2015 - Page 40 of 45 - BusinessWest

The Spa Opens for Business in Westfield

By BusinessWest Staff February 20, 2015

Daily News

WESTFIELD — New England Dermatology & Laser Center announced the opening of the Spa, a med spa located at 57 Union St. The new med spa at New England Dermatology & Laser Center boasts a peaceful, rejuvenating atmosphere and a complete menu of services designed to relax and revitalize.

“The Spa provides restorative and nourishing treatments, including your favorite spa services and products, in addition to a complete line of medically supervised esthetic procedures,” said Dr. Stanley Glazer, a board-certified physician with over 40 years experience in dermatology. “The Spa offers guests an escape from the rigors of the day-to-day by focusing on inner and outer wellness.”

Glazer is joined at the Spa by Dr. Michael Loosemore, a board-certified physician with nearly 10 years of experience in dermatology and dermatologic surgery; aesthetic nurse specialist Mary Jo Devlin; aesthetic supervisor Laurie Circosta; and clinical operations manager Shannon Page.

The Spa’s full menu of services include customized clinical skin care, massage and body treatments, facials, manicures, pedicures, makeup, and waxing. Also available are laser treatments including hair removal and fine-line treatment, and medical esthetics like microneedling, microdermabrasion, Botox injections, dermal fillers, and laser treatments. The Spa provides restorative and nourishing treatments for both men and women, as well as teens. For more information, visit westfieldspa.com.

Mark Your Calendar for Difference Makers Gala on March 19

By BusinessWest Staff February 20, 2015

Daily News

HOLYOKE — The seventh annual Difference Makers award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House on March 19.

Difference Makers is a program, launched in 2009, that recognizes groups and individuals that are, as the name suggests, making a difference in this region. The class of 2015 — Katelynn’s Ride, MassMutual Financial Services, Judy Matt, Valley Venture Mentors, and the new ownership group of the Student Prince and the Fort — was profiled in the Feb. 9 issue and on businesswest.com.

Tickets cost $60 per person, and reserved tables of 10 are available. To order tickets, call (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or e-mail [email protected].

Economic Leaders, Employers, Students Converge for Career Jam

By BusinessWest Staff February 20, 2015

Daily News

SOUTH HADLEY — The region’s premier economic luminaries, employers, and Mount Holyoke students will converge at Mount Holyoke College today, not for a career fair, but for a meeting of the minds.

Among the planned attendees at Career Jam are Suzanne Beck, executive director of the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce; Dianne Doherty, regional director of the Massachusetts Small Business Center; Dawn Creighton, Western Massachusetts director of Associated Industries of Massachusetts; and Lora Wondolowski, executive director of Leadership Pioneer Valley. Employers including Bay Path University, Arise for Social Justice, Peoples Bank, and Paragus Strategic IT will also be represented.

“Career Jam is different than an ordinary career fair,” said Josepha Martin, director of Employer Relations at Mount Holyoke’s Career Development Center. “We wanted to bring employers and students together to talk about a real problem in a meaningful way.”

To that end, Career Jam asks students and employers alike to brainstorm together about a pressing question facing this area: how do we recruit and retain talented graduates in Western Mass.? “The idea is that we’re doing something more like a hands-on workshop, and getting these people together in a room to solve a problem in real time,” said Martin. “It’s going to be about brainstorming and creative problem solving with employers.”

Career Jam will feature economic leaders from the region, including representatives from the Greater Northampton Area Chamber of Commerce, small-business-development groups, and leadership organizations. Large, regional employers will also be present to engage with students. The half-day event will take place from 2:30 to 7 p.m. in the Willits-Hallowell Conference Center on the Mount Holyoke College campus.

Not Just Business as Usual Event to Host Google’s Steve Vitner

By BusinessWest Staff February 19, 2015

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) Foundation’s Not Just Business as Usual (NJBAU) event is one of the premiere networking events for business leaders in Western Mass. This annual celebration, in its sixth year, is a celebration of innovative thinking which gives participants the opportunity to learn from business experts while raising significant funding for the STCC WORKS scholarship program.

The event will be held at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on April 30. A cocktail and networking reception will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m., with dinner and the keynote speaker, Google Engineering Director Steve Vinter, to follow from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Vinter has overseen the growth of Google’s Cambridge site from 15 software engineers in 2007 to more than 900 today. He is responsible for developing digital-publishing products such as Google eBooks, Google Play Newsstand, and Play for Education, and has over 20 years of industry experience working in the Boston area, focusing on building products and services for hundreds of millions of users of mobile and cloud computing. He also is the co-founder of MassCAN, a partnership of organizations which collaborate to inspire and educate students in Massachusetts to learn computing and prepare them to lead and innovate the future economy, which will be driven by computer technology.

This year, NJBAU will feature interactive workstations featuring the STCC Mobile SIM and Engineering program. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available. Tickets are $100 each, and sponsorships begin at $1,500. For additional information or to become a sponsor, contact Christina Tuohey, STCC director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, at (413) 755-4475 or [email protected]. To purchase tickets online, visit www.stcc.edu/njbau.

Cupcake Maven to Keynote Professional Women’s Chamber Luncheon

By BusinessWest Staff February 19, 2015

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Tracy Noonan, co-owner of Wicked Good Cupcakes, will keynote the Headline Luncheon of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield’s affiliate, the Professional Women’s Chamber (PWC), on Wednesday, March 18, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Carriage House at Storrowton Tavern, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Noonan and her daughter, Danielle Vilagie, took their Cohasset-based cupcake baking company national after appearing on the ABC hit show Shark Tank.

Wicked Good Cupcakes began when the mother-daughter team took cake-decorating classes as a way to spend quality time together. After posting their work online for friends and family, they found themselves being asked to create cupcakes for various events. The demand for their product became so high that they opened their first retail location in Cohasset in October 2011.

As the reputation of their product grew, they found themselves getting hundreds of requests to ship their product across the country. However, they could not find a way to effectively ship cupcakes and have them arrive intact and fresh. That’s when they came up for the idea of a cupcake in a jar. Filling jars with freshly baked layers of cake, frosting, and filling, they were able to create a product that would stay fresh up to 10 days without refrigeration and could be easily shipped.

The company’s popularity quickly grew, and, in 2013, Noonan and Vilagie appeared on Shark Tank, striking a deal with Boston-based shark Kevin O’Leary of O’Leary Ventures, and expanding their business by more than 600%, including a new retail location in Faneuil Hall in Boston and expanded facilities to handle online orders. In addition to cupcakes, the company’s product line now also includes gluten-free options, as well as pies, cheesecakes, and brownies in a jar, as well as French macaroons.

Advance reservations for the luncheon are suggested and cost $25 for PWC members and $35 for general admission. Register online at www.myonlinechamber.com or by e-mailing [email protected]. PWC members who are season-pass holders must pre-register for the event by emailing [email protected].

New Book Highlights History of Baystate Medical Center

By BusinessWest Staff February 19, 2015

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The roots of Baystate Medical Center date back to the formative years of the modern American hospital, when, under the name of Springfield City Hospital in 1873, it was one of only 178 acute-care hospitals in the country. Today, that number has grown to more than 5,000, and along with it can be counted a number of contributions from Baystate Medical Center, which are now considered critical elements of everyday healthcare, including fast-track cardiac surgery and an innovative chronic-care floor.

Now those accomplishments and more are highlighted in a newly published history book, titled Baystate Medical Center. It traces the people, buildings, and events that form the basis of Baystate Medical Center and the important role it has played in the evolution of the healthcare industry from the 19th century through today.

Written by Dr. Thomas L. Higgins, vice chair of the Department of Medicine at Baystate Medical Center, and Linda Baillargeon, manager of the hospital’s Internal Medicine Residency Programs, the book features vintage images and facts that capture bygone times and help bring to life the people, places, and events that defined Baystate Medical Center and the Springfield community.

Published in December by Arcadia Publishing — the leading local history publisher in the U.S., with a catalog of more than 9,000 titles in print — the book is part of its Images of America series. Since its inception in 1993, the series has preserved and shared the history of hundreds of individual communities throughout the country. The Baystate Medical Center history book features more than 200 images, beginning from the late 1800s, gathered from hospital archives at the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History and at Baystate Medical Center.

“The book was originally envisioned to be only about the Department of Medicine at Baystate. It was going to be a gift that we would give to our medicine residents to remember us by,” said Higgins. “As our research delved deeper into the department and the hospital, we discovered there were so many more stories worth telling, and the book grew in scope.”

He added, “during our research, I was inspired by the philanthropic history behind the establishment of Springfield Hospital, with major donations by Chester and Dorcas Chapin and monies from Daniel and Cynthia Wesson to support both the Hampden Homeopathic and Wesson Maternity hospitals. I was also fascinated with the architectural history of the buildings that make up Baystate, including the fact that the original Springfield Hospital is still standing as part of the medical center.”

Baystate Medical Center was established in 1976 with the merger of the Medical Center of Western Massachusetts and Wesson Memorial Hospital. Baystate’s long history can be traced back to its earliest origins as Springfield City Hospital, which was renamed Springfield Hospital in 1883 and later moved to its current location on Chestnut Street in 1889.

The book, priced at $21.99, is available at the Marketplace at Baystate Medical Center, as well as on amazon.com, or directly from the publisher at www.arcadiapublishing.com. All proceeds will benefit the hospital’s Internal Medicine Residency Education & Research Fund. For more information about Baystate Medical Center, visit baystatehealth.org/bmc.

Monson Savings Announces Three Recent Promotions

By BusinessWest Staff February 19, 2015

Daily News

MONSON — Monson Savings Bank announced the following promotions:

• Nancy Dahlen has been promoted to senior vice president, residential lending and servicing officer. She joined the bank in 1996 as a commercial loan processor and was promoted to loan operations manager in 1997, to loan operations officer in 2006, to assistant vice president in March 2009, and to vice president in October 2009. She oversees the bank’s residential and personal loan portfolio, which has seen explosive growth under her leadership. She also oversees the servicing of the bank’s entire loan portfolio. Dahlen is a 2006 graduate of the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. School of Financial Studies at Babson College, earned her commercial-lending diploma from the American Institute of Banking, and her consumer-lending diploma from the Center for Financial Training;

• Nancy Velozo has been promoted to assistant vice President, collections and fraud officer. She joined Monson Savings in 2014 as collections & fraud officer. She is an expert in the field of risk management, collections, and fraud with more than 20 years of experience in this increasingly complex area. She holds several certifications from the Risk Management Assoc., of which she is a member, and she has completed numerous professional-development courses through the Institute of Banking; and

• Clare Ladue has been promoted to retail banking officer. She joined Monson Savings in 2012 as branch manager of the bank’s Hampden branch. In 2013 she was asked to be the branch manager of the bank’s newest branch in Ware, which has seen enormous growth under her leadership. She is a graduate of the Mass. Bankers New England School of Financial Studies and holds numerous professional certifications.

“We have an incredible team here at Monson Savings,” said Steve Lowell, president of Monson Savings Bank. “I am very pleased to publicly congratulate Nancy, Nancy, and Clare on their well-deserved promotions.”

Mary Akers Joins Team at Work Opportunity Center

By BusinessWest Staff February 18, 2015

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Work Opportunity Center Inc. (WOC) announced that Mary Akers has joined the company in the newly created position of assistant executive director. She will oversee all programmatic and business operations for the company.

Work Opportunity Center is a private, nonprofit corporation that provides vocational training, employment, and community experiences to the developmentally disabled. WOC has been in business since 1969 and currently has offices in Springfield, West Springfield, and Agawam.

Akers joins WOC from American International College, where she most recently served as associate director of Athletics for Internal Operations and was the senior woman administrator. She brings more than 15 years of experience in operations, budgeting, management, and customer service. She holds both a bachelor’s degree in business administration and an MBA from American International College.

WSU, UMass Libraries Honor Civil-rights Leader W.E.B. Du Bois

By BusinessWest Staff February 18, 2015

Daily News

WESTFIELD — In honor of Black History Month, Westfield State University will collaborate with UMass Libraries, St. John’s Congregational Church, Beta Sigma Boule, and Springfield Public Schools to hold a tribute for W.E.B. Du Bois at St. John’s Congregational Church in Springfield on Sunday, Feb. 22 at 3 p.m.

William Edward Burghardt (W.E.B.) Du Bois was born in Great Barrington on Feb. 23, 1868. He grew up to become a pioneering civil-rights leader and visionary of equality and democracy. He was the first African-American to earn a doctorate from Harvard University and a pioneer in the fields of sociology and history. A founding member of the NAACP, Du Bois was also a playwright, poet, novelist, and cultural critic.

The event includes a performance of the play W.E.B. Du Bois: A Man for All Times, by the Pulse Ensemble Theater group from New York City.

Event organizer Brooks Fitch, consultant to UMass Libraries, said the tribute and the play share a message. “Knowledge is not enough, we must act. There are a lot of lessons that W.E.B. Du Bois gave. Du Bois is a man of all times. That template of what he did and how he did it is relevant to today.”

In addition to St. John’s Music Ministry and the play, there will be performances by WSU’s Chorus, Gospel Choir, and So Seductive Step Team. Each performance will reflect the theme of W.E.B. Du Bois’s life and elements of Black History Month.

Fitch said the event will appeal to adults and kids alike. “We hope to provide aspirational modeling for young people in particular to encourage them to go to further their education. The tribute lets adults see all that all aspects of the community, college students, etc., have a common focus.”

