A listing of available commercial properties
Click here to download the PDF
Year: 2014
The following building permits were issued during the month of May 2014.
AGAWAM
Clinical Research
1408 Main St.
$470,000 — Construct addition
Heritage Dialysis Center
67 Cooper St.
$155,000 — Modifications to existing dialysis clinic
AMHERST
Wilson Properties Group, LLC
179 Northampton Road
$200,000 — Construction of a two-family dwelling
Echo Hill Townhouse Condominiums
Webster Court
$14,000 — New roof on Building B
CHICOPEE
James Mientkiewicz
611 Memorial Ave.
$6,000 — Interior tenant fit-up
Safe and Sound
428 East St.
$8,500 — New roof
GREENFIELD
John Chakalos
130 Colrain Road
$20,000 — Remove and install automated entry sliding door system
Robar Inc.
237 Mohawk Trail
$353,000 — Expand store into vacant space
Syfeld Greenfield Associates
237 Mohawk Trail
$15,000 — Renovation for new tenant
Quality Realty Partnerships, LLP
55 Federal St.
$11,000 — Interior renovations
PALMER
Blue Wave Energy
2189 Baptist Hill St.
$3,602,000 — Phase 1 ground mounted solar array
Camp Ramah of New England Inc.
39 Bennett St.
$180,000 — Construct new cabin for summer camp for children
ITW Realty Trust
528 Old Warren Road
$190,000 — Telecommunications tower
Wing Memorial Hospital
40 Wright St.
$63,000 — Kitchen renovations
Wing Memorial Hospital
40 Wright St.
$41,000 — Renovate storage room to chemical storage
SOUTHWICK
SBA Network Service
656 College Highway
$15,000 — Install three antenna cells
SPRINGFIELD
Estaban Vanegas
1219 State St.
$10,500 — Renovations for a beauty salon
John Veronesi
971 East Columbus Ave.
$7,000 — Siding repairs
Willie and Martha Collins
92 Alden St.
$16,000 — New roof
WESTFIELD
Linda Grabowski
3 Shepard St.
$14,000 — Commercial alteration
Noble Hospital
115 West Silver St.
$5,500 — Reinstall suppression system in kitchen
WEST SPRINGFIELD
City of West Springfield
1 Unico Way
$88,000 — 40’ x 40’ shelter at Park
Safelite Auto Glass
57 Norman St.
$10,000 — Interior and exterior renovations
West Springfield Church of Christ
61 Upper Church St.
$5,000 — Remodel of food warming and preparation area
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
GILL
96 Boyle Road
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Nicholas E. Stevens
Seller: Karen Woodbury
Date: 04/11/14
75 West Gill Road
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $179,000
Buyer: Wesley Brooks
Seller: Graveline, Theodore, (Estate)
Date: 04/09/14
GREENFIELD
82 Cleveland St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $166,000
Buyer: Durand D. Lively
Seller: James E. Filipkowski
Date: 04/18/14
81 Devens St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $146,500
Buyer: Rebecca G. Devino-Snow
Seller: Houten J. Van
Date: 04/18/14
337 Log Plain Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $307,000
Buyer: Kenneth A. Ward
Seller: Peter J. Chornyak
Date: 04/10/14
17 Pickett Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Mark A. Fay
Seller: Sheila Wonsey
Date: 04/18/14
69 Riddell St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Shamus P. Hogan
Seller: Adele B. Hall
Date: 04/10/14
40 School St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $337,500
Buyer: STS Properties LLC
Seller: TAE Realty Inc. LLC
Date: 04/16/14
LEVERETT
312 Long Plain Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $215,728
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Jaya S. Boerman
Date: 04/18/14
MONTAGUE
3 Church St.
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Jeffrey S. Pratt
Seller: Nicholas E. Stevens
Date: 04/11/14
1 Davis St.
Montague, MA 01301
Amount: $198,000
Buyer: Nicholas C. Licata
Seller: Michael S. Thomas
Date: 04/11/14
21 West Main St.
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Richard Young
Seller: Millers Falls Ent. LLC
Date: 04/09/14
NORTHFIELD
793 Millers Falls Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Reginald C. Neff
Seller: Everett E. Wickline
Date: 04/15/14
43 Warwick Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $219,528
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Elizabeth A. Salls
Date: 04/14/14
ORANGE
East Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Sea Mountain Ventures 2
Seller: Lane Construction Corp.
Date: 04/14/14
83 New Athol Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Sea Mountain Ventures 2
Seller: Lane Construction Corp.
Date: 04/14/14
Route 2A
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Sea Mountain Ventures 2
Seller: Lane Construction Corp.
Date: 04/14/14
SHELBURNE
241 Barnard Road
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Anne L. Burdett
Seller: Dale Jones
Date: 04/17/14
SUNDERLAND
31 Garage Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Jason M. Kicza
Seller: Peter A. Gelinas
Date: 04/15/14
320 River Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Thaddeus C. Smiarowski
Seller: Charles J. Smiarowski
Date: 04/11/14
HAMPDEN COUNTY
AGAWAM
50 Birch Hill Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Robert F. Lemke
Seller: Paul D. Hess
Date: 04/17/14
28 Carmel Lane
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $219,900
Buyer: Douglas C. Johnson
Seller: George R. Roberts
Date: 04/07/14
652 Cooper St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Joseph Cobb
Seller: Mary A. Peterson
Date: 04/10/14
4 Corey St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $159,900
Buyer: Emily Cassidy
Seller: Gina M. Bishop
Date: 04/11/14
185 High St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $172,500
Buyer: Robbie Hewitt
Seller: James W. Fiore
Date: 04/15/14
1178 Main St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $128,000
Buyer: Martin M. Radewick
Seller: George R. Gagliarducci
Date: 04/14/14
23 New York Ave.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $284,000
Buyer: Daniel S. Saimeri
Seller: Charles L. Flink
Date: 04/11/14
644 North St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $198,500
Buyer: Andrew M. Morrison
Seller: Christopher D. Rochon
Date: 04/11/14
45 Tom St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $246,000
Buyer: Jason M. Alexander
Seller: Daniel S. Saimeri
Date: 04/11/14
232 Walnut St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $179,000
Buyer: Paul E. Illouz
Seller: Liliya Kulyak
Date: 04/18/14
28 William St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Calvin H. Tang
Seller: Carol Cavicchioli
Date: 04/16/14
CHICOPEE
15 Daley St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $187,500
Buyer: John Nadeau
Seller: James Whalen
Date: 04/15/14
120 Dejordy Lane
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $323,000
Buyer: Michael Shea
Seller: Roger C. Paul
Date: 04/15/14
518 Lafleur Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $159,800
Buyer: Charles E. Embury
Seller: Robert G. Gordon
Date: 04/15/14
95 Main St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: William J. Stetson
Seller: James L. Domingos
Date: 04/15/14
526 Pendleton Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $327,000
Buyer: Gregory Guertin
Seller: Waycon Inc.
Date: 04/17/14
26 Plymouth St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: Monica Dossantos
Seller: FHLM
Date: 04/11/14
13 Rose St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Joseph R. Wohlers
Seller: Francis Seymour
Date: 04/18/14
58 Szetela Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Gustavo A. Hernandez
Seller: John W. Thomas
Date: 04/17/14
67 Wildermere St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $155,500
Buyer: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Seller: Lisa A. Crabtree
Date: 04/17/14
EAST LONGMEADOW
Black Dog Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: John F. Gabriel
Seller: Black Dog Lane LLC
Date: 04/17/14
28 Fields Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $466,000
Buyer: Paul G. Chiampa
Seller: D. R. Chestnut LLC
Date: 04/15/14
30 Sanford St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Marisa Barone
Seller: Hilario A. Candelaria
Date: 04/15/14
9 William St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $139,900
Buyer: Dale Petrolati
Seller: Wayne Blais
Date: 04/14/14
HAMPDEN
33 Colony Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Douglas A. Yandow
Seller: Blais, Elizabeth A., (Estate)
Date: 04/11/14
93 Sessions Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $153,000
Buyer: Lawrence R. Bauer
Seller: Donna Agard
Date: 04/11/14
HOLLAND
32 Barry Dr.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: John D. Mitchell
Seller: Allen Keyes
Date: 04/14/14
21 Kimball Hill Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: Christopher M. Stevens
Seller: Patrick L. Lacaire
Date: 04/14/14
236 Mashapaug Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $123,000
Buyer: Richard J. Lambert
Seller: Ronald A. Thebodo
Date: 04/17/14
HOLYOKE
54 Claremont Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $193,500
Buyer: Mary M. Wiseman
Seller: Edward K. Lundrigan
Date: 04/11/14
100 Columbus Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Daniel J. Cronin
Seller: Steven Reno
Date: 04/07/14
304 Homestead Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $143,500
Buyer: Cindylou E. Chevalier
Seller: Richard A. Krzanowski
Date: 04/18/14
15 Keefe Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $179,000
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Joan A. Wright
Date: 04/15/14
56 Laurel St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $133,600
Buyer: Alan J. Mailhott
Seller: Alan J. Mailhott
Date: 04/07/14
24 Myrtle Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $159,400
Buyer: Amy A. Roque
Seller: Joniec, Joseph P., (Estate)
Date: 04/08/14
30 Quinn Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Wanda Thomas
Seller: William J. Conz
Date: 04/18/14
24 Thomas Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $117,200
Buyer: Richard R. Filley
Seller: FNMA
Date: 04/17/14
LONGMEADOW
384 Converse St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Heather L. Andresen
Seller: Jeffrey R. Cossin
Date: 04/11/14
78 Emerson Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $304,000
Buyer: Jean A. McCaffery
Seller: Carol R. Greco
Date: 04/11/14
114 Englewood Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $511,000
Buyer: Karen L. Mendelsohn
Seller: Boulder Hill Construction LLC
Date: 04/11/14
80 Glenbrook Lane
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $401,000
Buyer: Smitha Iyer
Seller: Rushton S. Zepernick
Date: 04/15/14
269 Green Hill Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Brian P. Marshall
Seller: Allan A. Broverman
Date: 04/16/14
200 Merriweather Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: Sunil Sharma
Seller: Patrick O. Mulligan
Date: 04/16/14
35 Twin Hills Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $650,000
Seller: Albert I. Chang
Date: 04/08/14
95 Warren Terrace
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $248,000
Buyer: Augusto C. Bairos
Seller: Albert D. James
Date: 04/15/14
121 Wilkin Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $272,500
Buyer: Michael P. Bombich
Seller: Carol A. Fox
Date: 04/15/14
LUDLOW
1400 Center St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Luso FCU
Seller: Anthony J. Budrecki
Date: 04/08/14
119 Haviland St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $125,000
Seller: Carlos Goncalves
Date: 04/17/14
22 Lyon St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $239,000
Buyer: Mary R. Misiaszek
Seller: Andrew J. Pietras
Date: 04/07/14
21 Regall St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $175,500
Buyer: Trisha G. Machado
Seller: James F. Pereira
Date: 04/11/14
70 Sroka Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $229,500
Buyer: Manuel A. Lourence
Seller: David Archuleta
Date: 04/10/14
17 Stivens Terrace
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $164,000
Buyer: Richard Sulikowski
Seller: Michael L. Olenick
Date: 04/18/14
23 White St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $139,000
Buyer: Paul J. Adzima
Seller: Beverly J. Miller
Date: 04/17/14
MONSON
196 Bumstead Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $167,800
Buyer: Orion P. Battige
Seller: Michael J. Edgett
Date: 04/18/14
PALMER
15 King St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $205,328
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: John F. Somers
Date: 04/17/14
48 Longview St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $202,500
Buyer: Patricia L. James
Seller: William R. Riley
Date: 04/17/14
SPRINGFIELD
114 Abbott St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $148,000
Buyer: Anthony P. Disantis
Seller: Maria Defatima
Date: 04/11/14
24 Benz St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $149,900
Buyer: Willie S. Ballard
Seller: Lucas Dempsey
Date: 04/11/14
80 Bevier St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $183,000
Buyer: Jorge A. Rivera
Seller: Deborah M. Tracy
Date: 04/15/14
5 Bog Hollow Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $146,000
Buyer: Darren James
Seller: Jason Balut
Date: 04/17/14
44 Calhoun St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $225,407
Buyer: JP Morgan Chase Bank
Seller: Juan Vazquez
Date: 04/17/14
40 Chalfonte Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $194,000
Buyer: Carlos E. Martinez
Seller: Collette A. Fox
Date: 04/07/14
50 Crystal Brook Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Salvador Dejesus
Seller: Sara Omartian
Date: 04/09/14
131 Fox Hill Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $169,083
Buyer: Cheryl A. Mumley
Seller: Sean P. Sullivan
Date: 04/18/14
122 Garland St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $117,000
Buyer: Iris R. Gonzalez
Seller: Nancy J. McGreal
Date: 04/11/14
64 Gillette Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $146,000
Buyer: Allison Sowa
Seller: Ann M. Martin
Date: 04/18/14
41 Howes St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $165,500
Buyer: Alana N. Murray
Seller: Stewart T. Hillios
Date: 04/08/14
97 Huron St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $141,500
Buyer: Karalynn M. Paley-Ryan
Seller: Salvador Dejesus
Date: 04/09/14
207 Jamaica St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $227,046
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Yvonne R. Wallace
Date: 04/10/14
106 Littleton St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $129,900
Buyer: Francisco Luna
Seller: Syed A. Shamsi
Date: 04/16/14
406 Longhill St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $394,000
Buyer: Alfonso W. Nardi
Seller: Daniel J. Molta
Date: 04/08/14
63 Martel Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $159,000
Buyer: Charles L. Williams
Seller: Williams, Mary C., (Estate)
Date: 04/15/14
N/A
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $202,000
Buyer: Edgardo A. Marcano
Seller: Matthew J. Brodeur
Date: 04/10/14
97 Oak St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $116,000
Buyer: Joshua Reid
Seller: FNMA
Date: 04/07/14
538 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $221,000
Buyer: Samuel Springer
Seller: Tomasina Reyes
Date: 04/17/14
78 Phillips Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $139,900
Buyer: Gary A. Daula
Seller: Michael A. Torcia
Date: 04/18/14
70 Randolph St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Carlos M. Guzman
Seller: Lisa A. Howard
Date: 04/18/14
85 Shefford St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $246,000
Buyer: Jennifer S. Endicott
Seller: William P. Tarnowski
Date: 04/17/14
89 Weymouth St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Michael V. Placanico
Seller: Sara C. Anderson-Potts
Date: 04/14/14
109 Willowbrook Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $149,900
Buyer: Gregory G. Sprofera
Seller: Casey S. Fuller
Date: 04/18/14
SOUTHWICK
19 Beach Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $219,900
Buyer: Marta M. James
Seller: Christopher Tomashofski
Date: 04/18/14
37 Deer Run
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Pramod Sarraf
Seller: Pine Knoll Inc.
Date: 04/11/14
2 Dewitt Circle
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $374,000
Buyer: Mark Richardson
Seller: Michael F. McCormick
Date: 04/18/14
23 Laurel Ridge Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Fernando J. Carreira
Seller: Timothy S. Lawler
Date: 04/14/14
4 Nicholson Hill Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Andrey Antropov
Seller: Henry P. Beausoleil
Date: 04/16/14
1 Sugar Maple Lane
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: EIG Properties LLC
Seller: Pinnacle Estates At the Ranch
Date: 04/15/14
94 Summer Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $152,265
Buyer: FHLM
Seller: Ransom Y. Place
Date: 04/08/14
WALES
2 Lake George Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $183,900
Buyer: Joseph Mahoney
Seller: Nicholas Markopoulos
Date: 04/17/14
WEST SPRINGFIELD
76 Blossom Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $304,900
Buyer: Ryan R. Donohue
Seller: Richard Duquette
Date: 04/17/14
65 Cataumet Lane
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Richard Duquette
Seller: Michael D. Gonnello
Date: 04/17/14
59 Lowell St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Nazira Kasimova
Seller: Khakim Kasimov
Date: 04/14/14
27 Lower Beverly Hills
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $197,500
Buyer: Casey S. Fuller
Seller: Jeanne B. Brown
Date: 04/18/14
332 Sibley Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $333,000
Buyer: Jonathan G. Wagner
Seller: Shibley Sweeney RT
Date: 04/18/14
256 Valley View Circle
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $242,900
Buyer: Brandon T. Dantonio
Seller: Wanda J. Thomas
Date: 04/18/14
151 Woodmont St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $158,500
Buyer: Andrew J. Fiala
Seller: Walter J. Dufresne
Date: 04/08/14
WESTFIELD
86 Devon Terrace
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Heidi J. Quigley
Seller: Christopher M. Weppner
Date: 04/11/14
Hillside Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Beth A. Dawson
Seller: Benjamin Hallmark
Date: 04/10/14
85 Orange St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $115,100
Buyer: Winchester RT
Seller: Stonecrest Income & Opportunity
Date: 04/14/14
Pochassic Road (off)
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Joseph P. Boisseau
Seller: Pauline Boisseau
Date: 04/11/14
26 Rachael Terrace
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Edwin P. Rowell
Seller: Kurt S. Shea
Date: 04/18/14
89 Reservoir Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Rajesh Sarwal
Seller: Rebecca W. Grubelic
Date: 04/17/14
15 Smith Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Jessica M. Benson
Seller: Lisa M. Bailey
Date: 04/17/14
188 Springdale Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Jessica Rodriguez
Seller: G&F Custom Built Homes Inc.
Date: 04/08/14
14 Valley View Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $164,900
Buyer: Antonio C. Bruno
Seller: Travis Modlish
Date: 04/08/14
West Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Joseph P. Boisseau
Seller: Pauline Boisseau
Date: 04/11/14
631 West Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Joseph P. Boisseau
Seller: Pauline Boisseau
Date: 04/11/14
39 West Silver St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $481,122
Buyer: LJB Realty LLC
Seller: William F. Barry
Date: 04/16/14
WILBRAHAM
15 Magnolia St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $149,900
Buyer: Michelle G. Williams
Seller: Marcella Bowyer
Date: 04/18/14
8 Marilyn Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $540,000
Buyer: Ryan M. Conway
Seller: James A. Dirico
Date: 04/18/14
5 Merrill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Matthew J. Nardi
Seller: Triton Leasing & Rental LLC
Date: 04/18/14
407 Monson Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $229,000
Buyer: William J. Henaghan
Seller: New England Developers
Date: 04/18/14
505 Mountain Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Samantha D. Burns
Seller: Simpson, William C., (Estate)
Date: 04/18/14
25 Red Gap Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $555,000
Buyer: Kurt L. Brannigan
Seller: Zigmund A. Peret
Date: 04/18/14
22 W. Colonial Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $292,750
Buyer: Vinculum LLC
Seller: Strype Hampden RT
Date: 04/18/14
HAMPSHIRE COUNTY
AMHERST
57 East Pleasant St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $930,000
Buyer: 57 East Pleasant St. LLC
Seller: James H. David
Date: 04/09/14
131 Middle St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $765,520
Buyer: Alison Green-Barton
Seller: William V. Farnham
Date: 04/07/14
180 Strong St.
Amount: $339,000
Buyer: David S. Jones
Seller: Mary M. Cathcart
Date: 04/18/14
331 Strong St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Meredith R. Rolfe
Seller: Lois E. Dethier
Date: 04/15/14
27 The Hollow
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: RGINK LLC
Seller: Housing Allowance Project
Date: 04/17/14
BELCHERTOWN
531 Bardwell St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Thiago Garcia
Seller: Deborah J. Porter-Savoie
Date: 04/07/14
682 Bay Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Keith V. Brace
Seller: Michael E. Misiaszek
Date: 04/17/14
66 Granby Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $455,304
Buyer: Jessica K. Dubois
Seller: Carriage Town Homes LLC
Date: 04/09/14
111 Mill Valley Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $279,900
Buyer: Rocco J. Malaspina
Seller: Vision Investment Props.
Date: 04/08/14
250 Mill Valley Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $299,095
Buyer: FHLM
Seller: Joseph W. Koslik
Date: 04/15/14
EASTHAMPTON
23 Beyer Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $220,500
Buyer: Jeffrey A. Zera
Seller: Ronald A. Duval
Date: 04/17/14
19 Chestnut St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $192,000
Buyer: Matthew Nalewanski
Seller: Elizabeth A. Cowell
Date: 04/17/14
13 Clinton St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Beverly W. Floyd
Seller: Zofia Baranowski
Date: 04/16/14
12 Knight Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $234,000
Buyer: Erich D. Roggenbuck
Seller: Toby J. Flanagan
63 Loudville Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Allen R. Tautznik
Seller: Bernard P. Gawle
Date: 04/14/14
45 Pleasant St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $289,000
Buyer: Benjamin Premo
Seller: Daniel L. Polachek
Date: 04/10/14
46 Union St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: Stephen C. Robinson
Seller: Thomas H. Gelb
Date: 04/14/14
GRANBY
153 Batchelor St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Edwin E. Olmeda
Seller: FNMA
Date: 04/07/14
139 Carver St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $391,000
Buyer: Celine M. Hamilton-Quill
Seller: Raymond F. Turgeon
Date: 04/09/14
HADLEY
88 Mount Warner Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Nicholas M. Simonich
Seller: Joel M. Greenbaum
Date: 04/15/14
HATFIELD
Jericho Road
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Aquadro FT
Seller: Scott C. Harlow
Date: 04/08/14
NORTHAMPTON
357 Bridge St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $417,000
Buyer: Michael R. Banas
Seller: Hutchins Family Partnership
Date: 04/09/14
98 Brierwood Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $239,000
Buyer: Lukas J. Rosov
Seller: Powers FT
Date: 04/16/14
20 Middle St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Bradley B. Bacom
Seller: Fournier, Catherine A., (Estate)
Date: 04/15/14
721 Westhampton Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Lindsay Rhoades
Seller: FNMA
Date: 04/17/14
PELHAM
142 Amherst Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Carey Clouse
Seller: United Church Of Pelham
Date: 04/08/14
SOUTH HADLEY
12 Alvord St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Millard
Seller: Michael J. Canter
Date: 04/10/14
117 College St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Mamoona Azam
Seller: Jeffrey Barna
Date: 04/18/14
13 Magnolia Terrace
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Donna M. Theroux
Seller: Delmer F. Borah
Date: 04/07/14
568 Newton St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: 568 Newton Street RT
Seller: Sicotte, Marilyn J., (Estate)
Date: 04/17/14
WARE
130 Babcock Tavern Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Susan J. Beachell
Seller: Michael A. Edwards
Date: 04/16/14
125 Bacon Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $289,900
Buyer: Melvin C. Weagle
Seller: Michael Shea
Date: 04/15/14
3 Boivin Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $121,000
Buyer: Paul A. Darling
Seller: Mark R. Sowersby
Date: 04/10/14
WILLIAMSBURG
4 Pine St.
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Kenneth I. Borden
Seller: David B. Adair
Date: 04/15/14
WORTHINGTON
76 Radiker Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $159,021
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Carol L. Simisky
Date: 04/09/14
The following bankruptcy petitions were recently filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Readers should confirm all information with the court.
Angers, Sally A.
386 Blandford Road
Russell, MA 01071
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/04/14
Arroyo, Ismael
82 Benton St., 3rd Fl.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/14
Balsam, Michael J.
Waltein-Balsam, Julie M.
26 East St.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/31/14
Berger Painting Inc.
90 Sargeant St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/04/14
Bertrand, Sula Michelle
a/k/a Kulas, S. Michelle
6 Shirley Terrace
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/03/14
Berube, Candice T.
55 Bates Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/14
Blake, Charles
44 West School St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/14
Blake, Gail E.
a/k/a Billings, Gail E.
28 Bush St., 2nd Floor
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/14
Bliss, William P.
27 Audubon Way
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/01/14
Bowman, Tamara E.
997 Westhampton Road
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/01/14
Broderick, Norma
708 Fairway Ave.
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/07/14
Carpenter, Cory A.
42 Commercial St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/03/14
Cerveny, Robert David
180 Northampton St., Apt. J
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/14
Cook, Sandra D.
PO Box 90436
Springfield, MA 01139
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/14
Corigliano, James R.
Corigliano, Wendy L.
20 Bernard St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/14
Coulsey, Sarah L.
50 Cleveland St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/07/14
Croteau, Thomas F.
1458 Donahue Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/10/14
Davenport, Mark D.
14 Hull Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/10/14
Davis, Dale S.
116 West Orange Road
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/14
Dunbar, Denise Beatrice
Dunbar, John Harry
33 Bridge St., Apt. 2
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/01/14
English, Mary F.
163 Eagle St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/15/14
Flanagan, Michael J.
Flanagan, Miranda M.
13 Dexter St., Apt 2
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/01/14
Fournier, Brian Alfred
27 High St., 1st FL
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/10/14
Fowler, Donald O.
32 Carver St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/11/14
Gagliardi, Gail Ann
117 Brayton Hill Terrace
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/14
Gendron, Ronald Armond
Gendron, Gloria Marie
281 Chauncey Walker St., #536
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/07/14
Gerber, Ronald P.
9 County Court
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/14
Gilbert, Melissa
a/k/a Chabot, Melissa
136 Shannon Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/07/14
Goodwin, Joanna L.
151 Ames Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/14
Gorecki, Joseph
51 Oak Knoll Dr.
Springfield, MA 01036
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/11/14
Hines, Roy
Hines, Joyce A.
157 Garvey Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/14
Hood-Burgess, Michael Dean
Hood-Burgess, Lori Ann
156 Rimmon Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/14
Houston, Colin C.
379 North St., Apt. 4U
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/10/14
Kaigle, Kenneth H.
121 Commercial St., Apt. A
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/14
Kamme, Richard
172 Burbank St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/14
Keith, Evelyn L.
33 Kenneth Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/01/14
Kilduff, Keith Edward
214 Jeffrey Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/14
Kowarsky, Ira L.
435 Nassau Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/14
Laferriere, Lorna Ann
116 Wachusett St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/08/14
Lane, Michael John
Lane, Donna Marie
PO Box 986
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/14
LaRiviere, Albert C.
88 Manchonis Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/04/14
Laskowski, Gregory S.
126 Amherst St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/14
Lopez, Edwin
Lopez, Miriam I.
45 Benoit Circle, Apt. A
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/07/14
MacNeil, Marsha M.
60 River Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/14
Martell, Corrina J.
143 Brayton Hill Terrace
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/10/14
McGrath, Edward J.
63 Davis Road
Chicopee, MA 01022
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/14
Mitchell, Ann Marie
103 Brown St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/01/14
Mitchell, Robert A.
Mitchell, Debra A.
168 Summit Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/14
Nelson, Lorie A.
7 Country Club Heights
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/07/14
Northern Berkshire Health, Inc.
71 Hospital Ave.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/03/14
Nunez, Aida
a/k/a Arroyo, Aida
40 Cherry St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/14
Ocampo, Gerardo R.
16 Erline St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/08/14
Patella, Vincent A.
260 Pittsfield Road, Unit 15F
Lenox, MA 01240
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/03/14
Perez, Jose A.
83 Rollins St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/14
Perez, Vicente
Torres, Luz A.
1680 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/14
Pratt, Thomas
P.O. Box 903
Hanover, MA 02339
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/14
Prechtl, Lisa V.
96 Lindbergh Blvd.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/08/14
Pum, Sineath
5 Crescent St.
Lynn, MA 01902
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/03/14
Rafael, Kevin A.
203 Dayton St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/01/14
Redding, Cynthia L.
PO Box 2088
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/14
Reinking, Richard Bruce
Lemerise, Christie Anne
10 Poplar St.
Turner Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/11/14
Reyes, Pedro Juan
a/k/a Reyes, Pete
43 Wood Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/07/14
Rivera, Luz E.
a/k/a Rivera Morales, Luz E.
306 Breckwood Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/01/14
Rodriguez, Janet
a/k/a Vazquez, Janet
70 Upland St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/14
Roy, Dan L.
Roy, Christine A.
304 Poplar Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/14
Santana, Veras
13-15 Edgewood St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/04/14
Santos-Brooks, Diane M.
29 Rimmon Ave.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/14
Scott, Adminda I
Scott, Nathan A.
139 Westminster St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/09/14
Servideo, Tina M.
828 Wauwinet Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/10/14
Sharp, Andrew James
Sharp, Janet Marie
311 Loudville Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/11/14
Silva, Wanda E.
14 Hope St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/14
Skeene, Norma J.
107 Glenmore St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/14
Slater, Roger L.
Slater, Terra J.
49 Hamilton Circle
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/14
Taylor, Bridgette M.
a/k/a Retzler, Bridgette M.
31 Beekman Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/14
Tirsch, Linda A.
255 Vineland Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/14
Tirsch, Louis A.
P.O. Box 704
Agawam, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/14
Visiting Nurse Association Inc.
P.O. Box 869
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/03/14
The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of May 2014.
