high school in Springfield. It is my hope and desire that the Springfield Diocese finds a way to rebuild Cathedral on Surrey Road in Springfield. I would also hope that the business community steps up to recognize Cathedral as the important resource it is in the community and financially support it.”

Currently the fate of Cathedral High School, which was heavily damaged in the 2011 tornado, has yet to be decided by Bishop Mitchell Rozanski. A nonprofit group called the Committee for Cathedral Action has been rallying support and raising funds for the school, and is about halfway to its $10 million goal.

GradNation Summit 2014

By
Education Sections
Conference Focuses on Ways to Boost Springfield’s Graduation Rate

By KATHLEEN MITCHELL

Michael Smith

Michael Smith (second from left) introduces Springfield Mayor Dominic Sarno (left) to his parents and grandmother, who helped him succeed in school.

Many businesses donate to local nonprofit organizations and do their best to support the community. But Michael Smith says they inadvertently fail to recognize the role they can play in a critical area of need.

“Businesses often think that lowering the high-school dropout rate is a job for schools, nonprofit organizations, and the government. But they need to pay attention to what is happening if they expect the country to have an educated workforce,” said the Springfield native during a keynote speech at the GradNation Summit 2014 luncheon held last month at Springfield College for community and business leaders. “They may be writing checks or hosting grant competitions, but it is not enough. They need to establish apprenticeship programs, bring high-school students into their companies, and send their employees into the schools.”

Smith was recently appointed a special assistant to President Obama and is senior director of Cabinet Affairs for the presidential My Brother’s Keeper initiative, which addresses opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color that prevent them from reaching their full potential.

He traveled to the Bay State from Washington, D.C. to attend the day-long GradNation event, at which summit leaders shared best practices aimed at keeping inner-city students interested in their own education, with a focus on the relationship between success in middle school and the path to graduation.

Springfield was one of 100 cities across the nation selected by America’s Promise Alliance to hold a GradNation conference, with the goal of boosting the high-school graduation rate to 90% by 2020. And the United Way of Pioneer Valley convened the event as part of its Stay in School initiative launched last year in partnership with Springfield’s public schools.

“Middle school is a time when kids often get off track; adolescence can be really challenging, and we can’t wait until high school to make sure students are achieving at grade level. We need to get them in the pipeline early,” Smith said, adding that an overwhelming number of dropouts are “kids of color.”

He told BusinessWest that he grew up in the Hill McKnight area of Springfield. “It was a rough neighborhood with drugs, crime, violence … you name it,” he said. “I had many opportunities to fall off the path, but thanks to my parents, my grandmother, and the Boys & Girls Club, which provided me with opportunities to volunteer as well as my first job, I became a success.

“But I think about the kids I went there with who are not standing in a similar position today,” he went on. “A lot of them dropped out of school or had children early, and way too many dreams were deferred.”

However, there are strategies that can make a difference, and Smith said peer mentoring is an effective tool in middle school. But he quickly dispelled the belief that focusing solely on improving academics is the most important strategy in reducing the dropout rate.

“It takes far more than academics for a child to be successful,” he said, citing the Harlem Children’s Zone as a program that works. “They use innovative educational programs to help children, but they feed them breakfast first. You have to look at all of the roadblocks, and we need to disrupt the way we have been doing things because it is not working.

“Good enough is not good enough; we invest far too much money in things that don’t bear fruit, and governments and nonprofits can’t save children,” he went on, adding that, while nonprofits spend $300 billion each year, the dropout rate remains high.

“So, it’s clear that we need to form new partnerships, invest in innovation, and set the same goals if we want to attain a 90% graduation rate,” he told the audience.

Working Together

Springfield Mayor Dominic Sarno told those assembled that a number of success stories have come out of Springfield, adding quickly that considerable work remains.

“We need to push the needle if we are going to knock down poverty. The number-one priority is education, followed by jobs, and you get jobs through education,” he said, acknowledging that middle school is a difficult time for young people.

“If we are going to make any real improvements in the dropout rate, the entire community needs to be behind it,” the mayor went on. “We have a moral imperative to improve urban schools, but it will require bold and difficult measures to get dramatic outcomes.”

Springfield College President Mary Beth Cooper was among a bevy of speakers who outlined their efforts to help Springfield schools, and said the college has tutors in preschools who focus on early literacy skills of at-risk children.

“Our Springfield College School Turnaround Initiative also places 48 Americorps members in Level 4 schools. In 2013-14, they implemented targeted interventions to improve attendance, academic achievement, and the behavioral-social-emotional health of the students,” she said, adding that, as a result, 55% showed an increase in academic engagement.

Dora Robinson, president and CEO of United Way of Pioneer Valley, stressed the fact that GradNation was not simply an event. “It’s a call to action, and we really need a lot of support,” she said. “If we invest time and effort on the front end, more young people will graduate and move into the workforce. We have made some inroads in moving the needle, but until we are willing to stand up and support young people, we shouldn’t point fingers.”

In addition to speakers, the event included both youth and community panels, and the participants took note of what it will take to formulate an action plan to inspire middle-school students to do well in class. Measures that were outlined include engaging parents and young people, establishing safe places for students to go, providing them with individual mentors and social and emotional supports, and putting early-warning response systems in place that will alert educators when a student is at risk of dropping out.

“If anyone can do this, Springfield can,” Smith said. “But in order to reach a 90% graduation rate, we have to interrupt the status quo. People keep doing the same things over and over, while millions of kids fall through the cracks. Everyone needs to lock their arms together with a common goal.”

Moving Forward

Although 80% of students across the nation graduate from high school today, jut over half (54.9% last year) of Springfield high-school students earn their diploma.

Progress has been made, but Henry Thomas III, president of the Urban League, said the future of the region and the local economy depends on students not only graduating, but obtaining the credentials they need to get a job after high school. “The whole community needs to put education front and center.”

The information gleaned from the GradNation Summit will be distilled into a three-year community action plan to support Springfield’s middle-school students that will be submitted to America’s Promise Alliance by early January.

“This summit is the beginning, but nothing we do in school matters if a child is not eating, or drugs are being sold in violence outside their windows,” Smith said, as he spoke about a program in Washington, D.C. that matches children with paid mentors who do everything from getting them help for depression to providing assistance to parents looking for a job.

“But we also need investments, mentors, and slots for apprenticeships and internships so young people can gain practical experience,” he went on. “We need to come together to figure out our workforce needs in the next few years and make sure we are investing time and money to fill these jobs instead of having to look elsewhere.”

The Operational Review

By
Accounting and Tax Planning Sections
This Checks-and-balances Process Is a Must for Property Owners

By

Nicholas Yanouzas

Nicholas Yanouzas

Your property manager is awarding significant contracts to related parties.

He or she has changed the name of the payee on a check after the payee has been reported to owners.

Questionable leasing relationships have been developed by your property manager.

These are just some of the insights property owners might see if they were a fly on the wall of property managers who look out for their own best interests, instead of the owner’s.

Real-estate owners commonly hire property managers to run the day-to-day operations of an investment property with an implied trust that their manager will act ethically. A trusted property manager duly performs his or her tasks, and the owner earns the expected return on the investment. Conversely, a less scrupulous property manager takes advantage of a trustworthy owner who does not closely scrutinize transactions of their investments.

MGM Springfield’s plans to launch construction on an $800 million casino project in the spring of 2015 may just provide the confidence needed to inspire new investments in the Springfield area by out-of-town owners gaining interest in a market that is not overpriced compared to Boston and New York. Reviewing the financial operations of a property — the operational review — is often a missed opportunity by owners making real-estate investments. This checks-and-balance process gives owners the power to conduct a periodic review of the activities and transactions conducted by its property manager, details that might get overlooked in the rush of monthly and quarterly closings.

On a recent financial-operations review for a property owner in the Baltimore area, our team exposed various unexpected findings to a rather surprised owner. The owner learned that, upon review of some legal invoices, the property was being sued by the former cleaning company, which cited that the contract with the property was inappropriately terminated. On the same property, the spouse of the property manager owned a construction company that was providing in excess of $500,000 in services to the property without going out to bid and having their invoices paid within 24 hours of submission.

An operational review not only provides exposure to selected transactions, it affords the discretion of a third party to represent the owner when meeting with senior management of the property-management company. This separation allows for a candid and sometimes uncomfortable discussion about the current financial processes and procedures in place. Standardized processes and procedures would be introduced at this meeting, as needed, to provide positive business results for owners, while designing a best-practice model for property managers to implement.

While meeting with a national property-management firm regarding an apartment complex in Boston, it was determined that their process for reviewing tenant applications included a liberal policy on the credit worthiness of prospective tenants. Although this policy was beneficial to improving occupancy, the manager found that they were spending a lot of time and money on collections and evictions. The final recommendation of the operational review allowed the manager to develop a customized policy that protected the interests of the owner, while securing long-term tenants. Now the manager has additional time and resources to devote to the quality of the property, instead of chasing tenants down for rent.

Whether the real-estate investment is new or established, most owners prefer not to pay additional fees for property-management services, beyond the basic contractual terms. Operational reviews can assist owners in drilling down to see how their investment is being managed and what fees to property management are necessary or not. Knowing how assets are being managed, and what all the costs are, allows an owner to make better decisions and ask appropriate questions when selecting a property-management firm.

The ideal outcome for both owner and property manager is to have trust and transparency when issues arise and need to be communicated and resolved. And if that doesn’t happen naturally, then there’s always the operational review to intervene.

Nicholas Yanouzas is an audit partner and head of real estate at accounting and consulting firm Whittlesey & Hadley, P.C., with offices in Holyoke and Hartford, Conn.

Lessons Learned

By
Features
When It Comes to the Family Business, Explore All Your Options

By MICHAEL KLEIN, PsyD

While we often think of family-run enterprises as corner mom-and-pop shops, more than one-third of the S&P 500 are family-owned. Companies as significant as media giant Comcast are family-owned. Mars, the food manufacturer, is also family-owned. Ford Motor Co. still retains family leadership, and, of course, there’s always Walmart, owned and operated by the Walton family.

As many family-business consultants will affirm, family-owned companies can be incredibly complex. Due to the overlap of roles between owners, employees, board members, and family, there is frequently a lack of clarity surrounding fundamental business facets and processes, including job responsibilities, performance expectations, individual development and advancement, as well as compensation policies, among many others.

Page8DarkPortrait

Michael Klein

Michael Klein

Add in a variety of topics that are often undiscussable — including substance abuse, estate planning, share transfers, leadership succession, and many others — and one can often find a tornado of conflict and emotion just waiting to touch down.

The more mature (i.e., older) a family business is, the more likely that lessons have been learned from generation to generation. However, no matter how old a family business may be, complexity is always present. Unfortunately, the individual family member often loses out due to the greater issues of family and business. Many, if not most, family-business consultants focus their attention on maintaining engagement and involvement, maximizing the business while understanding the family dynamics. Few are focused on what is in the best interest of an individual.

Family-business processes, systems, strategies, and planning are all critical issues if the business is to survive and thrive. A focus on individual interests, growth, satisfaction, and development comes only after larger issues are addressed. Sadly, the individual family member can become an afterthought.

Consider the prevalence of this theme of family-business expectations for employment versus individual talents, desires, and dreams. Many recent children’s movies are centered fundamentally around the individual’s conflict with family legacy, tradition, and power. As just one example, Brave’s Merida is pressured to follow in her mother’s footsteps (and the family business) as a properly behaved queen despite her desire for very ‘unqueenly’ activities and passions.

Back in the real world, however, decisions about family-business employment are far more complicated and have more than one side to the story.

Three Perspectives

In my research, as well as experience with family-business clients, the following three perspectives are exceedingly common but rarely discussed openly, thoroughly, or objectively:

• As an active member of the family business: “Is this the best path for me going forward?”
• As a current family-business owner or parent: “What is the role of the family business in the future of my children?”
• As a next-generation member: “Should I join the family business?”

With each of these perspectives comes the underlying question, is this the best fit between person and career/job? The answer doesn’t fall out of the sky, but requires patience, tolerance for ambiguity, and a willingness to change direction when needed.

Quick decisions should be avoided at all costs. The following is a sample of some of the questions each constituency should start asking, followed by some important things to remember.

Questions for active family-business members include:

• How satisfying is my current role?
• Do I have options to change my role?
• Which family relationships are most important to me?

Keep in mind, nobody can decide your path for you. There are always pros and cons to any decision or change. You owe it to yourself and your family to either fully engage or disengage from the business sooner or later.

Questions for owners/parents include:

• What would make me most satisfied for my children?
• What skills, talents, or interests do they have that might fit well in the family business?
• Am I considering other options for my children?

Keep in mind, your own feelings about the business may be very different from your son or daughter. If your child decides not to join initially, they might be interested when they are older. In the meantime, be as objective as you can about your child’s personality, skills, interests, and motivations.

Questions for next-generation family members include:

• What excites me about the family business?
• What traits or skills do I have that will contribute to the business?
• Is there something I would be giving up if I joined?

Try as best you can to separate the idea of being a member of your family from working in the family business. Focus on understanding and developing your skills, not making a lifelong commitment to one path or another. You probably won’t have all the answers about what you may want from work until you have worked for a while.

Go with the Flow

Regardless of what the genetic lottery hands us at birth, our personal and professional experiences should result in new insights into who we are and what we are capable of. As our work lives progress, we should be able to develop new skills and abilities, as well as perhaps discover interests and passions we didn’t know we possessed. Ultimately, our jobs and other professional experiences should guide us toward finding out where our true strengths and talents lie.

For some, the family business provides an unmatched arena for this type of professional development. Unfortunately, for far too many, the family business stands directly in the way of this — and, as a result, it stands in the way of healthy adult development.

Family businesses are wonderful career and professional opportunities for many family members. While it is not a secret that the primary beneficiaries of arranged marriages are the families, we do not as easily admit this is often the case in family-business employment.

Family businesses can be wonderful opportunities for professional and personal growth, satisfaction, and success. But they should never be the only option. n


Michael Klein, PsyD, is a business consultant and author of Trapped in the Family Business: A Practical Guide for Uncovering and Managing This Hidden Dilemma. He holds a doctoral degree in professional and applied psychology, and supports family businesses and their advisors by providing assistance in the hiring, management, and development of leaders, managers, and employees. He has more than 20 years of experience working in multiple industries, including manufacturing, insurance, healthcare, construction, financial services, education, pharmaceuticals, real estate, and entertainment; mkinsights.com;trappedinthefamilybusiness.com

Editorial 2

By
Opinion
Invest in Public Higher Education

Over the past several years, the state Department of Higher Education has devised imaginative and compelling ways to make its case for increased funding for the state’s public colleges and universities. And this year is no exception.

In its recent report, creatively titled “Degrees of Urgency: Why Massachusetts Needs More College Graduates Now” (see related story page 24), the department uses words and numbers (lots of them) to describe what it calls a “perfect storm” of conditions that threaten to leave the state with a dramatic shortage of college graduates to fuel its technology-driven economy.

These conditions include everything from falling numbers of high-school students entering college following a somewhat lengthy population surge, to the rising percentage of jobs in the Commonwealth that will require some college education: 72% is the projection for the year 2020.

“In Massachusetts today, there are an estimated six job openings for every college graduate holding an associate degree or certificate in computer science or IT, and more than 17 openings for every graduate with a bachelor’s degree,” the report states. “Put another way, Massachusetts needs more than 5,000 computer-science and information-technology graduates right now.”

The report contains a number of quotes from business leaders about how finding qualified help is the biggest impediment to their success, and also many charts verifying the state’s merely average performance when it comes to funding public higher education. It’s all intended to open some eyes on Beacon Hill and change some attitudes about the state’s public colleges, and we hope the report is successful in doing all that.