The event will be held at St. John’s Congregational Church because of its significance to Du Bois and what he stood for. Abolitionist John Brown was a member of the church when he lived in Springfield, and Springfield became a hub of the Underground Railroad due to the activities of St. John’s. Du Bois also attended the church on occasion. The W.E.B. Du Bois event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.westfield.ma.edu/bhm.

HCC, STCC Offer Manufacturing Production Technician Training Program

By BusinessWest Staff February 18, 2015

Daily News

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College, in collaboration with Springfield Technical Community College, is offering a free manufacturing production technician training program beginning Monday, March 16.

The 10-week, accelerated manufacturing training program is being offered through Training and Workforce Options (TWO), a joint effort between HCC and STCC, with support from Massachusetts Community Colleges and the Workforce Development Transformation Agenda, which is funded through a $20 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.

The program runs Monday through Thursday, 3:30 to 8:30 p.m., through May 28. All classes will be held at Dean Vocational High School, 1045 Main St., Holyoke. Students must arrange their own transportation.

To find out more and to see if you qualify, attend one of the following information sessions:
• Monday, Feb. 23, 2 p.m., CareerPoint, Paper City Room, 850 High St., Holyoke; or
• Tuesday, Feb. 24, 9:30 a.m., noon, or 3 p.m., Kittredge Center, Room 226, HCC, 303 Homestead Ave., Holyoke.

To register, contact Ana Sanchez at (413) 755-4789 or [email protected]. If selected, students must attend a mandatory orientation day on Thursday, March 12. Students will spend 150 hours in the classroom learning subjects such as machining, workplace math, measuring, instrumentation, communication, and production. Those who successfully complete the program will receive a certificate as a manufacturing production technician.

Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce to Honor Shining Stars

By BusinessWest Staff February 18, 2015

Daily News

CHICOPEE — The Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce will pay tribute to the recipients of the prestigious Shining Stars Awards on Friday, March 6, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the Castle of Knights, 1599 Memorial Dr., Chicopee.

Starting, initially, with the Citizen of the Year, the Shining Stars Awards have grown to include Business of the Year and Volunteer of the Year. This year, the chamber has added a new category, Nonprofit Organization of the Year, and is also paying special tribute to Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM).

This year’s honorees are:
• Business of the Year: DeJordy, Dugre, Croteau & Co., P.C., a full-service accounting, tax-planning, tax-preparation, and business-advisory CPA firm;
• Citizen of the Year: Andrew Crane of A. Crane Construction;
• Nonprofit Organization of the Year: Elms College;
• Chamber Volunteer of the Year: Jason Reed, Boys & Girls Club of Chicopee; and
• Shining Stars Tribute 2015: Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM).

Sponsors for the Shining Stars Gala, thus far, include diamond sponsors Chicopee Savings Bank and Holyoke Medical Center; platinum sponsor PeoplesBank; gold sponsors Polish National Credit Union, Hampton Inn, Dave’s Truck Repair Inc., LaQuinta Inns & Suites, NUVO Bank, and Baystate Restoration Group; and silver sponsors Sidall & Sidall, P.C., and Boys & Girls Club of Chicopee.

To become a sponsor, e-mail event coordinator Lynn Morrissette at [email protected]. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the chamber at (413) 594-2101 or visit www.chicopeechamber.org and click ‘Upcoming Events.’

Linda Manor Assisted Living Open House Rescheduled to Feb. 21

By BusinessWest Staff February 17, 2015

Daily News

LEEDS — An open house at Linda Manor Assisted Living in Leeds has been postponed to Saturday, Feb. 21 due to weather concerns. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 345 Haydenville Road (Route 9). Those wishing to attend are asked to RSVP to (413) 387-3155.

The open house will include tours of the Northampton area’s newest assisted-living community and refreshments, including Linda Manor’s favorite recipes. Linda Manor offers all-inclusive assisted living and memory care adjacent to the award-winning Linda Manor Extended Care, a provider of quality senior care for more than 25 years.

Linda Manor Assisted Living offers spacious monthly rentals with no entrance fee, personal-care assistance for one all-inclusive monthly fee, on-site amenities, and a self-contained, secure Life Enrichment Memory Care neighborhood. Linda Manor Assisted Living and Linda Manor Extended Care are members of Berkshire Healthcare, an affiliate of Berkshire Health Systems, the leading provider of comprehensive healthcare services in the Berkshires.

DevelopSpringfield to Host Celebrate Springfield Dinner on March 12

By BusinessWest Staff February 17, 2015

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — DevelopSpringfield will host its fourth annual dinner event in celebration of Springfield and the many accomplishments the community has achieved over the past year, along with exciting new initiatives underway. The event will take place on Thursday, March 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the MassMutual Center in Springfield.

Festivities will include a reception with live music by the Eric Bascom Trio, auction activities, a cash bar, and hors d’oeuvres, followed by dinner, a brief program, and presentations. Platinum sponsors this year are MassMutual Financial Group, Baystate Health, and Health New England. Many other local businesses and organizations are also supporting the organization’s work as sponsors and participants at the event.

DevelopSpringfield will once again present its Partner in Progress Award to recognize the outstanding contributions of three individuals toward revitalization in Springfield. Honorees are selected for their leadership and ability to motivate and inspire others. This year’s honorees are Jerald Griffin, co-founder of Harambee and the Stone Soul Festival; Kevin Kennedy, chief development officer for the city of Springfield; and Evan Plotkin, president and owner of NAI Plotkin.

In addition to the program and award presentations, greetings will be provided by Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and Jay Ash, newly appointed secretary of the Commonwealth’s Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development.

All event proceeds will support DevelopSpringfield’s redevelopment initiatives, projects, and programs. More than 450 attendees — including federal, state, and city officials; leaders from the business and nonprofit communities; and local residents — are expected to come together in support of ongoing efforts to advance development and redevelopment projects, stimulate and support economic growth, and expedite the revitalization process within the city.

Registration and sponsorship information is available at www.developspringfield.com or by contacting Paige Thayer at (413) 209-8808 or [email protected]. Tickets cost $75 per person, and RSVP is required by Monday, Feb. 23.

Five College Consortium Agrees to Purchase Library Annex Land

By BusinessWest Staff February 17, 2015

Daily News

HADLEY — The Five College Consortium has signed an agreement to purchase 46 acres of land in Hadley as the site of a 2.5 million-volume Library Annex that will provide shelving to supplement the capacities of the collaboration’s on-campus libraries. Most of the land, which lies between North Maple Street and Rocky Hill Road in an area of mixed retail, residential, and light industrial uses, will be preserved as open space, with about 20% of the site used for the project.

The initial phase of the annex is a 38,000-square-foot facility that includes 30,000 square feet for shelving and approximately 8,000 square feet for processing intakes and retrievals. The consortium is pursuing approval for a shelving facility that might grow to 150,000 square feet — a size not expected to be reached for several decades.

Five Colleges has selected Cutler and Associates of Worcester as the project’s design-build firm. Groundbreaking is planned for July, with the facility expected to open in May 2016. The annex will address space requirements identified in the master plan of the UMass Amherst Libraries and the projected needs of Smith College during an anticipated major renovation of its Neilson Library.

The annex will also be available to serve the shelving needs of all Five College libraries for print materials. Primarily intended to house infrequently used print materials, the annex will benefit from climate-controlled conditions that are better for long-term preservation of print materials than the conditions in the on-campus library stacks.

The next stages in the project are for the land’s current owner to pursue removing the property from the state’s agriculture program and for Five Colleges to develop a conservation-management plan to protect endangered-species habitats on the site.

Jessica Collins Takes Reins at Partners for a Healthier Community

By BusinessWest Staff February 17, 2015

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Jessica Collins has been appointed interim executive director of Partners for a Healthier Community (PHC).

Collins is an eight-year veteran of the Springfield-based public-health institute, where she has been serving as deputy director. She is an advocate for social justice and health equity. To that end, she worked, in collaboration with Dr. Kathleen Szegda and others, to develop Springfield’s inaugural Health Equity Report, released in 2014. The report identifies poverty as one of the prime factors contributing to health inequity among vulnerable populations. It also provides data and context for dialogue around racial and ethnic health inequities that exist throughout the region.

“Health inequities are now well-documented among vulnerable populations, including people of color, members of the LGBT community, and people with disabilities.” said Collins. “It’s important to distinguish equity from equality. Health equity means treating everyone fairly.”

According the Rev. Karen Rucks, the PHC board president, “Jessica is a known and trusted public health figure in the Pioneer Valley and throughout the state. During her tenure at PHC, she has provided leadership for a number of high-profile initiatives, such as the Health Equity Report and Live Well Springfield.”

Partners was recently named a member of the National Network for Public Health Institutes. “Membership in this prestigious health network provides opportunities for Partners to strengthen our research and evaluation expertise, as well as access national funding sources in order to create sustainable solutions for the many health disparities that plague people in our region,” said Collins.

Prior to coming to PHC, Collins’ experience included leading community-based participatory research projects focused on the prevention of childhood obesity in Cambridge and Somerville. First Lady Michelle Obama lauded the success of Shape Up Somerville. Other nationally recognized community health initiatives led by Collins include efforts to address substance abuse and suicide prevention, as well as preschool oral health. She also served as a community health practitioner in West Africa as a Peace Corps volunteer.

Baystate Health Bloodmobile to Hold Blood Drive Feb. 17

By BusinessWest Staff February 13, 2015

Daily News

GREENFIELD — The Baystate Health Blood Donor Mobile will host a blood drive on Tuesday, Feb. 17, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Medical Office Building parking lot, 48 Sanderson St. All blood types are needed. All eligible donors will receive a soup mug.

“With the frequent snow storms this winter, we have had to cancel many of our scheduled blood drives,” said Saudra Rose, blood donor recruiter for Baystate Health. “We are asking for your help to build our blood supply back up again. All of our blood donations are used within our local communities. Donors can make a difference in the lives of their own families, friends, and neighbors.”

Blood donations take approximately one hour to complete, including the interview, donation, and refreshments. Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, have a valid photo ID, be in good health (no colds or sore throat and no antibiotics within 48 hours), and not have donated blood within the past eight weeks. People who have had the flu vaccine or flu mist are allowed to donate.

“Be sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat well prior to your donation,” Rose said. “For those of you low in iron, include lots of leafy greens.”

Appointments and pre-registration are recommended; however, walk-ins are also welcome. To make an appointment, call the Blood Donor Center at (413) 794-4600 or e-mail [email protected]. Donors should indicate the approximate time they wish to donate, birthdate, phone number, and whether or not this will be their first donation within Baystate Health. Anyone with questions about their health history, medications, or ability to donate, or would like to inquire about hosting a blood drive at their business or civic organization, should also contact Reinholz.

Mark Goggins Joins Ostberg & Associates

By BusinessWest Staff February 13, 2015

Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — Mark Goggins has joined Ostberg & Associates, the Northampton-based financial-services and insurance firm. Goggins brings more than 20 years of experience in the mortgage business with Mortgage Master and Applied Mortgage Services, as well as earlier work history with John Alden Insurance and Goggins Real Estate.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to bring Mark to our team,” said company President Robert Ostberg. “Mark’s integrity, his reputation for building and maintaining personal and professional relationships, and his deep commitment to the community will help Ostberg & Associates continue to provide exceptional service to our clients and our community.”

Goggins graduated from UMass with a degree in political science. He has served as a coach with the Northampton Recreational Department and the Suburban Basketball league, and is currently on the board of Nonotuck Resource Associates.

Amherst Chamber Calls for Nominations for A+ Awards

By BusinessWest Staff February 13, 2015

Daily News

AMHERST — The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce announced its call for nominations of individuals, businesses, and organizations throughout the Amherst area that have made a positive difference. The Annual A+ Awards are set to be given at the A+ Awards Dinner, presented by PeoplesBank, on Oct. 1 at the Hadley Farms Meeting House. In 2010 the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce introduced the A+ Awards.

The awards — formerly the Millicent H. Kauffman Distinguished Service Awards and the Janet & Winthrop Dakin Community Service Citations, and renamed to extend the chamber’s new branding initiative — are designed and named to reflect the chamber’s mission “to create, maintain, and promote a vital, thriving business climate throughout the Amherst area, and to initiate and support the civic, education, recreational, and economic well-being of the Amherst area.”

A+ Awards are given in the following categories: Legacy, Most Valuable Player, Community Service, and Lifetime Achievement in Business. The Legacy Award is given to an individual that has made an outstanding contribution to the Amherst area and has changed the lives of its citizens and for future generations. The Most Valuable Player Award is given to an individual that has gone above and beyond the call of service in aiding, assisting, and promoting the chamber. The Community Service Award seeks to recognize an individual, nonprofit, or business that has made a positive change in the lives of the citizens of the Amherst area through community work and outreach. Finally, the Lifetime Achievement in Business Award seeks to honor and recognize a chamber-member business that has made a truly exceptional difference in the Amherst community. Additional award categories are periodically added as needed.

“The A+ Awards are the most prestigious honor the chamber can bestow upon its recipients,” said Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Don Courtemanche “As you look through the list of past winners, you get an overwhelming sense of just how special this community is. This year’s crop of nominations will be no exception.”

Nominations may be made by e-mailing Courtemanche at [email protected]. Nominations must include the nominee’s name, short bio, and relevant facts that the awards committee should know regarding the nominee. Nominations are due to the chamber office by March 13.