AGAWAM
Ayotte Tree Service
4 Independence Road
Joshua Ayotte
Bancroft Bridals
967 Springfield St.
Mark Kendall
J.L. Cleaning Company
43 Royal St.
Lyudmila Barisov
CHICOPEE
Albee & Sons Contracting
32 Providence St.
David Albee
Chicopee Scrap and Auto Recycling
235 Meadow St.
Patel Hemant-Kumar
Emerald Cleaning Service
33 Leclair St.
Juan Garcia
Nelson’s Home Improvement
18 Beeler Ave.
Nelson Pantoja Jr.
Sofia Amelia Home
34 Madison St.
Sofia Hoyle
Tri-State Roofing Systems Inc.
788 Sheridan St.
Jon J. Hambley
GREENFIELD
Crown Mediation
298 High St.
Juanita Thomas
End Grain Artistry
181 Deerfield St.
Alexander Giguere
Four Corners Fine Wine and Spirits
402 Federal St.
Steven Schechterle
Replay
231 Main St.
Alan Cadran
Western Mass Roller Derby
1385 Bernardston Road
Katherine Skipper
Wiley and Russell Manufacturing
40 Russell St.
David Brock
PALMER
AJC Mechanical, LLC
1008 Baptist Hill St.
Lawrence Caputo Jr.
Computer Training of America
1448 North Main St.
Thomas Gingras
JWB Enterprises
37 Ware St.
Jason Bessette
Marlene’s Beauty Salon
1461 North Main St.
Jean Ciuka
Palmer Recycling Corporation
2 Fenton St.
Pamela Douthwright
Trackside Motors, LLC
1316 Main St.
William Davis
SOUTHWICK
Berkshire Kitchens & Baths
8 Evergreen St.
Dean Porter
Coyote Vapors
51 Tannery Road
Stephen Kostusiak
Cruise Planners
2 Lauren Lane
Denise Edinger
Hair of the Dog
610 College Highway
Jennie Tierney
SPRINGFIELD
413 Video Productions
40 Edgewood St.
Aaron Williams
A. Diamond Investment
371 Sunrise Terrace
Virginia Sally
ACC Business
351 Bridge St.
Michael R. Weitz
Adalia Couture
33 Villa Parkway
Dania K. Scott
Angel House of Magic
224 Talmadge Dr.
Angel M. Mojica
APC Repair
132 Bellevue Ave.
David Krisna
Asadero Del Caribe
2757 Main St.
Isidro Rodriguez
Avenue Six Luxury Apparel
17 Eldridge St.
Sasha Feliciano
B2Z Mini Mart
468 Bridge St.
Muhammad Bilal
Body Parts Finder
45 Cambridge St.
David Grant
Brofloe Music Group
143 Main St.
Eric Newkirk
Brother’s Market
106 Oak Grove Ave.
Christian Jimenez
Buen Provecho Restaurant
30 Fort Pleasant Ave.
Mildred I. Cruz
Business Buying Solutions
2358 Wilbraham Road
Joseph A. Monzillo
Coastline Automotive
501 St. James Ave.
Beris F. Gouldbourne
D. Johnson
64 Fernald St.
Derek Johnson
Del’s Repair Service
53 Sunrise Terrace
Delmar R. Hermany
Dillweedz Café
91 State St.
Hai X. Nguyen
Drona, LLC
477 Boston Road
Ramchandra Parekh
Fast Hands
426 Sumner Ave.
Jermaine Cowell
Findik Corporation
1350 Allen St.
Omer Karaarslan
First Class Custom Carpentry
440 Sumner Ave.
Dane R. Stillson
Fresh Homes
94 Jonquil Dr.
Dana Botta-Arroyo
Garvey Landscaping
448 Tinkham Road
Dennis Garvey
Gemini Barbershop
45 Pearl St.
Benjamin Parrilla
JK Tiles
27 Devens St.
Jan Kochman
Wicked Flyboarding
25 Acrebrook Road
Richard Daniel
YMM Services Inc.
295 Allen St.
Yasir Osman
WESTFIELD
JR Cleaning Service
18 Dubois St.
Jesus Felix
Lecrenski Brothers Inc.
14 Delmont Ave.
Dana Lecrenski
WEST SPRINGFIELD
Affiance-Events
93 Charles Ave.
Angela Cooper
Beauty & Nail Supply
366 Memorial Ave.
Long H. Ly
C & N Renovations
174 Birnie Ave.
Christopher Guyette
Construction Design Solutions
514 Morgan Road
Michael Mason
M & S Transportation
171 Falmouth Road
Mark C. Masi
Moreau Distributing
1583 Riverdale St.
Robert W. Moreau
Native Lands
919 Elm St.
Stephen C. Piatt
Primitive Friends Country
235 Forest Glen
Erin Rogers
Thibault Fuel, LLC
41 Chapin St.
Rene Thibault
Turkish Cultural Center
507 Union St.
Arif Yilmar
The following business incorporations were recorded in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties and are the latest available. They are listed by community.
AMHERST
GMASS Inc., 34 Main St., Unit 1, Amherst, MA 01002. Zhuangping Yi, same. Import and export.
EASTHAMPTON
ESB Investment Corporation, 36 Main St., Easthampton, MA 01027. Matthew Sosik, 97 Arnold Road, Fiskdale, MA 01518. Securities corporation.
EAST LONGMEADOW
New England Fence Works Corp., 26 James St., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Samantha Marszalek, 403 Main St., Somers, CT 06071. Fencing and construction.
FEEDING HILLS
Musa Excavating Contractors Inc., 1132 North St. Ext., Feeding Hills, MA 01030. Aaron Musa, same. Excavation.
GREAT BARRINGTOIN
Jess Cooney Interiors Inc., 30 West Ave., Great Barrington, MA 01230. Jessie Cooney, same. Interior design and related services.
GREENFIELD
Lady Fatima Inc., 142 Mohawk Trail, Greenfield, MA 01301. Aneesa Batool, 25 Venice Ave., Johnston, RI 02919. Convenience store with gas station.
LENOX
FJV Sales & Consulting Corporation, 230 Hubbard St., Lenox, MA 01240. Francis Joseph Vahle Jr., same. Sales and consulting for the decorative laminate industry.
LUDLOW
Oasis Development Inc., 288 Woodland Circle, Ludlow, MA 01056. Marcel A. Nunes, same. Real estate and construction of new residential properties.
Polish American Catholic Assoc., 30 Lockland St., Ludlow, MA 01056. Caroline Bobala, 83 Booth St., Ludlow, MA 01056. To promote the faith basis organization.
NORTHAMPTON
Pamoja Tujenge International Development Corporation, 54 Columbus Ave., Northampton, MA 01060. Christine LaRouche, same. To assist communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo and put in place sustainable health and education infrastructures.
PITTSFIELD
F & J Restaurant Bar & Nightclub Inc., 1 Hall Place, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Jamie Marie Santos, same. Full-service restaurant.
Mezzie’s Variety Inc., 640 Tyler St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Adam P. Lacasse, 98 Central Berkshire Blvd., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Variety store and luncheonette restaurant.
SOUTHAMPTON
Grace United Church Inc., 121 Pomeroy Meadow Road, Southampton, MA 01073. Stephen H. Behlke, same. Church.
SPRINGFIELD
Faith Christian Centers Inc., 37 Wilkes St., Springfield, MA 01119. Harold L. Moore, 31 Mallowhill Road, Springfield, MA 01129. Religious and charitable organization.
Mosy Restaurant Inc., 137 Chestnut St., Springfield, MA 01103. Oscar A. Mena, same. Latin food restaurant.
Improvements Begin to Camp STAR Angelina
SPRINGFIELD — State Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr. was on hand recently for a groundbreaking ceremony for improvements to Camp STAR Angelina in Springfield’s Forest Park. “The Patrick Administration is committed to creating open space and parks across the Commonwealth because recreational opportunities improve the lives of both residents and visitors,” Sullivan said. “We are especially thrilled to help make Camp STAR Angelina the first universally designed day camp in Western Mass.” The Patrick Administration provided $1.23 million to help fund the construction of a zero-depth entry pool and accessible bath house, a universal outdoor amphitheater, and an accessible trail to Porter Lake. The pool is expected to open in time for campers to use it this summer, and the amphitheater and trail are expected to be completed this fall. The city of Springfield is contributing $600,000 toward the project. These upgraded facilities will also be made available to the public for a wide range of programs and events, such as picnics, family reunions, swimming, school field trips, and outdoor theater. Camp STAR Angelina, situated in the 700-acre Forest Park, serves youth and young adults with and without disabilities, medical concerns, and hearing and visual impairments. “All of our residents, especially the youth of Springfield, deserve the opportunity to participate in outdoor recreation regardless of physical ability,” Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno said. “Camp STAR Angelina will become the home of therapeutic recreation for the city.” Springfield is one of seven cities across Massachusetts receiving funding through EEA’s Signature Urban Parks program. Through this program, the Patrick administration seeks to revitalize urban communities by opening up or upgrading green spaces for outdoor recreation and improving access to natural resources like waterways and historic neighborhood landmarks. “This is a great investment in the Springfield community,” said state Sen. James Welch. “These improvements to Camp STAR Angelina will create a terrific resource for our residents.”
Five Area Finalists Chosen for Nonprofit Excellence Awards
WESTERN MASS. — The Massachusetts Nonprofit Network (MNN) recently announced that five nonprofits and nonprofit professionals in the Pioneer Valley and Berkshires have been selected as finalists for the 2014 Nonprofit Excellence Awards. They include the Berkshire Youth Development Project , which serves youth and young adults in Berkshire County; Jay Breines, CEO of the Holyoke Health Center, which provides low-cost medical care; Nonotuck Resources Associates Inc. in Florence, which improves service access and delivery to people with developmental and intellectual disabilities; Donovan Arthen, executive director of PeaceJam New England in Northampton, which matches Nobel Peace Prize laureates with youth in a mentorship program centering on service learning and taking action for positive change; and the Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness, which serves homeless and at-risk individuals and families across the region. The Excellence Awards will be presented at MNN’s celebration of Nonprofit Awareness Day, a statewide holiday on June 9 that highlights the work of the nonprofit sector and raises awareness of causes throughout Massachusetts. “Nonprofit Awareness Day was created to recognize the impact and importance of the more than 33,000 nonprofits and almost a half-million nonprofit employees that provide invaluable services and are the cornerstones of our communities,” said Rick Jakious, CEO of the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network. “The Excellence Award finalists truly exemplify the most innovative, creative, and effective work being done throughout the Commonwealth.”
State Gets Reprieve from ACA Compliance
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal officials have granted Massachusetts an additional year to transition to full compliance with the Affordable Care Act, giving state health insurers until 2017 to replace their criteria for setting small-business premium rates with federal criteria. It was the latest federal move to delay implementation of the health law aimed at expanding health insurance nationally. Under pressure from small-business owners who feared federal criteria used to determine rates would increase their insurance premiums, state officials had asked Obama administration officials for more time and flexibility in adapting the national standards. Federal officials agreed last year to give Massachusetts a three-year timetable. Patrick, in a statement, thanked the White House “for affording us this flexibility that will help our small businesses more smoothly transition into compliance with the Affordable Care Act.”
Non-residential Building Inches Down in March
BOSTON — Non-residential construction spending inched down in March, making it the third consecutive month in which spending declined. Non-residential construction spending fell 0.1% on a monthly basis in March but has risen 4.4% on a yearly basis, according to a May 1 release by the U.S. Census Bureau. Spending for the month totaled $568.5 billion on a seasonally adjusted, annualized basis. Anirban Basu, chief economist for Associated Builders and Contractors, said the report isn’t too worrisome. “The factors that have produced recent economic and construction slowdowns appear to be temporary for the most part and not a sign of emerging economic turbulence. Given recent reports of increased private-sector hiring, construction activity should pick up meaningfully during the second quarter.” Overall, seven of 16 non-residential construction subsectors posted increases in spending in March: highways and streets, lodging, office, transportation, water supply, manufacturing, and religious. Nine categories saw declines in March: communications, education, commercial, public safety, sewage and waste disposal, amusement and recreation, healthcare, conservation and development, and power.
State Recognizes Programs for Energy and Environmental Education
BOSTON — The state office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) recently honored 27 programs — 22 schools and five nonprofits — at the 20th annual Secretary’s Awards for Excellence in Energy and Environmental Education. “We are proud to recognize the students, teachers, and nonprofits raising awareness about energy and environmental issues affecting Massachusetts and the planet,” said EEA Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr. “The ideas, research, and knowledge being recognized today show the forward thinking of our youth and how ready they are for the challenges ahead.” Winners competed for $5,000 in awards, funded by the Massachusetts Environmental Trust with the intention to fund further environmental education initiatives at the schools. EEA solicited nominations in early 2014. Two of the honorees were from Western Mass: the Eco Club at Minnechaug Regional High School in Wilbraham (students in grades 9-12), and the Korpita Kids Green Team at Williamsburg Elementary School (grade 2 students and teacher Johanna Korpita).
STCC Student Wins Elevator-pitch Contest
SPRINGFIELD — Anthony Grandoit, a Springfield Technical Community College student took first place at a recent elevator-pitch competition, part of the annual awards ceremony and banquet for the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation’s Entrepreneurship Initiative. Before a crowd of more than 450, Grandoit pitched the “Baby Keurig,” which he called a “faster, cleaner, convenient way to keep your baby fed.” Mike Mullen, a student at UMass Amherst, took second place for his business concept Kloudbook, a mobile app to keep track of contact information. Finally, Scott Abdow, a student at Greenfield Community College, took third place with Game On!, an event-based entertainment center for card and board gamers. Representatives from six area banks — Berkshire Bank, Country Bank for Savings, First Niagara Bank, PeoplesBank, United Bank, and Westfield Bank — once again sponsored the elevator-pitch competition and served as judges at the April 30 event at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House in Holyoke. An elevator pitch is an overview of an idea for a new business. The name reflects the fact that a pitch can be delivered in the time span of an elevator ride, roughly 90 seconds. The term is used when an entrepreneur pitches an idea to a venture capitalist to receive funding. The live event featured 15 students representing each of the 14 participating local colleges: American International College, Amherst College, Bay Path College, Elms College, Greenfield Community College, Hampshire College, Holyoke Community College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, Springfield College, Springfield Technical Community College, UMass Amherst, Western New England University, and Westfield State University. The first-, second-, and third-place winners received $1,000, $750, and $500 respectively. Each student received $100 for participating.
Hampden Bancorp Reports Solid First Quarter
SPRINGFIELD — Hampden Bancorp Inc., the holding company for Hampden Bank, recently announced the results of operations for the three and nine months ended March 31. Core net income increased by $1.1 million, or 49%, to $3.5 million for the nine months ended March 31, or fully diluted core earnings per share (EPS) of $0.65 as compared to $2.4 million, or fully diluted core EPS of $0.42, for the same period in 2013. For the nine months ended March 31, net income increased to $3.2 million, or fully diluted EPS of $0.60, as compared to $2.4 million, or fully diluted EPS of $0.42, for the same period in 2013. Core income excludes net non-core (non-recurring) charges in the nine months ended March 31, related to a proxy contest, and does not constitute a financial measure under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). This core net income, net income, and EPS represents the largest nine-month core net income, net income, and EPS performance by Hampden Bancorp since its inception. At the company’s 2013 annual shareholders’ meeting that took place on Nov. 5, Hampden Bancorp’s stockholders elected the company’s director nominees and voted against a stockholder’s proposal. The expenses associated with this proxy contest totaled $410,000 for the nine months ended March 31, 2014 and are included in non-interest expense under U.S. GAAP. There were no non-core charges during the nine months ended March 31, 2013. Net income increased $196,000, or 23.8%, to $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, or $0.19 per fully diluted share as compared to $825,000, or $0.15 per fully diluted share, for the same period in 2013. “We are pleased to deliver record basic earnings per share with an increase of 27% over the comparable quarter last year,” said Glenn Welch, president and CEO. “Year-to-date earnings per share have increased 42% over the same nine-month period in our 2013 fiscal year. Core earnings per share increased 53% for the same nine-month period. The company’s emphasis on commercial lending continues to pay dividends by providing strong loan and deposit growth. Despite the cost of our proxy contest, we have controlled expenses well, as demonstrated by the 3.7% decrease in non-interest expense quarter over quarter and 5.6% year to date. The company has and is negotiating with all major vendors to control costs. We continue to hold the line on increasing staff in an effort to remain efficient.” The company had an increase in net interest income of $1.0 million, or 7.4%, for the nine months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the nine months ended March 31, 2013. Interest and dividend income increased $757,000, or 4.2%, for the nine months ended March 31 compared to the same period last year, mainly due to an $812,000 increase in loan interest income due to an increase in average balances. For the nine months ended March 31, 2014, interest expense decreased by $284,000, or 6.8%, compared to the nine months ended March 31, 2013. This included a decrease in deposit interest expense of $526,000 due to a decrease in rates offset by an increase in the average balance of deposits. This decrease in deposit expense was partially offset by an increase in borrowing interest expense of $242,000 due to an increase in average balances offset by a decrease in rates. The net interest margin declined to 3.10% for the nine months ended March 31, compared to 3.15% for the nine months ended March 31, 2013. The provision for loan losses increased $75,000 for the nine months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013, primarily due to increased loan growth.
Florence Savings Bank Begins Construction on New Hadley Branch
FLORENCE — Florence Savings Bank, a mutually-owned savings bank serving the Pioneer Valley through nine branch locations, announced that construction has begun for a new branch location at 377 Russell St. in Hadley. When completed, this new, 3,150-square-foot branch will replace the bank’s current Hadley location at 335 Russell St. Present plans call for a fall 2014 completion date and opening. Officials from the bank, the town of Hadley, and the architectural/construction teams celebrated the official start of the construction at a May 5 groundbreaking ceremony. Wright Builders Inc. and HAI Architecture are the firms working on the design and construction of the new branch. Amenities and features of the new branch will include direct access from Route 9; a full-service teller line with state-of-the-art technology for quick cash handling; walk-up and drive-up ATMs with smart technology for easy depositing; three drive-up lanes, including a drive-up ATM; expanded private offices and a private conference room; an energy-efficient building to minimize the carbon footprint; and a comfortable waiting area with a coffee bar and free wi-fi. Toby Daniels, vice president and current branch manager of the Hadley branch, will continue in that role in the new location. Hadley customers will be able to use the existing branch until the new construction and relocation are completed later this year. “We are all very excited about this new location and upgrade,” said John Heaps, Jr., president and CEO of Florence Savings Bank. “Hadley is a very important part of our market, and we look forward to bringing this new, dynamic, state-of-the-art facility to the town.” People interested in following the progress of the construction can do so by visiting the bank’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/florencesavingsbank.
Holyoke Team Changes Name to Valley Blue Sox
HOLYOKE — Holyoke Blue Sox team officials announced recently that they have changed the name of the baseball team from Holyoke Blue Sox to Valley Blue Sox to more accurately reflect the market the team serves. “We want fans to know that we’re the Valley’s team,” said Blue Sox President Clark Eckhoff. “We’ve got dozens of great communities in our region, and by changing the name, we’re sending a more inclusive message: we want to be the Valley’s summer destination for fun, affordable, family entertainment. Added General Manager Hunter Golden, “I think one of the things that works to our advantage is that we play our games in Holyoke, so it allows us to reach a big audience, both north and south of the city.” Eckhoff bought the team last year and brought Golden on board soon after. The Blue Sox — which play their home games at Mackenzie Stadium, adjacent to Holyoke High School — will host this year’s New England Collegiate Baseball League All-Star Game on July 20.
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno announced recently that he has appointed Attorney Mary McNally as the new Executive Director of the Springfield Parking Authority (SPA). “Mary brings a wealth of experience with her from the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office as well as serving as the previous SPA Board Chairwoman, said Sarno. “Attorney McNally has played a pivotal role in the turnaround in the operations of the authority. I look forward to working with her in an increased capacity as we continue to utilize the SPA as an economic-development tool in downtown Springfield.” McNally has most recently served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer in the Hampden District Attorney’s Office under District Attorney Mark Mastroianni. In addition, McNally was appointed in 2010 as Chairwoman of the Springfield Parking Authority by Sarno. During her tenure, she has overseen the refinancing of authority debt and institution of the SPA Capital Improvement Plan and the SPA-funded Downtown Security Plan. Previously, she operated a Springfield-based law practice for 27 years. “I am pleased to be named the Executive Director of the Springfield Parking Authority,” said McNally. “I look forward to the opportunity to contribute and engage the authority in the growing economic-development renaissance in the city and to serve the residents and businesses of our great city.” Springfield Parking Authority Chairman Al Chwalek said that “Mary, as Chairwoman, has done a great job leading the Parking Authority through the last two transformative years. Now, as the new Executive Director, she is poised to partner the authority with several major projects in the city.” McNally, a resident of Springfield, is a graduate of Western New England School of Law as well as Elms College. Her bar admissions include the state of Massachusetts and the U.S. District Court.
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Daniel Patrick Morrissey
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Steve Shaw
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Paul Mokrzecki
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Mansour Ghalibaf
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Consolidated Health Plans (CHP) announced that Juan Campbell has joined the company to lead its sales division. In this role, Campbell will be responsible for leading new-business development of student health, special risk, and other consumer products. Campbell brings a wealth of experience in sales, operations, strategic marketing, and business-development strategies to CHP. He has more than 20 years of experience in the health-insurance marketplace serving the needs of commercial clients. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Western New England University and completed the Executive Management Program from Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. He serves on the board of directors for the Children’s Study Home and the Westmass Area Development Corp., and on the Legislative Steering Committee of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield.
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Dr. John Schreiber has been appointed President of Baystate Medical Practices and chief physician executive of Baystate Health, joining the health system’s senior leadership team. Schreiber comes to Baystate from Tufts Medical Center in Boston, where he served as Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics. He was also chief administrative officer and pediatrician-in-chief of the Floating Hospital for Children, the 100-bed primary affiliate children’s hospital for Tufts University School of Medicine.
AFFILIATED CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE OF GREATER SPRINGFIELD
www.myonlinechamber.com
(413) 787-1555
• May 21: Capital Matchmaking/Business Coaching, 1-4 p.m., at La Quinta Inn and Suites, 100 Congress St., Springfield. This is a business borrower and lender matchmaking event, ideal for small businesses. Presented by the U.S. Small Business Administration and Common Capital, in cooperation with the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield. Reservations are complimentary, but required. Contact Oreste Varela at [email protected] or (413) 785-0484 for information.
• May 27: ACCGS Pastries, Politics & Policy, 8-9 a.m., at the TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main St., Springfield. Designed for political and policy junkies, featuring a policy expert and member of the Patrick administration. Reservations are $15 for members, $25 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com or by contacting Cecile Larose at [email protected].
• June 4: ACCGS Business@Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m. Hosted by Springfield College at the Richard Flynn Campus Union. Topic: “Inspiring a Creative Corporate Culture.” Reservations are $20 for members, $30 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com or by contacting Cecile Larose at [email protected].
• June 12: ERC5 Annual Meeting, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Blake Dining Commons, Bay Path College, 588 Longmeadow St., Longmeadow. Reservations are $20 for members, $25 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com or by contacting Cecile Larose at [email protected].
• June 26: ACCGS Annual Meeting, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Sheraton Springfield, One Monarch Place, Springfield. The year in retrospect, and presentation of the 2014 Richard J. Moriarty Citizen of the Year award. Reservations are $40 for members, $60 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com or by contacting Cecile Larose at [email protected].
AMHERST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.amherstarea.com
413-253-0700
• May 28: Chamber After 5, 5-7 p.m. at Amherst Laser and Skin Care Center, 264 North Pleasant St., Amherst. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for guests.
• June 19-22: Taste of Amherst 2014. Come enjoy four days of fun at the 2014 Taste of Amherst, on the Amherst Town Common. Live entertainment will be provided by 93.9 the River, fun family events, and more than 20 local restaurants. Eat, play, dance, and celebrate all of what Amherst has to offer. Hours: Thursday, June 19, 5-9 p.m.; Friday, June 20, 5-10 p.m.; Saturday, June 21, noon-10 p.m.; Sunday, June 22, noon-4 p.m.
• June 25: Chamber After 5, 5-7 p.m. New Member Reception. Don’t miss this annual event, hosted by all the businesses at 25-35 University Dr.: Cheryl Nina Salon, Encharter Insurance LLC, J. F. Conlon & Associates, Sawicki Real Estate, and Ziomek & Ziomek, Attorneys at Law. The Pub will provide food and drink. Sponsored by Greenfield Savings Bank. Tickets: Free for new members (if you joined between June 2013 and June 2014), $10 for members, and $15 for non-members.
• July 21: Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce 11th Annual Golf Tournament, 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., at Hickory Ridge Golf Course, Pomeroy Lane, Amherst. Registration and lunch are from 10:30 a.m. to noon, with a shotgun start at noon, and reception and dinner starting at 5 p.m. Cost: $125 per player. Presented by Hampshire Hospitality Group. Co-scholarship sponsor: Cooley Dickinson Health Care. Silver sponsors: Encharter Insurance, J.F. Conlon & Associates, MBA. Dinner sponsor: Fallon Community Health Plan. Lunch sponsor: Davis Financial Group, LLC. Bronze sponsors: Daily Hampshire Gazette, NEPM, Steve Lewis Subaru. Carts sponsor: Taylor Rental. Water sponsor: Atkins Farms Country Market. Towels: Hampshire College.
CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101
• May 28: Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at Elms College, 291 Springfield St., Chicopee. Tickets: $20 for members, $26 for non-members. Sign up online at www.chicopeechamber.org.
• June 25: June Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at Teddy Bear Pools & Spas. Tickets: $10 for members, $15 for non-members.
• June 4: Member workshop, “Grow Your Business with E-mail Marketing and Social Media,” 9-11 a.m., at La Quinta Inn & Suites, 100 Congress St., Springfield. Sponsored by First American Insurance Agency Inc. Free for members, this workshop is designed to give small businesses and nonprofit organizations some simple ideas for growing their customer, prospect, or member network by using e-mail and social-media marketing. We will discuss what type of content to use in your campaigns; how to get more people to stop and read your messages; how to get more action, or reaction, to your messages and offers; why using images on social-media channels creates higher engagement; and why your content should be mobile-friendly. You’ll learn what it means to run effective e-mail and/or social-media marketing campaigns and what tools you can use to measure the success of your efforts without spending lots of time or money. Participants will leave with a workbook full of ideas for timing their messages, how to write a winning subject line, what kinds of offers or content they want to try, and how best to approach their next outreach project. This is a great workshop for beginners in online marketing looking to accomplish more in less time with a small budget.
• June 26: Member workshop, “E-mail Marketing for Success: Creating Effective Newsletters & Announcements,” 9-11 a.m., at La Quinta Inn & Suites, 100 Congress St., Springfield. Sponsored by First American Insurance Agency Inc. At the heart of small-business marketing are the campaigns that drive action — collections of marketing activities that help a small business or organization achieve its goals and objectives. Newsletters and announcements have become a core component of those campaign choices. E-mail is more important than ever to the communication efforts of businesses and nonprofits everywhere, and to customers, donors, clients, and supporters of those organizations. This session will reveal some simple but effective best practices and considerations for the small-business or nonprofit seeking to make their e-mail newsletters more effective. Attendees of this presentation will learn the different types of newsletters; what to write about in your newsletter or announcement and how to consider using images; subject-line best practices and when to send your newsletter; the importance of understanding how connected e-mail and social media are, and how they have to be done together; and what types of additional tools might be useful. Join us and learn some great new strategies to help your e-mail and social-media efforts be more effective components of one of the core campaign types, newsletters and announcements.
FRANKLIN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.franklincc.org
(413) 773-5463
• June 6: First Friday in Greenfield, 5-8 p.m. “Gotta Bee Downtown!” — a bee celebration. Live music, discounts, refreshments, art. All are welcome for free. Contact the chamber for more information at (413) 773-5464; www.franklincc.org
• June 27: Annual Meeting and Legislative Breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m., at Terrazza Ristorante, Country Club Road, Greenfield. Elected state officials and chamber election of officers. Tickets: $13 for chamber members, $15 for non-members. Contact the chamber for more information at (413) 773-5464 or www.franklincc.org
GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.easthamptonchamber.org
(413) 527-9414
• June 12: Networking by Night Business Card Exchange, 5-7 p.m., North Country Landscapes and Garden Center, One Main Road (Route 66), Westhampton. Sponsored by Innovative Business Systems. Door prizes, hors d’ouevres, and host beer and wine. Tickets: $5 for members, $15 for future members.