That’s because the report’s authors hit the nail on the head when they say there has never been a time when the public institutions were more important to the economic health and well-being of the Commonwealth.

Indeed, the state’s bevy of prestigious private colleges, a list that includes Harvard, Wellesley, Smith, Mount Holyoke, and MIT, educate the world — people who traditionally go back to the country or state they came from to earn a living. Meanwhile, the state’s public schools educate those who will stay in this state, or their region, to forge a career.

A quick look at the business community in Western Mass. provides strong evidence of this. While area companies do boast employees who graduated from Harvard, Boston College, Amherst, Babson, Western New England University, and the Elms, the ranks are far more populated with graduates from UMass Amherst, Westfield State University, Holyoke Community College, and Springfield Technical Community College.

And it is the same in other regions of the state.

If Western Mass., and those other areas of the state as well, are to remain competitive when it comes to attracting and retaining businesses and, therefore, jobs it must have a solid pipeline of qualified workers. And this pipeline is going to be filled mostly by the public colleges and universities.

The Department of Higher Education report calls for a stronger commitment, or investment (that’s the more fitting term) in public higher education. It specifically calls for an additional $475 million over the next five years to help bring more individuals into the pipeline — and see them through to the end.

We hope the Legislature will heed this request and make that investment. That’s because Higher Education Commissioner Richard Freeland was right when he told BusinessWest that the state has been historically average when it comes to funding public higher education in comparison to other states.

And average isn’t going to be good enough in the future.

Calculated Decisions

By
Accounting and Tax Planning Sections
Careful Planning Can Lessen Your Tax Burden

By KRISTINA DRZAL HOUGHTON, CPA, MST

Kristina Drzal-Houghton

Kristina Drzal-Houghton

U.S. taxpayers are facing more uncertainty than usual as they approach the 2014 tax-planning season. Many may feel trapped in limbo while Congress has been preoccupied with the November midterm election and its results — leaving legislation that could alter the current tax picture up in the air.

Since D.C. lawmakers are unlikely to pass, extend, or modify tax provisions anytime soon, tax planning may seem pointless. But, actually, careful planning is wise regardless of the situation and even more important during uncertain times.

Even though the federal tax laws haven’t changed much from last year, your circumstances may have changed. And some rules that expired on Dec. 31, 2013 may yet be restored, even retroactively, to Jan. 1, 2014. It could be the perfect time for you to get a fresh perspective.

To make sure you’re taking all the appropriate steps to minimize your individual and business taxes, you should anticipate possible changes with the informed guidance of your tax professional.

Tax Strategies for Individuals

Before you can make wise planning decisions about your individual taxes, you need to be aware of your current tax situation.

Can you control when you receive income, or at least determine when deductible expenses are paid? If you can control timing, you have a valuable planning tool that can enable you to reduce your taxable income and tax liability.

Maximize your tax strategies by forecasting income-tax positions for 2014 and, to the extent possible, subsequent years. Evaluate not only the amount of your income but also the types of income you anticipate generating, your marginal tax bracket, net investment income, wages and self-employment earnings, and capital gains and losses.

Before deciding to accelerate or defer income and prepay or delay deductible expenses, you need to gauge the possible effect of the alternative minimum tax (AMT) on these tax-planning strategies. Having a number of miscellaneous itemized deductions, personal exemptions, medical expenses, and state and local taxes can trigger AMT.

The opportunity to take advantage of income timing exists particularly for taxpayers who are:

• In a different tax bracket in 2014 than in 2015;
• Subject to the AMT in one year but not the other;
• Subject to the 3.8% net investment income (NII) tax in one year but not the other; or
• Subject to the additional 0.9% Medicare tax on earned income in one year but not the other.

The 3.8% NII tax and the 0.9% Medicare tax apply when your modified adjusted gross income exceeds threshold amounts. Net investment income includes dividends, rents, interest, passive activity income, capital gains, annuities, and royalties. Passive pass-through income is subject to the NII tax.

The NII tax does not apply to non-passive income, such as:

• Self-employment income;
• Income from an active trade or business;
• Portions of the gain on the sale of an active interest in a partnership or S corporation with investment assets; and
• IRA or qualified plan distributions.

Remember that the additional 0.9% Medicare payroll tax applies to earnings of self-employed individuals and wages in excess of the thresholds in the table above.

After analyzing your specific tax situation, if you anticipate that your income will be higher in 2015, you might benefit from accelerating income into 2014 and possibly postponing deductions, keeping the AMT threat in mind.

On the other hand, if you think you may be in a lower tax bracket in 2015, look for ways to defer some of your 2014 income. For example, you could delay into 2015:

• Collecting rents;
• Receiving payments for services;
• Accepting a year-end bonus; and
• Collecting business debts.

Also, if you itemize deductions, consider prepaying some of your 2015 tax-deductible expenses in 2014. The following expenses are commonly prepaid as part of year-end tax planning:

• Charitable contributions. You may take a tax deduction for cash contributions to qualified charities of up to 50% of adjusted gross income (AGI). When contemplating charitable contributions, consider contributing appreciated securities that you have held for more than one year. Usually, you will receive a charitable deduction for the full value of the securities, while avoiding the capital-gains tax that would be incurred upon sale of the securities.
• State and local income taxes. You may prepay any state and local income taxes normally due on Jan. 15, 2015 if you do not expect to be subject to the AMT in 2014.
• Real-estate taxes. You can prepay in 2014 any real-estate tax due early in 2015. But you should keep in mind how the AMT could affect both years when preparing to pay real-estate taxes on your residence or other personal real estate. However, real-estate tax on rental property is deductible and can be safely prepaid even if you are subject to the AMT.
• Mortgage interest. Your ability to deduct prepaid interest has limits. But, to the extent your January mortgage payment reflects interest accrued as of Dec. 31, 2014, a payment before year end will secure the interest deduction in 2014.
• Miscellaneous itemized deductions. These include unreimbursed employee business expenses, tax-return preparation fees, investment expenses, and certain other miscellaneous itemized deductions that together are in excess of 2% of AGI.

The amount of itemized deductions you can claim on your 2014 tax return is reduced by 3% of the amount by which your AGI exceeds the thresholds, which began as low as $152,000. However, deductions for medical expenses, investment interest, casualty and theft losses, and gambling losses are not subject to the limitation. Taxpayers cannot lose more than 80% of the itemized deductions subject to the phaseout.

 

Know Your Tax Rates, Exemptions, and Phaseouts

A personal exemption is usually available for you, your spouse if you are married and file a joint return, and each dependent (a qualifying child or qualifying relative who meets certain tests). The personal exemption for 2014 is $3,950.

But the total personal exemptions to which you are entitled will be phased out, or reduced, by 2% of the amount that your AGI exceeds the threshold for your filing status. The threshold amounts for the personal-exemption phaseout are the same as for itemized deductions.

Even when federal income-tax rates are the same for you in both years, accelerating deductible expenses into 2014 and/or deferring income into 2015 or later years can provide a longer period to benefit from money that you will eventually pay in taxes.

 

Beware the Alternative Minimum Tax Trap

As mentioned previously, determining whether you are subject to the alternative minimum tax in any given year figures prominently in tax planning.

Every year the IRS ties, or indexes, to inflation the AMT exemption and related thresholds based on filing status. If it’s apparent that you will be subject to the AMT in 2014, you should consider deferring certain tax payments that are not deductible for AMT purposes until 2015. For example, you may defer your 2014 state and local income taxes and real-estate taxes, except taxes on rental property, which are not subject to the AMT. Also consider deferring into 2015 your miscellaneous itemized deductions, such as investment expenses and employee business expenses.

However, if the AMT will not apply to your taxes in 2014, but could apply in 2015, you may want to prepay some of these expenses to lock in a 2015 tax benefit. Just be careful that your prepayment does not make you subject to AMT in 2014.

If you do not expect to be subject to the AMT in either year, the age-old strategy of deduction ‘bunching’ could apply. If this is expected to be a high year for miscellaneous itemized deductions, consider accelerating next year’s expenses into this year.

Or, if this is a low year for these deductions, try to defer these expenses for the rest of the year into next year. This method helps you maximize the likelihood that these deductions will result in a tax benefit.

 

Exploit Long-term Capital Gains

While avoiding or deferring tax may be your primary goal, to the extent there is income to report, the income of choice is long-term capital gain thanks to the favorable tax rate available. Short-term capital gain is taxed at your ordinary income tax rate.

If you hold a capital asset for more than one year before selling it, your capital gain is long-term. For most taxpayers, long-term capital gain is taxed at rates no higher than 15%. But taxpayers in the 10% to 15% ordinary income-tax bracket have a long-term capital-gain tax rate of 0%.

Taxpayers whose income exceeds the thresholds set for the relatively new 39.6% ordinary tax rate are subject to a 20% rate on capital gain.

If the long-term capital-gain rates of 0%, 15%, or 20% are not complicated enough, keep in mind that special rates of 25% can apply to certain real estate, and 28% to certain collectibles. Also, gains on the sale of certain C corporations held for more than five years can qualify for a 0% rate. Talk to your tax adviser before you assume the long-term capital gains rate that would apply.

Remember that you can use capital losses, including worthless securities and bad debts, to offset capital gains. If you lose more than you gain during the year, you can offset ordinary income by up to $3,000 of your losses. Then you can carry forward any excess losses into the next tax year.

However, you should be careful not to violate the ‘wash sale’ rule by buying an asset nearly identical to the one you sold at a loss within 30 days before or after the sale. Otherwise, the wash-sale rule will prevent you from claiming the loss immediately. While wash-sale losses are deferred, wash-sale gains are fully taxable. It’s important to discuss the meaning of nearly, or ‘substantially,’ identical assets with your tax adviser.

 

Contribute to a Retirement Plan

You may be able to reduce your taxes by contributing to a retirement plan. If your employer sponsors a retirement plan, such as a 401(k), 403(b), or SIMPLE plan, your contributions avoid current taxation, as will any investment earnings until you begin receiving distributions from the plan. Some plans allow you to make after-tax Roth contributions, which will not reduce your current income, but you will generally have no tax to pay when those amounts, plus any associated earnings, are withdrawn in future years.

You and your spouse must have earned income to contribute to either a traditional or Roth IRA. Only taxpayers with modified AGI below certain thresholds are permitted to contribute to a Roth IRA. If a workplace retirement plan covers you or your spouse, modified AGI also controls your ability to deduct your contribution to a traditional IRA.

If you would like to contribute to a Roth IRA, but your income exceeds the threshold, consider contributing to a traditional IRA for 2014, and convert the IRA to a Roth IRA in 2015. Be sure to inquire about the tax consequences of the conversion, especially if you have funds in other traditional IRAs.

In addition to the SIMPLE IRA, self-employed individuals can have a simplified employee pension (SEP) plan. They may contribute as much as 25% of their net earnings from self-employment, not including contributions to themselves. The contribution limit is $52,000 in 2014. The self-employed may set up a SEP plan as late as the due date, including extensions, of their 2014 income tax return.

An individual, or solo, 401(k) is another option for the self-employed. For 2014, a self-employed individual, as an employee, may defer up to $17,500 ($23,000 for age 50 or older) of annual compensation. Acting as the employer, the individual may contribute 25% of net profits, excluding the deferred $17,500, up to a maximum contribution of $52,000.

 

Withholding and Estimated Tax Payments

If you expect to be subject to an underpayment penalty for failure to pay your 2014 tax liability on a timely basis, consider increasing your withholding between now and the end of the year to reduce or eliminate the penalty. Increasing your final estimated tax deposit due Jan. 15, 2015 may reduce the amount of the penalty but is unlikely to eliminate it entirely.

Withholding, even if done on the last day of the tax year, is deemed withheld ratably throughout the tax year. Underpayment penalties can be avoided when total withholdings and estimated tax payments exceed the 2013 tax liability or, in the case of higher-income taxpayers, 110% of 2013 tax.

Tax Strategies for Business Owners

The main tax issue to keep in mind if you’re a business owner is that a number of tax provisions, such as 50% bonus depreciation, expired at the end of 2013. In addition, the Section 179 deduction has been limited significantly.

Congress may pass legislation to renew or modify these tax breaks — perhaps retroactively. Of course, you can’t count on that possibility, so if you have used these provisions to reduce your taxes in the past, it might be advisable to adjust your withholding and estimated tax payments for 2014.

 

Special 50% Bonus Depreciation

Through 2013, businesses could use the special bonus depreciation to deduct up to 50% of the cost of such assets as new equipment, computer software, and other qualifying property placed into service by year end. The 50% bonus depreciation did not apply to used equipment. Unless Congress acts, it will not be available at all in 2014.

 

Section 179 Deduction

Under Section 179 of the IRS Tax Code, businesses could expense the full cost of new and used equipment, including technology, in the year of purchase instead of over a number of years. They still can. However, the amount they can expense has dropped from an upper limit of $500,000 in 2013 to $25,000 in 2014 — a sizable difference. If your company has nearly reached the $25,000 expensing limit, you may want to postpone further purchases until 2015.

The 2014 limit on equipment purchases qualifying for Section 179 treatment is $200,000. After a business reaches the maximum amount, the available tax deduction phases out on a dollar-for-dollar basis. In other words, once a business buys $225,000 of equipment, the deduction is reduced to zero. You should monitor your company’s total purchases to prevent the phaseout.

 

Repair Regulations

The IRS and the U.S. Treasury have issued final tangible property regulations (TPRs) that become mandatory for tax year 2014. These TPRs will likely require most businesses to file additional tax returns and supporting statements and/or include in their returns certain annual elections. Those new, additional returns are referred to as IRS Form 3115, Change in Accounting Method.

If you have multiple trades or businesses, more than one building, or leasehold improvements, whether or not these are contained in separate legal entities, such as LLCs, or disregarded entities, we may have to prepare numerous, separate Form 3115s, as well as make numerous TPR annual elections. Since the changes required by the TPR are so widespread, starting on the various analysis prior to year end is highly suggested.

While the preparation of the IRS form 3115 will be done, in the majority of cases, by this 2014 tax-return filing, certain new annual elections related to the TPRs are anticipated to be required and/or chosen for every income-tax filing subsequent to your adoption of the new TPRs.

You should discuss with your tax adviser the TPR elections choices. While they will certainly advise you on the alternatives or choices that are available for you regarding these TPR annual method elections, please remember the final choices are yours to make. The three common annual method TPR elections are the following:

• The de minimis safe harbor for writeoff of property acquisitions and non-incidental material and supplies costing less than your book writeoff policy, such as items costing less than a certain dollar amount (for example, less than $500 per item);
• If applicable, the safe harbor for small taxpayers, where you can elect not to capitalize improvements or repairs on eligible building property (i.e., your buildings with depreciable basis less than $1 million per building; and
• The partial asset disposition elections under §1.168(i)-8(d)(2). This election is made annually to enable you to apply this section to a disposition of a portion of a prior asset that you have replaced with a subsequent improvement. An example of the application of this method is where you replace a roof on one of your buildings, and you are then able to write off the remaining depreciable basis of the prior roof. You’d make this election to avoid a situation where you will depreciate two roofs at the same time, instead of recording a loss on the disposition of the original roof.

In addition to filing these changes in accounting methods, and the making of the annual TPR elections outlined above, your internal processes that may have to be modified include:

• Accounting for ‘non-incidental’ material and supplies; and
• Establishment of a capitalization writeoff policy dictating a certain writeoff amount (e.g., “our policy is that we are going to expense all purchases under $500”). If you do not, you may be limited to a $200 per item write-off policy, including the creation of an internal writing of what actions, expenditures, or items would require capitalization (such as improvements, acquisitions, restorations, betterments, adaptions, etc.), as opposed to expenditures that would be categorized as repair and maintenance expenses.