MassMutual Partners with Colleges on Women in Data Science Program

By BusinessWest Staff February 13, 2015

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — In an effort to create a strong pipeline of qualified women professionals in the rapidly growing field of data science and related subjects, MassMutual announced it is partnering with Mount Holyoke College and Smith College to pilot a groundbreaking, higher-education initiative: the MassMutual Women in Data Science program.

Aimed at providing a deep undergraduate education in an increasingly in-demand specialty, the partnership furthers MassMutual’s efforts to create and implement a comprehensive data-science curriculum, and underscores the company’s commitment to developing a strong core of data-science capabilities in the Pioneer Valley. The field of data science draws on statistical methods to answer questions in an array of disciplines in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Graduates work in fields ranging from medicine and environmental science to actuarial professions and statistics.

“This initiative speaks volumes to the importance we place on developing smart, new talent in the emerging field of data science,” said Roger Crandall, chairman, president, and CEO of MassMutual. “MassMutual is proud to partner with these two outstanding colleges to further the advancement of women in this exciting and important discipline.”

The $2 million, four-year program, which will begin in the fall of 2015, will be funded exclusively through MassMutual, and will provide Mount Holyoke and Smith with resources to hire five visiting faculty positions, as well as support the development of a data-science-focused curriculum. The faculty would teach in such areas as natural language processing, machine learning, behavioral economics, applied statistics, and various computer science specialties. Additionally, students in either of the two colleges will be able to take courses with any of the associated professors.

Instructors at both Mount Holyoke and Smith noted that students at liberal-arts colleges who are pursuing studies and research in fields such as computer science, mathematics, and statistics are increasingly seeking to connect their technical skills directly to real-world challenges and events.

“Mount Holyoke College is committed to educating a talented and diverse group of future women leaders, and to innovation in this emerging field, a field that is all about asking the right questions, identifying patterns, generating narratives from those patterns, and responding ethically to the challenges posed by data,” said Sonya Stephens, Mount Holyoke’s vice president for Academic Affairs and dean of Faculty. “This partnership with MassMutual offers a tremendous opportunity to connect liberal learning and the Data Science initiative at the college to opportunities that exist in both the academy and the workforce.”

Added Smith College Provost Katherine Rowe, “Smith has long been known for educating women who lead in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. This collaboration will enable Smith to explore new directions in an emerging discipline where we are seeing increasing excitement among students. It creates opportunities for Smith students and will significantly expand the pool of talented women leaders in this field.”

The MassMutual Women in Data Science program follows closely the August 2014 creation of the Amherst-based MassMutual Data Science Development program. The cutting-edge effort furthers the company’s commitment to the advancement of data science, with a particular emphasis on building a critical mass of this talent in the five-college area, which, in addition to Smith and Mount Holyoke, includes Amherst College, Hampshire College, and UMass Amherst.

The current MassMutual data science program looks to hire between five and 10 recent graduates annually from top colleges in the fields of math, computer science, and statistics. Over a three-year period, the new employees are provided a combination of coursework, applied projects within MassMutual, and training, all of which are the equivalent of a post-graduate degree. Professors sponsored as part of the Women in Data Science program will support this program by teaching various related courses to the development group.

“Our long-term goal is to develop a team of data scientists in the region, leveraging the already-strong programs these schools have in place in math, statistics, and computer science,” said Sears Merritt, chief data scientist for MassMutual. “Through our partnership with Mount Holyoke, Smith, and other schools in the region, we are confident that the Pioneer Valley will be a tremendous source of young, talented data scientists.”

Dr. Ariel GallantBernstein Joins Greenfield Family Medicine

By BusinessWest Staff February 12, 2015

Daily News

GREENFIELD — Pediatrician Dr. Ariel GallantBernstein has joined the staff of Baystate Medical Practices – Greenfield Family Medicine.

GallantBernstein is a graduate of Wellesley College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in music. However, pivotal experiences during a college-related trip to West Africa changed her career path from music to medicine.

“During that trip, the traditional midwives in rural areas of Ghana showed me how important the health of women and children truly is in helping create positive change in the world,” she said.” When she returned to the U.S., she focused on acquiring the skills needed to “join that crusade.” She added, “I always have enjoyed working with children; their innocence and resilience is inspiring. I couldn’t imagine serving a more worthy group.”

Following her newfound mission, GallantBernstein continued her education at the University of Vermont’s post-baccalaureate premedical program, then earned her doctor of medicine degree in 2011 from the University of Vermont College of Medicine. She completed her pediatric residency at Baystate Children’s Hospital in July 2014.

GallantBernstein practices a policy of “inclusion and completeness” in her patient care. “I do my best to actively listen and be present to the needs of my patients and families, and I use any tool I can to help address their concerns,” she said. “Wellness is achieved by establishing a sincere and honest relationship that allows the real issues to be addressed and opens the door for creative solutions in which everyone — including my patients, their families, and me — is included.”

GallantBernstein is currently accepting new patients at her office at Baystate Medical Practices – Greenfield Family Medicine, 48 Sanderson St., Greenfield. For more information or to make an appointment, call (413) 773-2022.

Massachusetts Ranks Fifth in Nation for LEED-certified Buildings

By BusinessWest Staff February 12, 2015

Daily News

BOSTON — Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton recently announced that Massachusetts has been ranked fifth in the nation for 2014 sustainable-building design, construction, and transformation by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

“This recognition is another example of Massachusetts’ commitment to strengthening our economy, shaping our energy future, and protecting our environment through clean-energy jobs and technology,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton. “Designing and constructing our buildings with an awareness towards energy and the environment protects our natural resources while saving money for businesses, institutions, and residents.”

Massachusetts added 99 new Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) certified projects in 2014, ranking behind only Illinois, Colorado, Maryland, and Virginia. The rankings are calculated by dividing square footage certified in 2014 by state population. Massachusetts has ranked in the top five for the past three years.

“LEED has become an important benchmark in the transformation of the nation’s built environment,” said Rick Fedrizzi, CEO and founding chair of USGBC. “LEED-certified buildings and the innovations they have driven contribute substantially to our national economic growth, create jobs, and improve the quality of life in the communities where they are found. Massachusetts business and community leaders, policy makers, and green-building professionals understand how to create a healthier, more sustainable future.”

Massachusetts remains a leader in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and economic benefits from the clean-energy industry. The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has named Massachusetts number one in energy efficiency for four years in a row. Solar installations have grown from 3 megawatts in 2007 to 752 today. Clean energy is yielding significant economic benefits, with 10.5% job growth in the last year and 47% growth since 2010. Massachusetts boasts more than 88,000 clean-energy workers and nearly 6,000 clean-energy businesses.

United Bank Cuts Ribbon at New Location in Connecticut

By BusinessWest Staff February 12, 2015

Daily News

NORTH HAVEN, Conn. — William Crawford IV, CEO of United Financial Bancorp Inc. and United Bank of Glastonbury, Conn., joined by community and business leaders as well as members of the United Team, cut the ribbon to the company’s newest banking center at 117 Washington Ave. in North Haven.

The North Haven Banking Center is a two-story, approximately 5,000-square-foot, standalone building that provides customers convenient access to full-service banking, including retail banking specialists, mortgage and commercial lending, financial-advisory services, and private banking. The location also provides double drive-up lanes, along with a drive-up ATM.

North Haven is United’s second retail banking location to open in Greater New Haven over the past 12 months. The bank opened a branch in Hamden at 2290 Whitney Ave. in February 2014. Also, in July 2011, United Bank opened a loan-production office at 2319 Whitney Ave. in Hamden with a team of lenders responsible for covering the Greater New Haven market.

“Our newest location in North Haven is another exciting opportunity for us to enhance our retail banking and lending presence in Greater New Haven,” said Crawford. “We’re doing it with reputable bankers and lenders from the industry who are also very visible and admired in the communities we serve. Our North Haven team is not only focused on winning new business and retaining the customers we already serve in Greater New Haven, but they are also dedicated to providing the exceptional service and financial balance our customers deserve from United Bank.”

United Personnel Announces Promotions, Staff Addition

By BusinessWest Staff February 12, 2015

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Due to sustained growth, United Personnel announced the promotion of two staff members, as well as the addition of a new senior staffing consultant.

Jennifer Atwater, assistant vice president of Operations for Hampshire and Franklin counties, has been promoted to vice president of Operations for these regions plus Berkshire County. A graduate of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, her duties will include staff management, client and candidate relations, recruitment, and business development. As a member of the United Personnel team for 15 years, Atwater brings a wealth of human-resources knowledge and recruiting expertise to her new role. In addition to her work at United Personnel, she serves as an ambassador to the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Human Resources Roundtable for Associated Industries of Massachusetts.

In addition, Assistant Vice President of Information Technology Becky Ramah has been promoted to vice president of Information Technology and Communications. Ramah has been with United Personnel for 21 years in a wide variety of progressively responsible roles, including recruitment, placement, and on-site project management. Ramah’s new role encompasses all information-technology operations as well as social media and marketing. She is a graduate of UMass and serves on the board of directors of Womanshelter/Companeras.

United Personnel’s newest member, Halina Dumas, joins the team as a senior staffing consultant. Dumas, a graduate of UMass Amherst, has 15 years of staffing-industry experience in professional, accounting, and administrative placement for a national firm. She will be overseeing placements for both large and small clients in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties.

“We are pleased to announce that our continued growth has resulted in the promotion and hiring of staff who will bring great results to our clients and candidates throughout Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut,” said company President Tricia Canavan.

ACCGS to Host Afternoon of Speed Networking on March 11

By BusinessWest Staff February 11, 2015

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Back by popular demand, the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield (ACCGS) will hold an afternoon of speed networking on March 11 at Frank Webb’s Bath Center, 145 Performance Blvd., Springfield, followed by an evening of informal networking at its After 5.

The combination of events will provide attendees the opportunity to meet new contacts in a formal manner, then continue conversations in an informal and casual setting. The core concept to speed networking is the ‘elevator speech,’ a short summary of an individual, business, organization, product, or service that a person could deliver in the time span of a short elevator ride.

Attendees will be divided into groups A and B. Members of each group will be seated across from each other. Each member of Group A will have 60 seconds to give his or her elevator speech to a member of Group B. A bell will ring, signaling the 60-second time is up, and each member of Group B will then get a chance to speak. The facilitator will signal when the 60 seconds are up again, and members of Group A will then move one seat to the right and begin the process again with a new partner. The round-robin format of networking will continue until the event is over.

The event begins at 3:30 p.m. with registration and instructions. To accommodate the event, no admittance will be allowed after 3:55 p.m. The event ends at 5 p.m., and the After 5 runs from 5 to 7 p.m.

Reservations are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and only members of the ACCGS, Springfield Chamber of Commerce, or East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce are eligible to participate. Reservations include a complimentary ticket to the After 5. Reservations for the After 5 only are $5 for members, $10 for general admission. The After 5 is open to the general public. Reservations may be made online and in advance at www.myonlinechamber.com or by contacting Sarah Mazzaferro at [email protected].

Westfield State University Offers ‘Acting Skills for Real Life’ Course

By BusinessWest Staff February 11, 2015

Daily News

WESTFIELD — The Division of Graduate and Continuing Education at Westfield State University will offer a class called “Acting Skills for Real Life: How to Connect and Communicate” on Thursday nights, March 19 through April 16, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Students will learn about basic acting skills and theories, and how they can be applied to everyday situations such as job interviews and social settings, in addition to performances and public speaking. Course content includes vocal, movement, and imagination warmups and theatre games; improvisations around a specific set of circumstances, including real-life situations and role reversal; developing stage presence; and, if the class chooses, rehearsal and class performance of a brief scene or monologue as a rehearsed reading or ‘off book.’

The course will be taught by Nadia Creamer, who has a long career as a performer and a teacher of performing arts. Creamer was co-artistic director of Impulse Theatre and Dance for 28 years in New York, where she received more than 60 grants for her work. She was also a faculty member at New York University, Russell Sage, College of St. Rose, and Columbia-Greene Community College.

The cost of this course is $80. Registration will be accepted until the first night of class. For more information and to register, contact Brandon Fredette at (413) 572-8033 or [email protected].

Gov. Charlie Baker to Headline Outlook 2015

By BusinessWest Staff February 11, 2015

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker will give his first major address to the Greater Springfield business community at the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield’s (ACCGS) Outlook 2015 on Friday, Feb. 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the MassMutual Center, 1277 Main St., Springfield.

Outlook is the area’s largest legislative event, attracting more than 700 guests and presenting expert speakers on local, state, and federal issues. Area elected officials will also be in attendance to participate in this discussion of front-burner issues.

The event is presented by Health New England and sponsored by the Eastern States Exposition, MassMutual Financial Group, and United Personnel. Program/reception sponsors include the Sisters of Providence Health System, Comcast, Western Massachusetts Electric Co., and the Republican, with support from Chicopee Savings Bank and BusinessWest.

Baker was inaugurated on Jan. 8 as the 72nd governor of the state. Over the course of his career, he has been a highly successful leader of complex organizations in business and in government. As a cabinet secretary under Gov. William Weld and Gov. Paul Cellucci, Baker helped lead efforts to reform and modernize state government. During his time as CEO of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Baker turned a company on the brink of bankruptcy into the nation’s highest-ranked healthcare provider for six straight years.