• June 16: Move the Mountain Networking Event, 4:30-7 p.m., at Holyoke Country Club, Country Club Road (off Route 5), Holyoke. Join with Greater Easthampton and Greater Holyoke chamber members as we ‘move the mountain’ to network together. Presented by the Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce. Door prizes, hors d’oeuvres, and cash bar. Cost: $10 for Greater Easthampton and Holyoke chamber members, $15 for non-members.
GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.holycham.com
(413) 534-3376
• May 19: 46th Annual Chamber Cup 2014 Golf Tournament, starting at 10:30 a.m. at Wyckoff Country Club, 233 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Registration and lunch at 10:30 a.m.; shotgun start at noon (scramble format); dinner following game with elaborate food stations catered by the Log Cabin. Cost: $125 per player includes lunch, 18 holes of golf, cart, and dinner. Dinner only: $25. Winner awards, raffles, and cash prizes follow dinner. Tournament sponsors: the Log Cabin and PeoplesBank. Corporate sponsors: Dowd Insurance, Goss & McLain Insurance Agency, Holyoke Gas & Electric, Mountain View Landscapes, Holyoke Medical Center, People’s United Bank, and Resnic, Beauregard, Waite & Driscoll. For reservations, call the chamber Office at (413) 534-3376 or register online at holyokechamber.com.
• May 28: Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting, 5 p.m., at the Delaney House. Sponsored by the Greater Holyoke Chamber Corporate Leaders. The program will be followed by the presentation of the Fifield Award celebrating the volunteer of the year. Join elected officials as they award various proclamations to the esteemed recipient. Networking and cocktails begin at 5; business meeting and elections are at 5:30, followed by dinner at 6. The program will include the chamber’s plan for 2014-15, an overview of how the chamber is working for its members, and a salute to new members. Admission: $30 in advance, $40 at the door. The public is invited to attend.
GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.explorenorthampton.com
(413) 584-1900
• May 19: Bitcoin Informational Seminar, 3-4 p.m., at the Forbes Library, 20 West St., Northampton. Sponsor: Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce. Special guest: Jesse Vanek. In this seminar, we will cut through the hype and examine basic Bitcoin concepts, including a review of arguments for and against this powerful, often misunderstood, and potentially disruptive new technology. Designed for those who wish to better understand the potential risks and rewards of using, investing in, and accepting Bitcoin as payment for goods and services, this class is intended to provide a sound introduction that enables participants to make informed decisions about Bitcoin, for the benefit of themselves and their businesses. The program is free, but pre-registration is required. To register, call (413) 584-1900 or e-mail [email protected].
• June 4: Arrive@ 5, 5-7 p.m., at Black Birch Vineyard. Sponsored by Johnson & Hill Staffing Services, the Creative, and viz-bang! Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Register at [email protected].
• June 19: “The Art of Small Business: Pricing,” 9-10:30 a.m. Hosted and sponsored by the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton. Special guest: Don Lesser of Pioneer Training. Lesser has been a consultant and business owner for more than 30 years. His companies have grown and shrunk and grown again, and the nature of his business has changed over the years. “The Art of Small Business” contains the insights and techniques that have contributed to his success. Highlights: Apple never discounts. Clothing stores build in a series of discounts to the initial price. Consulting companies use various techniques to avoid quoting an hourly rate. Law firms typically quote an hourly rate and stick to it. How do you determine what rate you should charge for your time? Too high, and you scare clients away; too low, and your clients undervalue your work. There is an art to setting a price for your work. What is a livable rate for your work? What is the range of rates for your work in your market? How do you price a job, and how do you cover add-ons and other changes? Do you have separate rates for different types of clients? What about donating services? How do you negotiate rates with a potential client? This workshop covers the process of determining your rate and sticking to it. Cost: $20 for members, $25 for non-members.
NORTHAMPTON AREA YOUNG PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY
www.thenayp.com
(413) 584-1900
• June 12: Nonprofit Board Fair, 5 p.m. at the Smith College Conference Center, 51 College Lane, Northampton. Learn about, connect with, and help lead local nonprofits. Nonprofits count on volunteers like you to lead them to success. The United Way of Hampshire County and NAYP have once again partnered to host the Nonprofit Board Fair, a signature event featuring nonprofits throughout the Pioneer Valley whose leadership will be on hand to talk to interested candidates about serving on their organizations’ boards of directors. There will be a variety of organizations from large to small, representing a mix of essential services, including economic security, community building, children and education, the environment, health and disabilities, elder care, the arts, and advocacy and access. This event is ideal for younger professionals seeking this type of engagement for the first time, as well as seasoned professionals with prior board experience.
GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618
• May 19: “Prime Rib & Poker!” Annual Golf Tournament, at Shaker Farms Country Club. Registration is a 10 a.m., with a shotgun start at 11. Visit the chamber’s website’s for information on this annual event. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Call Pam at the chamber office for more information at (413) 568-1618.
• June 2: Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8-9 a.m., at Baystate Dental, 29 Broad St., Westfield. Join Mayor Dan Knapik for an informal talk about Westfield. Free and open to the public, but call Pam at the chamber to register at (413) 568-1618.
• June 11: After 5 Connection, 5-7 p.m., at Westfield Bank, 462 College Highway, Southwick. Sponsored by Pro Tours & Cruises of Southwick. Great connection opportunities. Complimentary refreshments provided. Walk-ins are welcome. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members (cash at the door). To register. call Pam at the chamber at (413) 568-1618.
• June 12: Chamber’s Spring Marketing Speaker Series 2, 8:30-11 a.m., at the Holiday Inn Express, 39 Southampton Road, Westfield. Topic: “E-mail Marketing for Success: Creating Effective Newsletters & Announcements.” Speaker: Liz Provo, authorized local expert for Constant Contact. Cost: free to chamber members, $25 for non-members. For more information, call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.
• June 20: June Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at the Ranch Golf Club, 65 Sunnyside Road, Southwick. Sponsors: platinum, First Niagara; gold, United Bank; silver, United Way of Pioneer Valley. Speaker: Superintendent of Schools Dr. Suzanne Scallion. Cost: $25 for members, $30 for non-members. Consider donating a raffle prize. To register, call Pam at the chamber at (413) 568-1618.
• June 25: Chamber’s Spring Marketing Speaker Series 3, 8:30-11 a.m., at the Holiday Inn Express, 39 Southampton Road, Westfield. Topic: “You’re Social. Now What? Is It Working?” Speaker: Liz Provo, authorized local expert for Constant Contact. Cost: Free to chamber members, $25 for non-members. For more information, call Pam at the Chamber office at (413) 568-1618.
• June 27: Local Legislative Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Tekoa Country Club, 459 Russell Road, Westfield. The luncheon is for the chamber communities of Blandford, Chester, Granville, Huntington, Montgomery, Russell, Southwick, Tolland, Westfield, and Woronoco. The state legislators for each community have been invited to speak. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Cost: TBA. For more information, call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.
PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CHAMBER
www.professionalwomenschamber.com
(413) 755-1310
• June 3: PWC Woman of the Year, 5:30 p.m., at the Castle of Knights, 1599 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Honoring Carol Campbell, president, CEO, and founder of Chicopee Industrial Contractors. Reservations cost $55. Register online at www.myonlinechamber.com or by contacting Cecile Larose at [email protected].
• June 10: PWC Ladies Night Member Reception, 5-7 p.m., at Fathers & Sons, 989 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Enjoy complimentary wine and refreshments. Reservations are free. To register, e-mail Dawn Creighton at [email protected].
WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.ourwrc.com
(413) 426-3880
• May 21: Networking Lunch, noon to 1:30 p.m., Kaptain Jimmy’s in Agawam. You must be a member or guest of a member to attend. Enjoy a sit-down lunch while networking with fellow chamber members. Each attendee will get a chance to offer a brief sales pitch. The only cost to attend is the cost of your lunch. Attendees will order off the menu and pay separately the day of the event. Please note that we cannot invoice you for these events. For more information, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].
• June 11: Wicked Wednesday, 3-6 p.m., at Six Flags New England. Wicked Wednesdays are monthly social events hosted by various businesses and restaurants. These events bring members and non-members together to network in a laid-back atmosphere. For more information or for tickets, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].
• June 19: Annual Breakfast Meeting, 7-9 a.m., at Chez Josef, Agawam. Sponsored by OMG and Development Associates. The event will kick off with the welcoming of new chairman John Weiss and the incoming WRC board of directors. Cost: $25 for chamber members, $30 for non-members. For more information and for tickets, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].
• August 18: Annual Golf Tournament, at the Ranch Golf Course, Southwick. Registration is at 11:30 a.m., with lunch at noon and a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Cost: $125 for golf and dinner. For more information or for tickets, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].
40 Under Forty
June 19: The eighth annual 40 Under Forty award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, honoring 40 of the region’s rising stars under 40 years old. The program has become a prestigious honor in the Western Mass. business community, and the gala has become one of the region’s most anticipated spring events. An independent panel of judges chose this year’s class from more than 150 nominations, a record. Their stories were presented in the April 21 issue, and may also be read online here. More details on the gala will be revealed in upcoming issues, but tickets cost $65, and they typically sell out quickly. For more information or to order tickets, call (413) 781-8600.
Leadership Skills Program
July 24: Ensure the future of your organization by providing leadership skills for your supervisors and managers. The Principles of Leadership II series, sponsored by the Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast, emphasizes team-building skills. Participants will learn how to develop high-performance teams, lead change, and take their time-management and interpersonal skills to the next level. The series follows on the heels of Principles of Leadership I, which focused on the one-to-one relationship between the supervisor or manager and each of his or her direct reports. Participants in Principles of Leadership II, which begins on July 24, must complete five core programs — on topics ranging from team dysfunction to problem-solving skills; from time management to emotional intelligence — to receive the certificate of completion. To register, contact Sue Miller, director of Learning and Development at the Employers Assoc., at [email protected] or (877) 662-6444, ext. 3013.
Western Mass. Business Expo
Oct. 29: BusinessWest will present its fourth annual Western Mass. Business Expo at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield. The business-to-business show, which last year drew more than 2,000 visitors, will feature more than 100 booths, seminars, and Show Floor Theater presentations; breakfast and lunch programs; and a day-capping Expo Social. Details about specific events, programs, and featured speakers will be printed in future issues of BusinessWest, including page 11 of this issue. Comcast Business will again be presenting sponsor, while the social will be sponsored by Northwestern Mutual, and the Isenberg School of Managment at UMass Amherst will be education sponsor. Current silver sponsors are Health New England, DIF Design, and Johnson & Hill Staffing, and additional sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information on sponsorships or booth purchase, call (413) 781-8600.
The following is a compilation of recent lawsuits involving area businesses and organizations. These are strictly allegations that have yet to be proven in a court of law. Readers are advised to contact the parties listed, or the court, for more information concerning the individual claims.
CHICOPEE DISTRICT COURT
Richard Della Giustina v. ABM Industries Inc.
Allegation: Negligent maintenance of property causing slip and fall: $26,404.54
Filed: 4/17/14
FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT
Adrienne Cremins v. Norfolk & Dedham Group
Allegation: Failure to respond to demand for arbitration: $95,000
Filed: 2/28/14
Bryan M. Westlake v. John P. Frangie, M.D.
Allegation: Medical malpractice: $28,761.24
Filed: 3/21/14
Marcia Vincent v. Mackin Construction Co. Inc. and ABC Corp.
Allegation: Negligence in snow and ice removal causing injury: $487,500
Filed: 2/25/14
HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Daniel Watterson, d/b/a DW Plumbing and Heating v. National Contractors, LLC, NAS Surety Group, ALDI Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment for plumbing work and materials: $110,101.63
Filed: 4/2/14
Kenia Davila, as personal representative of the estate of Kelia Davila v. Michael Malloy, William P. Walkowicz, and The Sportman’s Café Inc.
Allegation: Negligent service of alcohol causing wrongful death: $26,000
Filed: 4/3/14
Plasti-Clad Metal Products Inc. v. Renz America Co. Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $70,484.97
Filed: 4/2/14
Stack Metallurgical Services Inc. v. Thermal Dynamix Inc.
Allegation: Balance owed on previous judgment: $154,254.32
Filed: 3/31/14
Victor Shibley, Kathleen Sweeney, and Canterbury Construction Inc. v. Southbridge Savings Bank
Allegation: Violation of the Consumer Protection Act: $241,472
Filed: 4/4/14
SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT
BCP Holdings USA Inc. v. Muhammad M. Tajerha d/b/a Mikey’s Pizza and Restaurant
Allegation: Breach of contract: $4,962.14
Filed: 3/18/14
Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Co. v. Manual Duchi Agialema d/b/a JD Construction:
Allegation: Non-payment on two policies: $19,351.28
Filed: 3/19/14
Plimpton & Hills Corp. v. Patricia A. Flaherty and Keith Cote d/b/a Keith Cote Plumbing and Heating
Allegation: Breach of contract for materials provided: $2,934.94
Filed: 3/24/14
WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT
New Logic Business Loans Inc. v. Fresco Ristorante and Thomas Smart
Allegation: Breach of contract: $14,592.16
Filed: 3/18/14
Send photos with a caption and contact information to: ‘Picture This’ c/o BusinessWest Magazine, 1441 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103 or to [email protected]
A Few Good Men
The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts raised more than $15,000 through its “100 Good Men – Bourbon, Cigars, & Stella” event on May 1 at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow. Top Left: Bill Trudeau of the Insurance Center of New England, an honorary host, with his wife, Tammy Trudeau. Top Right: Paul Doherty of Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury and Murphy, an honorary host, and his wife, Dianne Doherty, founder of the Women’s Fund. Above: The event’s honorary hosts, from left, Jeff Fialky, Bacon Wilson, P.C.; Trudeau; Doherty; Anthony Cignoli, A.L. Cignoli Group; Jeremy Casey, Westfield Bank; Michael Vann, the Vann Group; state Rep. Aaron Vega; and William Wagner, Chicopee Savings Bank. Left: Michelle Theroux, incoming president of the board of directors of the Women’s Fund, and Vann. Below: The corporate committee that put together the event, from left, Julie Kumble, interim CEO of the Women’s Fund; Janet Casey, Marketing Doctor; MaryLynn Murray, Insurance Center of New England; Carol Campbell, Chicopee Industrial Contractors; Hannah Butler, Lenox Saw; Michelle Depelteau, Sunshine Village;
Erica Pellegrino, Lenox Saw; and
Allison Garriss, Clinical Support Options.
Springfield’s New Police Commissioner Charts a Course
John Barbieri acknowledged that his analogy wasn’t perfect, but believed it worked on a number of levels, so he went with it.
He was talking about law-enforcement personnel and why many people don’t understand why they can’t prevent crime, or criticize them for not doing so. And he drew a comparison to getting a bad diagnosis from one’s doctor.
“For a community to expect the police to resolve crime in a city is like going to your doctor and being mad at him because you have cancer,” said Barbieri, a deputy chief who will become Springfield’s police commissioner next month. “If the doctor could go back 20 years and take the cigarette out of your hand or stop you from working at the asbestos factory, that would be one thing. Don’t be upset with him because you have cancer; be upset with him if he doesn’t treat it properly.
“I can’t go back 20 years and give the person who broke into your car an educational opportunity or parental discipline,” he went on. “The best I can possibly do is look at the trends and patterns from when such break-ins occur, be responsive and try to have police in that area, make an arrest whenever possible, and work with area residents and educate them about what’s going on in their neighborhood.”
If a community wants to make a serious dent in crime, there must be what he called a “holistic response” to the matter, and a police department will certainly play a key role in that, he said, adding that police must work in collaboration with neighborhood residents, other social agencies, the school department, and other players.
Indeed, collaboration has been the word heard most often in the many media interviews, neighborhood meetings, and other gatherings at which Barbieri has spoken or taken questions since he was named commissioner on March 19.
And it will continue to be heard in the weeks, months, and years to come, because it is the one-word thrust of Barbieri’s philosophy regarding public-safety initiatives and how to make them more effective.
Collaboration between police, the public, and neighborhood groups lies at the heart of the C3 (Counter Criminal Continuum) Policing program in the city’s North End, a multi-faceted initiative aimed at stemming gang-related crime, which Barbieri has co-led, and for which he and other organizers were named Difference Makers by BusinessWest in 2013.
Barbieri wants to expand that specific program to Mason Square, the South End, and Forest Park, but he wants the key ingredients in its success formula — cooperation and information from neighborhood residents — to become a city-wide phenomenon.
“The goal is to go into those neighborhoods and work with the residents to teach them that the department does care, legitimize our services to them, and show them we can be responsive,” he continued. “And then educate them with regard to their responsibilities with preventing crime in their neighborhoods and being our eyes and ears.”
And while working to inspire residents to take a more active role in public-safety efforts, Barbieri has a number of other goals and objectives — everything from making more effective use of available resources to improvements in crime analysis, to making sure the department is ready if and when a casino opens in the South End.
In a broad-ranging interview with BusinessWest, he addressed those issues and many others, and in the course of doing so, put that term ‘collaboration’ to early and repeated use.
Chief Concerns
The office at police headquarters that Barbieri will soon be vacating in favor of the commissioner’s space has an eclectic array of photos on the walls, everything from assorted views of his prized 1966 Chevy Impala — “driving it keeps me sane” — to an image of the World Trade Center the moment the second plane struck the south tower. He said he hung it there so he could point to it whenever someone says a major act of terrorism can’t happen in a city like Springfield.
There’s also a shot of him in a cruiser taken a few months after he joined the force in 1988, one of several times the city was beset with fiscal problems and the police budget was stretched thin — as the photo made clear.
“We didn’t have enough money to paint the cruisers black and white,” he said in noting why the car he was sitting in was all white (it came that way), and also why it looked beat up. “The car was in such disrepair that you had to leave it running at all times. It had a bad battery, so you ran it all night; if you shut it off, it wouldn’t restart, and you’d have to call a tow truck and get a jump.”
Several years later, during the Clinton presidency and a period of heightened federal assistance for law-enforcement efforts, things were much different. Springfield’s force numbered roughly 700 officers, nearly double the current number, community policing was in vogue, and the police could effectively “smother” crime in many ways and many places, said Barbieri, by effectively deploying all that manpower.
John Barbieri has a number of goals and objectives for his department, including an expansion of the C3 Policing program into three additional neighborhoods.
Talk of inspiring more collaborative efforts has dominated what Barbieri called the “whirlwind tour” he’s been on since he prevailed over two other deputy chiefs in the search for the successor to the retiring William Fitchet.
That tour has included interviews with many local media outlets, community meetings, and the release of his five “priority objectives” for the department and his administration:
• Initiate a movement toward a proactive, patrol-centered department ideology;
• Deliver improved response times;
• Create increased levels of service through clearer lines of delegation of authority and responsibility for line supervisors;
• Build relationships with stakeholders for collaborative problem-solving, enhanced communications, and unified effort; and
• Develop and implement measurement and feedback processes to modify and enhance operations as required regarding calls for service.
Barbieri borrowed the term ‘listening tour’ to describe the six weeks or so since he’s been named the new commissioner, and said it will continue for the next several months, and involve meetings and briefings with the Chamber of Commerce, the City Council and its various subcommittees, the press, concerned-citizens groups, and many other constituencies.
“Hopefully during the listening tour there will be educational opportunities for both of us,” he said. “I want and need to know what some of the concerns of the community are, although I’d like to think I’m fairly well plugged in. And the other part is educating people about this department; there are people out there who still think we have 700 officers and community policing and that we’re going to be able to focus on every small aspect of their concerns. We’ll work with them with regard to prioritization, and I have to work on attaining maximum efficiency here.”
It’s been a relatively quick ride to the top for Barbieri, who joined the force in 1988 after serving as a special police officer for Baystate Medical Center and later as a supervisor there.
Seemingly from the start, his work on the force has involved gangs and gang-related violence. Indeed, one of his first assignments was with the City Uniform Anti-gang Patrol, and after working on a patrol that focused on the city’s schools, whereby he became familiar with many at-risk youths, he was one of the city’s first two gang-intelligence officers.
He was named sergeant in 1995, lieutenant in 2001, captain in 2005, and deputy chief in 2009. In that latest assignment, he had a number of responsibilities, including supervision of the uniform division, the Police Academy, the Street Crimes unit, and anti-gang deployments, including the C3 initiative.
That work in the North End, which he remains involved with, has garnered local and national press, including a segment on 60 Minutes, with Barbieri sharing the spotlight with State Police Officers Michael Cutone and Tom Sarrouf, who drew inspiration for their counter-insurgency tactics from their experiences serving with the Special Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.
That press has inspired a number of cities to explore creating similar initiatives, said Barbieri, adding that he was recently in Michigan, consulting with state police there on plans to create programs in Detroit, Lansing, Flint, and other cities.
“They’re running into a lot of the same problems in those cities that we ran into here — gang activity and economically impacted cities,” he explained. “And they have several cities that don’t have the financial wherewithal to increase their police departments. So they reached out to us because we have a plan and it’s working.”
Arresting Developments
Overall, the C3 program has been hailed as a major success — crime is down in a number of categories — and the initiative has shown what can happen when the residents of a neighborhood take an active role in making it safer by reporting crimes and providing police with information that could prevent more of them.
As an example, he pointed to a recent shooting on Osgood Street that remains under investigation. Thanks to shot-spotter technology, police were on the scene within a minute, and have received a number of leads from witnesses.
“The level of cooperation we get now down there is just unprecedented,” he said. “We got a number of tips and calls, and we continue to get tips and calls since the shooting occurred. That just didn’t happen before C3 Policing.”
It’s happening now, he said, because those involved in the program have been able to convince residents of the North End that there is a direct connection between this higher level of cooperation and improved quality of life. And this is something that has to happen in other neighborhoods, he said, adding that an obvious key is the simple act of reporting crimes.
“Statistics just tell you about reported crime,” he noted. “And if you look at the worst neighborhoods, where we have the shootings, the drug dealing, and other crimes that makes the newspapers and television, it’s all the little things, the lawlessness in that neighborhood — it’s permissive for all this to occur. And in those neighborhoods, they don’t report crime because they’re afraid, they’re inured, and they’re apathetic.”
The risk to doing all this is that there will be reported crime, something that might create apprehension among those who watch crime statistics or drive Springfield higher on those infamous lists of the most dangerous places to live, he went on, but when crimes are reported, police departments have a better chance of preventing more of them down the road.
Looking forward and acting on the assumption that there won’t be significant, if any, additions to the force in terms of personnel, Barbieri said one of his priorities is to review departmental procedures and initiatives with the goal of ensuring that people and resources are being used in the most efficient manner possible.
“The goal is to take a baseline snapshot of what we do, look at where we want to be, and analytically look at a transition method to get us there,” he said. “We need a projected plan and timeline — and I have the basis of that on paper and in my head — and get a management team in here, because as smart as I’d like to think I am, it’s much smarter to take the experience and intelligence of eight or nine people and put them together to come up with a well-balanced plan.
“The objective is to make us the most efficient department possible with the number of officers we have,” he went on. “There may be a time when I’ll go to the mayor for more police officers, but I’m not there yet.”
And those aforementioned partners that Barbieri listed, especially city residents, can play a role in making the department more efficient through the information they provide.
“In this modern era, what we need is for people to report crime; we need neighborhood residents to get involved and be the eyes and ears of the police,” he told BusinessWest. “And we need to look at that reported crime and put officers where it’s occurring. It’s less about free travel time for police officers for discretionary response, and more about directed patrol time, because there are so many things going on above and beyond what the sector officers may know from their own experience. Neighborhood residents and our computer experts here can predict trends and patterns, and we need to put officers where the dots are.”
Elaborating, Barbieri said another of his goals is to improve crime-analysis efforts, something Boston has been doing, in an effort to both stem crime and more efficiently utilize available resources.
“Instead of catching on to a series of breaks into homes after there have been 30 breaks, and have eight detectives follow up in hopes of catching somebody,” he said, “my hope is to catch on to a series of breaks after three or four them, have uniformed patrol officers patrol more heavily in those neighborhoods in an effort to apprehend that person, but, more importantly, to deter them.”
Looking further ahead, and toward the elephant in the room, the $800 million MGM Springfield gaming and entertainment complex planned for the South End, Barbieri said it will present new and different kinds of challenge for his department.
There are still some hurdles to clear before it becomes reality — especially a referendum question that will soon be in the hands of the Supreme Judicial Court — and it will be at least three years before a casino opens its doors, but Barbieri said the city, and his force, must aggressively move forward with the assignment of being ready.
“We have to plan, plan, plan, plan — that’s the biggest thing,” he said, adding that there will be visits to a number of cities that have casinos to observe, ask questions, and learn. “And once the details start to emerge as to just what we’re looking at, we have to start planning immediately. And then you have to plan to adjust your plan once it starts.”
Off-the-cuff Remarks
Thinking back on those days when Springfield had 700 police offers and could easily afford to paint its cruisers black and white, Barbieri said everyone knew that those conditions wouldn’t last forever — and they didn’t.
“We made the most of it while we had it, though,” he said, adding that the force has adjusted to the new reality, and it will continue to do so in the years to come. Part of that adjustment is stressing that holistic approach to improving public safety and then making it happen.
And this comes back to that notion of collaboration — a word you’ll keep hearing from the new police commissioner long after his listening tour is over.
George O’Brien can be reached at [email protected]
Our annual look at the region’s dining landscape
Click here to download a PDF chart of restaurants in the region.
Ware Looks to Spark Economic Growth
By KEVIN FLANDERS
Roc Goudreau, one of the developers of Workshop13, believes the renovated church will become a cultural hub for Ware.
But two town residents, Roc Goudreau and his friend, Chris DiMarzio, looked past the blight and the daunting challenge of rehabbing the 117-year-old former Methodist Church and saw something others didn’t: opportunity.
What they’ve created at that address is called Workshop13, a bustling cultural-arts and community center that has become not only a major resource, but also a source of inspiration for a town looking for a spark — or several sparks — in its downtown, and is starting to find them.
Indeed, the renovation of the Workshop13 building is just one example of a minor wave of development that has swept through town in recent years, said Town Manager Stuart Beckley.
“Ware can be a hub of activity and services for regional residents,” he told BusinessWest. “The more activity and the better the quality of activity and service, the more growth that will follow. Ware is working to be ready for that increase.”
Hoping to open up a new art school, Goudreau and DiMarzio purchased the 11,000-square-foot former church building in December 2012. After several months of renovations, including the installation of a new roof and chimney, as well as the additions of new doors, flooring, shelves, and lighting, Workshop13 opened in October 2013.
“I’m really glad we were able to save the building,” said Goudreau, who plans to renovate the exterior of the building next year. “It was a real mess when we first bought it, but we always said the place has good bones and structure.”
That phrase could be applied to the community’s downtown as a whole, and officials are looking to create momentum for more development there.
The Ware Business and Civic Assoc. (WBCA) has partnered with town officials to conduct a series of workshops to help gain insight into best practices for a planned revitalization of Ware’s downtown section. Funded by town grant monies, the workshops will be led by four people from throughout Massachusetts with experience in various revitalization strategies. Bill Braman, chairman of the WBCA, is excited about the ideas these individuals will bring to the table.
“They all have different backgrounds and approaches and experiences when it comes to revitalization, and we want to look into employing some of their strategies in Ware,” he said. “There have been a lot of great recent developments downtown, with a new restaurant being constructed a few years ago and Workshop13 opening. Now we’re looking to come together as a community in a coordinated effort to continue revitalizing that area.”
For this, the latest installment of its Community Spotlight series, BusinessWest puts the focus on Ware and the many signs of progress — and hope — in this Quaboag-region community.
Major Steps Forward
The progress at Workshop13 just scratches the surface of recent developments in Ware. A new Cumberland Farms convenience store will soon be constructed on Route 32, a project that has received site-plan approval from the Planning Board. The proposal will now be reviewed by the Zoning Board of Appeals, and representatives from Cumberland Farms hope to be open for business as early as the fall, said Karen Cullen, Ware’s director of Planning and Community Development.
Meanwhile, Seaboard Solar, of Danbury, Conn., received approval last year from the Planning Board to install a solar array on Gilbertville Road, which will be adjacent to a larger array the company is building in West Brookfield. Cullen said Seaboard Solar has submitted a building permit and is planning to get construction underway soon.
From a recreational perspective, Ware is taking major steps with the planned construction of a new section of its Rail Trail within the next 18 months. Selectman John Carroll said recently awarded grant monies from the Recreational Trails Program, as well as volunteer contributions, will allow for the construction of two new bridges and other work.
“Once this new section is finished, people will be able to go from Wal-Mart all the way down to Robbins Road,” covering a significant stretch of Route 32 in town, he said.