If you do not currently have a written and communicated capitalization policy, we advise you that, in order to take advantage of the annual de minimis writeoff safe harbor described above, you must create and execute that writing and communication before Jan. 1, 2015, if you desire to employ the writeoff policy in next year’s tax returns, since the policy needs to be adopted prior to the beginning of the effected tax year. Also, review your depreciation schedules to see what assets on that list may qualify for writeoff in the 2014 tax year.

In preforming the analysis for these changes, you may find that, in applying the TPRs, your business can benefit from an additional deduction in 2014.

 

Conclusion

As the 2014 tax season approaches, taxpayers have a lot of questions. Will expired tax provisions be reinstated? If so, will they apply retroactively to the beginning of the year? Will they be altered? Will new tax laws make it through the legislative process?

Most importantly, how will these decisions affect your taxes?

These are legitimate concerns. Unfortunately, no one can predict the future. But we can suggest that you and your tax professionals should diligently watch the tax landscape for pending legislation that could have an impact on your taxes. Your safest course of action in the midst of uncertainty is to remain in close communication with your tax adviser for the latest guidance.

 

Kristina Drzal Houghton, CPA, MST is a partner with the Holyoke-based accounting firm Meyers Brothers Kalicka, and director of the firm’s Taxation Division; [email protected]

A Major Production

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Cover Story
Collaborative Seeks to Grow the Film, Media Industry in Western Mass.

WMassFilmDPartDiane Pearlman says Massachusetts looks like a lot of places — in this country and around the globe.

“Maybe it doesn’t look like the Sahara Desert, but it can look like most of the rest of the world,” she told BusinessWest, adding that this is one of many reasons why the Bay State is becoming increasingly popular with filmmakers at all levels.

Massachusetts, or at least the Franklin County community of Shelburne, looks enough like rural Indiana — the setting for the story behind The Judge — to become the chosen location for the shooting of most scenes in that recently released film starring Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall, said Pearlman, executive director of a nonprofit called the Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative.

Bringing more high-profile pictures like The Judge, not to mention the many types of economic opportunities they represent, to Western Mass. is a part of the agency’s reason for being, said Pearlman, adding quickly that this challenging assignment falls much more to the Massachusetts Film Office (more on that later).

The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative, whose name is somewhat of a misnomer because its work encompasses the four counties of Western Mass., is instead tasked with shaping film and media production into a greater economic force in this region, one that she believes might keep more young people from leaving this area code.

“Our focus over the past year and a half has been more on job training, education, and addressing the need to attract and retain young people here,” she explained. “And we really believe that film and media is an industry that can do that in Western Massachusetts.”

The collaborative’s core objective is to facilitate film, television, and media projects by providing assistance to production outfits with everything from location scouting to permitting, to finding local crew and equipment. At the same time, the agency works to help individuals attain and hone the skills needed to work in the industry.

Pearlman said the BFMC, formed in 2009, is committed to:

• Nurturing its community of film and media professionals through educational courses, lectures, and seminars;

• Creating job opportunities in the film and media sector through adult workforce-development courses;

• Networking area professionals and introducing them to local businesses in need of film and media services; and

• Marketing the region’s film and media professionals and undiscovered locations to national and international film and television markets.

Diane Pearlman

Diane Pearlman says the film and media industry can be an economic engine in the Pioneer Valley, and the collaborative is committed to making it one.

Most of these facets of the agency’s mission came together in late October at the inaugural Western Mass. Film & Media Exchange, staged at the Baystate Health Conference Center in Holyoke.

In addition to keynote speaker Douglas Trumbull, a filmmaker and special-effects pioneer whose film credits include everything from Close Encounters of the Third Kind to Blade Runner, the event featured a number of workshops and lectures, as well as a networking social.

Among those in attendance was Michail Charalampidis, a recent Hampshire College graduate who wasn’t quite ready to return to his homeland of Greece after commencement and chose instead to pursue opportunities within the film industry in Western Mass. — or wherever else he could find them.

He’s landed a few minor positions with some productions, and is currently working with Trumbull at his studio in the Berkshires. More importantly, thanks to Trumbull, Pearlman, and others, he’s meeting people, learning about the business, and making all-important connections.

“Diane put me in touch with the visual-effects producer of Game of Thrones, and I could be working for them starting in January; maybe not, but I’m touch with him,” said Charalampidis. “I’m also in touch with the visual-effects producer of Interstellar, who’s starting a new movie in January, and they put me in touch with people working on the new Avengers, so I could go work for them.

“All of these are up in the air,” he went on, “but I’ve become part of this chain where you get involved in conversations. People say, ‘do you want to work on The Avengers?’ and I say, ‘of course.’ Diane and her people have really helped me connect.”

That one word probably best sums up the mission of the collaborative, said Pearlman, adding that, in many ways, Charalampidis’s story personifies the ongoing work of the BFMC.

“Film is a word-of-mouth industry,” she explained, adding that the collaborative’s overarching goal is to generate word-of-mouth referrals for individuals, companies, communities — and the region as a whole.

For this issue, BusinessWest looks at how the agency goes about doing just that.

First Take

It was called ‘Get a Grip.’

That was the name attached to a program dedicated to helping individuals eventually attach their name to that often-recognized but mostly misunderstood position listed within the credits at the end of a movie — the ‘grip,’ maybe even the ‘key grip.’

“These are essentially the stage hands on a film set — if you needed to put a cameras on a dolly where you built track and push the cameraman, a grip would do that; they operate camera cranes, they do everything but the lights,” said Pearlman, adding that 25 people took the class, staged last March.

And additional courses are in the planning stages, she went on, adding that the next one may focus on another profession within the industry — gaffer, an electrician — or cinematography.

Such programs constitute one of the many ways the BFMC carries out that aforementioned mission, said Pearlman, adding that training new talent is just part of the equation.

Indeed, the region already boasts a number of talented individuals, including some who have won Academy Awards, she noted, adding that the collaborative wants to bring more work to them and help their businesses succeed and grow.

And it does this by attracting more projects, making constituencies, including the business community, more aware of that existing talent, and providing education to small-business owners in this broad sector, such as the workshops at the Film & Media Exchange.

“Many of the panels we did were about how to better run your business, because filmmakers are artists, and we want them to be able to ask the questions, know how to set up their businesses, and know how to market their businesses,” she explained. “We also invited local companies, because they need video. Whether it’s for a conference or for the web, more and more businesses need video, and they don’t know where to go. A lot of times, they’ll call their brother in L.A. or their cousin in New York and say, ‘how do I get this video done?’ They don’t know that they have all the talent they need right here.”

The BFMC’s work began in 2009, said Pearlman, and, as the name suggests, the initial focus was on the Berkshires, which, during the ’90s, was home to a number of special-effects houses, including Lenox-based Mass.Illusions, which she served as executive producer and general manager, supervising a workforce of more than 200.

That Mass.Illusions facility was eventually closed in 1998, when the parent company shifted production work to California, she went on, adding that other shops in that area have closed as well, in part because large production houses are not needed as much as they were years ago.

“You can work on Game of Thrones from your house,” she explained, adding that there a number of sole proprietors and small outfits based in the 413 area code.

Michail Charalampidis

Michail Charalampidis says the Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative has enabled him to make invaluable connections as he searches for work within the industry.

And not all of them are in the Berkshires, she went on, adding that the collaborative’s work became more regional in nature— and the words ‘of Western Massachusetts’ were added to the title — years ago.

Today, the collaborative works with a host of partners, including the Economic Development Council of Western Mass., Berkshire Creative, and colleges across the region to grow the film and media sector in the Pioneeer Valley and, in the process, create opportunities for individuals, businesses, and communities like Shelburne.

“We want to keep the dollars in Western Mass.,” said Pearlman, who brings more than 25 years of experience in media creation and production, including work as an independent entertainment producer, studio executive, and business owner.

She came to the Berkshires to work with Trumbull at his studio. Later, at Mass.Illusions, she was involved with a host of films, including The Matrix and What Dreams May Come (both of which won Academy Awards for best visual effects), Starship Troopers, Evita, Eraser, Die Hard with a Vengeance, Judge Dredd, and others. Her résumé also includes everything from work producing television commercials and feature-film title sequences to a stint as production manager for the creation of a web-based health initiative for Canyon Ranch in Lenox, to work as a partner, producer, and lead writer in KinderMuse Entertainment, a developer of children’s and family entertainment.

She is currently producing two independent films, a screen adaptation of Edith Wharton’s novel Summer, written and directed by feature-film art director and production designer Carl Sprague, as well as a film based on a short story by Carson McCullers that is being written and directed by actress Karen Allen.

But the collaborative now demands a good amount of her time, she told BusinessWest, adding that she and others stayed in the Berkshires because of the region’s high quality of life. She believes there are many in that category, and their numbers could swell — if there are solid career opportunities.

Setting the Scene

Pearlman said Massachusetts currently has many things going for it when it comes to being the setting for major motion pictures.

For starters, there’s an attractive 25% tax credit, initiated in 2005, available to those outfits that reach certain production-spending thresholds. There have also been some intriguing Bay State-based stories that Hollywood has decided to tell, including those involving South Boston gangster James (Whitey) Bulger (Black Mass was shot this past summer) and Lowell boxer Mickey Ward (The Fighter was released in 2010), among others.

Meanwhile, some Bay State natives and notable transplants, including Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Mark Wahlberg, like shooting here, and have brought many major productions to the Boston area.

And then, there’s the Mass. Film Office and its executive director, Lisa Strout, whom Pearlman credits with making the business of shooting films here a fairly smooth and easy process.

However, with a few exceptions, such as The Judge and Labor Day, parts of which were also filmed in Shelburne, the wealth hasn’t been spread equally across the state.

“By 2008, $350 million had been spent in the state, and a bunch of us looked at each other and said, ‘why is it all going to Boston?’” said Pearlman. “We have some great locations and talent … they should be coming here.”

If they did, a number of businesses would benefit, she said, listing everything from hotels to hardware stores; caterers to rental car agencies.

But while bringing more major films, like The Judge, is certainly among the BFMC’s goals, Pearlman said the collaborative wants to attract production work of all kinds, including smaller independent films, special-effects projects, television commercials, fashion shoots, training and promotional videos for businesses, and more.

Achieving that goal is a multi-faceted process, she said, one that includes everything from raising awareness of the talent and locations for shooting in the region to assembling and promoting a talented workforce. The desired effect from such efforts is to bring work to this region rather than have it go elsewhere because people are not aware of the talent and resources available.

“The big films are great, but there are many other aspects to the film and media industry,” said Pearlman. “We want to focus on all of them.”

Meanwhile, Charalampidis, while keeping his options open, is nonetheless setting his sights high.

As he mentioned earlier, he doesn’t know what he’ll be doing next month or even next week — a byproduct of working in the field, one further complicated by the fact that he’s in this country on a work visa, one with an expiration date that could be extended, but only if the right opportunity, or opportunities, present themselves.

“I’m getting to the point where I’m going where there’s good and interesting work,” he said, adding that this could be in the Pioneer Valley, New York, Los Angeles, or elsewhere. “I’m past being at the bottom of a very small production, and now I’m going after interesting projects, ones that are educational — and big.”

What he does know is that the collaborative has put him in a better position to possibly seize such opportunities.

“The collaborative can help students get out there faster and move through the low jobs more quickly and then start working for bigger projects that will help them move their career forward faster,” he explained. “You need to come out of college with a lot of skills that colleges just don’t teach you, and the collaborative has certainly helped me in that regard.”

Roll Credits

When asked what it is about Shelburne that is attracting the attention of Hollywood, Pearlman said quickly and succinctly, “it’s a great little town.”

There are many more like it across the region, she said, adding that one of the collaborative’s goals is to acquaint people in the industry with them. To that end, photos of various potential filming sites — everything from parks to farms; churches to college buildings — have been placed on the BFMC’s website.

Overall, though, the collaborative is focused on the big picture — growing this sector, creating jobs, keeping young people in the region, and spurring economic development.

That’s quite a production, but Pearlman and others believe they have a hit in the making. n

George O’Brien can be reached at [email protected]

Law Column

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Columns Sections
Employers Should Heed Social-media Rulings

By PETER VICKERY, Esq.

What should you do if an employee ‘likes’ a Facebook post that accuses you of dishonesty? The answer may surprise you.

Peter Vickery

Peter Vickery

Are you on solid legal ground if you peruse a job applicant’s blog? The answer to that question could change, depending on what happens in the next session of the state Legislature. Employers interested in staying on the right side of social-media law should know about two recent decisions from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and one state-level proposal that would further limit the ability to screen job applicants here in Massachusetts.

Let’s start with the federal decisions. Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) protects employees who are engaged in “concerted activity for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection.” It applies to unionized and non-unionized workplaces alike, so long as the business falls under the jurisdiction of the NLRB.

In the last four years, the NLRB has issued three reports on the extent to which the act protects employees’ online statements, and earlier this year it decided two cases that between them answer some questions about how far employers can go in protecting their businesses from the damaging effects of employees’ social-media activities. The first case involves Facebook’s ‘like’ button.

What’s Not to Like?

Can a series of public, profanity-laced Facebook comments accusing the employer of incompetence and dishonesty constitute protected concerted activity? Yes, says the NLRB. What about clicking ‘like’ to show you approve of a comment-forming part of the discussion? Is that a protected Section 7 right? Yes, it can be.

Ralph DelBuono and Tommy Dadonna own Triple Play Sports Bar and Grille in Watertown, Conn. They produced an employee handbook that contained a policy about online conduct. The policy warned employees that they would be subject to disciplinary actions for engaging in “inappropriate [online] discussions about the company, management, and/or co-workers.”

In early 2011, Triple Play’s owners learned that some of their employees were worried that they might owe more in state taxes than anticipated, so DelBuono and Dadonna decided to call a staff meeting. A week or so before the scheduled staff meeting, a Facebook discussion took place, initiated by a former Triple Play employee, Jamie LaFrance. That online conversation led to a decision from the NLRB, Three D, LLC d/b/a Triple Play Sports Bar and Grille (Aug. 22, 2014).

By way of status update on Facebook, LaFrance alleged that Triple Play’s owners “can’t even do the paperwork correctly” and that, as a result, she owed taxes to the state. She concluded her status update with a profanity. A Triple Play customer posted a comment, which also included a profanity.

One current Triple Play employee, a cook named Vincent Spinella, then ‘liked’ LaFrance’s status update. LaFrance posted an additional statement about DelBuono, saying “he’s such a shady little man. He prolly [sic] pocketed it all from all our paychecks.” At that point Jillian Sanzone, a current Triple Play server and bartender, joined the conversation, stating “I owe too. Such an a—hole.” Two other Triple Play employees participated in the discussion as well.

The employers learned about the Facebook discussion and discharged Sanzone. After asking Spinella why he had ‘liked’ the status update, and concluding that he approved of the disparaging comments, they discharged him, too. Sanzone and Spinella took the matter to the NLRB.

An administrative-law judge decided that the Facebook discussion, including Spinella’s ‘like,’ was concerted activity and that the discharge of Sanzone and Spinella was unlawful. Triple Play appealed to the board, without success. Although the outcome was the same (the employer lost), the board differed from the judge as to which standard to apply in determining whether the comments forfeited protection under the act. In other words, the board agreed with the judge that the comments did not lose protection, but disagreed as to why.

Triple Play’s owners said the Facebook posts were disparaging and defamatory. But the board disagreed, deciding that the comments “did not even mention the respondent’s products or services, much less disparage them.” And although an employer has the right to protect its reputation, Sanzone’s and Spinella’s comments were “not so disloyal” as to lose the protection of the NLRA. Because they were posted on an individual’s Facebook page, the board held that the comments were not directed to the general public, but were more like a workplace conversation that “could potentially be overheard by a patron.”