As a member of the Weld and Cellucci administrations in the 1990s, Baker helped turn a billion-dollar deficit into a surplus, create a half-million jobs, and enact an ambitious education-reform agenda. First asked to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services in 1992, Baker led efforts to make Massachusetts’ social-service system more humane, cost-effective, and responsive to the needs of the Commonwealth’s residents. In 1994, Baker was appointed Secretary of Administration and Finance, overseeing a number of cost-saving reforms, modernizing state government, and making it more efficient.

Baker will be joined at the Outlook program by U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, who will remark on events at the federal level, including his thoughts on the 114th Congress and the topics that the new Congress may review. “As a senior member of the powerful House Committee on Ways and Means and ranking member of its Select Revenue Measures subcommittee, Congressman Neal serves in a critically important capacity in Washington for our area, our state, and the entire country,” said ACCGS President Jeffrey Ciuffreda.

Tickets are $50 for ACCGS members and $70 for general admission. Reserved tables of 10 are available. Reservations must be made by Feb. 20, and may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com or by contacting Member Services Director Sarah Mazzaferro at [email protected]. No walk-ins will be accepted, and no cancellations will be accepted once the reservation deadline has passed.

ESB Reports Solid 2014; Assets Now Exceed $1 Billion

By BusinessWest Staff February 11, 2015

Daily News

EASTHAMPTON — At Easthampton Savings Bank’s recent quarterly meeting, President and CEO Matthew Sosik reported that the bank’s total assets surpassed $1 billion at the end of 2014.

Also, Bozena Dabek, senior vice president and CFO, reported that the bank’s assets were up $37 million from a year ago, an increase of 3.7%. “Easthampton Savings Bank continues to be one of the most highly capitalized banks in the area, with a capital ratio of 12.9%,” she added.

Dabek noted that total loans increased $47 million over the last quarter and now stand at just over $773 million, and that the bank’s deposit growth was more than $40 million, or 5% from a year ago. Deposits were up $18 million for the quarter, and total deposits are now $869 million, she added.

Said Sosik, “2014 was another in a long line of profitable and successful years for the bank. We met and exceeded all of our goals for asset growth and earnings, as well as our goals for charitable giving within the communities we serve. Overall, 2014 was just a great year and was the result of a lot of hard work and dedication from our board and staff.”

Real Estate Transactions

By BusinessWest Staff February 10, 2015

Departments Real Estate

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY

BERNARDSTON

10 Eden Trail
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Matthew J. Heilman
Seller: Jeanne M. Bell
Date: 12/31/14

513 Huckle Hill Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Laura James
Seller: Thomas L. Sampson
Date: 01/07/15

54 River St.
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $164,000
Buyer: Karen N Delorme
Seller: Lynch, Mary J., (Estate)
Date: 12/30/14

BUCKLAND

21 Walker Road
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Kavita H. Hunt
Seller: FNMA
Date: 01/07/15

6 Wall St.
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Kenneth G. Campbell
Seller: Mary F. Schreiber
Date: 01/09/15

COLRAIN

497 Adamsville Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Michael A. Giard
Seller: Crosier, Francis R., (Estate)
Date: 01/07/15

24 Ed Clark Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Holland A. Herzig
Seller: Joseph R. Henry
Date: 12/30/14

CONWAY

2966 Shelburne Falls Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Jeremy C. Sinkus
Seller: John A. Siano
Date: 01/09/15

DEERFIELD

165 Lower Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Terry J. Kimball
Seller: Clearvue Opportunity 16
Date: 01/08/15

117 Old Main St.
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: Sunset RT
Seller: James M. Hardigg
Date: 01/08/15

ERVING

54 Mountain Road
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $183,000
Buyer: William G. Gallant
Seller: Joseph S. Bagdonas
Date: 12/31/14

GREENFIELD

64 Adams Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $1,599,190
Buyer: Store Master Funding 7
Seller: Argotec LLC
Date: 12/29/14

8 Carpenters Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Nickate Property LLC
Seller: Gary D. Melen
Date: 01/09/15

24 Elm St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: MHFA
Seller: Michael L. Avery
Date: 12/30/14

24 Franklin St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $2,000,000
Buyer: Reed Apartments LLC
Seller: Mark A. Zaccheo
Date: 01/09/15

49 Greenfield Road
Greenfield, MA 01376
Amount: $2,128,922
Buyer: Store Master Funding 7
Seller: Argotec LLC
Date: 12/29/14

244 Leyden Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $177,900
Buyer: Kathleen M. Conti
Seller: Williams, Donald F., (Estate)
Date: 01/06/15

15 Lincoln St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $172,500
Buyer: Sara Jonsberg
Seller: Patricia P. Marcus
Date: 12/29/14

12 Mill St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Nickate Property LLC
Seller: Gary D. Melen
Date: 01/09/15

53 Silvio O. Conte Dr.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $6,146,888
Buyer: Store Master Funding 7
Seller: Argotec LLC
Date: 12/29/14

LEVERETT

83 North Leverett Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Diane L. Gorenstein
Seller: Vincent M. Vacca
Date: 01/06/15

LEYDEN

72 Eden Trail
Leyden, MA 01337
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Matthew J. Muka
Seller: Lori Levesque
Date: 01/07/15

NORTHFIELD

39 Highland Ave.
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: VanBro Co. LLC
Seller: Thomas W. Boisvert
Date: 12/30/14

SHELBURNE

19-23 Bridge St.
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Ancient Glacier LLC
Seller: James E. Singley
Date: 01/09/15

5-7 Grove St.
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $214,500
Buyer: John L. Occhialini
Seller: Chris E. Singley
Date: 12/31/14

SUNDERLAND

10 Bears Den Dr.
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $201,000
Buyer: Glenn F. Brozo
Seller: William R. Brown
Date: 01/09/15

42 Montague Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Jonathan Pepyne
Seller: Robert J. Zajac
Date: 01/05/15

WHATELY

30 Long Plain Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $261,760
Buyer: Peter E. Newsum
Seller: Diane M. Burns
Date: 12/30/14

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

15 Federal St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: John J. Ragno
Seller: Donald Neill
Date: 12/30/14

96 Meadow St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Henry Kozloski
Seller: Lucier, Bruce, (Estate)
Date: 12/29/14

100 Oak Hill Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $163,000
Buyer: Patrick M. Landers
Seller: Kris T. Lombardi
Date: 01/09/15

50 Pheasant Run Circle
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Charles D. Stevens
Seller: Pedro N. Guzman
Date: 01/09/15

36 Senator Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $118,750
Buyer: Tomroc Holdings LLC
Seller: Scott A. Richards
Date: 01/08/15

863 South Westfield St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Oleg Bratnichenko
Seller: David W. Dunican
Date: 12/30/14

18 School St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $193,000
Buyer: Michael H. Woods
Seller: Paul G. Roy
Date: 12/30/14

649-651 Springfield St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Simon Realty LLC
Seller: Thomas J. Lockwood
Date: 12/31/14

635 Suffield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Robert T. Shepard
Seller: Mary Shepard
Date: 01/09/15

BLANDFORD

18 North Blandford Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $228,000
Buyer: Sabrina R. Kanner
Seller: Jack L. Hooper
Date: 01/05/15

BRIMFIELD

1550 Dunhamtown Brimfield Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: Jenna J. Cuthbertson
Seller: Keith R. Lapierre
Date: 12/29/14

116 Wales Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $174,000
Buyer: Darlene E. Rutkauskas
Seller: Lance W. Vandolson
Date: 12/30/14

CHESTER

270 Route 20
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $153,900
Buyer: Sarah L. Frost
Seller: Christopher J. Kanner
Date: 01/05/15

CHICOPEE

96 8th Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $172,500
Buyer: Miranda L. Pothier
Seller: Edward J. Allie
Date: 01/09/15

54 Armanella St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $149,000
Buyer: Miguel A. Sanchez
Seller: Kevin J. Czaplicki
Date: 01/05/15

131 Bay State Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Justinn D. Cassidy
Seller: Nu Way Homes Inc.
Date: 01/05/15

309 Casey Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $202,129
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Michael Horton
Date: 01/08/15

247 Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $139,400
Buyer: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Seller: Wayne E. Butler
Date: 12/29/14

24 Dewey St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $116,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Bernard J. Grummell
Date: 01/09/15

84 Fedak Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Beswick
Seller: Major, Rita T., (Estate)
Date: 12/30/14

10 Juliette St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: Roman V. Kouzmouk
Seller: Stacy L. Tassone
Date: 12/30/14

513 McKinstry Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $123,000
Buyer: Mercedes Alvarez
Seller: Robert R. Brassard
Date: 12/31/14

416 New Ludlow Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Wendy Burgos
Seller: Nathan K. Jedziniak
Date: 01/06/15

96 Savory Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $231,500
Buyer: David J. Matlasz
Seller: Irzyk, Mildred A., (Estate)
Date: 01/08/15

12 Searles St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $149,900
Buyer: Evan N Rosienski
Seller: Patricia L. Raymond
Date: 12/30/14

272 Springfield St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $239,000
Buyer: Antonio F. Tereso
Seller: Robert Borowiec
Date: 01/07/15

45 Whitin Ave.
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Donald H. Chapdelaine
Seller: Chapdelaine, L. A., (Estate)
Date: 12/30/14

EAST LONGMEADOW

21 Allen St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Tiffany L. Sanchez
Seller: Mahlon G. Cashman
Date: 12/29/14

127 Country Club Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $532,500
Buyer: Kate Laporte
Seller: Marc D. Giupponi
Date: 12/29/14

197 Dwight Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $142,500
Buyer: Trevor Devine
Seller: Stephen P. Wagner
Date: 12/31/14

255 Elm St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $145,152
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Catherine W. Potter
Date: 01/08/15

241 Kibbe Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Thomas E. Argenio
Seller: Moltenbrey Builders LLC
Date: 12/31/14

9 Lombard Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $182,000
Buyer: Country Development Corp.
Seller: James A. Rinaldi
Date: 12/29/14

19 Mereline Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Nicholas J. Harrington
Seller: Rosemary A. Martone
Date: 12/29/14

11 Sturbridge Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Gina E. Flanagan
Seller: Ralph D. August
Date: 12/31/14

GRANVILLE

1430 Main Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Richard Deblois
Seller: Jesse P. Saltmarsh

HAMPDEN

337 Main St.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $136,000
Buyer: John P. Kertenis
Seller: Paul S. Jaquay
Date: 01/09/15

Wilbraham Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Rocky Mountain Wood Co.
Seller: Ramon Carando

HOLYOKE

5 Appleton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Ralph Thompson
Seller: Indy Group Inc.
Date: 12/30/14

167 Chestnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $149,000
Buyer: Joseph C. Cox
Seller: Stiebel Properties Inc.
Date: 01/08/15

107 Lincoln St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Garrett J. Lavoie
Seller: Michael J. Curtin
Date: 12/30/14

245 Madison Ave. West
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Samuel G. Stauder
Seller: Benjamin Snyder
Date: 01/05/15

216 Ontario Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $200,207
Buyer: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Seller: James G. Bliss
Date: 01/06/15

24 Scott Hollow Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $214,500
Buyer: Dominick M. Ciuffreda
Seller: Daniel J. Sroka
Date: 12/29/14

329 Walnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $125,110
Buyer: Alexis D. Giacometti
Seller: Amy L. Stpeter
Date: 01/09/15

10 Western View Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Michael J. Curtin
Seller: Xin Y. Liu
Date: 12/31/14

LONGMEADOW

31 Churchill Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $484,900
Buyer: Brennan Collins
Seller: Peter L. Copeland
Date: 01/07/15

40 Circle Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: John E. Tyler
Seller: Michael S. Desmarais
Date: 12/30/14

107 Colton Place
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Paul A. Sweitzer
Seller: Randall, Bruce W., (Estate)
Date: 12/30/14

134 Edgewood Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $302,500
Buyer: John C. Austin
Seller: Stephen L. Simons
Date: 12/29/14

567 Maple Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $276,500
Buyer: Brent S. Spruill
Seller: Douglas E. Bourie
Date: 01/06/15

511 Wolf Swamp Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $266,000
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Andrea Chase
Date: 01/08/15

LUDLOW

22 Arch St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Augusto Coelho
Seller: Stephen J. Kubik
Date: 01/07/15

55 Atlantic St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Shawn P. Crimmins
Seller: Timothy P. Crimmins
Date: 12/30/14

Avelino Way #10
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: A&A Goncalves RT
Seller: AMM Group LLC
Date: 12/31/14

Avelino Way #6
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: A&A Goncalves RT
Seller: AMM Group LLC
Date: 12/31/14

Avelino Way #9
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: A&A Goncalves RT
Seller: AMM Group LLC
Date: 12/31/14

33 Higher St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $139,000
Buyer: Alex Montagna
Seller: Alice A. Lavatori
Date: 12/30/14

MONSON

32 Ayers Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $610,000
Buyer: James M. Veninger
Seller: Richard R. Loveless
Date: 01/06/15

19 Mechanic St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Gary L. Depace
Seller: Mark Depace
Date: 01/08/15

44 Stebbins Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $189,900
Buyer: Michael Beder
Seller: Duane W. Howard
Date: 12/30/14

PALMER

2115 Calkins Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Carmen S. Rivera
Seller: Barbara I. Benedetti
Date: 12/29/14

53 Crawford St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Erik M. Binczewski
Seller: Joseph S. Pisarski
Date: 01/08/15

331 Flynt St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Adam J. Skowyra
Seller: FNMA
Date: 12/29/14

139 Griffin St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Antonio Sebastiao
Seller: Christine L. Short
Date: 12/29/14

3145 Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $132,900
Buyer: Anthony B. Choquette
Date: 12/31/14