The new trail section and others expected to follow it will ultimately connect Ware to several other towns through larger regional trails — both existing and proposed — which would attract more people to the town and thereby generate increased revenue for businesses. “It is important to be connected to the larger region,” Beckley said.
But the transformation of 13 Church St. has been the visible and potentially impactful development in recent months.
“The total rehabilitation they did of the building was wonderful, a very exciting project in our town,” Carroll said. “They took a building that would have been demolished and completely renovated it. Whenever something like that happens, it’s big for the town.”
Cullen agreed. “They put a lot of money and work into it, preserving most of the original features of the building, and now it is a thriving arts center,” she said.
Workshop13 hosts several youth art programs and camps each week, including a spring vacation camp that introduced several youngsters to painting during their break from school. With an accomplished staff of artists, Goudreau is hoping to expand membership in the coming months.
“We have really great instructors here; all of them are professional artists, and right now we’re just looking to get the word out about this place so residents know about what we have to offer,” he said. “Some people who come in didn’t even know we were here.”
Another goal for Goudreau and his staff is to maximize the use of the property, which was built in 1897 and also served for a short time as a senior center. The building boasts stained-glass windows and expansive rooms, and Goudreau is contemplating adding a performance or dance component to his business. The upper rooms, he said, are also perfect for an exercise studio, and renting sections of the building is another viable option. Currently, one of the second-floor rooms serves as a makeshift art museum displaying creations of Workshop13 instructors.
“I really hope that one day this building will be a cultural hub for the town,” he said.
Winds of Change
Karen Cullen says there are a number of development projects underway or on the drawing board in Ware.
“Right now we’re in a process of due diligence to move toward a definitive decision,” said Ben Craft, Baystate Health’s director of Public Affairs. “We’re anticipating a decision by the summer, but Baystate Mary Lane Hospital will continue to operate normally and remain a key part of our strategy moving forward. It’s important that we maintain a strong presence in Ware.”
If the agreement is approved, Beckley said it could lead to opportunities for growth in town. Baystate Health operates several medical facilities in the region, including Baystate Medical Center in Springfield and Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield.
The Quaboag Valley Business Assistance Corp., based in Ware, has also reported major developments of late. Officials with the QVBAC recently learned the corporation has been certified as a ‘community development finance institution’ by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund.
“This certification will increase our access to financial and technical assistance from the CDFI fund and enhance our ability to raise funds from other donors,” said Sheila Cuddy, executive director of the QVBAC. “These funds support our work to increase economic opportunity for the 15 communities in our region.”
The QVBAC, a nonprofit organization, provides loans to small businesses that are not eligible for traditional bank financing.
Meanwhile, officials expressed hope that the planned workshops downtown will spark more development opportunities there.
In addition to exposing residents, town officials, and business owners to specific strategies, the workshops will also serve as a promotional mechanism for the revitalization plans, which will tie into the town’s ongoing formation of a master plan.
“This will create a vehicle to bring various businesses, large and small, together to focus on our priorities,” Braman added. “We’re hoping to get participation from throughout the community as we move forward to determine the best approaches for revitalization.”
At the conclusion of the workshops, Beckley said the town will assist Ware Business and Civic Assoc. members with deciding how they wish to move forward.
Ware It’s At
Overall, town officials are encouraged by the growth that has taken place in recent years, in addition to developments that still may occur.
Even in a tepid economy that has caused many communities to stagnate in terms of development, Ware residents and business owners have found a way to effect positive change and gain momentum.
“All of these activities show the commitment of town and business leaders to growth,” Beckley said, “both residential and commercial.”
Ware at a glance
Year Incorporated: 1775
Population: 9,872 (2010); 9,707 (2000)
Area: 40.0 square miles
County: Hampshire
Residential Tax Rate: 18.31
Commercial Tax Rate: 18.31
Median Household Income: $36,875
Family Household Income: $45,505
Type of Government: Open town meeting
Largest Employers: Baystate Mary Lane Hospital, Wal-Mart, Big Y, Country Bank, Kanzaki Specialty Papers, Town of Ware
* Latest information available
College Summer Programs Continue to Grow in Popularity
Pam Robinson says the average student taking summer courses at American International College earns 12 credits, or nearly the equivalent of a full semester.
Many want to reduce the time it takes to earn a degree, take the prerequisites needed to enter a program, improve a grade, and/or lighten their course loads for the fall semester by taking challenging classes during the summer.
So, in response to a continually growing demand, college and university officials have continued to expand their summer offerings; create new, accelerated, year-round programs; and add experimental summer courses in hopes of attracting new students.
“Years ago, students attended classes during the fall and spring and took the summer off. But it’s very different now,” said Walter Breau, vice president of Academic Affairs at Elms College in Chicopee. “We have really become a 12-month institution. Students are looking to finish their schooling quickly, so colleges have had to respond.”
Bill McClure agrees. “The concept of taking courses in the summer is not new, but what has changed is the programs that are offered. Summer is our largest term,” said the executive director of Continuing and Professional Education at UMass Amherst and former president of the North American Assoc. of Summer Sessions, which includes 250 colleges and universities.
“We have a very strong summer program,” he went on. “Last year our Division of Continuing and Professional Education offered 1,323 courses, and 525 of those were held during the summer.”
Community colleges have also seen a brisk increase in summer enrollment. “We have a very robust summer program. Almost everything that is offered in the fall and spring is also offered in the summer, but with fewer sections, or classes,” said Debbie Bellucci, dean of Continuing Education and Online Learning at Springfield Technical Community College. “We try to add a few new courses every summer, whether they are online or totally new topics, and this summer we have instituted a format change. In the past, we ran two five-week sessions, but this summer we have some 10-week, on-site courses for students who don’t want the intensity of a five-week term.”
Similar measures are being introduced at other institutions and include an increase in online courses, which allow working students to stay on track.
“Our offerings have grown significantly over the last five years,” said Pam Robinson, associate dean of Adult and Continuing Education at American International College. “More and more students have to stretch out their studies because they have so many other responsibilities, and our experience with adult learners has helped us to design offerings for all of our students. Even traditional students today are working and often need to rely on summer classes to stay on track.”
Officials say summer courses offer other benefits as well, which include smaller classes and an increased opportunity to interact with faculty members.
“But summer school isn’t for everyone. It’s very intense,” Bellucci said. “Plus, some students need to work full-time or want to take the semester off.”
Creative Programming
STCC will offer a number of new free classes this summer. Its so-called Jump Start program includes three pre-college-level classes — Algebra I, Algebra II, and Review for College Writing. The courses are open to students slated to start college in the fall, but who need remedial coursework, which is determined by placement testing. “We’re hoping the free courses will give them a jump start,” Bellucci said.
STCC also created a new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Academy with three classes for Massachusetts high-school graduates who earned their diplomas between 2012 and 2014 and had a point average of 2.0 or higher. “We have room for 60 students who will each receive a $1,000 stipend as an incentive to participate and complete the courses,” said Bellucci. “We hope the students will develop an interest in pursuing a degree in our STEM programs in the fall.”
She added that STCC offers close to 300 summer classes, including unique offerings, such as Organic Chemistry, which can be difficult to find in a summer syllabus. “We also offer Calculus I through 5, and find students take these classes so they can concentrate on that subject.”
Jackie Synder says Bay Path College continues to create accelerated degree programs that run year-round.
The program begins in September of one year and finishes in May the following year. “Our second class will graduate May 17, the third cohort is working toward graduation, and a fourth group has been accepted for next year,” said Program Coordinator Brother Michael Duffy, adding that it was designed for people “whose career didn’t play out the way they had hoped or who are looking to make a significant career change, and want to parlay their experience and credits into a professional degree that makes them more marketable.”
The waiting list is longer than the acceptance list, and the next class will include a Harvard graduate. “The program has become very competitive; it’s intense, but the people in it are adult learners who don’t want to wait four years to get back into the work pool,” Duffy continued. “It fills a need and is a commitment on our part to prepare more nurses with a bachelor’s degree for bedside care.”
Elms also offers an accelerated bachelor’s degree-completion program in social work at several sites. The largest is held in the STCC Technology Park, a second program is based in the Berkshires, and a third will start this fall at Greenfield Community College.
“Classes are held on Saturdays for 20 months, and people find the program very accessible,” said Maureen O’Connor Holland, assistant professor and program director of the Social Work department. She told BusinessWest that Elms has formed partnerships with community colleges, and students start the Elms program as a junior after earning an associate’s degree in liberal arts or human service.
“It is booming, and is a way for the college to reach more deeply into the community,” she said. “We also have several other social-work degree programs, including a year-round weekend program on the main campus and a traditional program with an optional summer course for students who want to accelerate their education.”
Breau said the number of high-school graduates has declined since 2006, and the numbers are expected to decrease through 2020, due to the size of the population. “We’re a small, regional liberal-arts college, and since the traditional market of students is getting smaller, we had to look at other opportunities to serve students, including the adult market. And we’re not alone,” Breau told BusinessWest. “There are people looking to move up in their job who have an associate’s degree and need a bachelor’s degree or have a bachelor’s degree and need a master’s degree. And adult learners are passionate and motivated. They want to complete their schooling as quickly as possible.”
To that end, Elms also offers a year-round RN to BS to MSN Nursing Completion program, which allows students to complete graduate-level nursing courses while enrolled in the RN to BS program, and a year-round master’s in Business Administration degree program, as well as summer courses for students in more traditional programs.
Changing Demographic
AIC will also launch two new undergraduate degree-completion programs this fall, targeted at working adults.
“People can earn a bachelor of arts in social science or in general business through a combination of online and Saturday classes in 20 months,” Robinson said. “We have a lot of adult students who are reinventing themselves, starting new career fields, and returning to school as a result. But traditional students also take these courses.”
Bay Path College in Longmeadow also offers several accelerated programs, including more than a dozen degrees through its American Women’s College, in which all courses are taken online with a few Saturday classes.
“The sessions are unique,” said Jackie Synder, executive director of Academic Operations, Assessment and Planning.
Bay Path had stopped offering summer courses to traditional students for many years, but revived the programming last year due to demand. In addition to college students, Snyder said, the classes are popular with high-school students who want to enhance their college applications.
Debbie Bellucci says Springfield Technical Community College is offering a number of new, free courses this summer.
Seventeen of Bay Path’s summer courses are held on campus, and 32 are online. “Science and math are the most sought-after classes,” said Snyder. “They’re called gatekeeper courses because of their difficulty. But if they are taken in the summer, students can focus entirely on them.”
Robinson agreed, and said science courses fill up quickly at AIC.
“They’re especially popular, not only for our own students, but for high-school students and others going into health fields who need to take prerequisites,” she said, adding that other offerings include courses in general education, such as history, sociology, and foreign languages. “The average summer student takes two courses per semester, so they can earn 12 credits, which is essentially a college semester.”
She reiterated that a growing number of traditional students work while they are in college. “So they often rely on summer classes to stay on track,” she explained. “But others take summer courses for a variety of reasons. Some want to fulfill general requirements, some want to repeat a class they didn’t do well in, and others need prerequisites for graduate schools. There are also students who want to take a double major or add one, and are trying to earn credits during the summer that will give them more opportunities. Every year I try to add two or three new offerings to see if the interest is there.”
This year, new online summer classes at AIC include Crime and Delinquency and Philosophy Through Literature, while History of American Musical Film will be offered on campus.
UMass Amherst offers two six-week terms during the summer. “We experimented with a three-week term, but it didn’t work well,” McClure said, adding that a growing number of students are opting to take classes online. “It’s been a trend which continues across the board for undergraduate and graduate students.”
The university also has a full course catalog that includes eight-week music camps, sports camps, science programs, and a French program. “Some are aimed at high-school students, and some are college-level courses,” McClure said.
UMass also offers a year-round undergraduate degree-completion program called University Without Walls. “And our online MBA program continues to be very popular,” he continued.
Meanwhile, Bay Path added two online cybersecurity classes this summer in advance of its new undergraduate program in cybersecurity, which will begin this fall.
Future Outlook
As the cost of education continues to rise, Robinson said, more students will have to work while attending school, which means they will take fewer courses during the academic year and make up the difference during winter and summer intercession periods.
“These classes provide a great alternative for many people,” she concluded.
McClure agreed, and said UMass has become a four-season school, offering classes during winter breaks and in the summer through its division of continuing education.
And as student demographics change and the need for adult education expands, the demand for summer courses is almost guaranteed to heat up even more.
HCC Will Expand into Former Photo Studio, Modernize Facilities
The sign outside tells the story at the former Grynn & Barrett studios in Holyoke.
And that adjective could also be applied to the eventual buyer — the college, he told <em>BusinessWest</em>.
That’s because the HCC campus, located almost across the street from the photo studio, is land-locked, and what little vacant land exists on the campus is, by and large, undevelopable, due to environmental and logistical concerns, he explained, recalling the many difficulties with the last new-building project — the Kittredge Center for Business & Workforce Development.
“We literally had to blast away rock to build that facility,” he said. “And while there is other land, it’s environmentally sensitive, as we’ve learned over the years.”
Meanwhile, some of the facilities on the campus, built in the early ’70s, are starting to show their age — and their limitations. This is especially true in the Marieb Science Building, which houses both health and life-sciences programs, said Kathey Hankel, dean of Health and Natural Sciences.
She and Messner said that, while the programs conducted there, especially nursing, are in demand and highly rated, they are offered in cramped quarters, with some labs, including those used for biology, that are seriously out of date.
“Our bio labs are dreadfully out of date — they’re 40 years old,” said Messner, “and we need to get them into the 21st century.”
The opportunity to expand and modernize those facilities is what inspired the college to become motivated when it came to the Jarvis Avenue property, said Messner, noting that the school is now moving forward with a multi-faceted, $15 million initiative centered around creating its new Center for Health Education in the 22,000-square-foot Grynn & Barrett building.
Plans call for moving the nursing program, the radiology technician (rad-tech) offering, and the medical assisting program from the Marieb building to Jarvis Avenue, said Hankel, and then renovate the vacated space to create what will be called the Center for Life Sciences, which will feature larger, more modern life-sciences facilities than exist now, including a clean room that should create new and intriguing learning experiences.
The Grynn & Barrett building, only a decade old, is both modern and flexible, with large amounts of open space, said Hankel, making it ideal for conversion into classrooms, labs, and other learning facilities.
Current plans call for using the top floor for offices and conference rooms for faculty, said Hankel, adding that the ground floor will be used for teaching, with one large classroom and several small ones envisioned. The center will also include a simulation lab that will be much larger and better-equipped than the one currently used at Marieb, a ‘low-tech’ lab, and a radiology suite with a dedicated classroom and state-of-the-art equipment.
The renovation of facilities in Marieb Hall will be equally significant, said Hankel and Messner, adding that the aqddition of a clean room — which they believe will be the first one at a college or university in this region — will be of significant benefit in the training of individuals for in-demand jobs at testing facilities, such as Agawam-based Microtest.
In fact, Microtest CEO Steve Richter was among those who lobbied the Center for Life Sciences to award HCC the $3.9 million grant for the project, said Messner, because he understood the importance of the initiative to workforce development in the growing life-sciences sector.
While plans for these twin, related initiatives are blueprinted, fund-raising efforts continue to finance them, said Messner.
He told BusinessWest that the school received a $3.9 million grant from the Center for Life Sciences for the project, and is going about the task of raising the rest, largely through a capital campaign.
As part of these efforts, school officials are working to meet a unique, $1 million challenge grant from Elaine Marieb, an HCC alum (nursing), former faculty member (biology), author of more than a dozen anatomy and physiology textbooks, and frequent contributor to the college; it’s her name on the science building.
“She’s authored the premier book on Anatomy and Physiology; it’s used by thousands of colleges and universities,” said Hankel. “She’s done well, and she’s always been a big supporter of the college.”
Marieb’s challenge grant is different from most, because the challenge isn’t based on the dollar amount — although that number is a goal as well — but rather on securing 1,000 donations.
Kathy Hankel says the new Center for Health Education will enable HCC to expand its nursing programs and thus help meet what is expected to be great demand for qualified professionals.
No firm timetable is in place, but the school is hoping to get started on the Jarvis Street phase of the project by the end of this summer, said Hankel, who anticipates a number of benefits from both phases of this initiative.
For starters, the school can expand its nursing program, which currently boasts enrollment of 110, by 24 to 32 students, she said, adding that the school is looking at introducing a program focused around evening, weekend, and online offerings, which will be attractive to students who must also work full-time.
And the additional enrollment is important, she said, because while the shortage of nurses that visited the region several years ago has eased somewhat, due largely to the sluggish economy that persisted for several years, demand for nurses will soon escalate as older members of the profession move into retirement.
“We had a period for a few years when the economy tanked and no one retired,” she explained. “Now, the economy’s coming back, and nurses are retiring in record numbers, and there will be a huge shortage, perhaps one larger than we initially thought.
“Meanwhile, there is a still a roughly 20% vacancy rate, and that’s primarily in long-term care, and that’s where we’re all heading,” she added. “So this additional capacity is important.”
Meanwhile, relocation of the health-science programs to Jarvis Avenue will enable students and faculty there to become involved in the community, and especially three neighbors to the Grynn & Barrett building — Sullivan Elementary School, Loomis Communities, and the Bowdoin Village low-income housing facility.
Students are already involved with these institutions to one extent or another, said Hankel, but the relocation will enable these efforts to escalate.
“The building is directly adjacent to the Sullivan school; students can walk out the back door and be at the school, and vice-versa — the Sullivan kids can walk over to our building,” she noted. “We’re working with them to provide some health screening for the students with the nurse that’s on staff there, and also do a lot of teaching with the students; the Sullivan school will give us experience with pediatrics that will be beneficial to both parties.”
At the housing complex, run by the Holyoke Housing Authority, HCC students have conducted surveys of residents to identify areas of need that the college might help address, she went on, while also undertaking blood-pressure screenings and efforts to provide medical information to those living there. The move to Jarvis should facilitate efforts to expand those initiatives.
And at Loomis, a multi-faceted senior-living facility, students can get valuable experience in geriatric care, which, with the aging of America, has become a field experiencing explosive growth that will only continue in the years to come, she said.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to work with the community and get the best clinical experiences that are available,” Hankel noted. “We’re very excited about the prospects.”
— George O’Brien
Bay Path’s New Accounting Degree Makes Sense on Many Levels
Kara Stevens says the unique scheduling — no classes during tax season — is one of many attractive features that come with Bay Path’s new graduate degree in accounting.
“I was in public accounting and working toward my master’s, and can remember having to run out at 5 o’clock to go to class during the prime time, when I needed to be there longer hours,” she said, referring to her time at Wolf & Co. soon after graduating from UMass Amherst and, more specifically, her recollections of having to balance school with her various responsibilities during the height of tax season, between the start of the new year and April 15.
The new program at Bay Path, scheduled to start at the end of this month, was blueprinted with that awkward conflict in mind, and the desire to essentially eliminate it.
Indeed, this totally online program effectively shifts the traditional summer break to what everyone in the industry refers to simply as ‘the busy season.’ Classes run from May to the holidays in December, break for tax season, and then resume for five weeks, ending in late May.
“With no classes held between January and April, you can adjust your life, work, and professional goals,” said Stevens, director of Bay Path’s Accounting program and assistant accounting professor. “Once April has passed, the program picks up again, and you can continue in sequence.”
This is a fairly unique twist to the traditional MS in Accounting, a degree program designed to give bachelor’s-degree holders the fifth year, or 150 credits, they now need for licensure as a certified public accountant in more than 40 states, including Massachusetts.
Stevens said she is not aware of another program with such scheduling, so it should help the college create an effective niche. And while there are already a number of MS in accounting programs in this region, she believes there was need for another, especially an offering with some unique qualities beyond that schedule.
Among these is the all-women, or almost-all-women, nature of the program, she told BusinessWest, noting that, while men can enroll, and she expects some will, they will be in the minority, which she sees as a positive for the female enrollees.
“Our master’s-degree programs are still seeing a large percentage of women in their ranks; we of course allow men, but at this point it’s roughly 86% women on average, and more in some programs,” she said. “I like the idea that this is helping to create a culture of women in accounting.”
Elaborating, she said that, while most undergraduate accounting programs are roughly 50% women, there is still a glass ceiling in this industry when it comes to women progressing into the partnership ranks at firms and then senior management. An MS program featuring all or mostly women can create an environment where such issues can be more effectively discussed — and confronted.
Another benefit is the small size of the classes, she said, adding that most sessions will have a dozen or fewer students, while the online nature of the program — with “on-ground support,” as she called it, is another popular feature.
The master’s offering is Bay Path’s first graduate program in Accounting, said Stevens, adding that the school introduced an undergraduate offering eight years ago, and now has several variations on that program, including a one-day offering and an online curriculum. Eventually, she would like to introduce what’s known as a 3+1 program, which will enable students to enter an accelerated program, whereby they can get their undergraduate degree in three years then move on to their master’s, thus saving roughly a full year’s tuition in the process.
The MS is built on a common core of classes — everything from Advanced Financial Reporting to Fraud Examination to Government and Nonprofit Accounting — and students can focus on one of three concentrations: public accounting, private accounting, and forensic accounting.
There are five sessions, two that run for six weeks and three that run for eight.
Early interest in the program is fairly strong, said Stevens, adding there have been a number of inquiries, and several women have already signed on. She anticipates an initial enrollment of 12 and expects that number to rise as awareness of the program and its unique features become known.
Overall, Stevens sees the MS program as a step forward for Bay Path, an initiative that will enhance the undergraduate Accounting program, because it will provide a smooth transition to the fifth year for Bay Path students, and one that should benefit the college on the whole as the accounting industry goes about the task of filling vacancies that will be created when those in the Baby Boom generation retire.
“Based on where my students are being placed for internships and then jobs after graduating, there is definitely a need for accountants in this area,” she said. “And that need will only grow in the years to come.”
— George O’Brien
Hofbrauhaus Continues Traditions, Creates Some New Ones
Joe and Liz Stevens are now in their 20th year as owners of the Hofbrauhaus, which opened its doors eight decades ago.
It was given that name because Gene Sapelli, a regular customer at the Hofbrauhaus, liked his crustacean prepared a certain way, said Joe Stevens, the establishment’s long-time owner and chef.
“This is a two-and-a-half-pounder … we take all the meat out and then put it back in the shell, so all you need is a knife and fork,” he said. “We’ve been doing it this way since the ’70s.”
You won’t find Sapelli lobster on the printed dinner menu at this West Springfield landmark, but it’s always there, and the regulars know to ask for it. It’s more than a specialty, it’s a traditiom — and there are many of them here.
And there should be, considering that this is the establishment’s 80th year in business, and Stevens and his wife, Liz, are in their 20th year as owners.
There are also the many holiday buffets at the Hofbrauhaus. The place was packed for Easter, and Stevens is expecting the same for Mother’s Day, although he’s anticipating some late reservations because Mother’s Day (May 11) is coming hard after Easter, which was late this year, and “it might sneak up on people.” Meanwhile, Thanksgiving is a different kind of tradition. Indeed, while many eat at the restaurant, a number of regulars will give Stevens and his staff their order for a full dinner, and they’ll pick it up at a pre-arranged time at the back door (more on that later).
There’s also the annual game dinner each winter, the German outfits on the staff, the dozens of steins on the walls, and other culinary mainstays, such as a huge veal shank, which, like the lobster, isn’t on the menu, but regulars with a healthy appetite know all about it.
But this is a different and far more challenging time for restaurant owners than the landscape that existed in 1935, when the Hofbrauhaus opened, or when Joe and Liz Stevens took over in 1995. By his estimation, Joe said, 85 or 90 restaurants have opened in West Springfield alone since he assumed ownership — but who’s counting? And the list keeps growing; yet another burger restaurant is opening on Route 20 in a former Friendly’s location.
Meanwhile, the economy, while improved, remains sluggish, and discretionary spending is still undertaken with caution. And then, there was the tornado of 2011, which passed right over the restaurant and deposited new furniture acquired for the outdoor dining area, the so-called beer garden, into the Connecticut river.
The juxtaposition of all these challenges has necessitated the creation of some new concepts and programs, some of which are on their way to becoming traditions, said the couple. These include the ‘beer-of-the-month dinner,’ at which attendees can get a large stein of beer and dinner for $15. The featured libation at the May 7 event is something called Workers Comp Saison from Rhode Island-based Two Roads Brewery, and slow-roasted beef brisket and pan-blackened cod are on the menu for the buffet dinner.
The Stein Zimmer, used for small groups and special functions, is one of the many unique aspects of the Hofbrauhaus.
“I try to feature someone fun, interesting, and who doesn’t cost them anything,” she said of the lineup of speakers. “We’ve had massage therapists, nutritionists, a life coach … it runs the gamut. It’s a fun night out, and the women look forward to it.”
The couple has even gone so far as to change, or amend, the name of the establishment, to make it clear that it serves much more than traditional German food. While ‘Hofbrahaus’ remains over the door, ‘Hofbrau Joe’s German Steakhouse’ has been added to the menu and most marketing materials.
This mix of and new and old, traditional, and different is enabling this landmark to add some new chapters to its rich history, said Joe Stevens, adding quickly that creating such blends is the challenge facing all restaurants today, and especially those that have been part of the landscape for decades and need to attract the younger generations.
High-steaks Venture
Stevens said there’s a beer cooler in the basement with walls that are a foot and a half thick.
That’s where he ordered everyone to go late in the afternoon on June 1, 2011, when it became clear that there was a tornado moving southeast through West Springfield, and the Hofbrauhaus was apparently in harm’s way.
“We had everyone wait in that refrigerator,” he recalled, adding that the twister apparently “bounced” across the property, touching down in the parking lot, damaging the beer garden, roof, and other parts of the building, while also taking down a house behind the landmark.
“It did not discriminate,” he said while reciting the damage and putting an estimate at $400,000. “It picked up some of the tables and chairs from the beer garden, deposited them in the river, and then went over the [Memorial] Bridge. We saw them floating there for a couple of days before they got carried away in the current.”
Using some humor to help get across his frustration, he said the insurance company “could not get me that money fast enough.” In reality, the last check came just a few weeks ago, after the matter went to court.
Looking back, Stevens said the tornado has been one of many challenges the institution has had to weather the past several years, including a recession that seemed without end, especially for a sector that feels downturns perhaps more than any other, and a crush of new competition along the I-91 corridor he serves.
“We’ve taken a few lefts and rights recently, but we’ve bounced back,” he told BusinessWest. “We’ve recarpeted, redecorated, and taken some steps to bring more people to our door. And business has been good.”
Taking lefts and rights is certainly part of being in the ultra-competitive restaurant business, said Stevens, who should know — he’s been doing this for more than 30 years now as chef and owner.
His first foray was the Glass Lily, located in the Longmeadow Shops, which he owned and operated for eight years — a time he called a great learning experience.
When the Krach family, which assumed ownership of the Hofbrauhaus in the early ’70s, decided to put the landmark on the market a quarter-century later, Stevens took what he considered to be a calculated entrepreneurial risk.
The main dining room reflects the many traditions and rich history at the Hofbrauhaus.
The name alteration is part of all that, said Stevens, noting that, with the addition of the words ‘German Steakhouse,’ the institution is generating new business by making the breadth and depth of the menu more apparent to all.
Indeed, while the restaurant serves German favorites such as weiner schnitzel, bratwurst, and beer-battered shrimp, it also offers a variety of steaks (some cooked tableside), Scottish salmon, rack of lamb, and, yes, lobster.
The popular holiday buffets continue to draw several generations of area families, he told BusinessWest, while the Thanksgiving tradition of cooking whole dinners for pick-up, which goes back to his days at the Glass Lily, represents a higher level of customer service.
“People order a whole turkey with me, I cook it, they get stuffing, vegetables, potatoes, whatever they want for sides, and off they go,” he said, adding that the nearby Dante Club makes its ovens available so Stevens can meet 60 or more orders a year. “People know the drill — they come in the back door, their times are set every year. We work through the night, but have a great time doing it.”
Meanwhile, some of the new initiatives are expanding the customer base, he went on.
The beer-of-the-month dinner is helping to make a traditionally slower night, Wednesday, less so, he told BusinessWest, while the Fraulein Fun Nights are attracting crowds averaging about 40 women.
Many of them are business professionals, said Liz Stevens, adding that she has regular groups from Baystate Health and MassMutual, but also new faces every month.
But beyond the new initiatives, new carpeting, and a larger, lighted parking lot, the basic ingredients in the recipe for success haven’t changed, Joe said. “It’s still all about offering good, consistent service and good food. It’s as simple as that.”