So the first aspect of the case that employers should bear in mind is that Facebook discussions among non-unionized employees relating to work can constitute concerted activity, thereby bringing those employees’ statements within the protection of the NLRA.

Second, the NLRB does not consider Facebook discussions that flow from a status update to be directed at the general public. Would the situation be different if the discussion had started on a Facebook page with a link to a blog and then continued on the blog’s moderated thread? Perhaps. But for now, business owners need to remember that discussion on an individual’s Facebook page is not directed at the public in the eyes of the NLRB.

The third point concerns the reach of a ‘like’ on Facebook. The administrative-law judge had taken Spinella’s ‘like’ as approving of the discussion in its entirety, but the board concluded that it only meant he approved of the initial status update (i.e., “they can’t even do the [tax] paperwork correctly”). Had he been so inclined, Spinella could have ‘liked’ the additional disparaging comments separately, but he did not. When reviewing a contentious Facebook discussion, employers should bear this distinction in mind.

The final reason this case matters has to do with social-media policies. Unlike the administrative-law judge, the board found that the Internet/blogging policy’s language about “inappropriate discussions” was unlawful because it would tend to “chill employees in the exercise of their Section 7 rights.” The policy’s language was too broad, and the board ordered the owners to revise or rescind it.

The takeaway for employers? General statements that discourage inappropriate discussions are definitely out of favor with the NLRB, so your online/social-media policies might be in need of some changes.

Beacon of Hope

The second NLRB decision, Richmond District Neighborhood Center, 361 NLRB No. 74 (Oct. 28, 2014) displays a little more balance. The board ruled that the Facebook posts at issue did constitute concerted activity under Section 7, but were not entitled to protection. So the employer was allowed to withdraw its offer to rehire the posts’ authors.

The employer was a nonprofit in the business of providing after-school activities via the Beacon Teen Center at George Washington High School in San Francisco. The case concerned two of the center’s employees: Ian Callaghan, an activity leader, and Kenya Moore, a program leader. They seem to have been unhappy in their work and, judging by their plans for the coming school year, were intent on spreading the unhappiness around.

On Aug. 2, 2012, Callaghan expressed his dissatisfaction with the program being “happy-friendly-middle school campy,” and said he would “have parties all year” at the center, encourage the students to “graffiti up the walls,” and, more generally, “f— it up.” Moore’s comments were of a similar timbre: “F— em. Field trips all the time to wherever the f— we want,” and “when they start [losing] kids I ain’t helpin.” She also indicated that, in the year ahead, she would take the students to “clubs” and that her work attendance would be less than exemplary: “I ain’t never go[ing to] be there,” she stated (in all caps).

After seeing a screenshot of the discussion, the employer rescinded its offer to rehire the pair. So Callaghan and Moore filed a complaint with the NLRB, where the administrative judge, referring to the Facebook exchange, found that “these two employees were engaged in concerted activity when voicing their disagreement with management’s running of the teen center.”

If Callaghan and Moore had resumed their positions as activity leader and program leader, it seems fairly likely that the Beacon Teen Center would have been anything but “happy-friendly-middle school campy,” as Callaghan put it. So it is worth pausing at this point to reflect that, in the eyes of the judge, when two employees of a publicly funded after-school program, charged with the care of teenaged high-school students, expressed their intention to hold parties at the center, put graffiti on the walls, take the students away from the center on “field trips” (including trips to clubs of some kind) without informing anyone, and simply fail to show up for work, they were engaged in Section 7 concerted activity.

Fortunately for the employer — and for the students and their parents — although he deemed the discussion to be concerted activity, the judge also found that it was of such a character that the employer was allowed to consider the employees unfit for further service. He dismissed the case. The General Counsel of the NLRB, on the side of the employees, appealed to the full board, arguing that the Facebook posts “could not reasonably be understood as seriously proposing insubordinate conduct.” The board disagreed with the General Counsel and upheld the administrative judge’s finding that the posts had lost the act’s protection.

The final outcome of the Beacon Teen Center case may give employers some degree of hope for future NLRB decisions regarding potentially damaging social-network commentary. It serves as a reminder that there is, indeed, a line between protected concerted activity and concerted activity that is so egregious that it forfeits protection. Even if it does not demarcate that line clearly, at minimum, the case suggests that, if employees indicate on Facebook that they are going to jeopardize (a) child safety and welfare, and (b) program funding, it might just be permissible to discharge them.

On the other hand, it is important to bear in mind two points. First, even a discourse like the one authored by Callaghan and Moore can amount to concerted activity. Second, even after trial, the General Counsel of the NLRB took the position that the participants in that discussion (replete as it was with plans to render the teen center a chaotic danger zone) were not really proposing insubordinate activity.

State-level Development

In addition to noting the federal decisions, employers should keep an eye on a state-level proposal that might reappear when the Legislature assembles next January. If reintroduced and enacted, state Rep. Cheryl Coakley-Rivera’s bill from the last session, titled an “Act Relative to Social Network Privacy and Employment,” would add to the growing list of thou-shalt-nots. If the bill becomes law, employers would not be allowed to require that job applicants and current employees add the employer to their list of social-media contacts or grant the employer access to their networks.

One apparent concession to the rights and needs of business owners is the bill’s proviso that employers would not be prohibited from obtaining information about an applicant or employee that is “in the public domain.” That looks reassuring. But ‘public domain’ is a term with a precise legal meaning, and it applies to creative works whose copyright has expired. It is not a synonym for ‘publicly available.’ An applicant’s blog may be visible for all the world to see, but that does not strip it of copyright protection and put it in the public domain.

If this bill becomes law in its present form, a judge construing the exemption could conclude that the Legislature intended to allow employers to obtain only information that is in the public domain (i.e., not subject to copyright) and to prohibit employers from obtaining information that is not in the public domain (i.e., information subject to copyright). But most of the information an employer would be interested in reading is subject to copyright. This presents a serious problem.

Imagine an applicant’s blog that consists of screeds about various Massachusetts businesses and their customers. Unless the job applicant takes a conscious decision to dedicate the blog to the public domain, the applicant owns the copyright. Is the publicly accessible blog in the public domain? No. Because copyright attaches at the moment the author creates the work and lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years, there would be precious little online information that an employer could look at without falling foul of the statute.

If the “Act Relative to Social Network Privacy and Employment” is re-filed, it will merit serious attention from the Massachusetts business community.

Peter Vickery practices law in Amherst; (413) 549-9933; www.petervickery.com

Finance Column

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Know the Rules for Charitable Gift Deductions

By Terri Judycki, CPA, MST

As year-end approaches, most charities see an increase in donations as a result of donors’ year-end tax planning. Many donors do not realize that they need to do more than write out a check to secure the charitable contribution deduction.

Terri Judycki, CPA, MST

Terri Judycki, CPA, MST

This article will explore the compliance and substantiation requirements for both donors and donees of charitable contributions, since organizations that receive gifts have an interest in ensuring that donors can deduct their gifts for income tax purposes as well as avoiding penalties that could be imposed on them.

Of course, donors must be able to substantiate their gifts to charities — dates and amounts. For this purpose, a bank record or acknowledgement from the charity is sufficient. However, if the amount of the gift is $250 or more, the donor must have a written acknowledgement from the charity that includes either a description and estimate of any goods or services the charity provided in return for the contribution or a statement that no goods or services were provided in return for the contribution. 

There are exceptions for insubstantial or token items as well as for certain membership benefits. The donor must have this written acknowledgment prior to filing his or her income tax return claiming the deduction or by the due date of the return, if the tax return is filed late. The donor’s requirement to obtain written substantiation for gifts in excess of $250 also applies to out-of-pocket expenses incurred on behalf of a charity.  

While the $250 written acknowledgement is a requirement imposed on the donor, the charity has a requirement to disclose in connection with any part-gift/part-purchase with a price exceeding $75. For example, if tickets to a golf tournament or gala exceed $75, tax law imposes a requirement on the charity to disclose the amount that the patron may deduct as a charitable contribution. The acknowledgement must include a statement that only the amount in excess of the fair market value of the goods or services provided by the charity is deductible and must provide an estimate of the value of those goods or services, which may be very different than the cost to the organization. 

The acknowledgment must be made in a manner that will be noticed. The penalty for noncompliance is $10 per contribution up to $5,000 for a single fundraiser.  

With respect to non-cash gifts, additional requirements are imposed on the donor and the charity. Donors are required to obtain qualified appraisals for non-cash gifts (other than publicly traded securities) in excess of certain thresholds. For property with a claimed value of more than $5,000, the donor must attach to his or her income tax return an appraisal summary on Form 8283, signed by both the appraiser and the charity.

If the charity sells or otherwise disposes of donated property with a claimed value of more than $5,000 within three years of the donation, the charity is required to file Form 8282 reporting the sale. Every time a charity is asked to sign a Form 8283, it should consider the potential Form 8282 filing requirement if the asset is disposed of within 3 years. Form 8282 is due on or before the 125th day after the disposition, and a copy must be sent to the donor. Penalties for failure to comply may apply. 

There are even further rules and requirements that apply to contributions of qualified intellectual property, art valued at $20,000 or more, other non-cash property valued over $500,000, certain qualified conservation easements, and contributions to a college or university that entitle the donor to purchase tickets to athletic events.

In response to perceived abuse, there are now specific rules that apply to donations of used cars, boats, and airplanes after Dec. 31, 2004. While there are many exceptions and modifications, in general if the vehicle is sold for more than $500, the charity must file Form 1098-C. The donor must receive a copy within 30 days of the date of sale, and it must be filed with the IRS by Feb. 28 of the following year. Again, penalties may apply. Note that Form 1098-C is in addition to, not in lieu of, Form 8282 discussed above.

Many charities hold raffles as a fundraiser or in connection with another fundraiser. Raffles are a form of lottery, and only certain charities may hold raffles under Massachusetts law. The charity is required to obtain a permit from the local town hall before the raffle and to pay a tax to the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission within 10 days after the raffle. There are additional Massachusetts requirements for tickets with a sale price of $10 or more or if the prize is worth more than $10,000. The purchase of a raffle ticket is never deductible as a charitable contribution, and the charity should be cautious not to imply that the purchase price may be deducted. There are income-tax-reporting and withholding rules that may apply to the winnings if the value of the prize is $600 or more.

Massachusetts requires income tax withholding when the value is $600 or more. For federal purposes, if the prize is valued at $600 and is at least 300 times the amount of the wager (for example, a $1 raffle ticket with a $600 or greater prize), reporting is required on Form W-2G, but federal withholding is not required until the value of the prize exceeds $5,000.  For noncash prizes, the winner must remit the withholding tax to the charity. If, instead, the charity pays the withholding tax on behalf of the winner, it must include the tax remitted on behalf of the winner in the value of the prize.

Raffle tickets with non-cash prizes of $600 or more should contain language to the effect that the winner may be required to pay state or federal income taxes to avoid any hard feelings. A charity that fails to withhold income taxes when required can be liable for the tax. There are somewhat similar rules that apply to charities conducting other types of gaming activities.

Don’t let your charitable contributions fall into the “no good deed goes unpunished” category from a tax perspective. Now is the time to gather your acknowledgment letters and signatures on Form 8283, if required. If you’re in doubt regarding the requirements in a specific situation, consult your tax adviser.

Terri Judycki, CPA, MST, is senior tax manager with the certified public accounting firm Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. in Holyoke; (413) 536-8510.

Building Permits

By
Building Permits Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of November 2014.

AMHERST

The Brook at Amherst Green
170 East Hadley Road
$27,000 — Re-roof

Good Ol Daves, LLC
35 Northampton Road
$3,000 — New smoke alarm system

CHICOPEE

Behavioral Health Network
41 Woodlawn St.
$6,000 — New siding

Chicopee Housing Authority
Benoit Circle
$110,000 — Replace 51 front entry doors

Elms College
291 Springfield St.
$52,000 — Exterior repairs

Menck-USA
77 Champion Dr.
$40,000 — Modification to the HVAC system

NORTHAMPTON

Billmar Corporation
330 North King St.
$104,000 — Interior renovations to deli

City of Northampton
212 Main St.
$5,000 — Replace portions of concrete retaining wall for fire escape

Main Street Florence, LLC
100 Main St.
$1,025,000 — Construct 7,488-square-foot commercial building

Michelle St. Pierre
55 Kensington Ave.
$106,000 — Renovate third floor

New England Deaconess Association
25 Coles Meadow Road
$40,000 – Add walk-in cooler/freezer to commercial kitchen

Northampton Heights, LP
50 Village Hill Road
$8,350,000 — Construct three-story 56,000-square-foot assisted living facility

Gaev Bennett
9 Center St.
$79,000 — Install replacement windows and remodel third-floor office

Robert Foote
80 Damon Road
$80,000 — Repair fire damage

Traddles, LLC
60 Masonic St.
$32,000 — Interior fit-out for new business

PALMER

Big Y
1180 Thorndike St.
$110,000 — Replace roof-top units and duct modifications

Warka Associates
1448 North Main St.
$3,500 — Roof repair

SOUTH HADLEY

Mount Holyoke College
27 Morgan St.
$4,000 — Renovations

Raymond Center
470 Granby Road
$34,000 — Renovations

SPRINGFIELD

Curtis Industrial
4 Birnie Ave.
$77,000 — Interior renovation of sales and engineering offices

Eastfield Mall
1655 Boston Road
$44,000 — Remodel of existing T-Mobile space

JGT Mass, LLC
1391 Main St.
$120,000 — Renovations for new dental office

Mercy Medical Center
175 Carew St.
$8,000 — Renovation for new blood-draw station

Outing Park II, LLC
17 Bayonne St.
$799,000 — Renovations

WESTFIELD

Engineer Realty Corporation
53 Southampton Road
$2,000,000 — Complete interior renovation

NIP Owner, LLC
1111 Southampton Road
$650,000 — Install 4 loading docks

Pioneer Valley Baptist Church
265 Ponders Hollow Road
$140,000 — Construct 46’ x 50’ one-story addition

Robert Iacovelli
292 Lockhouse Road
$412,000 — Construct truck-repair facility

Real Estate Transactions

By
Departments 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

512 Bald Mountain Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Allison E. Page
Seller: Thomas P. Owen
Date: 10/24/14

BUCKLAND

25 North St.
Buckland, MA 01339
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Jody P. James
Seller: Carolyn V. Boyer
Date: 10/28/14

CHARLEMONT

207 Main St.
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $166,000
Buyer: Jennifer L. Lagoy
Seller: JJ Smith Properties LLC
Date: 10/24/14

93 Warfield Road
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Samuel B. Smith
Seller: Nancy Kittelsen
Date: 10/24/14

CONWAY

86 Main St.
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Jim D. Moore
Seller: Paula L. Olson
Date: 10/31/14

64 Mathews Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: David R. Mazur
Seller: A. P. Kari
Date: 10/30/14

420 Mathews Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $239,000
Buyer: Andrew P. Soles
Seller: Raymond E. Perkins
Date: 10/23/14

800 Roaring Brook Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Dick L. McLeester
Seller: Nancy T. Winter RET
Date: 10/31/14

DEERFIELD

17 Braeburn Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $267,000
Buyer: Catherine A. Carulli
Seller: Kathleen D. Johnston
Date: 10/31/14

139 Lower Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: John G. Savage Realty Corp
Seller: Hassay, Agnes B., (Estate)
Date: 10/31/14

27 North Hillside Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $224,000
Buyer: Francis G. Sobieski
Seller: David A. Rohrs
Date: 10/29/14

341 Pine Nook Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $221,888
Buyer: David Ilsley
Seller: William B. McIlvaine
Date: 10/31/14