3147 Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $132,900
Buyer: Anthony B. Choquette
Seller: Joan D. Neiweem
Date: 12/31/14

SOUTHWICK

51 Lakemont St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $279,900
Buyer: Peter Molin
Seller: Penelope A. Fillion
Date: 01/02/15

39 Miller Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Joshua A. Miller
Seller: Pamela L. Pryor
Date: 12/31/14

275 South Longyard Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Christopher M. Gilmore
Seller: Walter N Brach
Date: 01/09/15

SPRINGFIELD

85 Amos Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $179,000
Buyer: Meera Adhikari
Seller: Lachenauer LLC
Date: 01/08/15

218 Arcadia Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Luca V. Mineo
Seller: John Kirzec
Date: 01/07/15

Arcadia Blvd. (NWS) #31
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Luca V. Mineo
Seller: John Kirzec
Date: 01/07/15

120 Atwater Road
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Elizabeth S. Belle-Isle
Seller: Julie Rypysc
Date: 12/29/14

87 Avocado St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $1,750,000
Buyer: Avocado Street LLC
Seller: Captiva Realty Inc.
Date: 12/29/14

281-285 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: CIG 2 LLC
Seller: Jinrong Properties LLC
Date: 01/07/15

89 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $117,150
Buyer: Eduardo E. Padilla
Seller: Kenneth R. Gagne
Date: 12/30/14

11-15 Bevier St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Paul Modelski
Seller: Roman Boiko
Date: 01/02/15

61 Bliss St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $6,025,000
Buyer: Blue Tarp Redevelopment
Seller: 73 State Street LLC
Date: 01/02/15

197 Dwight Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $142,500
Buyer: Trevor Devine
Seller: Stephen P. Wagner
Date: 12/31/14

82 Dwight Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: Amanda Bligh
Seller: Stanley Russin
Date: 12/31/14

49-51 East Hooker St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Yellowbrick Property LLC
Seller: Yellow Brick Property LLC
Date: 12/31/14

207 Edendale St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $122,772
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Gerald J. Shannon
Date: 01/06/15

177 Ellsworth Ave. #68
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $224,500
Buyer: Lowell T. Manning
Seller: Nu Way Homes Inc.
Date: 12/30/14

18 Freeman Ter.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $123,000
Buyer: Yellowbrick Property LLC
Seller: Yellow Brick Property LLC
Date: 12/31/14

341 Gillette Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Thomas M. Ashe
Seller: Walter A. Mayo
Date: 01/06/15

172 Gresham St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Zachary J. Lyman
Seller: Ronald Vanbeek
Date: 01/07/15

37 Groveland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $177,710
Buyer: Pennymac Holdings LLC
Seller: Gregory Moultrie
Date: 01/07/15

52-62 Howard St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $6,025,000
Buyer: Blue Tarp Redevelopment
Seller: 73 State Street LLC
Date: 01/02/15

57 Howes St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $127,500
Buyer: Peter Mancuso
Seller: Regan, Michael J., (Estate)
Date: 12/30/14

10 Ingraham Ter.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: J. Norbert Properties LLC
Seller: Hampden Bank
Date: 01/02/15

72-74 Lebanon St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $118,500
Buyer: Gerardo A. Colon
Seller: Maribel Delrio
Date: 01/09/15

1126 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $1,000,000
Buyer: Blue Tarp Redevelopment
Seller: Dino A. Isotti
Date: 01/02/15

1132-1142 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $4,000,000
Buyer: Blue Tarp Redevelopment
Seller: Joo B. Lee
Date: 01/02/15

643 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: SDS LLC
Seller: 3 Pointer LLC
Date: 12/29/14

75 Market St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $615,000
Buyer: SH Realty LLC
Seller: Harrison Avenue RT
Date: 01/09/15

184 Mill St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $171,000
Buyer: George A. Spence
Seller: United Way Of Pioneer Valley
Date: 12/30/14

135 Oak Hollow Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $243,000
Buyer: Mary N Rowe
Seller: John M. Rossini
Date: 12/30/14

36 Pinecrest Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Vito M. Dellaera
Seller: Joan P. Learned
Date: 01/06/15

28-30 Olmsted Dr.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: Millicent Lardi
Seller: Andrew W. Smith
Date: 12/30/14

18 Riverton Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Edmund M. Leduke
Seller: Justinn D. Cassidy
Date: 12/30/14

195 Saint James Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Michael W. Walsh
Seller: Scott C. Powers
Date: 01/07/15

875 South Branch Pkwy.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $189,900
Buyer: Diana Estrada
Seller: City View Property Services
Date: 12/30/14

73 State St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $6,025,000
Buyer: Blue Tarp Redevelopment
Seller: 73 State Street LLC
Date: 01/02/15

79-83 State St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $1,237,500
Buyer: Blue Tarp Redevelopment
Seller: 79 State Street LLC
Date: 01/02/15

160 Taylor St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: R&B Karrasch LLC
Seller: Francis S. Mercier
Date: 01/06/15

129 Westminster St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $134,465
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Anthony W. Bosworth
Date: 01/08/15

128 Woodland Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: John E. Kaloroumakis
Seller: Edward F. Barbeau
Date: 01/05/15

TOLLAND

13 Lakeside Dr.
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Denis Dilallo
Seller: Debra A. Desmond
Date: 01/09/15

173 Owls Nest Lane
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Allen E. Nathan
Seller: Judith A. France
Date: 12/30/14

WALES

2 Cordially Colony
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $177,500
Buyer: Eugene Tosetti
Seller: Eileen F. Kniep
Date: 12/31/14

119 Main St.
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Jason A. Lisiecki
Seller: Brenda A. Laflamme
Date: 01/02/15

54 Monson Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $140,500
Buyer: Kevin M. Brunell
Seller: Country Bank For Savings
Date: 01/08/15

WEST SPRINGFIELD

55 Circuit Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Westside 55 Circuit LLC
Seller: HR Massachusetts LLC
Date: 12/31/14

1089 Elm St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Dog Alley RE LLC
Seller: Andrew J. Pignatare
Date: 01/02/15

120 Great Plains Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $245,200
Buyer: James F. Mello
Seller: William J. Pasternak
Date: 12/29/14

559 Main St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $139,263
Buyer: Nationastar Mortgage LLC
Seller: Frank Bonet
Date: 01/09/15

25 Orange St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $201,000
Buyer: Thomas J. Wood
Seller: Donald A. Rivers
Date: 12/29/14

38 Queen Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $172,500
Buyer: Tiana Phienboupha
Seller: Kristen S. Dominique
Date: 01/09/15

67 Trotters Walk
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Paul M. Bardwell
Seller: Jeffrey D. Jutsum
Date: 01/02/15

23 Windsor St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $192,500
Buyer: Brenda X. Chavez-Salas
Seller: Jacob N Dushane
Date: 12/30/14

WESTFIELD

13 Charles St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Franklin E. Tompkins
Seller: Mark G. Thompson
Date: 12/29/14

1526 East Mountain Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Michael D. Gonnello
Seller: Paul F. Kudryk
Date: 12/30/14

65 Laro Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Jack L. Hooper
Seller: Kelly M. Schetzel
Date: 01/05/15

107 Northwest Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Dawn M. Gahran
Seller: Raymond J. Salois
Date: 12/29/14

5 Northridge Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $191,500
Buyer: Kathryn V. Roberts
Seller: Frazier, Owczarski S., (Estate)
Date: 01/07/15

Root Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Frank A. Demarinis
Seller: Noreen Botticello
Date: 01/09/15

120 Skyline Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Pavel Yakovenko
Seller: Peter E. Flynn
Date: 12/31/14

480 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Elite Contracting Services
Seller: Rui M. Baltazar
Date: 01/08/15

Wildflower Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Jessica L. Mongeau
Seller: Richard B. Kramer
Date: 01/08/15

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

217 Aubinwood Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $399,000
Buyer: Aaron D. Osborne
Seller: Philippe G. Galaski
Date: 01/09/15

471 Bay Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Barrett Mully
Seller: Obediah D. Gibson
Date: 01/09/15

91 Cross Break
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $197,000
Buyer: Kebede Gashie
Seller: Carla Clason-Hook
Date: 12/30/14

669 East Pleasant St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $262,000
Buyer: Dana Parsons
Seller: Virginia L. Pierce
Date: 12/30/14

27 Greenleaves Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $224,000
Buyer: Irene S. Drummond
Seller: Amhad Development Corp.
Date: 01/09/15

405 Pine St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Kimberly D. Tremblay
Seller: Wesley J. Cembalisty
Date: 01/05/15

299 West St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Buyer: Matthew Wolaver
Seller: Meredith G. Troy
Date: 01/05/15

BELCHERTOWN

Allen Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $373,246
Buyer: Matthew T. Baird
Seller: Donald R. Besancon INT
Date: 01/09/15

440 Chauncey Walker St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Cheri A. Ulrich
Seller: Arthur R. Vilinskis
Date: 12/31/14

10 Depot St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $243,000
Buyer: Jonathan E. Blake
Seller: Joseph Cox
Date: 01/09/15

280 Granby Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $177,500
Buyer: Joanna G. Mull
Seller: Richard M. Grab
Date: 01/06/15

2 Rimrock Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $288,869
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Date: 01/02/15

CHESTERFIELD

Bofat Hill Road
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Nature Conservancy
Seller: Peter F. Lafogg
Date: 12/30/14

EASTHAMPTON

11 Brook St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $224,000
Buyer: Margaret Goller
Seller: Jeremy N. Rapoza
Date: 01/09/15

19 Kingsberry Way
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $394,000
Buyer: Susan M. Rapoza
Seller: Crown Meadow Corp.
Date: 01/09/15

24 Knipfer Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $174,500
Buyer: Marcie L. Cormier
Seller: Edward A. Lemanski
Date: 12/31/14

57 Maple St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $249,500
Buyer: Heather A. Zottoli
Seller: Samuel G. Stauder
Date: 01/05/15

14 Russell Lane
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Stephen L. Zimora
Seller: Margaret Goller
Date: 01/09/15

GOSHEN

39 Lake Dr.
Goshen, MA 01096
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Joshua Silver
Seller: Todd K. Thompson
Date: 12/30/14

GRANBY

67 Cold Hill
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Robert Cannon
Seller: Michael C. Karkut
Date: 01/09/15

36 High St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Mayra D. Jesus
Seller: Michael W. Simon
Date: 12/31/14

125 Maximilian Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $458,030
Buyer: Peter J. Gaj
Seller: East State Street NT
Date: 01/09/15

HADLEY

Hadley University Park #2
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: 23-27 LLC
Seller: Westmass Area Development Corp.
Date: 12/30/14

122 West St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $351,378
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: JJS Capital Investment
Date: 01/06/15

NORTHAMPTON

422 Acrebrook Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $174,900
Buyer: Dara Virks
Seller: Stephen J. Tremblay
Date: 12/29/14

31 Country Way
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: Daniel A. Philips
Seller: Frances P. Hack
Date: 01/07/15

311 Damon Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Edward J. Kubasek
Seller: Dolores A. Kubasek
Date: 01/05/15

191 Spring St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: Keith A. Tardy
Seller: Luke A. Strzegowski
Date: 12/31/14

83 West St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Smith College
Seller: Raymond H. Niles
Date: 12/29/14

SOUTH HADLEY

17 Cypress Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Derek J. Lauder
Seller: Michelle A. Boisvert
Date: 12/30/14

8 Dove Hill
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: C. E. Thomson
Seller: Michael R. Sobon
Date: 01/05/15

35 Ferry St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $309,000
Buyer: Eric Wilson
Seller: Mayra L. Dejesus
Date: 12/29/14

12 Horseshoe Circle
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Micah W. Maloney
Seller: Michael S. Larson
Date: 01/09/15

33 Lamb St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $900,000
Buyer: Curran O’Brien Realty LLC
Seller: William W. Ryder
Date: 12/31/14

8 Lois Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Nicole Kwiatkowski
Seller: Xuan Li
Date: 12/30/14

31 Mountainview Dr.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $142,464
Buyer: FHLM
Seller: Alan F. Trudeau
Date: 01/09/15

54 Prospect St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $159,900
Buyer: Meredith O. Duval
Seller: Julio C. Ruiz
Date: 01/02/15

142 Stony Brook Village
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $324,000
Buyer: Clarissa G. Bak
Seller: Whispering Pines at Root
Date: 12/30/14

SOUTHAMPTON

33 Bissonnette Circle
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Robert A. Cestola
Seller: F&G Development Corp.
Date: 01/02/15

Bankruptcies

By BusinessWest Staff February 10, 2015

Bankruptcies Departments

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

Akpan, Effiong Isaac
358 Park St. #134
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/14/15

Barszewski, Daniel J.
89 Maple St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/15

Brunelle, Robert
140 Rolling Green Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/02/15

Brusa, Jacqueline M.
a/k/a Lauzier, Jacqueline M.
342 Southwick Road #96
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/09/15

Building Blocks Family Church
Kirby, Eileen E.
2 Los Angeles St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/13/15

Camilleri, Donna M.
14 Upland Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/06/15

Carney, Geraldine
87 Narragansett Blvd.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/10/15

Comstock, Lon A.
250 Main St.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/08/15

Conway, Scott M.
Conway, Stacey M.
20 Whitin Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/10/15

Curran, Robert John
P.O. Box 2287
Westfield, MA 01086
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/15

Donovan, Jason B.
Donovan, Ashley V.
a/k/a Church, Ashley Varee
166 Line St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/14

Dyer, Joseph P.
P.O. Box 286
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/08/15

Estrada, Ernie
802 Newbury St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/15

Galecki, John
Galecki, Melaine Rose
51 Basket St.
Hunington, MA 01050
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/05/15

Genesis Barber Shop
Izzy’s Barber Studio
Acosta, Isidro
Acosta, Regina
P.O. Box 672
Westfield, MA 01086
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/14

Gordon, Asneth Tania
35 Noel St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/07/15

Goshea, Christopher R.
Goshea, Katie M.
a/k/a Lachance, Katie
95 Vermont St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/14/15

Herrick, Lisa Marie
66 Gates Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/05/15

Kohl, Leonora S.
29 High St., Apt. 2
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/01/15

LaFlamme, Daniel A.
PO Box 323
Leeds, MA 01053
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/05/15

Ledoux, Gerald R.
Ledoux, Susan L.
PO Box 323
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/14

Leonard, Lennie L.
76 Alden St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/06/15

Luciano, Damaris I.
a/k/a Reyes, Damaris I.
246 Oak St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/06/15

Matlasz, Jennifer M.
340 Dale St., Unit C
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/07/15

Phillips, James R.
81 Woodcrest Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/13/15

Regnier, Dolores J.
72 Worcester St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/06/15

Rider, Scott Anthony
316 Park St. #5
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/05/15

Sena, Gilbert M.
28 Kingsberry Way
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/12/15

Sobers, Nicola Susan
934 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/05/15

St. Pierre, Fawne M.
a/k/a White, Fawne M.
30 St. Pierre Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/14

Steenburgh Real Estate
Steenburgh, Michael A.
Steenburgh, Susan J.
182 East St.
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/05/15

Voutas, Steven
Voutas, Maureen
11 Knollwood St
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/12/15

Wellspeak, David B.
1177 Elm St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/06/15

Doing Business as Certificates

By BusinessWest Staff February 10, 2015

DBA Certificates Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of January 2015.