Art of the Matter
Joe Stevens said there’s a lot of history at the Hofbrauhaus, from the old, art-deco neon clock in the kitchen, which dates back to when this was a dinner and dancing hall in the ’30s, to the stained-glass windows in the dining room (used for small groups) called the Stein Zimmer, to the mural depicting scenes from Germany that wraps around the main dining room.
The Krach family uncovered it while cleaning one day — it was buried under decades of accumulated grease, dirt, and tobacco smoke — and spent months restoring it, said Stevens, adding that it is one of many topics of discussion for long-time customers who know the history and can point to the small patch that was left uncleaned to show how dark and deep the filth was.
“We have so many customers that come in and tell us stories about this place from when they were growing up,” he said, “ because it’s been here their whole lives. They talk about how their fathers and grandfathers and great-grandfathers have been there, and all the weddings this place has done.”
The challenging assignment moving forward — one that Joe and Liz Stevens have undertaken with determination and imagination — is simply to write more history.
And they’re doing just that.
George O’Brien can be reached at [email protected]
Tavern on the Hill Owners Are Providing Much More Than Scenery
By KEVIN FLANDERS
Lawrence and Amy Guyette say they take pride in making not just good food, but strong community connections.
That was a line from a Republican review of the Tavern on the Hill restaurant from several years ago. Many other things were written, of course, about this establishment located in the shadow of Mount Tom near the Easthampton-Holyoke line — regarding the food, the service, and the experience.
But that single line has lived on at this landmark, and over the years it has become equal parts unofficial slogan, rallying cry, and mission statement.
That’s because the view is, well, spectacular. It’s a draw, and it’s probably what people will remember most from a visit to this eatery on Route 141. But, while powerful, the scenery is generally not enough to bring people back, said Lawrence Guyette, a long-time restaurateur who bought the property — operating then as a sandwich and ice-cream shop — with his father-in-law, Jim Cooper, in 2005.
“Growing up in Easthampton, I knew this location was different than anything else in the area, a really cool place for a restaurant. When we found out it was available, we were really excited to purchase it,” said Guyette, who serves as owner-chef. From the beginning, he added, he understood that quality food and service, not the view out the windows or from the parking lot, would generate repeat business.
And because he’s been able to provide those tangibles, the tavern has enjoyed solid success over the past decade, despite a mostly sluggish economy and a host of other challenges.
Cooper died in 2013, but his legacy is carried on each day by his son-in-law and his daughter, Amy Guyette, the restaurant’s general manager. Running the business as a family gives them a great deal of pride, but most rewarding to the Guyettes are the community connections the restaurant has enabled them to make, a reflection of Cooper’s mentality.
“He was always really active with the restaurant,” Amy said of her father. “He loved helping the guests with anything they needed, even parking their cars in the lot. He always wore Hawaiian shirts, so our staff will have a special day coming up where we all wear Hawaiian shirts to work.”
Like most local restaurant owners, the Guyettes have faced challenges over the last few years in competing for customers. With new establishments recently opening in the area and national chain restaurants continuing to benefit from massive marketing campaigns, the competition is exceedingly stiff in the restaurant industry.
“Two years ago was a peak for us, the best we’ve done so far; everything was firing on all cylinders, and business was fantastic,” Lawrence said. “Since then, we’ve seen a dip in the last year. A few new restaurants have opened lately, which makes it a little tougher for everyone in the business. Overall, things seem to be starting to improve again lately, especially for dinner.”
A restaurant-business veteran for nearly 30 years, he understands the importance of constantly adapting and improving to provide guests with a quality experience year after year. Oftentimes, those improvements appear on the menu, especially when special requests are made. Guyette has been experimenting with smoked ribs in recent months, much to the delight of those who’ve tried them, and he also added burgers to the dinner menu a few weeks ago.
“We had so many requests for burgers that we decided to put them on the dinner menu,” he said. “It’s a new addition that has worked out really well for us.”
The Guyettes are also contemplating a weekly steak night, with various selections available to guests. They are still in the process of working out the details, but it’s likely the concept will become reality.
For this issue and BusinessWest’s annual Restaurant Guide, we ventured up Route 141 for the view, but, more importantly, for an in-depth look at an evolving entrepreneurial success story.
Peaking Their Interest
Depending on when they grew up in town, Easthampton residents have differing childhood memories of the property where Tavern on the Hill stands.
Way back in the Roaring Twenties, a small establishment called the Green Candle Inn served as a popular stop for travelers navigating up the mountain. Two decades later, in 1944, The Old Mill became a local favorite for its sandwiches, its pinball machine, and, of course, the panoramic view.
The Guyettes know the view from their restaurant is an initial draw for some, but food and service keep patrons coming back.
“We used to always talk about what it would be like to own the place and have our own restaurant up here,” she said. “Anyone in this area knows about the place and the view, so that’s definitely a big plus.”
Operating on a minimal budget, Cooper and the Guyettes spent two months renovating the building before opening the restaurant to guests.
Over the years, the menu has evolved somewhat, but has focused on what’s known in the business as ‘creative American.’ Dinner options include everything from grilled salmon to pasta jambalaya; blackened beef tips to several burger options, including one named after the mountain next door. Prices range from $11 to $27.
In addition to its lunch and dinner service, the restaurant also regularly hosts private functions, with about 50 such events augmenting business each year. Lawrence said he’s seen a rise in the number of private events booked in recent years, particularly after-funeral functions.
“It’s always helpful when individuals or business owners recommend us to their family and friends. That really helps us secure additional events,” he said.
The view certainly helps with the task of filling the dining room with people and the calendar with events, but the Guyettes stressed repeatedly that much more is needed to succeed in an ultra-competitive marketplace where an ever-more-demanding dining public has myriad options.
Thus, they put the accent on building relationships and earning the trust of customers — as well as repeat business — through consistently reliable service.
“The relationships are definitely the best part of the business,” Amy said. “I love having relationships with our customers and getting to see their kids grow up. Maintaining great relationships with the staff is huge as well; we’re all a family here.”
Indeed, one tenet of this industry is that no establishment can survive for very long without a solid staff. The Guyettes recognize the importance of not only hiring experienced staff members, but keeping them in the Tavern on the Hill family.
One server and almost the entire kitchen staff have remained with the restaurant since 2005, a difficult feat to accomplish in an industry known for frequent turnover. Amy described hiring qualified, dependable staff members as one of the lesser-known challenges in the business, a challenge she prefers to avoid by aiming to keep the staff intact.
“It definitely isn’t easy to find people you can really count on. You want to hang on to those people when you get them,” she said.
Tavern on the Hill boasts a staff of up to 50 people during its busiest summer months, including bartenders to work the indoor bar and the outdoor setup on the deck.
In addition to relationships with customers and staff, the Guyettes also believe in establishing them with the community as well. They believe restaurant owners have a responsibility to be active in civic life, a belief evidenced by their continued commitment to community service.
Tavern on the Hill has served as a sponsor for several area sports teams in the past decade, in addition to donating raffle prizes to the Southampton Athletic Assoc. and Boys and Girls Clubs in Chicopee and Holyoke.
Moreover, as the president of Easthampton Friends of Football — an organization that has been striving to build a new football field for high-school and youth teams — Amy has been committed to working with city leaders to help secure Community Preservation Act funding for the project.
“I feel like it’s an obligation for us to support the community that supports us every day,” she said. “If people come out and spend their money here, then we have an obligation to put money back into their communities.”
As both the owner of the restaurant and a chef who prepares meals there, Lawrence Guyette has been thrilled by the support Tavern on the Hill has received from the community. He sees it every day, from the lunch regulars to a sometimes surprising dinner guest.
“You never know who’s going to come through those doors,” he said. “You always meet different people — firefighters, police officers, the mayor, people who have dinner here with their families or a quick lunch meeting — and it’s pretty special to have a chance to get to know so many members of the community. We really appreciate all of the support we get.”
View to the Future
One can certainly see a long way from the tavern, out over Easthampton and other towns to the west.
One thing you can’t see, obviously, is the future; no one in any business can do that.
What the Guyettes are trying to do is anticipate it, and be ready for the likelihood that it will include an increasingly challenging environment in which to operate and even more choices for the dining public.
Which means they have to work even harder on that unofficial mission statement and make sure the line from that aforementioned restaurant review remains as true as the day it was written.
Simply put, the view must always be just gravy.
Convention & Visitors Bureau Sees Regional Potential in Casino
Mary Kay Wydra says a casino will draw people to downtown Springfield, but will also boost tourism across the entire region.
“We have 260 members, and not all of them are for it,” said Wydra, president of the Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau (GSCVB). “Big brands like Six Flags and Yankee Candle are very much for it, but among the smaller businesses, many of them remain concerned about what a casino will do to business.”
However, well before MGM Resorts International staked its claim with the only viable, community-supported casino proposal remaining in Western Mass., Wydra and her bureau were enthusiastically on board, choosing to focus on what MGM could do for the region’s tourism, convention, and entertainment industry, not to it.
“The Convention & Visitors Bureau has been looking at the whole gaming issue for years, watching it and seeing how things would unfold, and we were really proactive in making sure that any of the applicants being considered for Western Mass. were willing to work collaboratively with the bureau,” she told BusinessWest. “We’re thrilled that MGM is the last man standing, if you will, because we see the value of their brand coming into our region.”
The two parties recently formalized this sense of optimism by entering into a marketing partnership. Essentially, both the GSCVB and MGM Springfield have hammered out a written agreement aimed at bolstering tourism-related businesses across the Pioneer Valley.
“This is an incredibly exciting time for tourism in the Pioneer Valley,” Wydra said. “A partner with the brand recognition and resources of MGM can really help change the landscape when it comes to tourism promotion in our region. We’re delighted to have them as partners; the MGM team has been extremely professional and clearly dedicated to establishing a working relationship that is mutually beneficial. It’s going to be a powerful, productive partnership, and we’re eager to get started.”
Mike Mathis, president of MGM Springfield, was equally enthusiastic. “This is an organic partnership between entities that understand each other,” he noted. “The GSCVB drives tourism throughout the Pioneer Valley, and MGM Springfield is primed to be an anchor attraction in the region’s urban core.”
While it’s not a done deal — the state Gaming Commission is expected to approve MGM’s license this month, but casino opponents are waging a fight to overturn the state’s casino law in a November referendum — the probability of a Springfield casino has Wydra and her team excited, and MGM’s willingness to establish a partnership with the bureau is just another positive development.
Inside Out
Early in the game, the GSCVB reached out to all four casino developers that proposed detailed projects in Western Mass. However, a proposal by Penn National Gaming for Springfield’s North End died when Mayor Domenic Sarno backed MGM’s South End development, and Hard Rock International’s West Springfield proposal and Mohegan Sun’s plan for a Palmer casino were both killed in voter referendums last fall.
Wydra said she was delighted that MGM was the sole remaining player, due partly to its basic concept, which has been referred to as an ‘inside-out’ or ‘outward-facing’ casino.
Mike Mathis says MGM’s marketing partnership with the GSCVB makes sense because they share a goal of drawing visitors to the region.
The Springfield model — a smaller version of MGM’s successful City Center flagship property in Las Vegas, which is especially popular with families — puts the amenities around the gaming floor, with multiple points of entry, and will tie in neighboring venues like Symphony Hall and the MassMutual Center, so that casino visitors can enjoy the restaurants and entertainment without having to enter the actual gaming hall.
“What we like about the MGM product is that inside-out casino, and we like their brand,” Wydra said, even though she needed to learn about it first. “When I first heard MGM was coming into the market, I didn’t know they were a casino company. I thought they were an entertainment company.”
The more she learned, the more intrigued she was, and she preferred a Springfield location to a casino in Palmer. “The fact that it’s right in the heart of our service area is very appealing,” she said. “Palmer is a bit more removed and more of a trek to get there.”
But a Springfield-based casino, even one that actively tries to connect with its downtown community, isn’t an end in itself, she told BusinessWest, which is why the bureau forged a marketing agreement with MGM, in an effort to raise all boats in the local tourism industry. Included in that agreement are:
• Cross-promotion. MGM has committed to marketing efforts coordinated through the GSCVB that will identify and promote other Pioneer Valley tourism entities via on-site signage, exposure on social media, newsletter mentions, reciprocal home-page web links, and more.
“Honestly, we see a casino coming here as a way to extend people’s stay,” Wydra said. “If they’re coming for two or three days, maybe they can stay three or four, and see other things the area has to offer.”
• Additional circulation of a visitor guide. MGM will undertake the costs of printing thousands of additional copies of the bureau-produced Guide to the Pioneer Valley for placement in its hotel rooms, concierge desks, and other key locations.
“It’s a 110-page publication that lists other attractions, hotels, restaurants, and a calendar of events,” she said. “So we’ll be working with them to let their visitors know what else there is to do.”
• Enhanced marketing efforts. MGM has agreed to provide resources dedicated to promoting Springfield and the overall region through active participation on ‘TEAM Springfield,’ a cooperative convention-sales effort with the MassMutual Center.
“We meet every two to three weeks, trying to get meetings and conventions to come into the region,” Wydra explained. “I really see a tremendous benefit to bringing MGM into that equation. They dominate the convention market in Vegas; they’re attracting national conventions there based on the infrastructure they have.” Ideally, she added, TEAM Springfield could tap into that database and connect with the New England or northeast affiliates of those organizations.
Just the Start
In short, Wydra said, “we see great opportunity to co-promote and leverage their brand and marketing assets to benefit the Pioneer Valley’s entire hospitality industry, especially our many small businesses.”
Handled correctly, she added, the region should see an influx of new visitors, who will come here to do more than just gamble. And all four of the bureau’s areas of emphasis — leisure, conventions, tour operators, and sports — could share that benefit.
Take tour groups, for example. “Casinos are ideal for the group tour market, so we’re very confident we can sell MGM to that market.” As for sports, casinos often host billiards and darts tournaments, boxing matches, and other competitions.
The partnership agreement — which was hatched out in a series of meetings between MGM Springfield officials and the GSCVB’s gaming subcommittee — will take effect one year prior to the casino’s formal opening, and lays out only the bare bones of marketing possibilities, said Wydra, who said the parties will also consider some kind of regional shuttle service between attractions if they see potential in such an effort.
“Really, the agreement we put in place is the minimum,” she told BusinessWest. “As we start working together and determine the demand and demographics coming in, new opportunities will unfold.”
Some of those opportunities may be difficult to predict now; dropping an $800 million development onto 14.5 acres in downtown Springfield will certainly open some unexpected doors. And Wydra is confident that the entire Pioneer Valley will benefit from opening them.
“From the meetings I’ve had with them, I know they’re savvy professionals and dedicated people, and we’re looking forward to having the opportunity to work closely with them,” she said.
While it’s natural for some tourism businesses to be anxious about the project, she said, the bureau has long looked at it simply as a new attraction — albeit a significant one. She sees MGM as much more than that now, thanks to its cross-promotion potential and national convention clout.
“A lot of people, when this thing didn’t move through the Statehouse quickly, got negative about it,” she added. “But I think the legislators did a great job creating the legislation, and this will work for all businesses in the region, encouraging the casinos to have deals with other entertainment venues.”
Those connections are critical, Wydra said, if a region wants a casino to be a regional tourism engine, and not just a gaming island to itself.
“I presented at a Mass. Gaming Commission meeting when there were still three applicants in the Western Mass. area,” she said. “While all that was getting figured out — the host community agreements, the referendum questions — we were also talking to the Gaming Commission make sure tourism was a priority when they were evaluating all the proposals.”
Even then, she liked what she was hearing from MGM. “We know tourism is important to this developer. And we really do believe they’re going to reach into the community and the whole region.”
Joseph Bednar may be reached at [email protected]
Sheraton Springfield Excels at Helping Groups Get Down to Business
Ernie Taddei, left, and Paul Marcelina say business travelers appreciate the 18,000-square-foot 4 Fitness Health Club at the Sheraton Springfield.
But general manager Paul Marcelina says that what sets its apart from its competitors is the fact that every hotel associate is steeped in the “five human truths,” which allow them to meet the basic emotional needs that all human beings share.
“Our goal is to create an emotional connection with our guests. We all want to belong, feel special, be understood, reach our fullest potential, and be in control,” said Marcelina, citing the results of a study conducted by Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide in 2009 that changed the hotel’s culture.
“We consider ourselves to be friends of our guests, which is reflected back to us every day in our guest-comment cards. Every guest and every trip is different, and we are aware of the needs and time constraints of weekday business travelers as well as the needs of social travelers here on weekends,” he added.
Although the hotel has its share of tourists, about 60% of its annual revenue comes from business groups, whose members travel from throughout New England and beyond. “We’re the largest hotel west of Boston, north of New Haven, and south of Montreal,” said Peter Picknelly, president of Monarch Enterprises and owner of the Sheraton Springfield.
The hotel is part of the Monarch Place complex, which includes a 25-story tower that contains 400,000 square feet of office space as well as a parking garage for 200 vehicles. “It adds to our appeal,” said Ernie Taddei, regional director of sales and marketing for the hotel, explaining that many business travelers who stay at the Sheraton have meetings scheduled in Monarch Place.
But there are other features that make the hotel a sought-after location for business gatherings. “We have 30,000 square feet of meeting space, and everything a business needs is under one roof, which is difficult to find outside of Boston or New York City,” Marcelina said. “We know we are competing with hotels in Hartford, Boston, and Philadelphia, so we spend time figuring out how to attract businesses to Springfield and this hotel.”
He told BusinessWest that meetings can be held concurrently in spaces that can accommodate from two to 1,000 people, or 100 8×10 pipe-and-drape booths. In addition, the Grand Ballroom can serve dinner to 1,000 people at one time, while cocktail hours for up to 2,100 people can be held on the first three floors of the atrium.
Other perks include state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, as well as LCD projectors and specialty AV items available from hotel vendors. “Our vendors stay on the property during the entire convention, to make sure everything is done correctly,” Taddei said, adding that the hotel’s recently upgraded sound system “allows people to hear perfectly from one end of a convention space to the other.”
The Sheraton has also developed close relationships with many local attractions, which allows guests to purchase discounted tickets to basketball games or other events, and Taddei said these tickets are often made available to people staying there for several nights.
“It’s not just about the rate and meeting room, it’s about what we can do to make a stay more enjoyable,” he said. “We don’t want our guests to be bored.”
In addition, the hotel’s full banquet kitchen allows event planners to customize menus and match the décor of the dining room to a chosen theme. Food offerings are also frequently expanded, and hotel salespeople sample dishes on the menu and provide input. For example, after a recent sampling of hors d’oeuvres created for a wedding party, officials decided to offer them to business groups.
The Sheraton, which averages about 200,000 guests per year, has also made major upgrades to its Internet technology, which allows guests to operate several devices at the same time in their rooms. There is also ‘the Link,’ an area found in all Sheraton hotels that offers guests computer use and a copier and printer at no cost in a comfortable setting.
Staying Power
Bartender Carmine Capuano says cocktail hours for up to 2,100 guests can be held on the first three floors of the Sheraton Springfield’s atrium.
But due to its architectural design, changing the environment was no easy feat.
“Our atrium is visible from all floors, and it was very challenging to complete the renovations without bothering our guests,” Marcelina said, explaining that scaffolding had to be built from the second to 12th floors.
But today, people delight in looking up to the top of the glass ceiling or down to the lower floors, depending on where their room is located. The view is enhanced by special lighting along the outer wall of every floor, which is programmed to change colors every few seconds.
“It’s a special visual effect, and large conventions or parties can select colors that match the theme of their convention,” Taddei said. “Lighting is important, and we can also splash colors on the ballroom floor to match a business’ taste, which is nice for a company meeting and also nice for social functions such as a wedding.”
Another bonus is the hotel’s 18,000-square-foot 4 Fitness health center. “It’s the largest hotel health center in Massachusetts and has state-of-the-art equipment, a sauna, racquetball courts, and spinning classes,” Taddei said.
A large swimming pool beneath a domed glass ceiling and adjacent outdoor sunbathing area add to the appeal, and as a result, the hotel also caters to annual meetings and events held by religious groups, sports groups, youth groups, and other groups that often take part in competitions at the nearby MassMutual Center.
But despite outstanding physical amenities and a good location, hotel officials say what separates them from their competition, and results in repeat business, goes back to their focus on “human truths” and the behavior of hotel associates.
“We can say that we have nicer artwork or a warmer pool, but that is not going to make the difference between a good or exceptional experience,” Picknelly said. “What we do starts from the time a person arrives at the front desk and continues until they leave. But getting to that point is not an easy task. It takes a collaborative effort by all of our associates.”
To that end, great attention is paid to detail. Each employee’s name tag includes a hobby or interest, which often sparks conversations with guests. And associates are schooled to notice things such as a guest wearing a Red Sox cap and ask questions related to such items.
“We don’t consider the check-in process part of a transaction; it’s a welcome service that is all about engagement and interaction and is part of the warmth connected to our core values,” said Marcelina, adding that, when guests leave, they are asked about their stay and invited to return. “The connection we make is what separates us from our competition.”
Employees are also trained to take notice of details in guest rooms. For example, Marcelina said, if someone from the cleaning staff notices a guest has an empty Diet Coke in their trash can or an empty Hershey’s candy wrapper, he or she can replace the items with a note that tells the guest to enjoy them and their stay.
Taddei has been with the hotel since 2009 and said many guests come to Springfield to enjoy local attractions, which range from the Basketball Hall of Fame to Six Flags New England and the Big E.
“We are lucky to have them in our backyard,” Picknelly agreed.
But the atmosphere in the hotel changes in response to the day of the week and who is staying there. In fact, Picknelly likens it to a transformer.
“Monday through Friday, we cater to a business clientele,” he explained. “But on Friday afternoon, we transform into a leisure hotel, which means we adopt a different culture.”
That includes offering breakfast later in the morning for guests who want to sleep in, longer pool hours with more attendants on duty, and other measures designed to make hotel stays memorable and relaxing for guests of all ages.
Picknelly said small things are important and uses the example of newspapers to make his point. “My son gets all of his news from the Internet, while I prefer a real newspaper,” he said. So, newspapers are delivered to each guest’s room early each morning.
The hotel’s theme is the fall season in New England. “The artwork was commissioned, and every guest room has a piece twice the size that you would normally find in a hotel room,” Picknelly said. There is also a large mural over the main entrance to the grand ballroom depicting three scenes that reflect Springfield’s history and attractions.
But hotel executives stress that the reason people choose the Sheraton and return there is because of the service, and all new associates participate in the Sheraton Service Culture Training.
“It allows our associates to understand the diverse needs of our guests and also allows them to exceed their expectations,” said Marcelina. “We listen to the people who stay here because we want them to feel they belong, which goes back to the human truths.”
For example, when the hotel stopped serving dinner in the sports lounge, it was quickly reinstated due to demand, as was popcorn in the bar when another snack was substituted.
Meaningful Interactions
Marcelina said people have many choices when it comes to choosing a hotel. “But when you know the person behind the desk cares about you and looks forward to seeing you again, it makes a difference. And we feel this way about everyone who stays here.”
Indeed, the culture, combined with recent upgrades, have proven to be a recipe for success. “A lot of our conventions are repeat business, and we are already holding space as far out as 2017,” Taddei said. “We are selected over other places even when our location isn’t as convenient. People choose us because of our consistency and because our staff is trained to make sure they have a memorable experience.”
Marcelina said the formula is simple. “It goes back to the human truths,” meaning every guest leaves feeling special and cared about.
Maura McCaffrey Takes the Helm at Health New England
Maura McCaffrey remembers reading the want ad in her Sunday paper — Health New England was looking for a clinical pharmacist — and thinking this was a job she really wanted.
She had gotten to know many members of the staff at the Springfield-based health-insurance provider while working as a sales representative and then regional account executive for the pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, and had come to respect the company’s culture and team-focused way of doing business.
But there were some complications to making this career move. Indeed, McCaffrey and her family were living 75 miles east of Springfield at the time. Her twin sons were 4 years old. She had an office in her home, made her own hours, and drove a company car she would have to relinquish.
After some soul searching, though, she decided to apply, with the thinking that this was very likely to be a short-term assignment, a line or two on her résumé, and merely the latest example of what she described as a career-long pattern of being able to put personal fears and insecurities aside and take some risks to advance professionally. “My plan was to figure out what I could about managed care, and I thought I would be here 18 months, two years at the most.”
It didn’t work out that way, and she told BusinessWest that she knew this would be the case early, probably on her first day at HNE. But she didn’t tell her husband that until well after those 18 months she had originally given herself to figure out if this was going to work.
“I told my husband, ‘I have to apply for this job, I have to work at Health New England — this is my opportunity to find out what this company is all about,’” she recalled. “And he said, ‘well, that’s a little impulsive; you just read a newspaper, we live 90 minutes away. You want to take that job and make that commute?’
“I said I thought it would be worth it for 18 months,” she went on. “Three years later, my husband said, ‘you’re either all in on this and we’re going to move the family, or you’re going to find something else.’ And I said, ‘I’m all in — I just haven’t finished learning everything I want to learn from Health New England.’”
In the decade since, she’s gone from all in to all the way to the top.
Indeed, she recently succeeded Peter Straley as president and CEO, completing a succession process that began heating up over the past several months as Straley let his intention to retire be known, but has actually been a work in progress for several years.
As she talked with BusinessWest about her ascension, one that has quickly made HNE one of the largest women-led business in the region, McCaffrey said the company essentially put her on a path to the CEO’s office, and she took it, along with many more of those risks she described earlier.
There were several changes to the title on the business card along the way — she served as everything from Pharmacy Services manager to vice president of Marketing, Business Development & Medicare to chief executive officer — and that learning process she described earlier never stopped, and it won’t now that she has the corner office, she said.
Looking forward, McCaffrey said there are a number of challenges facing the healthcare industry and payers such as HNE, especially when it comes to controlling the cost of care and, overall, making the community healthier.
These two missions go hand in hand, she said, adding that the industry must somehow move from its current, and highly inefficient, fee-for-service model to one that rewards providers for keeping people from getting sick, not simply treating them when they take ill.
And one of the keys to progress is inspiring individuals to take responsibility for their own health, she went on.
For this issue, BusinessWest talked at length with McCaffrey about everything from that path she took to the CEO’s office to the factors that are keeping more women from gaining such a title, to the prospects for real — and effective change — in the business of providing affordable healthcare.
Exercise in Firm Leadership
When it comes to taking control of one’s health, McCaffrey, like her predecessor, practices what she preaches.
She said she’s generally up by 4 each morning and starts her day with exercise, for a minimum of 10 minutes, but usually much more. She’s at her desk by 6 or 6:30 — “that’s my best thinking time” — and quite often, that desk sits three and a half feet in the air.
Indeed, McCaffrey’s workspace includes a desk leaf complete with a small motor that elevates it to a height by which she can work while standing, which, she states, is far more healthy than sitting for eight or 10 hours.
“I sit in meetings all day, which isn’t good for you,” she noted, “so I stand when I’m doing e-mails and other work.”
How McCaffrey, the proud daughter of Irish immigrants who came to this country in the early ’60s, arrived at the CEO’s office with the so-called ‘standing desk’ is an intriguing story, one that begins at an old-fashioned corner drugstore in her hometown of Leominster, roughly 20 miles north of Worcester.
There, after school, she worked the soda fountain, scooped ice cream, served coffee, sold cigarettes and lottery tickets, and, when the pharmacist was busy, would go out back and help him fill prescriptions, usually doing the paperwork in this era before computers.
Eventually, the store’s owner tried to convince her to attend pharmacy school — and had to keep on trying, because she was initially, and continually, resistant to that idea.
“I said, ‘are you crazy? How would I ever know all these prescriptions and all this stuff?’” she recalled, adding that the pharmacist eventually tried to persuade her by highlighting the job-security aspects of the profession — one has to be licensed to do this work — and when that didn’t work, he focused on financial security and schedule flexibility.
“But again, I said, ‘thanks, but no thanks,’” she went on, adding that he finally sold her when he said she could attend UConn or the University of Rhode Island and pay in-state tuition because Massachusetts didn’t have a public pharmacy school. That was welcome news because she was paying for college herself.
As she was graduating from URI, the pharmacist who started her down this road was selling his five stores to CVS, but he essentially made McCaffrey part of the deal, so she worked for that chain for several years, and thoroughly enjoyed the work.
“I loved every minute of it — it was a phenomenal career,” she told BusinessWest. “You saw when people were getting healthier or better, or they’d share stories about their families — it was a great job, and I had a great team to work with.”
Part of that job was to do community-support programs, where she would speak on behalf of CVS and talk about the benefit of pharmacists or educate the public about their medications. And in the course of doing so, she became acquainted with people in the pharmaceutical industry, who encouraged her to join them.