249 River Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Norma S. Friedman
Seller: Daniel F. Graves
Date: 10/24/14

48 South Mill River Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Florence E. Howes
Seller: Boron LT
Date: 10/27/14

ERVING

16 Flagg Hill
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $179,900
Buyer: Curtis R. Brunelle
Seller: Craig D. Moore
Date: 10/24/14

58 High St.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: James M. Hackett
Seller: Elizabeth A. Hackett
Date: 10/29/14

GILL

33 Atherton Road
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $154,000
Buyer: Elizabeth L. Girard
Seller: Raymond E. Purington
Date: 10/31/14

25 Green Hill Road
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Laura M. Wiancko
Seller: Mackin, Helen, (Estate)
Date: 08/01/14

GREENFIELD

62 Barton Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Daniel P. Goepp
Seller: Beatrice S. Clair
Date: 10/24/14

525 Bernardston Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $640,000
Buyer: 525 Bernardston Road LLC
Seller: Mass. Non Elective Credit TR
Date: 10/31/14

366 Davis St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Andrew Babits
Seller: Allison E. Page
Date: 10/24/14

10 Euclid Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Fawn M. Howe
Seller: David W. Britt
Date: 10/24/14

32 Fargo St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $286,000
Buyer: Alexander J. Duda
Seller: Eunice N. Kugell RET
Date: 10/30/14

63 Haywood St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: John Bottomley
Seller: David E. Moscaritolo
Date: 10/28/14

576 Leyden Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $234,000
Buyer: Bryan G. Hobbs
Seller: Albrecht H. Kummerle
Date: 10/30/14

164 Log Plain Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: John P. Markoski
Seller: Jerry A. Gaimari
Date: 10/29/14

22 Quincy St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Thomas L. Wilkinson
Seller: Aaron J. Sawyer
Date: 10/30/14

90 Vernon St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Mary I. Fiske
Seller: Scott D. Collins
Date: 10/31/14

3 Woodbine St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $159,000
Buyer: Angela Recchia
Seller: Dick J. McLeester
Date: 10/31/14

HAWLEY

26 Forget Road
Hawley, MA 01339
Amount: $268,000
Buyer: Holly B. Steward
Seller: Jade L. Mortimer
Date: 10/22/14

59 Middle Road
Hawley, MA 01339
Amount: $208,000
Buyer: William C. Cosby
Seller: Singing Brook Farm TR
Date: 10/24/14

MONTAGUE

127 Chestnut Hill Loop
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $237,500
Buyer: Sandy J. Beauregard
Seller: Thomas F. Schiff
Date: 10/30/14

118 Federal St.
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $218,000
Buyer: Michelle D. Demers
Seller: Chris Roberts
Date: 10/29/14

517 Federal St.
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Deerfield Valley Management Trust
Seller: Teri M. Martineault
Date: 10/21/14

224 Greenfield Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $171,000
Buyer: Daniel M. Bartos
Seller: Stanley E. Noga
Date: 10/29/14

53 Randall Wood Dr.
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $223,500
Buyer: Steven A. Hawkins
Seller: William A. Shattuck
Date: 10/30/14

NORTHFIELD

13 Ferncliff Ave.
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $137,000
Buyer: Arthur W. Davis
Seller: Suzanne M. Travisano
Date: 10/24/14

112 Main St.
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: George M. Larue
Seller: Michelle C. Minter
Date: 10/22/14

ORANGE

3 Converse Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Maureen F. Polana
Seller: Schwab, Mary L., (Estate)
Date: 10/27/14

153 Dana Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Robert J. Zajac
Seller: Paul G. Duffell
Date: 10/31/14

800 Pine Hill Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Zachary McBride
Seller: Darcy R. Flynn
Date: 10/24/14

91 Sandrah Dr.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Samantha North
Seller: Keith S. Holden
Date: 10/31/14

ROWE

112 Ford Hill Road
Rowe, MA 01367
Amount: $220,200
Buyer: Alexandra R. Reisman
Seller: James M. Wootton
Date: 10/30/14

29 Potter Road
Amount: $328,000
Buyer: Cynthia L. Stetson
Seller: Audrey I. Faivre
Date: 10/22/14

SHELBURNE

121 Bridge St.
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Timothy J. Richardson
Seller: Joseph F. Palmeri
Date: 10/27/14

SHUTESBURY

399 Leverett Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Russell P. Mizula
Seller: Deerfield Valley Management Trust
Date: 10/30/14

SUNDERLAND

120 North Main St.
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Town of Sunderland
Seller: Sophie M. Buczynski
Date: 10/29/14

70 North Silver Lane
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $230,500
Buyer: Daniel F. Cicia
Seller: Alfred R. Lamountain
Date: 10/24/14

WHATELY

Masterson Road (ES)
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: FS RT
Seller: Steven R. Hannum TR
Date: 10/24/14

Masterson Road #6
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Stacy R. Ashton
Seller: Trust Indenture
Date: 10/29/14

215 River Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: James M. Pasiecnik
Seller: Lorri L. Jorgensen

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

68 Birch Hill Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $359,900
Buyer: Mark B. Vye
Seller: Derek H. Egerton
Date: 10/20/14

14 Farmington Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $377,000
Buyer: Mary Millimet RET
Seller: Hillside Development Corp.
Date: 10/31/14

127 Katherine Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Mi Wheat
Seller: Gary M. Matroni
Date: 10/29/14

4 Memory Lane
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $332,000
Buyer: Gregory M. Caputo
Seller: David B. O’Neill
Date: 10/28/14

49 Morningside Circle
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $286,000
Buyer: Dmitriy Shlemanov
Seller: Frank E. Disco
Date: 10/24/14

68 Parkview Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $246,000
Buyer: Matthew A. Pacinella
Seller: Gregory M. Caputo
Date: 10/28/14

76 Pineview Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $276,400
Buyer: David L. Aldrich
Seller: James J. Sikora
Date: 10/24/14

51 Robin Ridge Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $214,900
Buyer: Harriet R. Lawton
Seller: FHLM
Date: 10/24/14

394 Springfield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: VIP Homes & Associates LLC
Seller: Schulze, Germaine A., (Estate)
Date: 10/28/14

156 Suffield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $2,775,000
Buyer: Legacy RT
Seller: GP Apartments LLC
Date: 10/30/14

Washington Ave. #A-D
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $2,775,000
Buyer: Legacy RT
Seller: GP Apartments LLC
Date: 10/30/14

BLANDFORD

41 North Blandford Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $274,000
Buyer: Eric B. Mcvey
Seller: Darlene F. Horne
Date: 10/23/14

BRIMFIELD

55 Dix Hill Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $214,900
Buyer: Keith Vieweg
Seller: Sarah A. Parker
Date: 10/31/14

56 Haynes Hill Road
Amount: $278,000
Buyer: Thomas M. Williams
Seller: Fountain & Sons Fuel Co. Inc.
Date: 10/31/14

CHESTER

74 Kinnebrook Road
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Douglas L. Rockwell
Seller: Steven A. Stroud
Date: 10/29/14

CHICOPEE

149 Casey Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $191,000
Buyer: Neonita M. Yeaple
Seller: Michael G. Harris
Date: 10/28/14

63 Chapel St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $168,900
Buyer: Willie D. McCollaum
Seller: Bennett Properties LLC
Date: 10/23/14

12 Columba St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Frank A. Demarinis
Seller: Christopher Pawlikowski
Date: 10/24/14

134 Gilbert Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Hector R. Gonzalez
Seller: Daniel R. Godbout
Date: 10/31/14

1193 Granby Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $7,769,000
Buyer: ARCP WA Chicopee MA LLC
Seller: Ogden MA LLC
Date: 10/31/14

541 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: William J. Beynor
Seller: Lucille A. Dubois
Date: 10/31/14

71 Kaveney St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $254,000
Buyer: Shawn C. Roberts
Seller: Christine M. Filiau
Date: 10/27/14

12 Loretta Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Kirill I. Zenchenko
Seller: Edmund Stlaurent
Date: 10/30/14

127 Lukasik St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Matthew J. Kele
Seller: Wyllie, Nancy E., (Estate)

91 Mountainview St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Timothy J. Dupuis
Seller: Frances S. Cahalan
Date: 10/31/14

56 Ogden St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $144,900
Buyer: Scott E. Early
Seller: Inna Boyko
Date: 10/24/14

134 Polaski Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $131,200
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Dorothy Weber
Date: 10/23/14

169 Poplar St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Krzysztof Dziegielewski
Seller: Ferdynand Dziegielewski
Date: 10/30/14

16 Sanford St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Liena Mor
Seller: Tod R. Noftall
Date: 10/31/14

147 Skeele St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: John R. Damato
Seller: Edward P. Gay
Date: 10/28/14

96 Walnut St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $117,000
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Ran D. Booth
Date: 10/27/14

128 Wheatland Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $180,400
Buyer: MKAA LLC
Seller: Edward S. Bury
Date: 10/28/14

48 Woodcrest Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $126,000
Buyer: Brendan D. Crandall
Seller: Patricia Scanlon
Date: 10/23/14

73 Wymanlea Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $162,500
Buyer: Triple JCD LLC
Seller: Charlene Stoyak
Date: 10/30/14

EAST LONGMEADOW

37 Frankwyn St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Lisa C. Finn
Date: 10/27/14

74 Indian Spring Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $269,900
Buyer: Paul S. Brewster
Seller: David R. Mazur
Date: 10/30/14

4 Hedgerow Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $239,900
Buyer: Dorothy M. Joseph
Seller: Timber Development LLC
Date: 10/23/14

35 High Pine Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $342,000
Buyer: David M. Ference
Seller: Jeffrey D. Leclair
Date: 10/24/14

Pease Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Dennis A. Chaffee
Seller: Ronald I. Goldstein
Date: 10/23/14

121 Westwood Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Christopher R. Driscoll
Seller: Mary E. Kostorizos
Date: 10/30/14

GRANVILLE

81 Granby Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $172,200
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Thomas F. Alamed
Date: 10/28/14

HAMPDEN

8 East Brook Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $372,500
Buyer: Frank Morello
Seller: Peter C. James
Date: 10/31/14

32 Oak Knoll Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $206,400
Buyer: Craig A. Forni
Seller: Gordon E. Clark
Date: 10/31/14

19 Tall Pines Road #19
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $326,500
Seller: BB Holdings 2 LLC
Date: 10/24/14

HOLYOKE

8 Bayberry Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Jennifer L. Dowland
Date: 10/28/14

11 Brenan St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $174,000
Buyer: Marcia Russell
Seller: Edward H. Riel
Date: 10/30/14

6 Brenan St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Susan Yelle
Seller: Kathleen M. Costello
Date: 10/31/14

190 Chestnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $9,432,354
Buyer: PNC Bank
Seller: Melvin N. Caballero
Date: 10/20/14

11 Claren Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $150,368
Buyer: Midfirst Bank
Seller: Raymond A. Cote
Date: 10/23/14

21 Glen St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Caelin M. Aklais
Seller: Michael S. Lesniak
Date: 10/31/14

Nonotuck St. (rear)
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Joseph H. Ely
Seller: 329 Beech Street LLC
Date: 10/31/14

25 Orchard St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $173,000
Buyer: Sofia Lemons
Seller: Jill Gagne
Date: 10/27/14

15 Park Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Deborah L. Willis
Seller: Nancy Kennedy
Date: 10/29/14

109 Ridgewood Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Danielle R. Dallaquila
Seller: John A. Magri
Date: 10/29/14

21 Saint James Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Francisco Marrero
Seller: Russell A. Sprague
Date: 10/31/14

9 Vassar Circle
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $274,000
Buyer: William J. Cubi
Seller: Barowsky, Norma J., (Estate)
Date: 10/30/14

LONGMEADOW

46 Cheshire Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $398,750
Buyer: Joseph W. Furnari
Seller: Diana M. Abbasy
Date: 10/29/14

223 Kenmore Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Keith S. Maynard
Seller: Apex Inc.
Date: 10/21/14

113 Longmeadow St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $278,000
Buyer: Bruce L. Morin
Seller: Stephen J. Murphy
Date: 10/29/14

104 Osceola Lane
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $778,166
Buyer: Hershal Patel
Seller: Sodi Inc.
Date: 10/24/14

43 Severn St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Ellen Humphreys
Seller: Philip C. Steiger
Date: 10/31/14

59 South Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $183,000
Buyer: David A. Lenn
Seller: Nancy J. Burns
Date: 10/30/14

68 Willow Brook Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $309,000
Buyer: Willow Realty LLC
Seller: Edward F. Szela
Date: 10/27/14

LUDLOW

21 Batista Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $267,000
Buyer: Erik McKeone
Seller: Wayne N. Lafleur
Date: 10/30/14

148 Cislak Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $655,000
Buyer: Jeremy J. Procon
Seller: Ann L. Morello
Date: 10/31/14

80 Davis St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $220,545
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Andrew Robert
Date: 10/29/14

5 Green St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Michael P. McGrath
Seller: Etta H. Sergneri
Date: 10/24/14

59 Meadow St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $160,500
Buyer: Kevin P. Geissler
Seller: Krystal A. Cortinhas
Date: 10/24/14

42 Jestina Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Wayne N. Lafleur
Seller: Christopher J. Dias
Date: 10/30/14

155 Lakeview Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Steven W. Balicki
Seller: Goncalves, Maria F., (Estate)
Date: 10/31/14

7 Parker Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: James C. Wyllie
Seller: USA HUD
Date: 10/31/14

66 Ridgeview Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $141,000
Buyer: Anthony J. Elias
Seller: Robert H. Hickey
Date: 10/28/14

180 Southwood Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Jessica Salema
Seller: Peter D. Martins
Date: 10/20/14

67 Valley View Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Carmine M. Keane
Seller: Debra K. Stacy
Date: 10/31/14

142 Wedgewood Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $272,000
Buyer: Timothy D. Rego
Seller: John R. Davis
Date: 10/24/14

105 West Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $143,000
Buyer: Walter A. Lorenz
Seller: Gretchen E. Moos
Date: 10/27/14

149 Wilno Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Alicinio Martins
Seller: Corine A. Thompson
Date: 10/31/14

MONSON

72 Bradway Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $277,500
Buyer: Timothy B. Gregoire
Seller: Donald J. Grimaldi
Date: 10/31/14

21 Bunyan Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Richard A. Lombardo
Seller: USA
Date: 10/27/14

356 Main St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Tina M. McBee
Seller: John J. Bish
Date: 10/28/14

53 Nieske Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $229,000
Buyer: John J. Maloney
Seller: Steven D. Fontaine
Date: 10/31/14

126 Upper Hampden Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $287,500
Buyer: Martin R. Bolduc
Seller: Thomas A. Wood
Date: 10/31/14

98 Wilbraham Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Michael S. Kazalis
Seller: Gregory J. Hall
Date: 10/28/14

PALMER

55-69 Belanger St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Remlap Rentals LLC
Seller: C. K. Scott LLC
Date: 10/23/14

88 Longview St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $179,000
Buyer: Joshua J. Gagnon
Seller: Roy M. St.George
Date: 10/31/14

2090-2092 Main St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Remlap Rentals LLC
Seller: Clifford J. Scott
Date: 10/23/14

2094-A Main St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Remlap Rentals LLC
Seller: Clifford J. Scott
Date: 10/23/14

81 Mount Dumplin Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $186,000
Buyer: Ryan A. Dias
Seller: Sergio A. Dias
Date: 10/31/14

120 Peterson Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Christyna A. Rioux
Seller: Kenneth L. Mongeau
Date: 10/21/14

3064 Pine St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $133,000
Buyer: Richard T. Wells
Seller: Divina Urena
Date: 10/29/14

SPRINGFIELD

199 Acrebrook Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $166,000
Buyer: Oleg Atayan
Seller: Fannie Sophinos
Date: 10/27/14

100 Aldrew Terrace
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: John L. Viens
Seller: Richard B. Francis
Date: 10/31/14