CHICOPEE

B Big Global
211 Poplar St.
Bright Ukandu

Buns-on-Wheels
522 Main St.
Ana Guelhermino

Chicopee Building Supply
14 Exchange St.
Michael Chamberland

Cotton Mill Sound
165 Front St.
John Daigle

Fruit Fair
398 Front St.
Shailesh Patel

Head Quarters
852 Memorial Dr.
Mark Mushenko

Papa John’s
610 Broadway St.
Cary Rivest

HOLYOKE

Cara Foods
14 Corser St.
John Kennedy

Holyoke Furniture Outlet
354-356 High St.
Alfredo Improta

Salon 413
1735 Northampton St.
Stacie Anne Alicea

Zerorez Pioneer Valley
1-3 Thorpe Ave.
ZRPV Corporation

LUDLOW

Faustination
59 Szlosek Road
Daniel Faustino

Open Door Café
247 Cady St.
Arlindo Alves

SDI Auto Repair
575 East St.
Vanda Barros

NORTHAMPTON

Boomerang Booksellers
139 Federal St.
Mark Brumberg

Firestaff Homes
351 Pleasant St.
Gary Bennett

Fitness Together
18 Strong Ave.
Jessica Phaneuf

Keggeroo Creative Consulting
53 Clark Ave.
Kenneth Geiger

Ohmstyle Living
43 Finn St.
Allison Cook

Panacea Salon
28 Pleasant St.
Patricia Britt

Swing Graphics
36 Market St.
Gregory Perham Jr.

Valley Nibbler
80 Damon Road
Gwen Connors

Valley Stress Reduction
30 Locust St.
Ellen Kaufman

Western Construction Services
275 Hatfield St.
John S. Henderson-Adams

PALMER

C & G Services
8 Crest St.
Marie Day

Friendly’s
1519 North Main St.
Friendly’s, LLC

Walnut Street Café
8 Walnut St.
Doris Theodore

SPRINGFIELD

Lizet Land Photography
219 Gifford St.
Lizet Land

Luxury Nails Salon
1220 Main St.
Vy J. Nguyen

Mommy’s
324 Wilbraham Road
Henry Ogirri

Oriental Gift and More
171 Boston Road
Chun Yang

Plink Plunk Play
63 Lakevilla Ave.
Rita F. Bartholomew

Ray’s Auto Repair
3 Fountain St.
Ramon L. Rivas

Serenev Affordable Tax
67 Suffolk St.
Angela D. Martin

Superior Home Health
83 Hazen St.
Shari Anglin

SV Saturno Cleaning Services
413 Nottingham St.
Marcos Villegas

The Sports Shack
152 Main St.
Sandra A. Babbie

Tower Convenience Store
10 Chestnut St.
Zahid Farooqui

Tranquility Day Spa
1655 Boston Road
Charles Tran

Universal Caulking
42 Kimberly Ave.
Anthony M. Dewdney

Vape Religion
526 Sumner Ave.
Tam T. Le

WESTFIELD

Clean by Kim
207 Northwest Road
Kimberly J. Gamache

Del Photo & Craft Works
46 Spruce St.
Michael C. Delmonte

New England Winners Club
720 Russell Road
Vadim Lezhnyak

Rycon Renovation
41 St. Dennis St.
Sirahei Ryhal

Western Mass Excavation Corporation
30 Sunset Dr.
Dale Unsderfer

Western Mass Pan Project
76 Broad St.
Jonathan Adams

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Clarion Motel
1080 Riverdale St.
Shailesh Patel

Friendly’s
1094 Riverdale St.
Catherine Smith

Knight’s Inn
1557 Riverdale St.
Anil Rana

Pat’s Auto Service
163 Norman St.
Richard D. Parenteau

Santana’s Kung-Fu Studio
452 Main St.
Maria E. Santana

Welcome Inn
2041 Riverdale St.
Patel Pravinshai

Incorporations

By BusinessWest Staff February 10, 2015

Departments Incorporations

The following business incorporations were recorded in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties and are the latest available. They are listed by community.

AMHERST

Hangar of Greenfield Inc., 55 University Dr., Amherst, MA 01002. Harold Tramazzo, same. Franchise restaurant.

EAST BROOKFIELD

1 Stop Transportation Inc., 119 Oakwood Dr., East Brookfield, MA 01515. Samantha Marie Cox, 6 St. Clair Road, Brimfield, MA 01010. Interstate and intrastate transporting, towing, and storage of vehicles.

HOLYOKE

Christian Union Chaplaincy Commission, 349 High St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Juan Fernandez, 210 Mountain View Dr., Holyoke, MA 01040. Organized to establish a chaplaincy ministry, to be a governing entity which will establish governance and polity, oversee activities, enforce common doctrines, and provide general administrative and spiritual supervision for other organizations which will themselves be organized and operated exclusively for educational, charitable, and/or religious purposes.

LUDLOW

Duru Inc., 481 Center St., Center St., Ludlow, MA 01056. Aziz Turan, 96 Bluebird Circle, Ludlow, MA 01056. Full-service restaurant.

SOUTH HADLEY

Anthony Reynolds Sr. Memorial Fund Inc., 38 River Road, South Hadley, MA 01075. Anthony Reynolds Jr., same. Establishing scholarships for graduating high school students who wish to pursue the field of medicine or medical sciences.

SPRINGFIELD

Bay Auto Sales Corp., 784 Bay St. Springfield, MA 01109. Argenis Ramos, same. Auto sales and service.

Elser Builders Inc., 35 Glenwood Ave., Pittsfield, MA 01021. David Elser, same. Construction, commercial and residential.

Fast Lane Auto Sales & Service Inc., 18 Berkshire Ave., Springfield, MA 01109. Noemi De Leon, 56 Malden St., Springfield, MA 01108. Used automobile sales and service.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

A.M.P.M. Express Inc., 284 Main St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Murad-John Osmanli, same. Trucking business.

WESTFIELD

Indian Motorcycle Riders Group of Springfield Inc., 962 Southampton Road, Westfield, MA 01085. Ed Villareal, same. Non-profit organization with the primary objectives to promote the Indian Motorcycle brand and attend as a club at least two charitable / benefit rides a year.

Briefcase

By BusinessWest Staff February 10, 2015

Briefcase Departments

Federal $10M Grant Will Help Improve Long Island Sound
GREENFIELD — The Connecticut River Watershed Council (CRWC) is one of seven partners receiving a $10 million federal grant funded through USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program. This new project brings together seven partners to improve the health of Long Island Sound. The funding will be matched dollar for dollar by other local, state, and private funding sources. Excess nutrients have been identified as the primary driver of hypoxic conditions (lack of oxygen) in Long Island Sound and are also impacting upland water resources within the watershed, which encompasses areas of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. This project will develop a comprehensive, whole-farm, management-certainty program for farmers in the area and use both working lands and easement programs to improve soil health and nutrient management, establish community resiliency areas with a focus on enhancing riparian areas, and institute a land-protection program to protect agricultural and forestry areas. “The council is very pleased to be one of the many partners on this important project to improve the health of both the Connecticut River basin and Long Island Sound,” said CRWC Executive Director Andrew Fisk. “Funding will allow CRWC to continue working with landowners on restoration projects on their land that will improve our rivers and protect their investment in productive farm and forest land.” The Connecticut River contributes more than 70% of the freshwater to Long Island Sound and plays an important role in the health of the sound. “We are proud to be working with landowners to help them do their part to restore and protect the public’s water,” noted Fisk. “Many individuals working together across the entire watershed will have a great impact to improve the health of our rivers and Long Island Sound.” The Connecticut River Watershed Council works to protect the watershed from source to sea. To learn more, visit www.ctriver.org.

Construction Employment Increases in 40 States
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Construction firms added jobs in 40 states and the District of Columbia between December 2013 and December 2014, while construction employment increased in 38 states and D.C. between November and December, according to an analysis of Labor Department data by Associated General Contractors of America. “Part of the reason for the positive December construction employment figures was the exceptionally harsh weather in much of December 2013 and November 2014 and milder-than-normal weather in December 2014,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Nevertheless, the underlying trend is very positive, with construction employment expanding at more than double the rate for total non-farm payroll jobs.” Texas added more new construction jobs (47,500 jobs, 7.7%) between December 2013 and December 2014 than any other state. Other states adding a high number of new construction jobs for the past 12 months included Florida (34,300 jobs, 8.9%), California (26,000 jobs, 4.0%), Illinois (20,200 jobs, 10.6%) and Washington (14,100 jobs, 9.5%). North Dakota (25.7%, 8,300 jobs) added the highest percentage of new construction jobs during the past year, followed by Utah (13.4%, 10,100 jobs), Wisconsin (12.7%, 12,400 jobs), and Arkansas (12.6%, 5,800 jobs). Ten states shed construction jobs during the past 12 months. West Virginia lost the highest percentage (-9.1%, -3,000 jobs). Other states that lost a high percentage of jobs include Mississippi (-7.5%, -4,000 jobs), Hawaii (-4.5%, -1,400 jobs), and Arizona (-3.4%, -4,300 jobs). Arizona lost the most construction jobs between December 2013 and December 2014, followed by Mississippi, West Virginia, and Ohio (-2,500 jobs, -1.3%). Thirty-eight states and the District of Columbia added construction jobs between November and December. New York (6,400 jobs, 2.0%) added the most jobs, followed by Illinois (6,000 jobs, 2.9%), Texas (5,100 jobs, 0.8%), and North Carolina (4,100 jobs, 2.3%). Association officials said the latest construction employment figures are consistent with the optimism many contractors expressed in the association’s recently released annual “Construction Hiring and Business Outlook.” According to the outlook, 80% of contractors report plans to add new construction jobs in 2015. In addition, a majority of contractors expect demand for most construction-market segments this year to grow. “The construction industry appears on track to add many new construction jobs in 2015,” said Stephen Sandherr, the association’s CEO.

BCBS Grants to Support Care for Vulnerable Populations
BOSTON — Individuals with behavioral health and other medical issues are among the highest-need, most complex patients in the healthcare system but rarely receive care that integrates both aspects of treatment. The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation’s new, $1.3 million grant program, called Fostering Effective Integration of Behavioral Health and Primary Care, will support 10 organizations — including one in Western Mass., the Center for Human Development — that are currently implementing collaborative, co-located, and integrated service models for patients with a range of medical and behavioral-health needs, including support for their families. The National Co-morbidity Survey Replication shows that 68% of adults with a severe behavioral-health disorder have at least one chronic medical condition, and 29% of adults with a chronic medical condition have serious mental illness. Moreover, those with a mental illness live far shorter lives than those without, partly due to treatable medical conditions and inadequate access to medical care. Better coordination of primary care and behavioral health — including early identification, timely and regular treatment, and rehabilitation and recovery supports — is important to improving health care outcomes and potentially controlling costs for people with behavioral-health needs, said Audrey Shelto, president of the BCBS of Massachusetts Foundation. “We believe the time is now to invest in and evaluate programs that have experience providing primary care and also treating mental-health and substance-use disorders to help define what truly constitutes an effective integrated model of care.” The grantee organizations represent a variety of provider types — community health centers, community-based behavioral-health centers, and hospital-based programs — located throughout the entire state. “We are thrilled to be working with some of the most experienced healthcare providers in the Commonwealth and look forward to sharing information and collaborating on this critical issue,” said Shelto. The local grantee, the Center for Human Development (CHD), has created a project in partnership with two health centers to provide integrated care to seriously mentally ill adults and individuals with substance-use disorders. The health centers — Caring Health Center of Springfield and Holyoke Health Center — provide integrated primary care, care management and wellness services, while the Western MA Recovery Learning Community provides peer-guided wellness groups and peer specialists. The largest cluster of patients is within the Department of Mental Health-funded Community-Based Flexible Supports program, identified as ‘super-utilizers’ with high rates of avoidable ED visits. The program provides primary-care services to people with serious mental illness on site at a CHD community mental-health center, with a focus on patients with diabetes, pre-metabolic syndrome, and high risk for cardiovascular disease. Chronic-disease management and wellness programs are provided by primary-care nurses and peer specialists, and patients involved with the integrated care program experience reduced wait times when seeking medical care at the respective health centers. The focus of the foundation’s one-year grants is the evaluation and assessment of integrated-care programs that demonstrate the greatest likelihood of effectiveness across a range of domains such as increased access, improved outcomes, greater patient engagement, and reduced costs. The foundation will document the success factors, barriers, and challenges faced by grantees with the intent of making a longer-term investment in promising, replicable models in the future. For more information, visit www.bluecrossmafoundation.org.