Eventually — after being reminded that, if this didn’t work out, she could go back to pharmacy work — she made the leap, joining Eli Lilly first as a senior sales representative and then as a regional account executive, handling much of Central and Western Mass. and working with companies like HNE.
And this brings us back to that want ad she read in the Sunday paper, and the learning that she wanted to continue.
Healthy Outlook
As she talked about her first years with HNE, McCaffrey said there were plenty of learning opportunities, which eventually exposed her to every department in the company, the people who worked in them, and the processes for achieving continuous improvement and growth.
“They allowed me to take on opportunities that were stretch-risk assignments for departments where I had no idea, technically, what they did,” she explained. “But I knew I could work with people and I could help manage people, and we could get to the outcomes. And I also knew that, if you gave me time and let me sit down and work with people, I could understand the department and what they were doing.
“One of these was the call center,” she went on, “and later, it was enrollment, provider relations, and credentialing. I didn’t have a strong background in those departments, the people here are team players, but it’s all about collaboration; they’re OK if you’re not the world’s leading expert on call centers — as long as you’re willing to jump in, learn about it, look for opportunities to improve, and take care to develop the people on these teams, which I was.”
Taking full advantage of the opportunities given her, McCaffrey started moving up the ladder, from clinical pharmacist to Pharmacy Services manager to director of Pharmacy & Service Operations to vice president of Pharmacy & Service Operations. Then came another one of the exercises in risk-taking — assuming a new position essentially created for her: vice president of Marketing & Business Development.
“I had some marketing background from Eli Lilly — they put us through great training programs, but I didn’t go to college for marketing,” she explained, adding that she leaned on those who did to help build the HNE brand, while also engaging in business-development initiatives, such as launching the Medicare and Medicaid product lines.
After six years in that role, she was promoted to COO, another newly created position, which included everything she was already doing, in addition to sales and a new IT department.
By the spring of 2013, she found herself spending more and more time at Baystate Health — HNE’s parent company — working with its CEO, Mark Tolosky, and board members, and filling in for Straley at a number of meetings and events. Late that summer, not long after Straley made clear his intention to retire and the timeline to do so, Tolosky offered her the CEO’s job. She took over early last month.
Her new office is slightly larger than the one she’s occupied the past few years, and the responsibilities are certainly greater, but McCaffrey said her management style and her approach to working with others within the company won’t change.
When asked to describe it, she returned to that word ‘collaboration,’ which she described as the opposite of dictating, which is certainly not her style.
“I believe that, if you get teams to work together, you get a better product than if just one person is in a dictatorship role,” she said. “But, likewise, you can’t be afraid to make decisions; you need someone who can be decisive and, with either limited data or as much data as you have, make those decisions.
“More importantly, my leadership style is based on what we call our high-performance culture,” she went on, adding that there are three steps to creating it:
• Make sure employees know and understand that they are responsible for their own performance;
• Likewise, employees are responsible for the success of those who are critical to helping them get their job done, what the company calls ‘shareholders’; and
• Make it clear that employees have to give up their own agendas for the good of the company.
“You need to develop core relationships with the people you work with,” she went on. “To me, that’s the cornerstone of the high-performance culture we have here; you must develop relationships, even with the most challenging people, the people that are most difficult for you, the people who have opposite personalities than you. My expectation is that you will then understand where someone is coming from and empathize, put yourself in their shoes.”
Future Tense
Teamwork and a high-performance culture has enabled HNE to outperform competitors that are exponentially larger, said McCaffrey, and those qualities will be needed moving forward as the landscape for health plans becomes ever more challenging.
Looking ahead, she said that change is necessary — that aforementioned shift from the traditional pay-per-service model to one that rewards providers for keeping people from getting sick — and that it is happening, albeit not as quickly as most people would like.
“If we’re changing the way we practice medicine, from the fee-for-service, do-more-and-you-get-paid-more world, to one of population management and being responsible for a global budget for people, while at all times maintaining the highest-quality care possible … that’s not going to happen overnight,” she said. “But can I look out on Western Mass. and see flickers of positive behavior? I absolutely can.”
“But even with continued progress in population management, the real key to creating a healthier community will be to inspire people to take control of their own health and well-being,” said McCaffrey.
“That’s a challenge for every provider that interacts with someone; it’s a challenge for every disease-management group,” she told BusinessWest. “How do you convince someone that wearing a pedometer and walking 10,000 steps a day is really a good thing? They can read the material, they understand that, and they understand that, if they eat McDonald’s three times a week, that’s not good for their heart. Moving from knowing something to doing something, or not doing something, is the key.”
Now one of the few women in top-leadership positions among the region’s largest employers, McCaffrey was asked about these numbers and whether they are likely to change.
She said they might, if the business community becomes more willing to give women such opportunities and, more importantly, if women are willing to take the risks and do the hard work necessary to seize those opportunities.
“Women have to be willing to take risks and put themselves out there,” she said, adding that this goes for men as well. “If you want to sit back and hope that someone comes to you someday and says ‘would you like to be a CEO?’ then the chances of that happening are slim to none.
“But if you’re willing to manage your fears and your insecurities and say, ‘I don’t know how to manage a call center, but I know how to manage people, and if you know how to do that part of a job, the technical aspects will take care of themselves,’ then you can get the role you want — there’s no doubt in my mind,” she went on. “You have to be able to put aside those fears and say, ‘I can do this.’ You can’t be afraid; you can’t let fear hold you back.”
Bottom Line
It’s been a very intriguing 10 years for both the healthcare industry and McCaffrey since she told her husband she was “all in” on Health New England.
She’s shown repeatedly that she’s able to put aside those fears and insecurities she mentioned and not only reach for opportunities, but grasp them as well.
This is a philosophy that she believes permeates the entire company, and she’s intent on keeping it that way, as evidenced by the language in a global e-mail she sent to the staff just after she officially took over as CEO.
“I said that I was excited about what’s in store for us,” she recalled. “I said that there are times of change still ahead, and that if we keep to the core of who and what our company is, we can look at this change as opportunity and growth for the company.”
And as she goes about that assignment, she can certainly lead by example.
George O’Brien can be reached at [email protected]
Arguments Rage Over Its Size, Causes, and Potential Solutions
While pushing for the proposed Paycheck Fairness Act, President Obama trotted out an oft-repeated statistic — that working women in the U.S. make, on average, 77 cents for every dollar that men earn.
It’s a startling figure, but one in serious dispute, because it uses raw median wages from census data, and doesn’t take into account a number of differences between men and women, including the fact that women work fewer hours on average — with parental obligations being a large factor — and the fact that the careers they choose are, on average, lower-paying than male-dominated fields.
Obama’s own Department of Labor reported as much in 2010, noting that “there are observable differences in the attributes of men and women that account for most of the wage gap. Statistical analysis that includes those variables has produced results that collectively account for between 65.1% and 76.4% of the raw gender wage gap … and thereby leave an adjusted gender wage gap that is between 4.8% and 7.1%.
Even that single-digit gap, however — which economists have not been able to explain — is too much, say proponents of the federal Paycheck Fairness Act, several iterations of which have been proposed over the past decade, the most recent having passed the House but stalled in the Senate in April.
According to U.S. News & World Report, the act seeks to make wages more transparent, requiring employers to prove that wage discrepancies are tied to legitimate business qualifications and not gender, and prohibiting companies from taking retaliatory action against employees who raise concerns about gender-based wage discrimination.
“The Paycheck Fairness Act … still requires employees to meet an exceptionally high burden before an employer need even offer an affirmative defense,” argues the National Women’s Law Center, which supports the bill.
The center notes that, under the Equal Pay Act of 1963, a plaintiff must identify a comparable male employee who makes more money for performing equal work, requiring equal skill, effort, and responsibility under similar working conditions. “Employers may still pay different wages to male and female employees performing equal work if the pay decision is based on merit, seniority, or quantity or quality of production.”
Still, some supporters say the bill, even if eventually passed, is just a start, and that what the employment landscape needs is nothing short of culture change when it comes to accommodating the needs of women and paying them accordingly.
Mother of All Problems
For example, UMass professors Joya Misra, Michelle Budig, and Irene Boeckmann studied gender disparities across the globe and determined that, in most countries, the variation in employment and pay between mothers and childless women is greater than that between childless men and childless women, suggesting that these differences are driven not so much by gender as by parenthood.
Claudia Goldin, a Harvard economist who has written considerably about wages and gender, points out how a refusal by employers to accommodate mothers’ work-life obligations accounts for a significant portion of wage disparity over time.
“The gender gap in pay would be considerably reduced and might even vanish if firms did not have an incentive to disproportionately reward individuals who worked long hours and who worked particular hours,” she writes, adding that, ideally, companies should offer workers more options for how much to work and when to work, and not penalize them because of an unconventional schedule.
“Goldin’s emphasis on the relationship between more flexible working hours and lower wage gaps can fix the gap at the hourly level. It would allow women who put in the same hours as men — no matter when they put them in — to earn the same rate,” writes Bryce Covert in New Republic.
“Of course,” he adds, “flexibility probably wouldn’t have a big impact on the annual wage gap, which reflects the fact that women are much more likely than men to have to interrupt or completely pause their careers to care for children. But that doesn’t mean the government is powerless to reduce the annual wage gap. Initiatives like affordable child care and paid family leave can make it easier for caregivers — who, even now, are predominantly women — to pick up the kids from school or take time off for a new baby. It might also encourage more men to do the same things.”
Meanwhile, opponents of the Paycheck Fairness Act point out a striking pay disparity in the careers men and women choose, arguing that individual choices account for a large portion of that purported 77% gap.
Christina Hoff Sommers, the iconoclastic writer on women’s issues, notes in the Daily Beast that, despite efforts to promote STEM careers to young women, most engineering, math, and computer-science fields — among the highest-paying careers — are dominated by men, while nine of the 10 least remunerative college majors — including careers in education, social services, and the arts — are dominated by women.
“All evidence suggests that, though young women have the talent for engineering and computer science, their interest tends to lie elsewhere,” she writes. “To say that these women remain helplessly in thrall to sexist stereotypes, and manipulated into life choices by forces beyond their control, is divorced from reality — and demeaning to boot. If a woman wants to be a teacher rather than a miner, or a veterinarian rather than a petroleum engineer, more power to her.”
Stemming the Tide
Frank Bruni, an op-ed columnist for the New York Times, says those trends in career choice are not irreversible, but may, in fact, result from deep-rooted, long-standing pressures young women feel to follow certain career paths.
“If we’re concerned about them, if we’re concerned about all working women, we have to talk about child care, flexible hours, paid leave,” he writes. “We have to talk about gender stereotypes and whether they steer women into professions with lower compensation. We have to talk about the choices that women make and which of those they feel muscled into.”
He’s not the first to argue that women are raised to prefer ‘nurturing’ fields and that men are encouraged to prioritize pay over job satisfaction. Kay Hymowitz, a writer with the conservative Manhattan Institute, says that discussion often breaks down along political lines.
“According to liberals, if women are becoming pediatricians instead of neurosurgeons, public-interest rather than corporate lawyers, child-care workers rather than coal miners, and are working 35 rather than 40 hours a week, as they are, it’s because of what Frank Bruni described as a culture that ‘places a different set of expectations and burdens on women and that still nudges or even shames them into certain roles,’” she writes.
“In the conservative view,” she goes on, “it’s the natural differences between men and women which lead them to make many of the life choices they do, differences that could probably not be resolved by anything less than mandatory universal hormone injections. The two sides are not likely to reach agreement on this nature/nurture debate anytime soon.”
Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]
An Employer’s Obligations to Sick and Disabled Employees
By KATHRYN S. CROUSS, Esq.
Kathryn S. Crouss, Esq.
The following summary of the relevant law will assist you in understanding what employment practices are lawful or unlawful, and what steps you must take with regard to your sick or disabled employees.
The language in the federal statute, the ADAA, and the Mass. statute, General Laws c. 151B, are substantially similar. According to state and federal law, employees with a qualified handicap are protected from discrimination on the basis of that handicap, as long as the employee is capable of performing the essential functions of the position with reasonable accommodation.
Unwary employers could fall into certain traps regarding their treatment of sick or disabled employees. Following are some questions to ask to navigate those potential pitfalls.
Is the Employee Handicapped?
Employees are generally considered ‘handicapped’ if their condition limits or restricts a major life activity, even temporarily. The legal definition of major life activities is very broad, including walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, working, thinking, and sleeping, among others. A qualified handicapped person is one who is capable of performing the essential functions of a particular job with reasonable accommodation to his or her handicap. If an employee can be considered a qualified handicapped person, an employer has certain obligations to that employee.
Can the Employee Perform the Essential Functions of the Job?
Employers are often faced with balancing the needs of running a business against their obligations to their sick or disabled employees. If employees are not capable of performing the primary tasks associated with their position, then employers are not obligated to the employee under disability law.
However, if an employee’s handicap or illness limits only incidental functions of the position, or tasks that are not performed regularly as part of the position, the employer may owe the employee a duty to offer a reasonable accommodation.
What Is a Reasonable Accommodation?
A reasonable accommodation is any adjustment or modification to the way a job is done, an employment practice, or a work environment that makes it possible for an employee to perform the essential functions or his or her position. Even if a handicapped employee is actually performing the job, the employer is obligated to reasonably accommodate the employee if he is performing the job with difficulty.
It is important to note that the employer does not have to provide the best accommodation available, or even the accommodation specifically requested by the employee, but instead is obligated to provide only an accommodation that is effective for its purpose. Further, an accommodation that is not likely to enable the employee to perform the essential functions of the position is not considered a reasonable one, and therefore not required.
What Are Some Types of Reasonable Accommodations?
Most employers recognize that wider doorways or lowered desk spaces are reasonable accommodations to assist disabled employees in performing the essential functions of their positions. However, accommodations that have been found to be reasonable by the courts may surprise some employers.
In certain circumstances, employers may be required to reassign non-essential job functions to other employees, permit performance of job functions at alternate locations (such as working from home), or even modify methods of supervision or evaluation. Employers are often surprised to learn that time off from work, even extended periods of time, can be considered a reasonable accommodation.
While employers are not required to grant sick or disabled employees open-ended or indefinite leaves of absence, courts have required employers to provide leaves of absence as long as 52 weeks to a disabled employee.
What Are the Employer’s Obligations?
Logically, an employer is not required to provide an accommodation when it is not aware of, or has no reason to know of, the employee’s illness or disability. Employees are responsible for informing their employer that an accommodation is needed, unless the handicap and the need for an accommodation are known or should be known to the employer.
However, if an employee is unable to suggest a reasonable accommodation, the employer is obligated to engage in a dialog with the employee to identify one.
The duty to engage in an interactive dialogue is ongoing. Both employers and employees must engage in a good-faith, interactive discussion to determine whether a reasonable accommodation exists that would permit the employee to perform the essential functions of his job. In some cases, employers may even be required to initiate the discussion if the employee has not done so.
It is important to note that employers are obligated to engage in the interactive process even when it believes the requested accommodation is futile. Employers must take note that refusal to engage in the interactive process is in and of itself a violation of discrimination laws.
What About Undue Hardship?
Of course, the duty to provide sick and disabled employees with reasonable accommodations is not without limit. Employers that can successfully show that providing the employee with a reasonable accommodation would pose an undue hardship to the business are not obligated to do so.
For example, if an employer can successfully demonstrate that holding an employee’s position open during an extended leave of absence would pose an undue burden to the company, it is not obligated to hold the position open. Considerations specific to each employer, such as the size of the business in proportion to the number of employees, the composition and structure of the employer’s workforce, and the nature and costs of the necessary accommodation, will be important in determining an employer’s obligation.
In summary, employers must be aware of their obligations when making employment decisions regarding employees or potential employees with known illnesses or disabilities. Employers are advised to consult an employment-law attorney to avoid potential exposure to liability.
Kathryn S. Crouss, Esq. is a member of Bacon Wilson’s litigation department and handles all aspects of civil litigation, including employee and management-side employment-law litigation, personal injury, and domestic-relations litigation; (413) 781-0560; baconwilson.com/attorneys/crouss
Send photos with a caption and contact information to: ‘Picture This’ c/o BusinessWest Magazine, 1441 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103 or to [email protected]
Their Your Story
‘Own Your Story’ was the theme of the 19th annual Women’s Leadership Conference staged by Bay Path College on April 25 at the MassMutual Center. More than 2,000 attendees were treated to several keynote addresses and a wide range of informative breakout sessions. From top: afternoon keynote speaker Barbara Walters, long-time television news journalist, talks about her career and pending retirement; attendees visit booths in the main lobby before the conference begins; Walters poses with several Bay Path students after her speech; morning keynoter Lara Setrakian, founder and executive editor of News Deeply, chats with George Keady III, chair of the Bay Path board of trustees and senior vice president of UBS Financial Services Inc.; luncheon keynoter Bruce Feller, a New York Times columnist and author, addresses the audience.
Scenes from the 2014 40 Under Forty Reunion
More than 100 people gathered at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House on April 24 for the second annual 40 Under Forty reunion party, which drew alumni from among the past seven classes of honorees. Pictured are Nico Santaniello, financial representative at Northwestern Mutual, a sponsor of the event; Kate Campiti, associate publisher at BusinessWest; and Paul Kozub (class of 2007 and 2009 judge), owner of Valley Vodka.
From left, Sharon Marshall, financial representative at Northwestern Mutual, an event sponsor; Kathleen Plante, advertising consultant at BusinessWest; Sarah Tsitso (class of 2007), executive director at the Springfield Boys & Girls Club; Michelle Theroux (class of 2007), executive director of Berkshire Hills Music Academy; and Pam Thornton, business development manager at United Personnel and past president of the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield.
Danielle Lord (class of 2012), administrator at O’Connell Care at Home & Staffing Services, and Dan Bessette (class of 2009), owner of Get Set Marketing.
From left, Dan Finn (class of 2010), independent associate at Viridian; Jason Tsitso (class of 2012), project manager at MR&D LLC; and Adam Quenneville (class of 2009), president of Adam Quenneville Roofing & Siding.
From left, Kristi Reale (class of 2009), senior manager at Meyers Brother Kalicka, P.C.; Sean Wandrei (class of 2010), lecturer in taxation at the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst; and Melyssa Brown (class of 2013), manager of audit and accounting at Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.
Members of event sponsor Northwestern Mutual, from left, Shekha Patel, financial representative; Tia Allen, campus recruiter; and Anand Thakkar.
From left, Bernie McCoy; Kate Kane, managing director of Northwestern Mutual’s Springfield office, an event sponsor; and Susan Mielnikowski (class of 2010), elder-law and estate-planning attorney at Cooley Shrair, P.C.
From left, Ed Zemba (class of 2007), owner of Robert Charles Photography; Gwen Burke, senior advertising consultant at BusinessWest; and Craig Swimm (class of 2007), general manager of 94.7 WMAS and 1450 WHLL.
From left, Leyla Kayi, director of donor relations at the Gray House; Peter Ellis (class of 2011), creative director at DIF Design; Jessecah Gower of the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center; and Jennifer Schimmel (class of 2011) of Habitat for Humanity. The Gray House, Habitat, and the O’Connor Center were all spotlighted at the reunion by the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield, which unveiled its YPS Cares program, an effort to foster volunteerism in the community.
From left, Jason Barroso (class of 2013), project environmental scientist at Tighe & Bond; Jeremy Leap (class of 2013), vice president of commercial lending at Country Bank for Savings; Kristen Hua (class of 2011), assistant vice president at PeoplesBank; and Xiaolei Hua (class of 2013), assistant vice president and credit officer at PeoplesBank.
Dianne Doherty (2011 judge), left, regional director of the Mass. Small Business Development Center’s Western Mass. office, and Samalid Hogan (class of 2013), project manager for the city of Springfield.
From left, Erin Couture (class of 2013), vice president of commercial lending at Florence Savings Bank; Jeff Fialky (class of 2008 and 2013 judge), attorney at Bacon Wilson, P.C.; and Susan Mielnikowski (class of 2010), elder-law and estate-planning attorney at Cooley Shrair, P.C.
Members of the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield, which partnered with BusinessWest in the production of the reunion event, gather for a group photo. Many of the group’s members are 40 Under Forty honorees.
The following building permits were issued during the month of April 2014.
AMHERST
Echo Hill Townhouse Condominium
Webster Court
$14,000 — Strip and re-roof
CHICOPEE
Charter Communications
354 Sheridan St.
$168,000 — Renovations for new offices
City of Chicopee Parks and Recreation
Abbey Memorial Park
$73,000 — Baseball dugouts
HOLYOKE
Weld Partners
95 Chestnut St.
$3,500,000 — Convert Mara Hall into 14 planned residential units; building A
LUDLOW
AMP Real Estate Group
483 Chapin St.
$30,000 — Addition and alterations
NORTHAMPTON
Better Homes Properties, LLC
34 New South St.
$51,000 — Exterior renovations building A
Better Homes Properties, LLC
34 New South St.
$108,000 — Exterior renovations building B
Continental Cablevision
790 Florence Road
$143,000 — Add antennas and equipment building
Packaging Corp of America
525 Mt. Tom Road
$329,000 — Install TPO roof system
Paradise Realty Partners, LLC
766 North King St.
$190,000 — Convert two units on the first floor to a doctor’s office
SOUTH HADLEY
Big Y
44 Willimansett St.
$179,000 — Install new roof
Center for Redevelopment Commission
29 College St.
$10,000 — Renovations
Hampden Christian Academy
36 Hadley St.
$83,000 — Install new roof
SOUTHWICK
Allegrone Construction
608 College Highway
$50,000 — Commercial alterations
SPRINGFIELD
Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints
376 Maple St.
$21,000 — Water damage repairs
Mass Mutual
1500 Main St.
$47,000 — Interior renovations
PVTA
2808 Main St.
$897,000 — Removal and reinstallation of the bus wash system
WESTFIELD
CPL, LLC
37 Feeding Hills Road
$374,000 — Interior renovations
Kenia Associates, LLC
65 Springfield St.
$214,000 — Finish existing office space
Reed Hall Holding, LLC
29 School St.
$150,000 — Interior renovations
Whitetail Realty, LLP
97 Servistar Industrial Way
$8,000 — Convert two offices to one
WEST SPRINGFIELD
Five Below
935 Riverdale St.
$175,000 — Storefront alterations for change of use and tenant fit out
New Hampshire Dept. of Agriculture, Markets, and Food
1305 Memorial Dr.
$94,000 — New roof
The following real estate transactions (latest available) were compiled by Banker & Tradesman and are published as they were received. Only transactions exceeding $115,000 are listed. Buyer and seller fields contain only the first name listed on the deed.
FRANKLIN COUNTY
ASHFIELD
1903 Conway Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Yvonne Bourdillon
Seller: David P. Thibault
Date: 03/24/14
190 Creamery Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Helena C. McCracken
Seller: Yvonne Bourdillon
Date: 03/24/14
BERNARDSTON
40 Gill Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Richard J. Couture
Seller: Jeffrey S. Pratt
Date: 04/01/14
34 Hillcrest Dr.
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Kayla M. Breor
Seller: Judith Webb
Date: 03/25/14
COLRAIN
98 New County Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $261,000
Buyer: Jonathan D. Byerly
Seller: David Tasgal
Date: 04/03/14
CONWAY
111 Williamsburg Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $184,000
Buyer: Melanie Burt
Seller: Collin J. Burt
Date: 03/31/14
DEERFIELD
72 Boynton Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Frank P. Marchand
Seller: Richard Giusto
Date: 03/28/14
387 Greenfield Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Frank Ingemi
Seller: Childs, Janet A., (Estate)
Date: 03/31/14
31 Thayer St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Donna L. Blackney
Seller: William J. Gilman
Date: 03/31/14
ERVING
11 Briggs St.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $142,500
Buyer: Shannon M. Herzig
Seller: Joel L. Thurber
Date: 03/28/14
GREENFIELD
687 Bernardston Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $166,900
Buyer: Beneficial MA Inc.
Seller: Lynn T. Parker
Date: 03/28/14
255 Colrain Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $147,500
Buyer: William C. Phelps
Seller: Steven P. Myers
Date: 03/26/14
3 Cooke St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Donald D. Renfrew
Seller: Alma D. Mankowsky
Date: 04/01/14
280 Country Club Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Sarah E. Blackmore
Seller: RCR Holdings LLC
Date: 03/31/14
16 Duren Dr.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Ethan M. Wilkins
Date: 03/31/14
12 Freeman Dr.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Robert A. Emond
Date: 03/24/14
40 Lunt Dr.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Michael S. Coulombe
Seller: Karin Browning
Date: 03/28/14
7 Raingley Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Nancy D. Krull
Seller: Andrea S. Martin
Date: 04/03/14
MONTAGUE
100 3rd St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $139,000
Buyer: Harlan G. Harvey
Seller: Down To Earth Property Management
Date: 03/28/14
59 Dell St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Heather Sheperd
Seller: Green, Mildred R., (Estate)
Date: 03/26/14
NEW SALEM
50 Blackinton Road
New Salem, MA 01364
Amount: $221,500
Buyer: Viera Lorencova
Seller: Julie A. Caouette
Date: 03/24/14
255 West St.
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Michael L. Sorenson
Seller: Ethan R. Forbes
Date: 03/28/14
NORTHFIELD
92 Main St.
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Eugene Rice
Seller: FHLM
Date: 03/31/14
6 Woodruff Way
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $128,900
Buyer: Matthew J. Lucier
Seller: Huber, Robert L., (Estate)
Date: 04/04/14
ORANGE
53 Fairman Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $125,214
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Randy A. Parker
Date: 03/28/14
SHELBURNE
20 Bardwells Ferry Road
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Ronald M. Szpila
Seller: Lisa A. Deangelis
Date: 03/24/14
247 Main St.
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: Kyle Canepari
Seller: 247-251 Main LLC
Date: 03/31/14
SUNDERLAND
62 Claybrook Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $320,000
Seller: Herbert J. Sinofsky
Date: 03/28/14
256 Plumtree Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Sarah M. Waskiewicz
Seller: Yestramski, Edith, (Estate)
Date: 03/31/14
HAMPDEN COUNTY
AGAWAM
14 Bradford Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $197,000
Buyer: Matthew M. Morrissey
Seller: Dawn M. Gronda
Date: 03/24/14
32 Federal St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Martin M. Downey
Seller: Frederick A. Harpin
Date: 03/28/14
14 Kosciusko Ave.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $219,000
Buyer: Philip J. McKenzie
Seller: Paul A. Ciborowski
Date: 03/25/14
39 Liberty St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $146,250
Buyer: William P. Whitman
Seller: Leo L. Gaulin
Date: 03/31/14
180 North Westfield St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Thomas E. Hoyle
Seller: Michael D. Berry
Date: 04/02/14
15 Walter Way
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $359,900
Buyer: Janis R. Oles
Seller: John H. Houle
Date: 03/31/14
BRIMFIELD
69 Cubles Dr.
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: William Sweeney
Seller: Eleanor Snelgrove
Date: 03/28/14
64 Prospect Hill Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $321,000
Buyer: Karri E. Galonek
Seller: James G. Gerrish
Date: 04/01/14
CHICOPEE
44 Alvord Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Guadalupe M. Friedson
Seller: Wells Fargo Bank
Date: 03/24/14
117 Caddyshack Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $495,000
Buyer: Thomas J. Jendrysik
Seller: Carol A. Zimmermann
Date: 03/31/14
144 East St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Jose G. Vicente
Seller: Lois Delisle
Date: 03/24/14
104 Edgewood Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: Keith R. Fontaine
Seller: Edward S. West
Date: 03/31/14
47 Graham Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: Melissa M. Spears
Seller: Craig M. Dube
Date: 03/28/14
96 Hilton St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Ryan Fitzemeyer
Seller: James D. Pollard
Date: 03/31/14
35 Lafond Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $228,500
Buyer: Donna M. Charette
Seller: Joseph A. Tetrault
Date: 03/28/14
27 Martha St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $159,900
Buyer: Francis J. Kempton
Seller: Jason P. Wilkinson
Date: 03/31/14
930 McKinstry Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $182,500
Buyer: Mariya Borisik
Seller: Quynh Dao
Date: 03/31/14
145 Nonotuck Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: David M. Aucoin
Seller: Diamondback Properties
Date: 04/02/14
28 Spence St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Christina M. Santinello
Seller: Gary J. Shea
Date: 03/31/14
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $117,500
Buyer: Stephen G. Young
Seller: Jablonski, Stella M., (Estate)
Date: 04/04/14
EAST LONGMEADOW
160 Canterbury Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $532,000
Buyer: Manohar Shenoy
Seller: Dan Roulier & Assocs. Inc.