28 Austin St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Teodoro R. Cruz
Seller: West Meadow Homes Inc.
Date: 10/21/14

814 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Chhabi Pathak
Seller: DB Properties LLC
Date: 10/31/14

95 Briggs St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Ileana Garcia
Seller: Grahams Construction Inc.
Date: 10/22/14

60 Clement St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $134,000
Buyer: Paul V. Allard
Seller: Anthony A. Bocchino
Date: 10/31/14

24-26 Commonwealth Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $167,000
Buyer: Dawa W. Tamang
Seller: Thomas W. Cuzzone
Date: 10/22/14

24 Cunningham St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $133,320
Buyer: Maureen Rehbein
Seller: Alexis A. Majka
Date: 10/22/14

246 Dutchess St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Buyer: Lisa P. Kallaugher
Seller: Surtan Realty LLP
Date: 10/24/14

8-10 Enfield St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $140,000
Seller: Anthony J. Nowak
Date: 10/27/14

119 Fenway Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $162,000
Buyer: Luis E. Diaz
Seller: Robert P. Doty
Date: 10/24/14

127-129 Fountain St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: Cristhian B. Vasquez
Seller: Phuong Nguyen
Date: 10/31/14

287 Fountain St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Cherrie L. Mahmoud
Seller: Shirley A. Ford
Date: 10/31/14

143 Groveland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $138,081
Buyer: Bayview Loan Servicing
Seller: Carrie Schaub
Date: 10/30/14

152 Harkness Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $127,500
Buyer: Tsering Lhamo
Seller: Value Properties LLC
Date: 10/27/14

27 Health Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $142,500
Buyer: Luis A. Cruz
Seller: Shawn Carleton
Date: 10/24/14

39 Hermitage Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Emilio Sanchez
Seller: Delois F. Swan
Date: 10/31/14

44 Howes St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: Nathan Ladlee
Seller: Gabrielle Agron
Date: 10/31/14

63 Kipling St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: Mark J. Hawkins
Seller: Christine Gula
Date: 10/31/14

231 Louis Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $149,900
Buyer: Virgilio Garcia
Seller: Cindy Valerio
Date: 10/21/14

20 Mandalay Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $168,750
Buyer: Alan B. Magill
Seller: Laurence P. Brandoli
Date: 10/31/14

77 Methuen St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $116,505
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Eugenia Caraballo
Date: 10/23/14

74 Mildred Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Javires M. Colon
Seller: Timothy J. Rahilly
Date: 10/24/14

225 Oakland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: MJT Properties LLC
Seller: Oak Ridge Custom Home
Date: 10/24/14

47 Palmyra St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: Shirley L. Spencer
Seller: Michael D. Thomas
Date: 10/22/14

119 Park Road
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Meraliss Velazquez
Seller: Robert F. Filipiak
Date: 10/31/14

104 Parkside St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Pedro Arenas
Seller: Elsa Dones
Date: 10/28/14

146 Paulk Terrace
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $182,000
Buyer: Ian M. Mancini
Seller: Jason D. Sylvester
Date: 10/29/14

120 Pinecrest Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Laura M. Acerra
Seller: Lucien J. Demers
Date: 10/27/14

55 Ramblewood Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $149,900
Buyer: Siha Sok
Seller: Stanley Tolpa
Date: 10/23/14

83 Ridgewood Terrace
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $212,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Anne B. Bell
Date: 10/30/14

25 Riverview Terrace
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $253,000
Buyer: Kerri Saucier
Seller: Paul Depelteau
Date: 10/28/14

30 Rosedale Ave.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Jack A. Ohlemacher
Seller: Beatrice U. Rancore
Date: 10/30/14

53 Rosella St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $224,000
Buyer: Robert F. Schmidt
Seller: Elizabeth A. Staggs
Date: 10/31/14

151 Saffron Circle
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $168,900
Buyer: Bob L. Daniels
Seller: Taryn Markham
Date: 10/30/14

152-154 Santa Barbara St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $152,500
Buyer: Luis R. Torres-Ortiz
Seller: Abigail Alers
Date: 10/24/14

43 Sargon St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $119,000
Buyer: Robert D. Gaspari
Seller: John J. Maloney
Date: 10/31/14

691 State St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: MS Homes LLC
Seller: CF SBC REO LLC
Date: 10/24/14

70 Sunset Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $181,382
Buyer: DLJ Mortgage Capital Inc.
Seller: Rafael R. Santana
Date: 10/23/14

78 Thorndyke St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $167,500
Buyer: Victor Colon
Seller: Lisa D. Richardson-Gomes
Date: 10/31/14

25 Tioga St.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Mark S. Flood
Seller: Marshall Harris
Date: 10/31/14

35 Trillium St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $134,526
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Nicole Moody
Date: 10/28/14

69 Upland St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $142,600
Buyer: Sue A. Ho-Sang
Seller: Gilbert F. Gordon
Date: 10/31/14

46 Wachusett St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Darwin Rivera
Seller: DAG Real Estate Development Inc.
Date: 10/31/14

SOUTHWICK

21 Feeding Hills Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Megan Cammisa
Seller: Raymond A. Ouellette
Date: 10/30/14

6 Jeffrey Circle
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $197,000
Buyer: Carmen L. Marquez
Seller: Edward C. Hildreth
Date: 10/31/14

69 Lakeview St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Mark W. Blackmer
Date: 10/31/14

358 North Loomis St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Lauren Kendzierski
Seller: Roger E. Hughes
Date: 10/28/14

11 Pine Knoll
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $389,000
Buyer: Craig A. Johnsen
Seller: Michael J. Rauza
Date: 10/31/14

210 Sheep Pasture Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $187,827
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Veronica L. Dearden
Date: 10/28/14

108 South Loomis St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Matthew J. Pomeroy
Seller: Seth W. Pomeroy
Date: 10/22/14

26 Shirley Terrace
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $216,000
Buyer: Jessica L. Gilbert
Seller: Adam R. Hart
Date: 10/23/14

TOLLAND

307 Jeff Miller Road
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $223,800
Buyer: Ryan A. Michonski
Seller: Robert Franchino
Date: 10/31/14

WEST SPRINGFIELD

64 Ashley St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Pavel Banaru
Seller: Louis H. Beauvais
Date: 10/30/14

39 Baldwin St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: Elida Gashi
Seller: Richard Williams
Date: 10/31/14

36 Blossom Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Kathleen M. McDonagh
Seller: Lizanne Campanini
Date: 10/30/14

34-38 Elmdale St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Constantin Enciu
Seller: Cesare R. Ferrari
Date: 10/31/14

44 Hillside Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Cassandra Ardizoni
Seller: Patrick J. Lynch
Date: 10/31/14

222 Kings Hwy.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Jose M. Perez
Seller: Elizabeth A. Staltare
Date: 10/30/14

21 Lynne Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $242,500
Buyer: Jason Boutet
Seller: Robert A. Swanson
Date: 10/29/14

47 Mosher St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $147,000
Buyer: Jason R. Vandeusen
Seller: Lindsey G. Brynjolfsson
Date: 10/30/14

95 Ohio Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Edward P. Czeremcha
Seller: Jeffrey W. Puffer
Date: 10/22/14

112 Orchardview St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Kristen N. Montville
Seller: Mark A. Lamy
Date: 10/24/14

36 Orchardview St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $167,000
Buyer: Benjamin J. Crum
Seller: David L. Aldrich
Date: 10/24/14

44 Talcott Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $196,600
Buyer: Melissa Deslauriers
Seller: Conlin, Barbara A., (Estate)
Date: 10/27/14

WESTFIELD

10 Belden Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $339,900
Buyer: Matthew T. Vanheynigen
Seller: Long, Theresa A., (Estate)
Date: 10/24/14

288 Elm St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Siddhi Vinayak Corp.
Seller: Leemilts Petroleum Inc.
Date: 10/31/14

18 Fowler Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Sergey Markevich
Seller: Susan M. Oleksak
Date: 10/24/14

351 Hillside Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Peter M. Ulias
Seller: Maurice S. Erwin
Date: 10/31/14

56 Jefferson St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Double D. Investments LLC
Seller: Lynn A. Chrzanowski
Date: 10/30/14

44 Llewellyn Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $324,000
Buyer: Edward F. Wienckowski
Seller: Bruce E. Armstrong
Date: 10/24/14

24 Loring Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Dana A. Gronbeck
Seller: Roy E. Tatro
Date: 10/31/14

9 Paper St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Jefford A. Barnes
Seller: Lawrence S. Trinceri
Date: 10/24/14

193 Peach St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $214,188
Buyer: Kimberly A. Landry
Seller: James N. McElroy

107 Pineridge Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $306,600
Buyer: Eric L. Breault
Seller: Dana A. Gronbeck
Date: 10/31/14

39 Pochassic St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $147,500
Buyer: Edward M. Tosado
Seller: Martin E. Newman
Date: 10/24/14

140 Pontoosic Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Kenneth A. Pelletier
Seller: Matthew A. Pacinella
Date: 10/28/14

53 Putnam Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $172,500
Buyer: Jeffrey A. Thomson
Seller: Peter J. Miller
Date: 10/24/14

25 Ridgeway Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $161,000
Buyer: Stephan K. Dickinson
Seller: Andrew J. Pavlica
Date: 10/24/14

44 Sabrina Brooke Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Jason A. Lavallee
Seller: John M. Tierney
Date: 10/31/14

12 Winding Ridge Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $414,900
Buyer: Gerard J. Sokop
Seller: Norman E. Wroblewski
Date: 10/20/14

7 Woodland Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Nancy J. Bals
Seller: Jon M. Schultz
Date: 10/30/14

31 Woodside Terrace
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Edward J. Fournier
Seller: Patricia A. Cray
Date: 10/31/14

WILBRAHAM

1126 Glendale Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Jason P. Keegan
Seller: Linda S. Hall
Date: 10/24/14

28 Grassy Meadow Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $222,500
Buyer: Kimberly Ross
Seller: Claudette Desanctis
Date: 10/28/14

7 Ladd Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $311,000
Buyer: Bart Soar
Seller: Stanley Kogut
Date: 10/31/14

509 Main St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Brett F. Johnson
Seller: Claire E. Fredette
Date: 10/31/14

12 Mcintosh Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Tina M. Carnevale
Seller: David D. Patterson
Date: 10/29/14

17 Millbrook Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Taryn Siciliano
Seller: FHLM
Date: 10/30/14

6 Stirling Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Kenneth C. Byers
Seller: Patrick F. McComb
Date: 10/30/14

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

181 Aubinwood Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Mazen Naous
Seller: Catherine E. Manicke
Date: 10/29/14

44 Dennis Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $216,000
Buyer: Corey B. Kurtz
Seller: Kathleen I. Dyer
Date: 10/23/14

9 Hedgerow Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $369,000
Buyer: Brian E. Messier
Seller: David R. Salvage
Date: 10/30/14

7 Laurel Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Hampshire Property Management
Seller: Kornorfer, Raymond H., (Estate)
Date: 10/23/14

86 Northampton Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $436,000
Buyer: Amherst College
Seller: Daniel P. Barbezat
Date: 10/30/14

340 Potwine Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $272,000
Buyer: Peter M. Levy
Seller: Robert A. Cooke
Date: 10/30/14

616 Station Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: David R. Salvage
Seller: Elliott N. Fortescue
Date: 10/30/14

BELCHERTOWN

12 Clark St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Steven D. Fontaine
Date: 10/31/14

26 Clark St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Alicia B. Agoglia
Seller: Bethany K. Bowman
Date: 10/27/14

178 Federal St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Darkar LLC
Seller: Manx LLC
Date: 10/28/14

61 Federal St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Jackson Brothers Property Management
Seller: Peter S. Galuszka
Date: 10/27/14

130 Gold St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $177,250
Buyer: Edward B. Tick
Seller: Joshua D. Burkett
Date: 10/31/14

9 Howe St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $237,000
Buyer: Molly W. Fenton
Seller: Kenneth R. Chaisson
Date: 10/24/14

14 Ledgewood Circle
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Walter J. Rose
Seller: Larry D. Unwin
Date: 10/22/14

7 Rural Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $170,600
Buyer: Thomas J. Tonelli
Seller: Property Edge LLC
Date: 10/30/14

22 South Main St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: Joseph R. Bowman
Seller: Christopher Agoglia
Date: 10/27/14

121 Stebbins St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: David M. Arbour
Seller: James A. Ribeiro
Date: 10/24/14

127 Turkey Hill Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: John H. Bickford
Seller: David Wilson
Date: 10/29/14

CUMMINGTON

247 Stage Road
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Elizabeth E. Kapitulik
Seller: David E. Gowdy
Date: 10/30/14

EASTHAMPTON

1 Autumn Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $359,900
Buyer: Jason Curtis
Seller: Melissa L. Coyle
Date: 10/20/14

9 Camelot Lane
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Alan C. Borowski
Seller: Bartlett, Russell P., (Estate)
Date: 10/30/14

4 Gaugh St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $197,500
Buyer: Budlia LLC
Seller: Jaime M. Caplis
Date: 10/24/14

2 Grove St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Thomas W. Brown
Seller: Robert J. Labonte
Date: 10/31/14

157 Hendrick St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Nancy A. Ogulewicz
Seller: David M. Lepine
Date: 10/24/14

20 Mayher St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $199,900
Buyer: Nicholas J. Schwab
Date: 10/21/14

24 Mill St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $552,500
Buyer: James C. Seltzer
Seller: Chester R. Torrey
Date: 10/22/14

222 Park St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Molly Montgomery
Seller: Charles G. Cernak
Date: 10/31/14

52 Phelps St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: April Yvon
Seller: Timothy J. Dowgiert
Date: 10/31/14

9 Taft Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $269,000
Buyer: Alysa Austin
Seller: Laura A. Tilsley
Date: 10/24/14

29 Treehouse Circle
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $251,000
Buyer: Jonathan D. Cartledge
Seller: EH Homeownership LLC
Date: 10/30/14

HADLEY

15 Stockwell Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $148,500
Buyer: Manuel T. Morocho
Seller: Schick, Karl D., (Estate)
Date: 10/29/14

HATFIELD

11 Pleasant View Dr.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $389,900
Buyer: Dennon A. Rodrigue
Seller: Gerard J. Sokop
Date: 10/20/14

HUNTINGTON

80 County Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $282,500
Buyer: Carole J. Bihler
Seller: Allison T. Flynn
Date: 10/24/14

46 Harlow Clark Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Luke Leszczynski
Seller: FNMA
Date: 10/24/14

61 Searle Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $216,500
Buyer: Chrisoula Marangoudakis
Seller: Kyle Colby
Date: 10/31/14

NORTHAMPTON

10 Bright Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Michelle L. Squires
Seller: Vivian M. Eastman
Date: 10/31/14

Easthampton Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $387,500
Buyer: City Of Northampton
Seller: Carol Hewes
Date: 10/24/14

33 Emerson Way
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Susan H. Angier
Seller: Emerson Way LLC
Date: 10/23/14

141 Fair St., Ext
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Laurel Carangelo
Seller: Marcia Russell
Date: 10/30/14

65 Ford Xing
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $563,810
Buyer: Ivana M. Liebert
Seller: Kent Pecoy & Sons Construction
Date: 10/24/14

18 Laurel Park
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: 35 State St. LLC
Seller: David R. Baker
Date: 10/31/14

46 Laurel Park
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $159,500
Buyer: Todd Wilsey
Seller: Laurie Scanlon
Date: 10/22/14

38 Matthew Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Chanbona Er
Seller: Matthew R. Marchand
Date: 10/31/14

123 Moser St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $433,931
Buyer: Lora M. Hodges
Seller: Kent Pecoy & Sons Construction
Date: 10/29/14

14 Murphy Terrace
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $123,000
Buyer: Sherry L. Taylor
Seller: Elizabeth M. Mongeau
Date: 10/29/14