Business Confidence Index Soars in 2014
BOSTON — The Associated Industries of Massachusetts Business Confidence Index ended 2014 at 57.3, 7.1 points above last December’s level. “This is the index’s highest reading since July 2007, before the Great Recession, and it concludes the best quarter since that period,” said Raymond Torto, chair of AIM’s Board of Economic Advisors (BEA) and lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Design. “There is reason to believe, moreover, that this upwelling in confidence will prove more lasting than the increase of early 2012, which was undone by fiscal conflict in Washington.” In 2014, Torto noted, “business confidence survived a stress test of economic contraction in the first quarter, then gained in eight of the last 10 months of the year. Fundamentals are looking much better — unemployment is down and job creation is running strong nationally and in Massachusetts, which shows up in rising consumer confidence; the federal deficit and the trade deficit are shrinking; and, of course, the stock market has done well. Despite significant areas of weakness in the global economy, Massachusetts employers have ample cause to be optimistic.” The AIM Index, based on a survey of Massachusetts employers, has appeared monthly since July 1991. It is calculated on a 100-point scale, with 50 as neutral; a reading above 50 is positive, while below 50 is negative. The index reached its historic high of 68.5 on two occasions in 1997-98, and its all-time low of 33.3 in February 2009. The sub-indices based on selected questions or categories of respondent experienced a mix of gains and losses from November to December, but all were up from a year before. The Massachusetts Index, assessing business conditions within the Commonwealth, added one point on the month to 56.1, and the U.S. Index of national business conditions was up four-tenths to 50.1. “This is the third time since the recession that U.S. Index reached 50, but so far it has not held that level,” said BEA member Paul Bolger, president of Massachusetts Capital Resource Co. “Respondents with 100 or fewer employees still tend to rate national conditions negatively, while larger firms are on the positive side. Compared to last December, the state indicator was up 9.1 points, while its national counterpart gained 5.3 points.” The Current Index, which assesses overall business conditions at the time of the survey, was up 1.2 points to 56.2, while the Future Index, measuring expectations for six months out, shed one-tenth to 58.4. The annual gains were 7.6 and 6.8, respectively.

Company Notebook

By BusinessWest Staff February 10, 2015

Company Notebook Departments

Financial-success Center to Open at Holyoke Community College 
HOLYOKE — Thrive, a one-stop financial-success center for local college students and residents, staged a grand-opening celebration on Feb. 4 in the Frost building at Holyoke Community College. Thrive, a collaborative effort between HCC, PeoplesBank, and United Way of Pioneer Valley, will offer financial literacy and coaching, workforce-development services, and public-benefits screening and enrollment. Thrive will provide a valuable support system for anyone in the community (along with necessary skills to achieve long-term financial goals), but especially college students, who may be experiencing financial independence for the first time in their lives. “I don’t think it’s any secret that most college students don’t have a lot of money and that those who choose to attend community college often do so because of its affordability and their own financial limitations,” said HCC President William Messner. “What we see, year after year, is that managing money is a huge challenge for students. That financial anxiety is an issue that often impedes their academic performance and sometimes even leads them to drop out of school. Anything we can do to eliminate or at least reduce those financial concerns is going to help our students succeed in the classroom. Healthy financial skills will aid them not only during their college days, but also after they move on, so we are very happy to provide this new resource here at HCC not only for our students, but for members of the community who might also be facing financial issues.” PeoplesBank has been working to increase financial literacy for years by supporting seminars in the community and teaching personal finance in area public schools. “Academic excellence and community vibrancy are core principles of our corporate-responsibility efforts,” said Douglas Bowen, president and CEO of PeoplesBank. “Supporting Thrive gives us the opportunity to expand on our financial-literacy education efforts. It also provides our associates with another way to volunteer to improve the community and help our future workforce by teaching classes at Thrive.” Financial literacy is also one of the four impact areas that United Way of Pioneer Valley focuses its fund-raising efforts on, because of the long-lasting results that can be attained with the proper skills and training. “We’re here to help hardworking families build assets for a successful future,” said Dora Robinson, president and CEO of United Way of Pioneer Valley. “Our partnership with HCC and PeoplesBank has made it possible for our community to ‘Thrive.’”

First Connecticut Bancorp Reports Q4 Earnings
FARMINGTON, Conn. — First Connecticut Bancorp Inc., the holding company for Farmington Bank, reported net income of $3.1 million, or $0.21 diluted earnings per share, for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2014, compared to net income of $2.5 million, or $0.17 diluted earnings per share, in the linked quarter. Diluted earnings per share were $0.07 for the fourth quarter of 2013. The bank had net income of $9.3 million, or $0.62 diluted earnings per share, for the year ended Dec. 31, 2014, compared to net income of $3.7 million, or $0.24 diluted earnings per share, for the year ended Dec. 31, 2013. “Despite the low-interest-rate environment which continues to apply pressure to the margin, we continue to generate improved earnings based on our organic growth strategy, coupled with our strategic steps of reducing operating cost through process improvement initiatives,” said John Patrick Jr., First Connecticut Bancorp’s chairman, president, and CEO. “I am extremely proud of our team for their efforts in 2014, as we have once again prudently grown our asset and deposit base, deepening our market share where we operate. Their effort is evidenced in the improvement in our operating efficiency and annual EPS growth of 158%. We continue to be pleased with the progress of our expansion into Western Massachusetts, and will be opening two branch offices in that market in 2015, as previously announced.” Also in the fourth-quarter report, net interest income increased $410,000 to $16.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to $16.0 million in the linked quarter, and increased $2.1 million or 14% compared to fourth quarter of 2013. On a core basis, net interest income increased $160,000 in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to the linked quarter. Strong organic loan growth continued during the quarter, as total loans increased $88.4 million to $2.1 billion at Dec. 31, 2014 and increased $318.7 million or 18% from a year ago. Non-interest expense to average assets was 2.39% in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to 2.46% in the linked quarter and 2.80% in the fourth quarter of 2013. Tangible book value per share was $14.57 compared to $14.56 on a linked quarter basis and $14.11 at Dec. 31, 2013. Checking accounts grew by 2.8% or 1,242 net new accounts in the fourth quarter of 2014 and by 13.1% or 5,248 net new accounts compared to Dec. 31, 2013. Asset quality improved, as loan delinquencies 30 days and greater decreased slightly to 0.75% of total loans at Dec. 31, 2014, compared to 0.78% at Sept. 30, 2014 and 0.85% at Dec. 31, 2013. Non-accrual loans represented 0.72% of total loans, compared to 0.76% of total loans on a linked quarter basis and 0.81% of total loans at Dec. 31, 2013. The allowance for loan losses represented 0.89% of total loans at Dec. 31, 2014 compared to 0.91% at Sept. 30, 2014 and 1.01% at Dec. 31, 2013. Finally, the company paid a cash dividend of $0.05 per share on Dec. 15, 2014, and paid a cash dividend of $0.17 per share for the year, an increase of $0.05 compared to the prior year. This marks the 13th consecutive quarter the company has paid a dividend since it became a public company on June 29, 2011.

Two Local Banks Boost Capital Campaign for Sr. Caritas Cancer Center
SPRINGFIELD — Mercy Medical Center announced that Westfield Bank and Chicopee Savings Bank Charitable Foundation have pledged gifts of $150,000 and $100,000, respectively, to “Transforming Cancer Care,” the capital campaign for the Sr. Caritas Cancer Center. Westfield Bank’s gift is particularly significant because it reflects the largest corporate gift in the history of the bank. “Whether we like it or not, every one of us will be touched by cancer, directly or indirectly,” said James Hagan, president and CEO of Westfield Bank. “As an employer and as a community member, I recognize the importance of outstanding hospital care for the health of our community. Supporting this expansion is the right thing for economic, humanitarian, and personal reasons. We’re proud to be a part of this worthy project and encourage other area businesses to support the expansion as well.” Added Chicopee Savings Bank President Bill Wagner, “Chicopee Savings Bank and its charitable foundation have consistently supported the Sisters of Providence Health System and their various efforts. We have long been impressed by the organization’s mission to serve all members of our community. Cancer affects people across the socio-economic spectrum. This expansion will lift the level of care at Mercy to an even higher level, while expanding Mercy’s ability to meet the growing cancer-care needs of this community.” Mercy Medical Center recently launched a capital campaign to support the $15 million expansion of the Sr. Caritas Cancer Center at Mercy Medical Center. Specifically, the funds will be used to consolidate all cancer services into a single, unified space and meet increased demand for outpatient cancer services. In the past two years, the number of patients receiving chemotherapy at the Sr. Caritas Cancer Center has increased by more than 200%. By 2022, the need for outpatient cancer services is expected to grow by 26%. “Through the years, the banking community has been at the forefront of supporting the Sisters of Providence Health System,” said Diane Dukette, vice president of Fund Development for the Sisters of Providence Health System. “Once again, they are among the first to step forward to support a critical community need. We are grateful for their ongoing generosity and commitment to the people we serve.”

United Financial Bancorp Announces Q4 Results
GLASTONBURY, Conn. — United Financial Bancorp Inc., the holding company for United Bank, announced results for the quarter and year ended Dec. 31, 2014. These results represent the second full fiscal quarter as the combined United Financial (merger of Rockville Financial Inc. and legacy United Financial Bancorp Inc.). Rockville was the legal acquirer in the merger of equals with legacy United in a transaction that closed on April 30, 2014, and Rockville changed its name to United Financial Bancorp Inc. at that time. The company had net income of $1.4 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2014, compared to Rockville’s net income of $1.8 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2013. Operating net income for the fourth quarter of 2014 was $8.3 million (non-GAAP), or $0.16 per diluted share, adjusted for $10.6 million (pre-tax) of expenses related to the merger, $3.4 million (pre-tax) net positive impact of the amortization and accretion of the purchase accounting adjustments (or fair value adjustments) as a result of the merger, $2.6 million (pre-tax) net adjustment for the company’s announced branch-optimization program, and $59,000 (pre-tax) net loss on sales of securities. Operating net income for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2014 was $10.4 million (non-GAAP), or $0.20 per diluted share, adjusted for $4.5 million (pre-tax) of expenses related to the merger, $3.8 million (pre-tax) net positive impact of the amortization and accretion of the purchase accounting adjustments (or fair value adjustments) as a result of the merger, and $430,000 (pre-tax) net gains on sales of securities. Operating net income for the prior-year period was $3.3 million (non-GAAP), or $0.13 per diluted share, adjusted for $2.1 million (pre-tax) of expenses related to the merger. Net income for the year ended Dec. 31, 2014 was $6.8 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, and declined from $14.2 million or $0.54 per diluted share for the year ended Dec. 31, 2013. Operating net income of $26.7 million (non-GAAP), or $0.62 per diluted share for the year ended Dec. 31, 2014 increased from $16.3 million or $0.62 per diluted share for the year ended Dec. 31, 2013. Adjustments to operating net income from GAAP net income are largely related to the merger with legacy United and are itemized in the reconciliation of non-GAAP measures. “As we close the books on 2014, I am pleased to announce that we reported impressive organic loan growth, successfully completed the conversion to one core operating system, and have materially achieved the company’s objectives related to eliminating redundant expenses by the end of the fourth quarter,” said William Crawford IV, CEO of United Financial Bancorp Inc. and United Bank. “Looking forward to 2015, the operational environment will be challenging; however, I am confident that our strategy to reduce expenses and improve efficiency will enhance long-term shareholder value while maintaining superior service for our customers.”

Family Legacy Partners Expands to Northampton
NORTHAMPTON — Karen Curran, CFP and Molly Keegan, CPA are announced the opening of a Northampton office of Family Legacy Partners Inc., an established financial-advisory firm headquartered in Greenfield. The new office is located in a historic property on Round Hill Road. Family Legacy Partners is an independent financial-services firm offering financial planning and investment management. Securities are offered through Bolton Global Capital Inc. in Bolton, Mass. Advisory services are offered through Bolton Global Asset Management, a SEC-registered investment advisor.