Date: 03/26/14
15 Dale St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $257,500
Buyer: Francesco A. Carrano
Seller: Countrywide Home Loan Inc.
Date: 03/28/14
103 Gates Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $168,000
Buyer: Adam J. Dubois
Seller: Patrick M. Oshei
Date: 03/27/14
21 Hillside Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $196,000
Buyer: Elizabeth M. Lyons
Seller: Dineen, Dorothy M., (Estate)
Date: 03/31/14
10 Holland Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: Michelle N. Rostek
Seller: Mario A. Cardinale
Date: 04/04/14
217 Parker St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Ian T. Morrissey
Seller: Amy C. Distefano
Date: 03/27/14
64 Pleasant St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Tomroc Holdings LLC
Seller: FNMA
Date: 03/26/14
36 Rogers Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $154,850
Buyer: Lewis J. Emma
Seller: Thomas W. Daly
Date: 03/27/14
144 Stonehill Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Mary A. O’Connor
Seller: Douglas A. Yandow
Date: 04/02/14
HAMPDEN
36 Commercial Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $430,312
Buyer: Stuart A. Fearn
Seller: Katherine J. Hickson
Date: 04/02/14
211 South Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: Colleen E. Foerster
Seller: Sherry Himmelstein
Date: 04/02/14
Stafford Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Geoffrey M. Rockwell
Seller: Michael A. Cimmino
Date: 04/01/14
HOLLAND
4 Forest Dr.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $179,000
Buyer: Meghan E. Thompson
Seller: Nicholas Truax
Date: 03/24/14
HOLYOKE
79 Brookline Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Jessica L. Montagna
Seller: Christopher J. Britton
Date: 03/24/14
688 High St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Dennis Lovely
Seller: Christopher A. Prost
Date: 03/26/14
12 Liberty St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Premier Source Credit Union
Seller: James M. Brunelle
Date: 03/27/14
455 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $189,990
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Nicolle L. Sugrue
Date: 04/04/14
20 Princeton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Kelly J. Hellstein
Seller: Nellie A. Taylor-Donohue
Date: 03/24/14
87 Sheehan Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: James L. Richard
Seller: Richard M. Smith
Date: 03/28/14
LONGMEADOW
168 Colony Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Patrick A. Streck
Seller: Catherine Novak
Date: 03/25/14
182 Farmington Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $1,028,500
Buyer: Tyson M. Streeter
Seller: Richard P. Anderson
Date: 03/31/14
20 Hillcrest Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $434,500
Buyer: Claus Hesselberg-Thomsen
Seller: Angela L. Anderson
Date: 03/28/14
1560 Longmeadow St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $246,000
Buyer: Steven M. Haddad
Seller: James Haddad
Date: 03/24/14
86 Oakwood Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $176,000
Buyer: Penquin Realty Inc.
Seller: Elizabeth M. Flink
Date: 03/28/14
164 Pinewood Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Thomas McLaughlin
Seller: Hao M. Wu
Date: 04/03/14
LUDLOW
271 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $385,000
Seller: Andrew Boyea
Date: 03/27/14
677 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Jack C. Mendes
Seller: Carlos Branco
Date: 03/28/14
70 Kirkland Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $150,878
Buyer: FHLM
Seller: Ilidio F. Pinto
Date: 03/25/14
258 Howard St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Casey L. Mendrala
Seller: Paul M. Miele
Date: 03/31/14
13 Park Terrace
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $220,043
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Scott E. Holbrook
Date: 04/04/14
81 Pondview Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $192,000
Buyer: Nuno M. Pereira
Seller: Nicholas H. Gallup
Date: 04/04/14
35 Scott St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: James E. Parker
Seller: Stephen M. Charpentier
Date: 03/31/14
30 Southwood Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Paulo L. Roxo
Seller: Tuoc Pham
Date: 03/26/14
161 Stivens Terrace
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $167,000
Buyer: Jettie C. McCollough
Seller: Edward F. Burgess
Date: 04/01/14
38 West Akard St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: James Lovern
Seller: Kim M. Miarecki
Date: 04/01/14
163 Waverly Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $336,000
Buyer: Juan Rivera
Seller: Ronald R. Larocque
Date: 04/04/14
MONSON
12 Alden Thrasher Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: John H. Scheuermann
Seller: Clifford J. Farquhar
Date: 03/26/14
17 Beebe Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $192,000
Buyer: Chase J. Cheverie
Seller: Cadieux, Roberta A., (Estate)
Date: 03/28/14
11 Crest Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Amy Otto
Seller: Deborah A. Tighe
Date: 03/26/14
50 Ely Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: John P. Willemain
Seller: Lisa M. Walters
Date: 03/27/14
275 Lower Hampden Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Michael J. Stacy
Seller: Grant W. Hamilton
Date: 03/31/14
66 Stafford Hollow Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Michael A. Reid
Seller: Randy W. Graham
Date: 04/04/14
PALMER
86 Mason St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Michael Gralinski
Seller: Yvan O. Lachance
Date: 04/01/14
N/A
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $159,500
Buyer: Margaret M. Superneau
Seller: Frederick J. Tenczar
Date: 03/28/14
Riverview Parkway
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $174,000
Buyer: Christopher J. Rhodes
Seller: Deborah A. Haley
Date: 03/27/14
RUSSELL
70 Old Westfield Road
Russell, MA 01034
Amount: $163,900
Buyer: Melissa A. Milanczuk
Seller: Dennis C. Hugue
Date: 03/28/14
SPRINGFIELD
818 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Chandra Bhattarai
Seller: D. B. Properties LLC
Date: 03/31/14
47 Bither St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Jordan Gilliam
Seller: Matthew S. Shejen
Date: 03/28/14
25 Calhoun St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Eda Ema LLC
Seller: International Society Inc.
Date: 04/04/14
625 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $6,526,339
Buyer: 625 Carew Street LLC
Seller: Harrison Properties LLC
Date: 03/26/14
1508 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $192,800
Buyer: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Seller: Frank E. Schissel
Date: 04/03/14
24 Carew Terrace
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $139,900
Buyer: Yerica Santiago
Seller: Kastrinakis, Dimitra, (Estate)
Date: 03/31/14
244 Centre St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: WJSM Management Co. LLC
Seller: Salgo LLC
Date: 03/31/14
250 Centre St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: WJSM Management Co. LLC
Seller: Salgo LLC
Date: 03/31/14
274 Cooper St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Angelina Barbarisi
Seller: Kathleen A. Stratton
Date: 03/26/14
81 Crestmont St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $128,000
Buyer: Jonathan A. Letendre
Seller: RBS Citizens NA
Date: 03/25/14
208 Davis St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $117,000
Buyer: Brenda E. Reyes
Seller: Melissa A. Milanczuk
Date: 03/28/14
459 Dickinson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $560,000
Buyer: Karaaslan Realty LLC
Seller: S. C. S. Realty Corp. Inc.
Date: 04/01/14
215 Dorset St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $174,000
Buyer: Tanisha Cabezudo
Seller: Steven F. Thorn
Date: 04/01/14
87 Euclid Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Eda Ema LLC
Seller: International Society Inc.
Date: 04/04/14
30 Foster St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Eda Ema LLC
Seller: International Society Inc.
Date: 04/04/14
50 Fox Woods Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $198,370
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Jacqueline G. McGregor
Date: 04/04/14
30 Georgetown St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $128,000
Buyer: Matthew D. Adams
Seller: Amanda L. Desmith
Date: 03/24/14
396 Grayson Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $154,900
Buyer: Andrew M. Croteau
Date: 03/28/14
34 Grove St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Eda Ema LLC
Seller: International Society Inc.
Date: 04/04/14
33 Higgins St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Stephen A. Gasco
Seller: Zarchariah Viereck
Date: 03/27/14
9 Massasoit Place
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $122,500
Buyer: Angel M. Santiago
Seller: Webster Saintilma
Date: 04/03/14
33 Morningside Park
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $139,175
Buyer: Jose F. Umana
Seller: Annette R. Gallagher
Date: 04/01/14
59 Palmer Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Eda Ema LLC
Seller: International Society Inc.
Date: 04/04/14
20 Pequot St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Eda Ema LLC
Seller: International Society Inc.
Date: 04/04/14
32 Rathbun St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Mike Alkabani
Seller: Wilfred L. Trudeau
Date: 03/31/14
55 Riverview Terrace
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $337,500
Buyer: Lewis Lamson
Seller: Howard I. Kalodner
Date: 03/27/14
23 Rosedale Ave.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $124,000
Buyer: Frank V. Winn
Seller: Jeffrey D. Mislak
Date: 04/03/14
281 State St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: 281 State Street TR
Seller: UB Properties LLC
Date: 03/28/14
42 Sycamore St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Eda Ema LLC
Seller: International Society Inc.
Date: 04/04/14
45 Tyrone St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $159,608
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Hector A. Pagan
Date: 04/02/14
29 Wendell Place
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Eda Ema LLC
Seller: International Society Inc.
Date: 04/04/14
37 Whitmore Dr.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $156,000
Buyer: Eric S. Mattos
Seller: Francisco K. Serrano
Date: 03/28/14
124 Wilber St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $120,500
Buyer: Sandra V. Figueroa
Seller: Bryan R. Francis
Date: 04/04/14
186 Wildwood Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $194,000
Buyer: Justin L. Kent
Seller: Cathleen M. Dinnie
Date: 04/01/14
257 Winton St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Jake P. Trombley
Seller: Robert L. Foskitt
Date: 03/31/14
930 Worthington St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Adexi Cruz
Seller: Samuel R. Castellano
Date: 04/04/14
SOUTHWICK
86 Davis Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $248,500
Buyer: Sean A. Barrett
Seller: Arthur G. Chevalier
Date: 03/28/14
34 Grove St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $424,900
Buyer: Carla L. Hoffman
Seller: Richard S. Harty
Date: 04/01/14
175 South Loomis St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $156,000
Buyer: Eugene J. Whitehead
Seller: Raymond W. Clark
Date: 04/02/14
WALES
19 Holland Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Lee C. Chick
Seller: Charles L. Chick
Date: 04/01/14
WESTFIELD
78 Beveridge Blvd.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Taryn R. Mazejka
Seller: John A. Callini
Date: 03/31/14
106 Elm St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $625,000
Buyer: Norwich Properties LLC
Seller: Joseph J. Mantegna
Date: 04/02/14
19 Malone Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $264,338
Buyer: Citimortgage Inc.
Seller: Georgi E. Corriveau
Date: 03/27/14
152 Montgomery St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $171,900
Buyer: Joseph E. Cabana
Seller: Jacob W. Golen
Date: 03/28/14
417 North Elm St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $850,000
Buyer: Synium LLC
Seller: Atwood Drug Inc.
Date: 04/01/14
427 North Elm St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $850,000
Buyer: Synium LLC
Seller: Atwood Drug Inc.
Date: 04/01/14
Northwest Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Raymond J. Anton
Seller: John P. Pitoniak
Date: 04/04/14
11 Paper St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Andrew E. Goyette
Seller: Joseph W. Tremblay
Date: 03/25/14
954 Russell Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $209,000
Buyer: Alex Bublik
Seller: Patricia M. Hebert
Date: 04/04/14
1230 Russell Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $209,600
Buyer: Mogalkrupa LLC
Seller: Harnish Patel
Date: 03/31/14
19 Waterford Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Joseph M. Manfredi
Seller: Christina M. Moreau
Date: 04/04/14
WILBRAHAM
2810 Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: F. L. Roberts & Co. Inc.
Seller: Sandri Realty Inc.
Date: 04/02/14
14 Brainard Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $147,050
Buyer: MHFA
Seller: Caroline A. Boland
Date: 03/26/14
8 Falcon Heights
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: James R. Blume
Seller: Jennifer Biseinere
Date: 03/31/14
1008 Main St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $281,500
Buyer: Alison Askew
Seller: Thomas J. Hinks
Date: 03/31/14
76 Old Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Daniel P. Fernandes
Seller: Ryan Askew
Date: 03/31/14
799 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: John Lewis
Seller: Patrick J. Burns
Date: 03/27/14
WEST SPRINGFIELD
Austin Lane
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Hubert R. Scott
Seller: West Meadow Homes Inc.
Date: 04/04/14
72 Bridle Path Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Marie A. Devlin
Seller: Saengthavy Phommachanh
Date: 03/27/14
33 Brookline Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Jennifer L. Negron
Seller: John Chernisky
Date: 03/28/14
27 Dorwin Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Bryan Miles
Seller: Michael R. Grandfield
Date: 03/24/14
367 Gooseberry Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $254,900
Buyer: Victoria A. Dellasperanza
Seller: Sharon E. Turner
Date: 04/04/14
4 Johnson St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $184,000
Buyer: Eric A. Hernandez
Seller: Enith Mendez
226 Morton St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $192,000
Buyer: Zaid Tuffaha
Seller: Richard C. Gallup
Date: 03/26/14
62 Warren St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Lindsey E. Bridge
Seller: David J. Caron
Date: 03/31/14
HAMPSHIRE COUNTY
AMHERST
115 Blue Hills Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $332,500
Buyer: Mark J. Whipple
Seller: Wendy Sibbison
Date: 03/28/14
109 Cherry Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Yang Zhang
Seller: David J. Geoffroy
Date: 04/01/14
263 Grantwood Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Isaac Chow
Seller: FNMA
Date: 03/28/14
365 Henry St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Adam J. Ortiz
Seller: Kathy M. Holle
Date: 04/03/14
38 Nutting Ave.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $975,000
Buyer: PI Kappa PHI Properties
Seller: Alph Chi Omega National Housing
Date: 03/31/14
4 Stagecoach Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $289,000
Buyer: Katharine J. Waggoner
Seller: Thomas D. Snowman
Date: 03/31/14
24 Whippletree Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $377,500
Buyer: Haiping Ke
Seller: David K. Lee
Date: 03/28/14
BELCHERTOWN
5 Brandywine Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Christopher J. McGurk
Seller: Kennedy H. Clark
Date: 03/28/14
31 Jabish St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $237,500
Buyer: Adam D. Daniell
Seller: Ketchen FT
Date: 03/27/14
Munsell St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Marcel A. Nines
Seller: Peter S. Galuszka
Date: 03/27/14
26 North Main St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Christopher R. Reynolds
Seller: Richard F. Greene
Date: 04/02/14
33 Poole Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Buyer: David F. Habicht
Seller: Patrick R. Taylor
Date: 04/01/14
144 Shea Ave.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $294,900
Buyer: Jennifer A. Applegate
Seller: Kelly Hayward
Date: 03/31/14
130 Ware Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Scott M. Bonafini
Seller: Alan R. Barthelette
Date: 03/25/14
CUMMINGTON
21 West Main St.
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: Mariam Massaro
Seller: Carleen M. Madigan
Date: 03/28/14
EASTHAMPTON
18 Button Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $269,920
Buyer: Peter A. Sokolwski
Seller: EH Homeownership LLC
Date: 03/31/14
13 Exeter St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $194,900
Buyer: New City Properties LLC
Seller: Provident Funding Assocs. LP
Date: 03/31/14
243 Hendrick St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Timothy S. Rogers
Seller: Parsons, Dora E., (Estate)
Date: 03/31/14
7 Kimberly Lane
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Kevin T. McGrath
Seller: Janson T. Robare
Date: 03/31/14
15 Laurel Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Jason A. Robare
Seller: Thomas M. Cleary
Date: 03/31/14
25 Sandra Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $188,500
Buyer: Brendan K. McKinney
Seller: Ronald L. Sedergren
Date: 03/31/14
21 Taft Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $259,900
Buyer: Amy V. Marsters
Seller: Gregory T. Sears
Date: 03/28/14
GOSHEN
104 Ball Road
Goshen, MA 01096
Amount: $152,500
Buyer: PDV Inc.
Seller: Steven Weiss
Date: 04/04/14
GRANBY
116 Munsing Ridge
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $322,500
Buyer: Daniel J. Randall
Seller: Peter J. Gaj
Date: 03/28/14
128 Pleasant St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Gregory T. Sears
Seller: Norman W. Ingham
Date: 03/28/14
HADLEY
85 Chmura Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Commonwealth Of Massachusetts
Seller: Helen S. Waskiewicz
Date: 03/25/14
451 Russell St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $570,000
Buyer: Hampshire Mosque Inc.
Seller: Michael L. Zabre
Date: 04/02/14
HATFIELD
63 King St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Bonney A. Brown
Seller: Patricia A. Bell
Date: 03/28/14
MIDDLEFIELD
69 Clark Wright Road
Middlefield, MA 01243
Amount: $134,251
Buyer: Homesales Inc.
Seller: David Hrassler
Date: 03/31/14
NORTHAMPTON
13 Dana St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Alexander Simom
Seller: Judith V. Champagne
Date: 04/03/14
56 Elizabeth St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $350,002
Buyer: Ann E. Scagel
Seller: John G. Graiff
Date: 03/28/14
123 Moser St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Kent Pecoy & Sons Construction
Seller: Hospital Hill Dev LLC
81 Henshaw Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $775,000
Buyer: Joshua Mintz
Seller: Yechiael E. Lander
Date: 04/02/14
69 Overlook Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $196,000
Buyer: Nellie A. Taylor
Seller: Erik S. Matewski
Date: 03/24/14
236 Pleasant St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $249,000
Buyer: Crossover Properties LLC
Seller: Linda F. Ronen
Date: 03/31/14
SOUTH HADLEY
246 Hadley St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $435,150
Buyer: Matthew W. Komer
Seller: H. N. Wohlers
Date: 04/04/14
21 High St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Richard Cournoyer
Seller: John J. Cournoyer
Date: 04/03/14
7 Mary Lyon Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $319,000
Buyer: Cheryl Lee
Seller: Thomas E. Kelly
Date: 03/28/14
110 Mosier St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Robert L. Scribner
Seller: Bank New York
Date: 04/01/14
53 Searle Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Aimee R. Kelly
Seller: Andrew G. Holloway
Date: 03/31/14
10 Tigger Lane
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $468,000
Buyer: Michael F. Werenski
Seller: David W. Clausnitzer
Date: 03/26/14
SOUTHAMPTON
98 Pequot Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $162,000
Buyer: Sergey Gokhgalter
Seller: William A. West
Date: 03/24/14
4 Sara Lane
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $412,080
Buyer: Daniel A. Erwin
Seller: David Garstka Builders LLC
Date: 03/26/14
WARE
44 Cummings Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $156,000
Buyer: Kondaur Capital Corp.
Seller: Steven K. Gryszowka
Date: 03/27/14
211 Greenwich Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $158,500
Buyer: Donald M. Smith
Seller: Susan J. Hanewich
Date: 03/25/14
28 North St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $825,000
Buyer: Vision Investment Rental Properties
Seller: Joel J. Harder
Date: 04/01/14
9 Sczygiel Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Kimberly A. Okane
Seller: John J. Giard
Date: 03/28/14
173 West St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Harminder Dhillon
Seller: Herbert I. Cohen
Date: 04/04/14
WILLIAMSBURG
16 Kingsley Ave.
Williamsburg, MA 01060
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Roy D. Farnham
Seller: Childs, Bernice A., (Estate)
Date: 03/28/14
19 South Main St.
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $241,350
Buyer: Anne H. Golob
Seller: Esther J. Williams
Date: 04/04/14
The following bankruptcy petitions were recently filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Readers should confirm all information with the court.
Asselin, George L.
167 Wells St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/17/14
Bader, Nicholas H.
Bader, Catherine V.
a/k/a Thompson, Catherine V.
140 North Main St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/25/14
Beauregard, John
Beauregard, Lisa
16 Ducharme Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/17/14
Berger, Kenneth R.
Berger, Kathleen A.
7 Kellogg St.
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/19/14
Berger, Robert K.
Berger, Pauline L.
225 Mountain View Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/19/14
Blaisdell, Traceyann
76 South St. Fl. 1
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/18/14
Boshe, Richard D.
Boshe, Ellen
7 Pothul Dr.
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/20/14
Bostancioglu, Reha B.
1187 Allen St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/14
Bouchard, Kelly Ann
88 Lewis Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/20/14
Brazee, Arthur P.
1457 Home Road
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/18/14
Burgess, Jesse L.
Burgess, Stephanie N.
81 Slater Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/26/14
Burgos, Jenara
136 Darling St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/28/14
Cintron, Luis
Cintron, Alicia
30 Carlisle St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/25/14
Clark, Pamela M.
151 Gilbert Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/27/14
Clark, Shane P.
Clark, Jennifer A.
56 Belvidere Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/20/14
Creek, Michelle M.
33 South St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/27/14
Darling, William A.
Darling, Laura V.
190 Phelps Ave.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/25/14
Dent, Richard J.
17 Smith Ave.
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/17/14
Dickerson, Johnny
Dickerson, Michelle L.
77 Greene St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/17/14
Europa Salon and Volpe Nails
Quiterio, Kristine Marie
51 Park Place
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/28/14
Evans, Steven M.
Evans, Kim M.
26 Fairmont St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/27/14
Flogently with Beads
Jacksen, Florence C.
a/k/a Holman, Florence C.
50 Wheatland Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/26/14
Foster, Linda Faye
414 Chestnut St., Apt. 51
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/20/14
Gamelli, Frank J.
Gamelli, June C.
90 Hampden St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/17/14
Geary, Roberta Ann
345 East St., Apt. B
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/17/14
Gorman, Brian M.
77 Prospect St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/17/14
Grabowski, Henry J.
643 Suffield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/24/14
Grilli, Aldo H.
19 Miles Morgan Court
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/20/14
Harrowfield, Amanda E.
6 Reed Hill Road
Wales, MA 01081
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/21/14
Hatfield, Robert W.
1782 Main St., Apt. 5
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/14
Holtan, Colleen Marie
Allen, Theresa Jane
74 Ashley Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/26/14
Jarvis, Jill C.
6 Bliss St., Apt. A
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/27/14
Kelly, Dawn
PO Box 107
Russell, MA 01071
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/25/14
King, William R.
King, Pamela A.
a/k/a Dias, Pamela
a/k/a Savitt, Pamela A.
146 Trilby Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/24/14
Lauziere, Jeffery W.
30 Ridgewood Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/14
Leen, Erik
Leen, Carlin J.
80 Pine St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/28/14
Lopez, Joseph R. Jr.
56 Newport St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/25/14
Maslak, Alan R.
629 Pendleton Ave., Apt. D
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/14
Maziarz, Brian A.
Maziarz, Laura L.
127 Williams St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/28/14
McCullough, Diane G.
a/k/a Leigh, Diane
311 Hatfield St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/21/14
Munson, David M.
116 Crane Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/19/14
Neylon, Nathan W.
62 Adams Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/20/14
North East Woodland Svc.
Corser, Gertrude A.
220 Warwick Road
Royalston, MA 01368
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/14
Osofsky, Matthew J.
62 Cleveland St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/30/14
Patnaude, Peter J.
Patnaude, Susan A.
72 Sunnybrook Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/31/14
Patrie, Leonard E.
Patrie, Donna H.
PO Box 401
Wales, MA 01081
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/23/14
Pellegrini, Raymond M.
34 Excalibur Dr.
Becket, MA 01223
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/25/14
Perry, Dennis J.
165 Cambridge St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/17/14
Petlock, Matthew I.
Petlock, Jessica L.
a/k/a Surrette, Jessica L.
142 Forest Hills Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/20/14
Piemonte, Tara Marie
5 Covel St.
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/26/14
Powell, Kathleen E.
28 Melbourne Road
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/25/14
Pro Automotive Electronic Inc.
Pavey, Joseph A.
24 Upland Road
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/25/14
Rivera, Naira Y.
26 Merrill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/27/14
Saluk, Thomas William
24 Hilton St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/24/14
Sawyer, Edward
19 Abbott St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/30/14
Schofield, Victoria A.
68 Michigan St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/30/14
Scott, Brian
60 Crane Road
Chester, MA 01011
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/28/14
Sevene, Richard F.
91 Montague St.
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/30/14
Silbaugh, Patrick J.
40 Wallace Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/27/14
Sinico, Amy M.
Sinico, Matthew J.
4 Cooper Road
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/25/14
Smith, Sharon M.
52 Larchmont St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/27/14
Snow, Kevin M.
511 South St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/28/14
Stefanelli, William Joseph
Stefanelli, Rhonda Marie
a/k/a Bessette, Rhonda Marie
4 Yorktown Court
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/25/14
Supinski, Maura L.
94 Oak St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/18/14
Terry, Renae Elaine
Loughnane, Nicole Danielle
3 Droy Circle
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/28/14
Troy, Adam E.
Troy, Michelle M.
25 High St.
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/28/14
Trujillo, Michael W.
5 Ruth Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/24/14
West, William Thomas
P.O. Box 342
South Barre, MA 01074
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/20/14
Yelle, Francis W.
PO Box 6104
Holyoke, MA 01041
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/25/14
Yothers, Gregory L.
12 Carlton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/21/14
Zalot, Pamela J.
17 B Pumpkin Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/17/14
The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of and April 2014.
AMHERST
Amherst Copy & Design Works
37 East Pleasant St.
Sean Cleary
Fire & Water
39 Boltwood Way
Teacup Musket & Guild
Kidsafrik
245 West St.
Christopher Monteiro
Scidose Pharma
196 North Pleasant St.
Joseph F. Bohan III
CHICOPEE
Double J’s Landscaping
37 Rivest Ct.
Justin Poulist
Floral Illusion
527 Grattan St.
David Rosinski
Rejuvenations
246 Montcalm St.
Marci Ryder
Rivers Variety & Wireless
730 Chicopee St.
Kisean Donaldson
LUDLOW
Deponte Nursery
336 Poole St.
Joseph Deponte
Heartwood Landscaping
54 Higher St.
James Ekmalian III
Ludlow Chiropractic Office
77 Winsor St.
Paul Blomcrith
O’Keefe’s Farm & Nursery
1084 Center St.
Ryan O’Keefe
Turnpike Acres Stove Shop
185 Miller St.
George Dupuis
NORTHAMPTON
Dapper Kitty
29 Butler Place
Anthony Fonseca
Euphoria Skincare
49 Gothic St.
Lori A. Schott
Grace Paint a Tile
303 Riverside Dr.
Jeffrey Vaughan
Krist Design & Build
89 Main St.
Kristen Branch
Kris Thompson Carpentry
362 Kennedy Road
Kris Thompson
New England Medical Consultants
124 Maple Ridge Road
Matthew Kane
Pisano Printing
23 Pine Brook Corner
Raylin Pisano
Sally Staub Design
74 Audobon Road
Sally P. Staub
Valley Therapy Billing
50 Center St.
Kimberly Girard
SOUTHWICK
Aco Masonry Heating & Air Conditioning
12 Hillside Road
Adam Ouimette
Cool Bike Rides
7 Fenton Dr.
Ian Creswell
Hair of the Dog
610 College Highway
Jennie Tierney
Jacquier Realty Group
68 Will Palmer Road
Tiffany Jacquier
Once Upon a Time
648 College Highway
Maureen Piermarini
Pro Tour & Cruises Inc.
194 South Longyard Road
Kasie Provencal
SPRINGFIELD
A2Z Towing
110 Old Lane Road
Maureen Hittman
ADC Prevention Services
22 Bacon Road
Arnold D. Cox
Addisyn Furniture Inc.
1566 State St.
Mukesh Tandon
Amarilis Market
14 Orange St.
Reda M. Shabaneh
Anthony Maia
91 Maebeth St.
Anthony Maia
Baku
1830 Wilbraham Road
Aymira Gaffarova
Before and After Beauty
686 Belmont Ave.
Jose A. Calderon
Borrowed Talents
93 Grochmal Ave.
Karen J. Van Wagner
Botanica Ozain
15 Dorset St.
Miguel M. Soto
City Cleaners
1179 State St.
Kenny H. Nguyen
Civilized Animals
45 Kimberly Ave.
Kamisha Bryant
CT Tattoo Supply Ink, LLC
94 Island Pond Road
Cynthia L. Cote
Dona Carmen Restaurant
344 Bay St.
Carmen Y. Rodriguez
Dynasty Restaurant
5 Locust St.
Xiu G. Zheng
Felicity Hardee Law
1500 Main St.
Felicity Hardee
Happy Family Media
40 White Oak Road
Matthew A. Herring
Hernandez Pavers
131 Larkspur St.
Ermie J. Hernandez
HLW Consulting
4 Niagara St.
Haven L. Williams
Holy City Christian Books
109 Mill St.
Jose L. Pomales
Ivette’s Images
8 Johnson St.
Petra I. Cappas
J.D. Auto Repair
131 Laconia St.
Jimmy Deleon
James Cleaning Service
24 Green Acre Square
Watson E. James
JHS Cabinetry, LLC
32 Wellfleet Dr.
Howard A. Gabaree
Juliano’s Latin Flava
176 Main St.
Juliano J. Calligros
WESTFIELD
Alive Health Solutions
304 Sackett Road
Ellen Michaliszyn
Bryan M. Kasperowski
29 Broad St.
Bryan Kasperowski
Dream Meadow Farm
631 West Road
Joseph P. Boisseau
R & C Countertops
9 Bartlett St.
Randy Arkoette
Rescue Me Cleaning
198 Lockhouse Road
Susan Churchill
SE Landscaping
25 Hagan Ave.
Scott Egleston
WEST SPRINGFIELD
Baystate Hearing Aids
425 Union St.
James Caldarola
Beauty Secrets Salon
553 Union St.
Tatyana Gitsman
Brain Balance Center
1472 Riverdale St.
Core Tickle, LLC
Caring Solutions, LLC
131 Elm St.
Patricia L. Baskin
Classic Burgers Inc.