273 North Main St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $303,000
Buyer: Jennifer L. Busone
Seller: Bonnie A. Galenski
Date: 10/31/14

128 Rocky Hill Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $387,500
Buyer: City Of Northampton
Seller: Carol Hewes
Date: 10/24/14

237 Spring Grove Ave.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $242,500
Buyer: Elizabeth L. Mercer
Seller: Marjorie L. Harrington
Date: 10/22/14

276 State St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Linda Putnam
Seller: Elizabeth A. Falkenthal
Date: 10/30/14

26 Sumner Ave.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Nooni Hammarlund
Seller: Bryan N. Lombardi
Date: 10/30/14

51 Vernon St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $457,000
Buyer: Stephen Petegorsky
Seller: David J. Lalima
Date: 10/27/14

SOUTH HADLEY

246 Brainerd St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $331,000
Buyer: Andreas Zinner
Seller: Michael A. Chmura
Date: 10/31/14

113 East St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $327,500
Buyer: Paul S. Kandel
Seller: Katie L. Stefanik
Date: 10/20/14

141 Granby Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $152,500
Buyer: Ruby Z. Khan
Seller: Eleanor M. Contini
Date: 10/31/14

340 Granby Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $202,500
Buyer: Lauren Emery
Seller: Glen E. Kotfila
Date: 10/22/14

16 Michael Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Jeffrey W. Dupaul
Seller: David J. Boutin
Date: 10/30/14

44 Pittroff Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $231,000
Buyer: Dana R. Sicard
Seller: George W. Dewolfe
Date: 10/30/14

22 Spring Meadows
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Michael R. Matty
Seller: Stephen Doyle
Date: 10/22/14

4 Stewart St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $192,000
Buyer: Raymond V. Hebert
Seller: Mark R. Marion
Date: 10/31/14

18 Summit St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $222,000
Buyer: Shannon K. Dasilva
Seller: Peter A. Gallivan
Date: 10/20/14

23 Tampa St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $164,900
Buyer: Kyle E. Rodrigues
Seller: Anne Pappas
Date: 10/31/14

6 Yale St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $183,000
Buyer: Christopher F. Geraghty
Seller: Francis W. Geraghty
Date: 10/22/14

SOUTHAMPTON

22 Bluemer Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $167,500
Buyer: Darcelle A. Ward
Seller: Barbara J. Calisch
Date: 10/30/14

83 College Hwy.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: TBH Realty LLC
Seller: Daniel T. Hatzipetro
Date: 10/27/14

96 Gunn Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $452,500
Buyer: Richard S. Lyman
Seller: James F. Boyle
Date: 10/31/14

87 Maple St.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $303,000
Seller: Doreen A. Boisjoli
Date: 10/23/14

199 Pomeroy Meadow Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $348,000
Buyer: Gary Sheldon
Seller: Richard C. Ziomek
Date: 10/21/14

WARE

88 Coffey Hill Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: James A. Beaudry
Seller: Martin R. Bolduc
Date: 10/31/14

133 North St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $196,500
Buyer: Taylor B. Williams
Seller: Kenneth Fitzgibbon
Date: 10/20/14

51 West St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Heat Pro Inc.
Seller: Jean E. Broom
Date: 10/27/14

WILLIAMSBURG

161 Main St.
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $183,000
Buyer: John J. Svoboda
Seller: Emma F. Karowski
Date: 10/21/14

4 Nash Hill Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Adrienne Deluca
Seller: Andrew P. Soles
Date: 10/23/14

80 South St.
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Laura T. Garcia
Seller: Robert J. Bihler
Date: 10/24/14

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies Departments

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

Babcock, Jennifer L.
300 East Main St., #1A
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/29/14

Babcock, John P.
9 Evans Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/29/14

Bastek, Christine A.
265 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/28/14

Blair, Dustin A.
Blair, Chantal M.
a/k/a Grandbois, Chantal M.
41 Judd Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/28/14

Bourdeau, Alain A.
Bourdeau, Lynne A.
40 Belvidere St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/14

Buckowski, Jodie Leah
31 Coolidge Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/22/14

Burwell, Jennifer Elizabeth
PO Box 1383
Northampton, MA 01061
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/23/14

Colak, Serdar
15 Wilson St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/18/14

Crowell, Robert
365 Tiffany St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/22/14

Cruz, Carmen D.
27 Southern Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/23/14

Dunn, Jeffrey J.
433 Amherst Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/28/14

Ferrari, Edward C.
PO Box 561
Agawam, MA 01101
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/14

Fish, Colleen Elizabeth
166 College St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/27/14

Forney, Scott D.
32 Knollwood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/31/14

Gamsby, Andrea D.
35 Dorset St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/14

Geanacopoulos, Ashley R.
38 1/2 North Main St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/18/14

Grimard, Suzanne
56 Elm St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/27/14

Hathaway, Karl A.
Hathaway, Desiree C.
89 Mountain View St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/22/14

Hodgkins, Erin Dunican
a/k/a Stebbins Hodgkins, Erin D.
34 Bridge St.
Millers Falls, MA 01349
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/23/14

Hrasna, Christopher Robin
193 Sargeant St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/23/14

Jackman, David E.
264 Huntington Road
Chester, MA 01011
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/24/14

Jaskulski, David M.
53 James St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/28/14

Kochaniec, Deborah L.
228 Florence Road
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/23/14

Langlois, Clark M.
Langlois, Moira A.
419 Montcalm St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/28/14

Ledford, Judy A.
a/k/a DeGray, Judy A.
a/k/a McRobbie, Judy A.
90 Canterbury Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/24/14

Lopez, Glorimar
97 Robak Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/14

Lynch, Amy L.
26 Dayton St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/23/14

Maki, Jonathan P.
59 Knollwood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/29/14

Manganelli, Matthew T.
Manganelli, Jennifer
14 Wolcott Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/29/14

McNerney, Robert W.
55 Redden Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/14

Mongeau, Donald R.
Mongeau, Lynne M.
11 West Cornell St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/14

Peters, Dustin R.
Peters, Stacey M.
68 Lyon St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/17/14

Pizzonia, Angelo
40 Merriam St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/22/14

Polanek, Lisa M.
a/k/a Rumps, Lisa Marie
444 North Main St. #25
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/14

Quinlan, Trevor A.
Quinlan, Margaret E.
46 Paula Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/17/14

Redmond, Ronald C.
32 Riviera Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/14

Rivera, Dimary
1225 Bay St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/23/14

Roberts, Amber N.
219 School St., Apt. 2L
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/23/14

Rodriguez, Gabriel M.
1293 Dwight St., 2nd Floor
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/17/14

Ruell, Jeanne Y.
67 Clayton Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/23/14

Sor, Sokun
19 Holyoke St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/14

Stearns, Mark J.
26 Washington St.
Brimfield, MA 01010
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/23/14

Stone, Sarah E.
a/k/a Hamel, Sarah E.
16 Grove St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/24/14

Tebeau, Christopher J.
1721 Riverdale St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/14

Telega, Valerie L.
5 Beaver Dr.
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/23/14

The Zengineer
Inspirit Common Collective
Fontaholic Designs
Sparkle, Bucky N
Sparkle, Emily H.
a/k/a Connor, Emily H. Sparkle
378 Main St., #2
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/28/14

Torres, Gloria E.
110 Methuen St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/20/14

Wilder, Douglas M.
Wilder, Deborah M.
243 Elm St., Apt. 2L
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/14

Williams, Sorguey
239 Mill St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/29/14

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of November 2014.

AGAWAM

4tion Skateboards
206 Garden St.
Dylan Copella

AFIS, LLC
365 Main St.
Steven Zicolella

Enigma HVAC
33 Norman Terrace
Irina Kuzmenko

Happy Home Maid Service
101 Sylvan Lane
Laura Vieu

CHICOPEE

Chuck’s Auto Sales, LLC
78 West St.
Charles Swider

Eric’s Sales
103 Lukasik St.
Eric Ladabouche

Salon Bocage
766 Memorial Dr.
Lisa A. Allen

St. Amand Services
32 Highland Ave.
Jessica St. Amand

HOLYOKE

Action Figure Planet
50 Holyoke St.
Nancy Cote

Amy’s Hallmark
50 Holyoke St.
Buzook Vitt

Dunkin Donuts
330 Main St.
Lori Martins

Dunkin Donuts
1600 Northampton St.
Lori Martins

Paper City Cuts 2
522 South St.
Jose M. Lopez

NORTHAMPTON

Karmel Kreations
25 Franklin St.
Selena Dittberner

Pixel Edge
109 High St.
Sunergix Inc.

Red Barn Honey Company
43 Fort Hill Terrace
Richard Conner

Skyline Design
209 Locust St.
Douglas Ferrante

Sushi City
228 King St.
Soe Naing

Toad’s Kin Car Company
5 Middle St.
Radley Nutting

PALMER

A-Z Heating & Cooling
17 Lafayette St.
Kevin Zawaliki

Al’s Heating & Plumbing
37 Stimson St.
Eric Nareau

Blockberries
65 Jim Ash St.
David Whitney

Family Produce Market
54 Commercial St.
Gidget Jolly

Hollywood Nails
1411 Main St.
Linh Lee

PG Building & Remodeling
54 Charles St.
Peter Gorski

Target Engineering
111 Woodland Heights
Norman Leclair

SPRINGFIELD

Kate Transportation
44 Montgomery St.
Catherine Kamau

La Primera Iglesia Elahim
113 Orchard St.
Carmen Rodriguez

Mamajuana Roasted Chicken
30 Fort Pleasant Ave.
Christian Flores

Manna Chinese Food
44 Springfield St.
Hua Y. Ou

Martinelli, Martini & Gall
82 Maple St.
Paul R. Gallagher

Metro Apartment, LLC
908 Belmont Ave.
Peter J. Houser

Midway Barber & Company
1106 State St.
Thomas Allen

Painter Plus Floors
91 Portulaca Dr.
Gilfrey Gregory

Powell Construction Company
11 Preston St.
Lillian Moultrie

South End Smoke and Grocer
469 Main St.
Manirakiza Jamari

The Rich Look Fine Auto
36 Amity Court
Richard D. Manning

The Touch of NYC Hair Studio
680 Sumner Ave.
Sophia C. Evans

Word Barista
79 James St.
Cheryl D. Noel

WESTFIELD

Alessio’s Pizza Inc.
280 Southampton Road
Alessio’s Pizza, Inc.

Have Comedy Will Travel
36 Moseley Ave.
Steven L. Henderson

Menard Construction & Design
46 Stuart Place
Dennis Menard

Mlisyany Direct
1 Brentwood Dr.
Mlisyany Direct

Roadrunner Express
772 West Road
Thomas Sorel

Briefcase

By
Briefcase Departments

EDC Names Sullivan New President, CEO
SPRINGFIELD — Richard Sullivan, former mayor of Westfield and currently chief of staff for Gov. Deval Patrick, has been chosen to become president and CEO of the Economic Development Council of Western Mass., succeeding Alan Blair, who will retire Dec. 31. Sullivan prevailed in a lengthy search for Blair’s successor that began when Blair announced his intention to retire almost a year ago. Sullivan, an attorney, brings to the job a résumé that includes a lengthy stint as Westfield’s mayor as well as work with the Patrick administration, first as commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Recreation, then as secretary of the Mass. Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, and then as chief of staff, a position he assumed in June.

Massachusetts Adds 1,200 Jobs in October
BOSTON — The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) reported that preliminary estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show Massachusetts added 1,200 jobs in October for a total preliminary estimate of 3,424,600. The October total unemployment rate remained unchanged at 6.0%. Since October 2013, Massachusetts has added a net of 52,600 jobs, with 50,400 jobs added in the private sector. The total unemployment rate for the year is down 1.2% from the October 2013 rate of 7.2%. BLS also revised its September job estimates to a 7,800-job gain from the 9,400-gain previously reported for the month. Here’s an October 2014 employment overview:
• Information added 1,900 jobs (+2.0%) over the month. Over the year, the sector added 7,900 jobs (+9.1%);
• Construction gained 1,300 jobs (+1.1%) over the month. Over the year, the sector has added 2,400 jobs (+2.0%);
• Education and Health Services added 800 jobs (+0.1%) over the month. Over the year, the sector gained 16,000 jobs (+2.2%); 
• Professional, Scientific and Business Services gained 200 jobs (0.1%) over the month. Over the year, the sector added 14,500 jobs (+2.9%);
• Other Services had no change in its jobs level over the month. Over the year, Other Services are up 1,100 jobs (+0.9%);
• Trade, Transportation, and Utilities lost 1,800 jobs (-0.3%) over the month.  Over the year, the sector gained 7,200 jobs (+1.3%);
• Leisure and Hospitality lost 1,500 jobs (-0.4%) over the month. Over the year, the sector added 100 jobs (0.1%);
• Financial Activities lost 500 jobs (-0.2%) over the month. Over the year, the sector added 1,900 jobs (+0.9%);
• Manufacturing lost 400 jobs (-0.2%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Manufacturing lost 700 jobs (-0.3%); and
• Government added 1,200 jobs (+0.3%) over the month. Over the year, the sector gained 2,200 jobs (+0.5%).
The October 2014 estimates show 3,334,800 Massachusetts residents were employed and 211,000 were unemployed, for a total labor force of 3,545,800. The October labor force increased by 14,100 from 3,531,700 in September, as 16,400 more residents were employed and 2,300 fewer residents were unemployed over the month. The labor force was an estimated 61,800 above the 3,484,000 October 2013 estimate, with 100,600 more residents employed and 38,800 fewer residents unemployed. The unemployment rate is based on a monthly sample of households. The job estimates are derived from a monthly sample survey of employers.  As a result, the two statistics may exhibit different monthly trends.

Baystate Health Opens TechSpring Center
SPRINGFIELD — Representatives from companies that are developing new products to improve healthcare joined leaders from Baystate Health, the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, and a host of elected officials on Nov. 14 to celebrate the opening of TechSpring, Baystate Health’s technology innovation center based in Springfield’s emerging innovation district. The facility will match private enterprises with partners and expertise from Baystate to take on some of healthcare’s most difficult challenges.
TechSpring owes its existence in large part to a $5.5 million grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, an investment agency charged with implementing Gov. Deval Patrick’s 10-year, $1 billion Life Sciences Initiative that supports life-sciences innovation, research, development, and commercialization. “Being part of the innovation ecosystem that’s developing in downtown Springfield was a major incentive for us in locating here,” said Joel Vengco, Baystate Health’s vice president of Information & Technology and chief information officer. “There is very real potential and a strong foundation in our community for real progress in creating employment and economic opportunities in the areas of healthcare technology and informatics. The fact that these innovators and companies have come here to invest time and resources is a testament to the potential here, and we’re thrilled to be part of it.” TechSpring, which is housed at 1350 Main St. in downtown Springfield, is already hosting work between Baystate and private-industry partners to create new technology solutions and products that could be used to improve health outcomes. TechSpring’s founding sponsors and innovation partners are IBM, Premier Inc., Cerner Corp., Dell, Medecision, and Mainline Information Systems. All are engaging in collaborative work and product development in the new space. “In this space, my colleagues and their industry partners are putting information technology to work in service of better health outcomes for people here in our community and across the nation,” said Dr. Mark Keroack, president and CEO of Baystate Health. “They’re also working toward bringing opportunity — a real potential for better economic health — for our city and our community. We’re very proud to be here downtown, and we’re proud of the partnerships on display, with industry, with academia. and with government.”