1261 Westfield St.
Barry Parker
Health Products Group
440 Main St.
Svetlana Gorbovets
K & R Computer Solutions
75 Adrian Ave.
Kevin A. Richter
Majestic Theater
131 Elm St.
Todd Kadis
Mattress Depot
120 Memorial Ave.
Dream Décor Inc.
Oak Hollow Farms
711 Amostown Road
Joseph P. Dumont
On the Level Floor Coverings
142 Nelson St.
Mike Blanchard
The following business incorporations were recorded in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties and are the latest available. They are listed by community.
AGAWAM
Agawam Youth Lacrosse Association Inc., 71 Hemlock Ridge, Feeding Hills, MA 01030. Geoffrey William Moore, same. To provide for local youth in the grades of kindergarten through eighth the opportunity to learn and play the game of lacrosse, to develop and foster good sportsmanship and conduct among all participants, coaches, parents, and spectators, to encourage parents, relatives, friends, and sponsors to support Agawam Youth Lacrosse Inc. and its purposes in an active and constructive manner.
AMHERST
Amherst Regional Public Schools Parent Guardian Organization Inc., 170 Chestnut St., Amherst, MA 01002. Rebekah Demling, 20 Atwater Circle, Amherst, MA 01002. To support the students, parents, teachers, and administrative staff of Amherst Regional Public Schools by fostering goodwill throughout the community, providing a forum for communication, recruiting volunteers, and raising funds.
BRIMFIELD
Brimfield Mill Corp., 48 Palmer Road, Brimfield, MA 01010 Eric Schultz, same. Textile manufacturing.
CHICOPEE
Bailey Mechanical Services Inc., 394 Irene St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Matthew Bailey, same. Heating, ventilation, air conditioning services.
EAST LONGMEADOW
Biolitec U.S. Inc., 515 Shaker Road, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Wolfgang Neuberger, Tiara Tanzanite Building, Apt. 404, The Palm Dubai, U.A.E., ARE, FF 00000. Service, manufacture and sales of medical lasers and fiber optic delivery systems and endoscopes.
HADLEY
Brilliant Future Inc., 6 Aloha Dr., Hadley, MA 01035. Lu Jiang, same. Consulting services such as education and travel.
HATFIELD
Beni Fettle Inc., 3 Main Street, Hatfield, MA 01038. Jill Esz Smith, same. Developing innovative sports therapy equipment for the quadruped.
LEE
Artemis Forum Inc., 100 Columbia Street, Lee, MA 01238. Elizabeth Debold, same. Non-profit organization established to support and facilitate the spiritual, psychological, and social equality of women and men by bringing together the jewel of self-realization and liberation with the latest understanding of human development.
LONGMEADOW
Association of the Catholic Therapists Inc., 861 Converse St., Longmeadow, MA 01106. Bernard Marshall.
LUDLOW
Baystate Developers Inc., 83 Carmelina’s Circle, Ludlow, MA 01056. Paulo Baltazar, 308 Woodland Circle, Ludlow, MA 01056. Acquire, improve, repair, and sell real estate.
NORTH ADAMS
360 Berkshire Realty Group Inc., 131 Ashland St., North Adams, MA 01247. Michael Hernandez, 160 Eagle St., North Adams, MA 01247. Real estate agency.
NORTHAMPTON
All Team Inc., 349 Coles Meadow Road, Northampton, MA 01060. Cheryl Pascucci, same. To provide education and tools to the workforce as part of a wellness program.
PITTSFIELD
Ancient Language Inc., 305 North St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Annette Kramek, 605 Benedict Road, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Wholesale and retail apparel design and sales.
Atlantic Coast Aces Hockey Club Inc., 51 Chapman Road, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Chad Baumann, same. Non-profit youth hockey organization focused on skill development and education of the game. The aces will provide a place for the youth hockey player who aspires to become a better student athlete. A place that will foster their love of the game and provide a fun and challenging atmosphere that will lead to life long memories and friendships. Our mission — bringing our youth closer together through common interest in sportsmanship and competition; to produce student athletes that thrive in the classroom as well as on the ice; provide a safe, fun, challenging, and highly competitive environment; promote sportsmanship, build character and discipline, including respect of one’s opponents; pursuit of excellence through individual development and teamwork and ethical and responsible behavior on and off the ice.
Better off Bowling Inc. 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Christopher Mitchell, same. Recreational bowling league.
SOUTH HADLEY
77 Number Mon Corporation, 480 Granby Road, South Hadley, MA 01075. Soutsamone Phengvongsy, 371 Pleasant St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Asian cuisine.
SPRINGFIELD
Addisyn Furniture Inc., 1566 State St., Springfield, MA 01109. Mukesh Tandon, same. Retail furniture store.
Bins Wireless Inc., 1655 Boston Road, SPC S01, Springfield, MA 01129. Joonsoon Lim, 150 Maple Road, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Retail sales of cell phone accessories.
Brakes Plus Inc., 1179 East Columbus Ave., Springfield, MA 01105 Linda Ronen, 24 Churchill Dr., Longmeadow, MA 01106. Auto repairs.
MGM Asks Commission to Delay Awarding License
SPRINGFIELD — MGM Springfield President Michael Mathis asked the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to declare MGM the winner of a casino license for its $800 million project in Springfield’s South End by its planned decision date of May 30, but to delay the formal award until a ballot question seeking repeal of the casino bill is decided. Without that flexibility, he noted, MGM could be at risk for some $200 million in costs while the ballot issue is resolved. “No corporation should subject itself to that risk — including MGM Springfield,” he wrote to commission Chairman Stephen Crosby. “MGM is offering, under such a bifurcated process, to waive our statutory right to 30 days to make payment of our various licensing fees … and instead to make such payment within five business days of a formal award. We recognize the economic and budgetary benefit to the Commonwealth from an award [of the license] for Western Massachusetts and the receipt of the $85 million licensing fee by the end of this year.” Casino opponents are seeking to repeal the casino gaming law passed by the state Legislature in 2001. The state Supreme Judicial Court will begin hearing their arguments this month, and is expected to make a decision by July on whether the issue will appear on the November ballot. Once the license is issued, MGM argues, it will be required to pay not only the $85 million application fee, but also roughly $115 million in land options, construction, demolition, and other costs.
Berkshire Medical Center Purchases NARH Property
NORTH ADAMS — Berkshire Medical Center (BMC) has agreed to purchase the building and grounds of the recently shuttered North Adams Regional Hospital (NARH) as part of a deal reached in U.S. Bankruptcy Court to reopen the facility’s emergency room this month. The deal with Pittsfield-based BMC sets out a timetable to create a satellite emergency department the week of May 19 under an initial 90-day occupancy and use pact. Details on how many doctors and nurses would be hired and what services would be provided remain to be worked out. NARH executives shut down the financially troubled, 109-bed hospital on March 28, leaving nine rural communities in Northwestern Mass. without access to a nearby hospital. Over the past month, local, state, and court officials have been negotiating with BMC and labor unions representing nurses and others about reopening the emergency department. Beyond the purchase price, which will be revealed in the coming days, BMC officials said they would have to invest $10 million in repairs and improvements to the North Adams Regional Hospital building, but it is not expected to have to assume the closed hospital’s debt.
Life Sciences Center Awards $500,000 Grant to WNEU
SPRINGFIELD — The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center has awarded a $500,000 grant to Western New England University to fund equipment related to cancer drug research and development. Susan Windham-Bannister, the center’s president and CEO, called the program a great example of promoting academic and private-sector collaboration in the life sciences, adding that equipment will be purchased for the development of live cancer-cell drug filtration and testing platforms. The university will collaborate with Cellular Engineering Technologies and FioDesign Sonics on product marketing and research. The Massachusetts Live Sciences Center is an investment agency that supports innovation, research, development, and commercialization in the life sciences. The agency is charged with implementing a 10-year, $1 billion, state-funded investment initiative passed by the Legislature and Gov. Deval Patrick in 2008.
Massachusetts Adds 8,100 Jobs in March
BOSTON — Preliminary estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show that Massachusetts added 8,100 jobs in March and that the total unemployment rate dropped another 0.2% to 6.3% from the February rate. Over the month, jobs are up 8,100, with private-sector jobs up 7,800. Since March 2013, Massachusetts added a net of 50,400 jobs, with 53,900 jobs added in the private sector and 3,500 lost in the public sector. The total unemployment rate was down 0.6% from the March 2013 rate of 6.9%. The recent estimates show that 3,285,800 Massachusetts residents were employed in March and 220,900 were unemployed, for a total labor force of 3,506,800. The March labor force increased by 12,100 from 3,494,700 in February, as 19,200 more residents were employed and 7,200 fewer residents were unemployed over the month. The labor force was an estimated 24,500 above the March 2013 estimate. 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.
Friendly’s Restaurants Honored for Commitment to Easter Seals Programs
WINDSOR, Conn. — Easter Seals Capital Region & Eastern Connecticut recently honored Friendly’s Restaurants with the Corporate Leadership Award. The presentation was made at a Friendly’s restaurant in Springfield on April 15. Enfield and Manchester, Conn. stores were also recognized for their fund-raising success to benefit Easter Seals programs and services. Friendly’s has been raising money for Easter Seals since 1981 through coupon promotions featuring Valentine- and Halloween-themed offers and special events. Cumulatively, the Cones for Kids campaign has raised more than $28 million for Easter Seals, supporting recreational and social programs that give children with disabilities a sense of independence and accomplishment. The staying power of the program is testament to the commitment of both Friendly’s employees and customers, the company said. This year’s campaign featured two new elements. For a $2 donation to Easter Seals, children could receive a kid’s meal served on a Friendly’s Frisbee, and for a $1 donation, guests could get a discount card good for 10% off all purchases through May 18. Friendly’s restaurants also funded the update and redesign of Easter Seals’ award-winning disability-awareness curriculum, Friends Who Care. The program gives students the opportunity to learn what is involved when someone has a disability and how they adapt to live life, go to school, or work as independently as possible. “We’re proud to partner with Easter Seals and engage our employees, restaurant guests, and local communities in our cause,” said John Maguire, CEO and president of Friendly’s Ice Cream, LLC. “We know that contributions to Easter Seals create life-changing solutions so that children with disabilities can live, learn, work and play.” Added Allen Gouse, president and CEO of Easter Seals Capital Region and Eastern Connecticut, “Easter Seals recognizes Friendly’s Restaurants’ generosity, caring, and commitment, and that is why they are so deserving of this year’s Corporate Leadership Award.”
Big Y Donates $30,000 to Wounded Warrior Project
SPRINGFIELD — Big Y Foods Inc. announced that it has donated $30,000 to the national Wounded Warrior Project 2013 Believe in Heroes campaign. Wounded Warriors of Jacksonville, Fla. is a national, non-partisan, non-profit organization founded in 2003 to honor and empower wounded soldiers. Its Believe in Heroes campaign provides financial and emotional support and tools to the more than 44,000 servicemen and women who have been wounded in recent military conflicts. Its ultimate goal is to provide assistance so that these soldiers can thrive and achieve personal and professional success. This is the third year that Big Y has been part of Wounded Warriors. To date, it has donated a total of $100,000. Through a partnership with the Acosta Food brokerage company, Big Y promoted the Believe in Heroes campaign through weekly specials in its ads and stores last fall. This initiative helped to raise the public’s awareness of Wounded Warriors’ unique and direct programs and services that meet the needs of those injured in service to their country. “Being an American-owned company, it is important for us to support our military in their fight to preserve our freedoms,” said Michael D’Amour, the supermarket chain’s executive vice president. We’re grateful to Big Y’s employee and customer families for their support of this important campaign.”
1550 Main Named Building of the Year
SPRINGFIELD — The Building Owners and Managers Assoc. (BOMA) has presented 1550 Main in Springfield with its Outstanding Building of the Year award in the Government category of the Middle Atlantic Conference. This is the second consecutive year the redevelopment of the former federal building has won the award. MassDevelopment purchased and undertook the renovation of the former federal office building in 2009 as part of a strategy to revitalize downtown Springfield. The redevelopment of 1550 Main, completed in 2010, included the creation of 130,000 square feet of office space; renovation of the central plaza with new plantings and seating; new entrances, lighting, and signs; lobby and atrium renovations; elevator modernization and replacement; restroom upgrades; and exterior envelope repairs. The building is more than 90% leased. “We are grateful and honored that BOMA has recognized our efforts to transform 1550 Main into a vibrant part of downtown Springfield,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Marty Jones. “The building has played a key role in the city’s business and arts communities and will continue to increase economic activities in Springfield.”
STCC Introduces Interpreter Program
SPRINGFIELD — The need for medical and community interpreters is rapidly increasing, and so is the demand for trained professionals in the field. The Center for Business and Technology at Springfield Technical Community College will offer a nine-week certificate program designed to prepare individuals for an entry-level career as a medical and community interpreter. The program, developed and offered in collaboration with TransFluenci, a regional leader in translation and interpretation services, will prepare new and experienced interpreters to work in hospitals, health clinics, law offices, governmental agencies, and more, following the standards and ethics of the profession. The program meets the requirements of the International Medical Interpreters Assoc. for national certification. The program is open to all languages, but students must be able to fully comprehend and communicate in both English and at least one other language. Because a selective interview is required before acceptance, students must register well in advance. The college will issue the Medical and Community Interpreting Certificate upon satisfactory completion of this program, and participants receiving the certificate will be given the opportunity to interview with Global Link Translations & Interpreting Services for potential employment as interpreters. Classes will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 to 9 p.m., starting May 28. Space is limited, and applications are now being accepted. Interested individuals should visit www.stcc.edu/wd or call (413) 755-4502 for details and registration information.
ACCGS
www.myonlinechamber.com
(413) 787-1555
• May 7: ACCGS Business@Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at Chez Josef, 176 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam. “Handicapping the Gubernatorial Elections with Political Consultant Anthony Cignoli.” Saluting Skoler Abbott & Presser, P.C. on its 50th anniversary and A.G. Miller Co. Inc. on its 100th anniversary. Reservations are $20 for members, $30 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com or by contacting Cecile Larose at [email protected].
• May 14: ERC Feast in the East, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Twin Hills Country Club, 700 Wolf Swamp Road, Longmeadow. Local restaurants showcase their signature dishes. Cost: $25. Reservations may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com or by contacting Cecile Larose at [email protected].
• May 21: Capital Matchmaking/Business Coaching, 1-4 p.m., at La Quinta Inn and Suites, 100 Congress St., Springfield. Business borrower and lender matchmaking event, ideal for small businesses. Presented by the U.S. Small Business Administration and Common Capital, in cooperation with the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield. Reservations are complimentary, but required. Contact Oreste Varela at [email protected] or (413) 785-0484 for details.
• May 27: ACCGS Pastries, Politics & Policy, 8-9 a.m., at TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main St., Springfield. Designed for political and policy junkies, featuring a policy expert and member of the Patrick administration. Reservations are $15 for members, $25 for general admission, and may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com or by contacting Cecile Larose at [email protected].
AMHERST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.amherstarea.com
(413) 253-0700
• May 14: Chamber After 5, 5-7 p.m., at Western MA Family Golf Center, 294 Russell St., Hadley. Try the golf simulator and mini-golf, or just enjoy watching and networking. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for guests.
• May 28: Chamber After 5, 5-7 p.m. at Amherst Laser and Skin Care Center, 264 North Pleasant St., Amherst. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for guests.
CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101
• May 21: 48th annual George Ryan & Stanley Kokoszka Golf Tournament, 10 a.m. start, at Chicopee Country Club. Cost: $125 per golfer.
• May 22: Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at WWLP-22News, One Broadcast Center, Chicopee. Tickets: $10 for pre-registered members, $15 for non-members.
• May 28: Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m. at Elms College. Tickets: $20 for members, $26 for non-members. Sign up online at www.chicopeechamber.org.
GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.easthamptonchamber.org
(413) 527-9414
• May 8: Networking by Night. Call 527-9414 or e-mail [email protected] for more information. Cost: $5 for members, $15 for non-members.
GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.holycham.com
(413) 534-3376
• May 14: Economic Development Breakfast/Valley Venture Mentors, at Dean Technical High School, 1045 Main St., Holyoke. Sponsored by Ferriter Law and Dowd Insurance. Valley Venture Mentors provides key support to entrepreneurs and startups, connecting them to the mentors they need to grow their business. Breakfast will be followed by a tour of Dean Tech. Cost: $20 for chamber members, $ 30 for the public. Call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 for more information, or sign up online at holyokechamber.com.
• May 19: 46th annual Chamber Cup 2014 Golf Tournament, at Wyckoff Country Club, 233 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Registration and lunch at 10:30 a.m., tee off at noon (scramble format), dinner afterward with elaborate food stations catered by the Log Cabin. Cost: $125 per player includes lunch, 18 holes of golf, cart, and dinner. Dinner only: $25. Winner awards, raffles, and cash prizes follow dinner. Tournament sponsors: Log Cabin and PeoplesBank. Corporate Sponsors: Dowd Insurance, Goss & McLain Insurance Agency, Holyoke Gas & Electric, Mountain View Landscapes, Holyoke Medical Center, People’s United Bank, and Resnic, Beauregard, Waite & Driscoll. Call the chamber office at (413) 534-3376 or register online at holyokechamber.com.
• May 28: Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting, 5 p.m., at the Delaney House. Sponsored by the Greater Holyoke of Chamber Corporate Leaders. The program is followed by the presentation of the Fifield Award celebrating the volunteer of the year; join elected officials as they award various proclamations to the esteemed recipient. Networking and cocktails at 5, business meeting and elections at 5:30, dinner at 6. The program will include the chamber’s plan for 2014-15, an overview of how the chamber is working for members, and a salute to new members. Admission: $30 in advance, $40 at the door. The public is invited to attend.
• May 21: Chamber After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at Hotel D., 1 Country Club Way, Holyoke. Sponsored by Easthampton Saving Bank and hosted by chamber members. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members.
GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.explorenorthampton.com
(413) 584-1900
• May 7: Arrive@ 5, 5-7 p.m., at King & Cushman, 176 King St., Northampton. Sponsored by Applied Mortgage Services Corp., King Auto Body, and Goggins Real Estate. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Register at [email protected].
• May 15: “Art of Small Business” series, “Managing Consultants,” 9-10:30 a.m., at the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant St. Guest speaker: Don Lesser of Pioneer Training. Cost: $20 for members, $25 for non-members.
• May 19: Bitcoin Informational Seminar, 3-4 p.m. at Forbes Library, 20 West St., Northampton. Sponsored by the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce. Guest speaker: Jesse Vanek. This seminar examines basic Bitcoin concepts, including arguments for and against this powerful, often-misunderstood, and potentially disruptive new technology. Cost: free, but pre-registration is required. To register, call (413) 584-1900 or e-mail [email protected].
GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618
• May 14: After 5 Connection, 5-7 p.m., at the Noble & Cooley Center for Historical Preservation, 42 Water St., Granville. Bring a prospective member for free. Cost: $10 for members $15 cash at the door for non-members. Your first After 5 is free. To register, call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.
• May 19: 53rd annual Golf Tournament, featuring prime rib and poker, at Shaker Farms Country Club. Registration is at 10 a.m., with a shotgun start at 11. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Call Pam at the chamber office for more information at (413) 568-1618, or visit the chamber website.
Westfield-based Tighe & Bond, a civil and environmental engineering firm, announced that William Hardy, P.E., has been named the growing firm’s Chief Operating Officer. In this role, Hardy will work with the firm’s management to ensure optimum service delivery to Tighe & Bond’s expanding customer base across all of its geographic locations. Hardy, who will oversee all Tighe & Bond operations from the firm’s Westfield office, has 35 years of diverse professional civil and environmental engineering experience serving public and private clients. His design portfolio includes water, wastewater, solid waste, civil, highway, bridge, environmental, and building projects. In addition to his background in operations, he is well-known for his business-development efforts that have benefited clients throughout New England, New Jersey, and Texas. “Bill’s professional expertise and recognition in our industry will be an asset as we accelerate Tighe & Bond’s next phase of growth,” said David Pinsky, the company’s president and CEO. “He brings a commitment to high-quality services that is essential to our clients and our firm’s mission. We are thrilled that he has joined our team.” Hardy earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Civil Engineering from Northeastern University. In addition, he holds an associate degree in Civil Engineering from Wentworth Institute. Hardy is a licensed professional engineer in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, and Texas. He is also active in many professional organizations, including the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Boston Society of Civil Engineers, the New England Water Environment Assoc., and the New England Water Works Assoc.
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Florence Savings Bank, a mutually-owned savings bank serving the Pioneer Valley through nine branch locations, announced the following:
Christopher Whelan
Michael Grandfield
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Dr. John Schreiber has been appointed president of Baystate Medical Practices and Chief Physician Executive of Baystate Health, joining the health system’s senior leadership team. Schreiber comes to Baystate from Tufts Medical Center in Boston, where he served as Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics. He was also Chief Administrative Officer and Pediatrician-in-chief of the Floating Hospital for Children, the 100-bed primary affiliate children’s hospital for Tufts University School of Medicine, where he was instrumental in forging clinical partnerships as part of the hospital’s collaborative-care delivery model serving four local community hospitals and patients and families in the Boston area. Earlier in his career, Schreiber served as Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota and was a faculty member of the Graduate Program in Microbiology. He played a leading role in the opening of the new University of Minnesota Children’s Hospital. “We are confident that Dr. Schreiber’s numerous achievements in teaching and mentoring the next generation of physicians in varied care settings, his nurturing of physician partnerships, his ability to support a robust clinical-research program, and in exceeding quality and safety standards will help us meet our strategic needs, the vision of our organization, and the needs of our community,” said Dr. Mark Keroack, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Baystate Health. Schreiber received his bachelor’s degree at Haverford College in Pennsylvania and earned his medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine in Louisiana. He also completed a master’s degree in public health and tropical medicine at Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. He completed his pediatric residency and his clinical and research infectious-diseases fellowship at Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston. Schreiber’s research and laboratory work has been devoted to creating better vaccines to prevent devastating diseases in children. He has served on numerous professional committees for the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society, the Infectious Disease Society of America, the Society for Pediatric Research, and the American Assoc. of Immunologists, which awarded him its 2012 Distinguished Service Award. He has also authored more than 70 scholarly publications.
Wistariahurst Plant Sale
May 17: The Western Massachusetts Master Gardeners and the Wistariahurst Gardeners will present their annual plant sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The gardeners will share the bounty of their gardens with the gardening public, and are hoping to have a good selection of trees and shrubs this year. They will also sell house plants, annuals, perennials, and more. The plants are divisions, not cuttings or seedlings, which, while small, will grow quickly to mature size. Attendees are encourages to bring their own wagons or carts to make carrying purchases more convenient. Master gardeners will be on hand to answer gardening questions and conduct soil tests for $1 per sample. Free parking will be available in the lot behind the Holyoke Senior Center. The plant sale is free and open to the public. Mini house tours of Wistariahurst Museum will also take place during the plant sale, between 9 a.m. and noon, for $3. There will also be a sneak preview of panels from the exhibition “A Genius for Place: American Landscapes of the Country Place Era,” an exhibit of historical landscapes representing the chronological development of an important movement in American landscape design, which opens the next day, May 18, at 1 p.m.
40 Under Forty
June 19: The eighth annual 40 Under Forty award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, honoring 40 of the region’s rising stars under 40 years old. The program has become a prestigious honor in the Western Mass. business community, and the gala has become one of the region’s most anticipated spring events. An independent panel of judges chose this year’s class from more than 150 nominations, a record. Their stories were presented in the April 21 issue, and may also be read online at businesswest.com. More details on the gala will be revealed in upcoming issues, but tickets cost $65, and they typically sell out quickly. For more information or to order tickets, call (413) 781-8600.
Western Mass. Business Expo
Oct. 29: BusinessWest Magazine will present the Fourth Annual Western Mass. Business Expo at the MassMutual Center in downmtown Springfield. The business-to-business show, which last year drew more than 2,000 visitors, will feature more than 100 booths, seminars and Show Floor Theater presentations, breakfast and lunch programs, and a day-capping Expo Social. Details about specific events, programs, and featured speakers will be printed in future issues of BusinessWest. Comcast Business will again be Presenting Sponsor, while the social will be sponsored by Northwestern Mutual. Current Silver Sponsors are Health New England and DIF Design, and additional sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information on sponsorships or booth purchase, call (413) 781-8600.
The following is a compilation of recent lawsuits involving area businesses and organizations. These are strictly allegations that have yet to be proven in a court of law. Readers are advised to contact the parties listed, or the court, for more information concerning the individual claims.
CHICOPEE DISTRICT COURT
Cory Bartson v. 2 Guys Auto Sales Inc. and Efrain Santana
Allegation: Defendant breached a contract by failing to reimburse the plaintiff for the purchase of a vehicle and one-half of the profits of the resale value of the vehicle: $9,950
Filed: 3/25/14
HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Action Air Inc. v. Reed McNaughton d/b/a Dr. Energy Saver, Karen M. Brown, and William J. Bates
Allegation: Failure to pay under the terms of a construction agreement: $10,000
Filed: 3/21/14
Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Co. v. Christopher R. Porter Builders Inc.
Allegation: Unpaid workers’ compensation policy: $34,719.20
Filed: 3/19/14
Matthew Brackman v. Reliant Medical Group Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract: $100,000
Filed: 3/14/14
Robin Murphy v. Hu Ke Lau Inc. and Edison L. Lee
Allegation: Failure to pay wages: $75,000
Filed: 3/17/14
Teddy Bear Pools Inc. and Theodore Hebert v. Eastern States Exposition and Eugene Cassidy, as president of Eastern States
Allegation: Injunctive relief for civil-rights violation and breach of contract: $300,000
Filed: 3/31/14
HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT
Easthampton Savings Bank v. Sun Technical Services Inc. and Robert W. Humphreys
Allegation: Breach of contract: $91,104.75
Filed: 3/10/14
Roger J. Belanger v. Stiebel Properties
Allegation: Plaintiff struck and injured by snow falling from a roof: $82,569.22
Filed: 2/4/14
HOLYOKE DISTRICT COURT
Open & Shut d/b/a Raynor Door Sales v. Runnals & Sons Construction Services Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of construction supplies and services rendered: $22,014.28
Filed: 3/4/14
NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT
John W. Bresnahan v. General Mills Inc.
Allegation: Negligence in manufacturing of Wheaties Fuel causing injury when plaintiff tried to ingest: $24,000
Filed: 2/27/14
Judith Dickson v. Hampshire Village Condo Assoc.
Allegation: Negligent maintenance of property causing slip and fall: $24,599.99
Filed: 2/14/14
Pave, Tile, and Stone Inc. v. Nonotuck Mills, LLC
Allegation: Breach of contract and failure to repair or remediate contamination: $25,000
Filed: 2/26/14
PALMER DISTRICT COURT
Tracy Gousy and Lori Hull v. O.C. White Co.
Allegation: Non-payment of vacation pay upon separation from company: $3,600
Filed: 4/10/14
HIBU Inc. f/k/a Yellowbook Inc. v. James B. Lynch d/b/a J&B Landscape Construction
Allegation: Monies due for breach of contract, monies loaned, advertising, and services rendered: $11,394.96
Filed: 3/24/14
SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Jacqueline H. Glasco v. F.P.S. Inc. and Burger King Corp.
Allegation: Negligent maintenance of property causing slip and fall: $4,166.55
Filed: 2/27/14
Joan Wollmershauser v. Mercy Hospital
Allegation: Automated door struck plaintiff in the face causing injury: $14,651.37
Filed: 2/4/14
WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Logic Business Loans Inc. v. Smart Restaurant Inc. d/b/a Fresco Ristorante and Thomas Smart
Allegation: Breach of contract: $14,592.16
Filed: 3/18/14