Patrick Announces $1.5 Million for Water-technology Innovation
AMHERST – Gov. Deval Patrick announced $1.5 million in funding to build on his administration’s efforts to make Massachusetts a hub for the emerging water-innovation sector. Patrick was joined by UMass Amherst and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials as they announced $4.1 million in federal funding for a national center for drinking-water innovation at the university. “All over the world and right here at home in the Commonwealth, water challenges are threatening the environment and the economy,” said Patrick. “Investing in the development of water-innovation technologies not only protects precious natural resources and public health, but creates high-quality local jobs.” The Water Infrastructure Bill, signed by Patrick in August, calls for $1.5 million in investments from the Mass. Department of Environmental Protection for water innovation. The federally funded center will be one of two national research centers focused on testing and demonstrating cutting-edge technologies for small drinking-water systems. The Patrick administration, through MassCEC, matched the federal investment with a $100,000 grant. “Under Gov. Patrick’s leadership, Massachusetts has pursued cost-effective innovations to address environmental concerns,” said Curt Spalding, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s regional administrator for New England. “We are very pleased to join the governor as both the EPA and the Commonwealth announce investments in further research and technology development at UMass Amherst that will help continue to provide clean and safe drinking water to people.” Providing safe, clean drinking water is critical for maintaining the health and security of the Commonwealth, said UMass Amherst Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy. “Researchers here at UMass Amherst are on the front lines of efforts to make sure that clean water is a reality for all our communities and citizens. This new funding will help the Commonwealth’s flagship campus make an important contribution to this key public need.” During the Massachusetts-Israel Innovation Partnership (MIIP) mission in May, Patrick announced the winners of the first MIIP water-innovation challenge. The governor made this announcement with Israeli Chief Scientist Avi Hasson during the U.S.-Israel Connected Summit “Going Global with Water Tech” forum. The MIIP was launched in 2011 as a direct result of Patrick’s first innovation-partnership mission to Israel. During that 10-day trade mission in March 2011, a coalition of the state’s leading business executives and senior government officials explored growth opportunities of common interest to Massachusetts’ and Israel’s innovation industries. During that mission, Patrick and Shalom Simhon, Israeli minister of Economy, signed a memorandum of understanding in Jerusalem resulting in this partnership. “Safe, reliable drinking water has always been a critical need. In the 21st century, we will need to develop new technologies to meet growing demand,” said U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern. “I’m pleased that the federal government is joining with the Commonwealth and UMass Amherst in this promising effort.”

Women’s Fund to Issue $240,000 in Grant Funding
EASTHAMPTON — The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts (WFWM) announced the availability of $240,000 in grant funding for organizations that serve women and girls in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties. Grant recipients will each receive $60,000 over three years to deploy innovative programs that help shift the landscape for women and girls within the agency’s focus areas of educational access and success, economic justice, and safety and freedom from violence. Grant applications will be available on the WFWM website on Jan. 10 and will be due on March 23. “Due to renewed and expanded investments from community members in the Women’s Fund mission, we are thrilled to be able to offer another round of multi-year grants in 2015,” said Elizabeth Barajas-Román, chief executive officer of the WFWM. “Multi-year grants allow us to partner with organizations in a sustained way that helps make a significant impact in communities. This funding will increase our ability to scale up and positively affect the lives of women and girls.” Successful applications will demonstrate meaningful partnerships among two or more organizations, agencies, or projects. “We know that effective solutions require creative collaboration,” said Barajas-Román. In addition to the financial award, the Women’s Fund will invest an additional $20,000 into each grantee by giving each project the opportunity to select two staff, constituents, or board members as participants of the Women’s Fund’s Leadership Institute for Political and Public Impact (LIPPI). LIPPI, a Women’s Fund program, has equipped 200 women from across Western Mass. to become civic leaders in their communities; to impact policy on the local, state, and national levels; and to seek and retain elected positions. Since 1997, the WFWM has awarded more than $2 million to more than 150 nonprofit organizations, impacting more than 80,000 women and girls.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook Departments

Florence Bank Opens New Hadley Branch
HADLEY — Florence Bank, a mutually owned savings bank serving the Pioneer Valley through nine branch locations, celebrated the opening of its new Hadley location at 377 Russell St. last month, with local and state officials, as well as more than 100 well-wishers. Florence Bank CEO John Heaps Jr. and bank officials were joined by State Senate Majority Leader Stan Rosenberg, state Rep. John Scibak, Hadley Town Administrator David Nixon, and Amherst Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Don Courtemanche, along with customers, friends, and supporters who turned out to welcome the bank to its new home. In addition to the ribbon cutting, bank officials officially dedicated a new tractor weathervane, which sits atop the new building, to the Devine family of Hadley. John Devine, who was a lifelong farmer and a member of Hadley’s Planning Board, was instrumental in recommending that the bank consider a cupola and weathervane as part of the new building’s design. Bank officials wanted to do something to honor the memory of Devine, who passed away unexpectedly a year ago. Florence Bank Senior Vice President Sharon Rogalski presented a replica of the weathervane to John Devine Jr., who accepted the gift on behalf of his family. Toby Daniels, vice president and  branch manager of the Hadley Branch, will continue in that role in the new location. “Hadley has been our home for nearly 20 years,” said Heaps. “We are especially pleased to renew our commitment to this community with our new location. We thank our many customers and friends for their ongoing support and look forward to serving everyone for years to come.”

PeoplesBank Named a ‘Top Place To Work’
HOLYOKE — Recently, the Boston Globe recognized PeoplesBank as a “Top Place to Work” for the third year in a row. Massachusetts-based companies that are eligible for Top Place to Work consideration undergo a rigorous evaluation by survey firm WorkplaceDynamics. More than 76,000 individuals’ responses were submitted by the companies regarding key factors related to employee happiness, company direction, execution, employee connection, work load and responsibility, management, and pay and benefits. 
“While there is definite value in these indicators, many signs of recovery cannot be boiled down to pure economics,” said Boston Globe Business Editor Mark Pothier. “The companies on our Top Places to Work list foster productivity and innovation by investing in the happiness of their employees, which cannot solely be measured in dollars and cents.” Said Douglas Bowen, president and CEO of PeoplesBank, “our intent was to establish the values and culture necessary to support a great organization. Over time, we learned that those values and that culture would improve our bottom line and make PeoplesBank a top place to work.” Employee engagement is critical to a high-performance culture, according to Janice Mazzallo, executive vice president and chief human resource officer at PeoplesBank. “Associates become engaged when they know we care about them,” she said. “We want to know their ideas, so we have associate think tanks. We want them to grow, so we have innovative development programs, mentoring, and learning centers. And we want to encourage life-work balance because our values are abou more than just work. We need to have fun, too.” As part of the Top Place to Work award to PeoplesBank, the Boston Globe highlighted two efforts by bank associates. The first, called the Smoothie Patrol, started at an associates’ organized wellness fair and was so well-received that associates decided to take it on the road and make surprise visits to each of the bank’s 17 offices. Xiaolei Hua, an assistant vice president and credit officer at PeoplesBank and Habitat for Humanity volunteer, was interviewed by the Boston Globe regarding the bank’s support of volunteerism. “I know that the bank cares about more than just getting the work done,” Hua told the paper. “They care about me, my family, and the community.”

Polish National Credit Union Donates $15,000 to Westfield Senior Center
WESTFIELD — At a check-presentation ceremony last month, Polish National Credit Union made a $15,000 donation to the capital campaign of Friends of the Westfield Senior Center Inc. The donation was made at the Westfield River Branch of the PNCU by Branch Manager Cynthia Houle to Friends of the Westfield Senior Center’s board of directors. PNCU President and CEO James Kelly commented on the credit union’s commitment to the Westfield community. “Our branch in Westfield is one of our largest and most vibrant locations, and we enjoy being involved in supporting the community in any way we can. The new senior center is going to be a wonderful asset to the community, and PNCU is thrilled to be a part of it.” The donation will be used for furnishings at the new senior center, currently under construction on Noble Street in Westfield. “The Polish National donation will enable us to provide comfortable furniture and accessories for the new senior center that Westfield’s seniors will benefit from for years to come,” said board member Tom Keenan. “Polish National is genuinely concerned about the community and making Westfield a better place to live.” Founded in 1921, Polish National Credit Union is one of the largest credit unions in the Pioneer Valley. Headquartered on Main Street in Chicopee, the credit union operates full-service branches in Chicopee, Granby, Westfield, Southampton, Hampden, and Wilbraham.

Grainger Foundation Supports STCC Foundation
SPRINGFIELD — The Grainger Foundation, an independent, private foundation located in Lake Forest, Ill., has donated $5,000 to the Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) Foundation in support of its Foundation Innovation Grant program. “This grant will be used to help us continue to support faculty and staff innovation here at STCC,” said President Ira Rubenzahl. “The Foundation Innovation Grant program helps us to improve excellence in the delivery of academic or student retention services at STCC. We are grateful to the Grainger Foundation for its generosity and in helping us to continue our mission.” In addition to the contribution from the Grainger Foundation, the STCC Foundation will match Grainger’s $5,000 contribution this year. Foundation Innovation Grants are awarded in the spring. “We want to thank the Grainger Foundation for its generous support,” said STCC Foundation President Kevin Sweeney. “With their assistance, the STCC Foundation will continue its commitment to support innovative projects at the college that promote community impact, economic growth, workforce development, and quality of life in our region.” The donation to the STCC Foundation was recommended by John Duffy, market manager of W.W. Grainger Inc.’s Springfield location. Grainger has been a part of the Western Mass. business community for nearly 40 years as the leading broad-line supplier of maintenance, repair, and operating products. “We are proud to recommend the programs offered by STCC,” said Duffy. “We understand the need for active engagement and partnership between our technical education providers, businesses, and the community.” The Grainger Foundation was established in 1949 by William Grainger, founder of W.W. Grainger Inc.

Mercy Hosts Topping-off Event for Cancer Center
SPRINGFIELD — The construction project to expand the Sr. Caritas Cancer Center at Mercy Medical Center is on schedule, and a topping-off ceremony was held Nov. 20 to mark the completion of the project’s main structure with the placement of the top steel beam. A topping-off ceremony is a tradition within the construction industry and is held when the highest structural point in the building construction is attained. To celebrate this event, the last steel girder is signed, lifted into place, and welded to the structure. A small evergreen tree and the American flag are also secured to the girder as it is hoisted to the top of the structure. The tree is meant to represent the strength of the new building and the desire for the construction project to remain injury-free. The $15 million expansion of the Sr. Caritas Cancer Center, which will add an additional 26,000 square feet of space on two levels, is designed to provide more comprehensive care delivery and added convenience for patients. In addition to radiation-oncology services, medical-oncology offices, physician offices, and exam rooms will be located on the first floor. Medical-oncology treatment and infusion space, an oncology pharmacy, and laboratory space will be located on the second floor.

People on the Move

By
Departments People on the Move

Carol Campbell

Carol Campbell

Dr. Howard Trietsch

Dr. Howard Trietsch

Maura McCaffrey, Health New England president and CEO, and Dr. Mark Keroack, Baystate Health president and CEO, announced that Carol Campbell and Dr. Howard Trietsch have been named to the HNE board of directors. Campbell is the president of Chicopee Industrial Contractors Inc., a company she founded in 1992. She is a member of the Board of Associated Industries of Massachusetts, the Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, the Westmass Area Development Corp., and the Women’s Fund of Western Mass. She has a distinguished record of community service and leadership, and was recognized as the 2014 Woman of the Year by the Professional Women’s Chamber. She has previously been recognized among the Top 100 Women-led Businesses in Massachusetts, as Business of the Year by the Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, as a Super 60 Business Growth recipient, and as a Paul Harris Rotary International honoree. Campbell holds several industry licenses and certifications and is a graduate of UMass. Trietsch is a full-time attending physician at Baystate Ob/Gyn Group Inc., where he has served as managing partner since 1990. He recently completed his term on the Baystate Health board of trustees. He also serves on the BHIC board and the Baycare board of directors. Trietsch is a member of many medical societies and serves on community boards including the Springfield Jewish Community Center, Jewish Geriatric Services, and the Jewish Federation of Western Mass. “Ms. Campbell and Dr. Trietsch are both accomplished professionals and exemplary stewards of our community. HNE’s mission is to improve the health status and overall quality of health of our regions,” said McCaffrey. “We are pleased to welcome them to our board and look forward to their contributions to help us fulfill our mission.”
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Gary Rivers

Gary Rivers

Northeast IT Systems Inc. announced that Gary Rivers has joined its team as a Senior Systems Engineer. Rivers received an associate’s degree in computer systems engineering from Springfield Technical Community College, and has been a business specialist throughout the Northeast. He has more than 10 years of experience in the IT field with numerous industries, including manufacturing, medical, emergency services, architecture, and engineering.
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Beth McGinnis-Cavanaugh

Beth McGinnis-Cavanaugh

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) have named Springfield Technical Community College Professor Beth McGinnis-Cavanaugh its 2014 Massachusetts Professor of the Year. McGinnis-Cavanaugh was selected from 400 nominated professors in the U.S. Last month, she and the other 30 state winners were honored at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. McGinnis-Cavanaugh, who teaches physics and engineering mechanics at STCC, is one of the principal creators of the “Through My Window” project, a multi-media engineering-education website that provides children and young teens, especially girls, with innovative learning experiences in engineering. The program, which began in 2012, is the result of a partnership between STCC and Smith College and is funded by a $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation. She has been on sabbatical this academic year to focus solely on the grant project. A printed young-adult novel, Talk to Me, will be published next month by the grant collaborative. “The goal of the Through My Window program is to expose young girls to engineering so they see engineering like they do traditionally female fields,” said McGinnis-Cavanaugh. “We hope that they see that engineering is a way to help people, impact society, and solve the really important challenges the world faces.” McGinnis-Cavanaugh is an STCC alumna who began her academic career in the 1990s. After receiving her associate degree in engineering transfer, she went on to continue her education and received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from UMass Amherst. “This award is really a validation of very hard work,” said McGinnis-Cavanaugh. “I had somewhat humble beginnings here at STCC as a non-traditional student and as a woman in engineering. I challenged myself academically and continue to do so professionally. In addition to teaching, I’m invested in my research grants and am constantly improving my knowledge of teaching and learning.”
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Westfield State University alumna Jessica Kennedy, Assistant Principal at South Middle School in Westfield, was one of eight educators to receive the Massachusetts State Universities Alumni Recognition Award for 2014. The state universities of Massachusetts honored eight of the Commonwealth’s outstanding K-12 educators who graduated from the system’s teacher-preparation programs in a ceremony held in Boston last month. Kennedy was selected by WSU for her accomplishments as a teacher and as a role model for students in service to the community. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Westfield State in 2008 and 2010. Her first teaching job was as an English teacher at Powder Mill Middle School in Southwick, where she also served as mentor teacher, team leader, and pre-advanced placement lead teacher. In 2013, she was hired as assistant principal at South Middle School.
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Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno traveled to Cambridge late last month to speak to about 100 students interested in urban renewal and economic development. The students are all graduate students at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government with experience in economic development and urban planning. They have been reviewing case studies in economic development and renewal projects that have worked and failed. Sarno spoke about economic development and Springfield’s revitalization, and provided a perspective on how to grow and sustain a city in today’s urban America. Topics included an overview of Springfield and its history, demographics, income, as well as issues relating to affordable housing, access to transportation, poverty reduction, economic development, and access to quality education.
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Karen DeMaio has been named IRA Services and Special Projects officer at Easthampton Savings Bank. DeMaio joined the bank in 2006 as a part-time IRA/Special Projects assistant. Her previous employment was with Friendly Ice Cream Corp. In her seven years at Friendly’s, she was an auditor and then became a senior marketing analyst. Prior to Friendly’s, she worked for KPMG Peat Marwick as a senior accountant. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Western New England University. DeMaio manages the bank’s IRA activities and coordinates its vendor-management program, business-continuity planning, insurance review, and unclaimed-property reporting.