Ludlow Mills Riverwalk to Begin Construction
LUDLOW — The Westmass Area Development Corp. announced that it will begin Phase I of its riverwalk project this month, part of the approved Ludlow Mills Preservation and Redevelopment Comprehensive Master Plan. Westmass will begin construction on the riverwalk with a planned completion of Phase I this July. The initial phase of construction will cost $600,000 and is being funded through a partnership between HealthSouth and Westmass. The riverwalk is one of the early commitments that Westmass made to the town of Ludlow and its residents to promote public health and recreation along the river. The riverwalk will offer public space for pedestrian use and passive recreation, opening up the Chicopee River to the Ludlow Mills businesses and to residents of the community. Westmass has selected a local contractor, Gomes Construction Co., for this phase of the project. Phase I will feature a loop design and will start near Center Street, just east of the Town Common, run along the river toward the new HealthSouth Hospital, and then return through the proposed future park and reconnect with the recently installed municipal sidewalk system on State Street. The length of this phase of the riverwalk will span 3,575 feet and will incorporate the use of recycled brick materials, historic timeline markers and river observation areas along the walk. Together, the proposed riverwalk and future public park will cover approximately 52 acres, or nearly one-third of the Ludlow Mills site. Westmass seeks to convey that open space to the town so that it will remain in protected public use. The open space is intended to integrate the Ludlow Mills project into the neighborhood and community as well as support the many existing and new businesses that are attracted by the revived vibrancy of the Ludlow Mills.

UMassFive Opens Branch at Mercy Medical Center
SPRINGFIELD — UMassFive College Federal Credit Union introduced its newest branch location at Mercy Medical Center in Springfield. As of January, the Credit Union of the Providence System (CUPS) has formally merged with UMassFive College Federal Credit Union, and has transitioned former CUPS members to be UMassFive members. With this merger, current employees of the Sisters of Providence Health Systems and their immediate family members are now eligible for UMassFive membership. Along with this merger, there is a new location for this credit-union branch at the Weldon Rehabilitation Hospital at Mercy, 233 Carew St., in Room 110. This space has been completely renovated to provide members with an efficient place to do their banking and gives access to all credit-union products and services, including checking, auto loans, home-equity loans, mortgages, credit cards, and investment guidance. As with other branch locations, members at this new branch will have access to free financial workshops on topics such as budgeting essentials, home buying, identity theft, and paying down debt. The branch design has a modern and inviting feel and allows flexibility of use for both members and staff. Rather than a traditional teller line, the credit union has introduced teller pods, which both take up less space and increase the ability of tellers to move throughout the area, assisting members wherever they are in the branch. A touchscreen kiosk will provide online information about UMassFive. The hours for this new branch are: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Thursday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

People on the Move

By BusinessWest Staff February 10, 2015

Departments People on the Move

Robinson Donovan, P.C., announced the promotion of two attorneys to Partner: Jeffrey Trapani, Esq. and Michael Simolo, Esq.

Jeffrey Trapani

Mike Simolo

• Trapani, who joined the firm in 2007, concentrates in civil litigation, including insurance defense, employment law, municipal liability, business litigation, and professional malpractice. He also represents landlords in summary-process actions and housing-discrimination claims, and insurance companies in unfair-settlement claims and coverage issues. “Jeff is highly deserving of this designation,” said Nancy Pelletier, Esq., head of the Litigation Department at Robinson Donovan. “His expertise in civil litigation — both in the courtroom as well as in mediations and arbitrations — is a true asset to our firm.”
• Simolo, who joined the firm in 2009 and specializes in corporate and business counseling, estate planning, and litigation, plays a number of roles at Robinson Donovan, including supervising the organized transfer of wealth from clients to their beneficiaries. “Michael has deep knowledge of our shared practice areas and is a constant source of insight,” said Jeffrey Roberts, Esq., managing partner at Robinson Donovan. “He forms great relationships with his clients, getting to know their circumstances and helping them develop the kind of foresight that is beneficial for them in the long run.”
•••••
Monson Savings Bank recently announced three promotions:

Robert Chateauneuf

Corinne Sawyer

• Robert Chateauneuf has been promoted to Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer. He joined Monson Savings Bank in 2012 as assistant vice president and is a key member of the bank’s commercial-lending team. He possesses indepth knowledge of the Western Mass. small-business marketplace and is a trusted advisor to business customers. He is a member of the 2014 class of BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty, and is a graduate of UMass Amherst;
• Corinne Sawyer has been promoted to Vice President, Business Development Officer. She joined Monson Savings Bank in 2001 and was promoted to assistant vice president in 2007. She works with the bank’s business customers to optimize cash flow, financial workflow, and efficiency using the bank’s deposit, cash-management, and eBanking products. She serves on the board of directors of the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce and is a graduate of Elms College;

Dodie Carpentier

• Dodie Carpentier has been promoted to Human Resources Officer. She joined Monson Savings Bank in 2006 as assistant branch manager and was promoted to branch manager in 2008. In 2012 she assumed a dual role as branch manager and education coordinator. With her growing interest in training and HR, she obtained certification in Supervision in Banking and Human Resources Management from the Center for Financial Training. She was awarded the position of human resources officer after an extensive search to replace her predecessor, Elaine Grimaldi, who retired last year.
•••••

Matthew Boilard

The local, family-owned-and-operated supplier of building supplies A. Boilard Sons Inc., announced that Matthew Boilard has joined the family business. His appointment as Sales Associate continues a legacy of family leadership, now in its fourth generation. “This company has always been a part of my life, and I look forward to adding my own outside perspective to the business,” he said. “I’m proud to have an opportunity to be part of a family business, and my goals are to grow the business and look for new opportunities to help it succeed.” Boilard is a 2011 graduate of Bentley University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in corporate finance and accounting.
•••••
Jewish Geriatric Services has named Anne Thomas Vice President of Residential Services and Administrator of the Leavitt Family Jewish Home. Thomas brings more than 25 years of diverse experience in elder healthcare to this position. She will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Joint Commission-accredited, 200-bed, long-term-care and short-term-rehabilitation facility located in Longmeadow, and will also oversee management at Ruth’s House Assisted Living and Genesis House. Before joining the nursing home, Thomas served as the executive director and administrator of Hebrew Senior Life in Dedham, the largest provider of elder care in the Boston metropolitan area. In this role, she oversaw the day-to-day operations of more than 500 employees and 268 residents and their families, and was responsible for all aspects of financial and clinical outcomes. She also spearheaded the opening of a state-of-the-art healthcare center in the small-house model of care, which honors resident choice and quality of life. Prior to this, Thomas served as vice president/assistant administrator of Schervier Nursing Care Center, a member of the Bon Secours Health Care system, in Riverdale, N.Y.; and director of Chelsea Adult Day Health Care Center in New York City. Thomas is a member of Leading Age Massachusetts, the American College of Nursing Home Administrators, and the Assoc. of Health Care Executives. She holds a master’s degree in social work from Hunter College in New York, and a bachelor’s degree in social work from Providence College in Rhode Island. She is licensed as a nursing-home administrator and social worker, and is certified as a yoga instructor.
•••••

Dr. Holly Michaelson

Dr. Holly Michaelson of Cooley Dickinson Medical Group General Surgical Care was among 1,640 initiates from around the world who recently became fellows of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). Michaelson received a medical doctorate from Temple University Medical School and completed a general surgical residency at Drexel University College of Medicine. She earned board certification from the American Board of Surgery in 2005, and is the director of minimally invasive and robotic surgery at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. Michaelson has a strong professional interest in advanced minimally invasive procedures, particularly surgeries of the colon and gastrointestinal tract as well as breast surgery. She holds membership in the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. The American College of Surgeons honored new initiates during its convocation ceremony at the college’s 2014 annual Clinical Congress in San Francisco. By meeting the college’s stringent membership requirements, fellows of the college earn the right to use the designation FACS (Fellow, American College of Surgeons) after their names. An applicant for fellowship must be a graduate of an approved medical school; must have completed advanced training in one of the 14 surgical specialties recognized by the college; must possess certification by an American surgical specialty board or its Canadian equivalent; and must have been in practice for at least one year at the time of his or her application. Before admission into fellowship, the surgeon must further demonstrate ethical fitness and professional proficiency, and his or her acceptance as a fellow of the college must be approved by three-fourths of its board of regents. The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and to improve the quality of care for the surgical patient.
•••••
The Gray House inducted Teresa Spaziani to a three-year term on its board of directors at its January board meeting. Also elected were four new officers for one-year terms:
• Michael Walsh, President;
• David Chase, Vice President;
• Paul Mitus, Treasurer; and
• Candace Pereira, Secretary.
Spaziani is a quality-assurance manager at the Children’s Study Home in Springfield. She has held that position since February 2014. Previously, she was its community relations and outreach manager. Spaziani holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Western New England University, graduating magna cum laude in 2012. Walsh was the current board president and was re-elected for another one-year term. He is an adjunct instructor in Political Science at Westfield State University and a consultant and legal advisor at MIRA Associates. Chase has more than 20 years of banking experience. He is a vice president and commercial lender at Hampden Bank in Springfield. Mitus previously served as vice president. He has 25 years of banking experience and is currently a portfolio manager at Hampden Bank. Pereira has more than 10 years of banking experience. She is a commercial-portfolio loan officer for Farmington Bank in West Springfield. The Gray House is a small, neighborhood human-service agency located at 22 Sheldon St. in the North End of Springfield. Its mission is to help neighbors facing hardships to meet their immediate and transitional needs by providing food, clothing, and educational services in a safe, positive environment.
•••••
The American Assoc. of Community Colleges has selected HCC professor emerita, alumna, and major donor Elaine Marieb for its 2015 Outstanding Alumni awards. Marieb taught anatomy and physiology at Holyoke Community College for 25 years after receiving her Ph.D. in zoology from UMass. While teaching, she enrolled in HCC’s Registered Nursing program, earning her associate degree. Her teaching and education led her to write a series of anatomy and physiology textbooks that have gone on to become international bestsellers. Last year, Marieb donated $1 million toward HCC’s Building Healthy Communities fund-raising campaign, which is supporting two building projects at the college, a new Center for Health Education on Jarvis Avenue, and the Center for Life Sciences on campus. The AACC award recognizes community-college alumni for their career achievements, philanthropic contributions, and inspirational impact.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By BusinessWest Staff February 10, 2015

Chamber Corners Departments

ACCGS
www.myonlinechamber.com
(413) 787-1555

• Feb. 12-March 26: Leadership Institute 2015, to be staged Thursdays, 1-4:30 p.m., between Feb. 12 and March 26. The opening session will be held at Sheraton Springfield, One Monarch Place, Springfield, and all remaining sessions will be held at TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main St., Springfield. In partnership with Western New England University, this seven-week program is designed to teach mid- and upper-level managers the crucial thinking and problem solving skills needed to enable them to be effective leaders in service to the community and in their workplaces and designed to develop high energy and high involvement leadership. Sponsored by MassMutual with scholarship support from the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation. For information, contact Kara Cavanaugh at [email protected].

• Feb. 27: Outlook 2015, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., MassMutual Center, Springfield. Featuring Gov. Charlie Baker and special guests including U.S. Rep. Richard Neal. Presenting sponsor: Health New England. Platinum sponsors: Eastern States Exposition, United Personnel, MassMutual Financial Group, MGM Springfield. Program/reception sponsors: Comcast, Sisters of Providence Health System, the Republican, Eversource. Gold sponsors: BusinessWest and Chicopee Savings Bank. Tickets are $50 for chamber members, $70 for general admission. Tables of 10 are available. Reservation deadline: Feb. 20. No walk-ins accepted. No cancellations after reservation deadline. Reservations must be made in advance. To register, visit www.myonlinechamber.com or e-mail Sarah Mazzaferro at [email protected].

GREATER CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101

• Feb. 11: CEO Luncheon, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hosted by Collegian Court Restaurant, 89 Park St., Chicopee. Tickets are $25 members, $30 for non-members.

• Feb. 18: February Salute Breakfast & Annual Meeting, 7:15-9 a.m., at the MassMutual Learning & Conference Center, Chicopee. Tickets are $23 for members, $29 for non-members.

GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.easthamptonchamber.org
(413) 527-9414

• Feb. 9: Getting Down to Business about Business, 8-9 a.m., on the second Monday of each month. Mayor Karen Cadieux will be hosted by one of Easthampton’s businesses for casual question-and-answer sessions.

• Feb. 14: Second annual Easthampton WinterFest, starting at 11 a.m. The Nashawannuck Pond Steering Committee and Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce invite you to the second annual Easthampton WinterFest. This community-wide event features family-friendly winter activities held throughout the day, featuring an historical ice harvest on Nashawannuck Pond, horse-drawn wagon rides, snowshoeing, snow sculpture, a chili cook-off, a community bonfire, and much more. There will also be winter-themed indoor activities for all ages. Most events are free or by donation. A lineup of the day’s events will be posted on www.nashawannuckpond.org.

GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.holycham.com
(413) 534-3376

• Feb. 18: Chamber After Hours, 5-7 p.m. Business networking event includes complimentary appetizers, 50/50 raffle, and door prizes. Sponsored and hosted by Gary Rome Hyundai, 1000 Main St., Holyoke. Tickets are $10 for members, $15 for the public. Call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 or sign up online at holyokechamber.com.

• Feb. 24: “How to Start and Maintain Your Business: Marketing Your Business,” 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the chamber conference room, 177 High St. This program, the latest in a series, will provide all you need to know about designing a logo, branding your business, advertising opportunities, social media, and developing a website. Tickets are $20. Series sponsors: PeoplesBank, Common Capital, Mass Cultural Council/the Artery in partnership with Holyoke Creative Arts. Call the Holyoke chamber at (413) 534-3376 to sign up or online at holyokechamber.com.

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618

• Feb. 11: February After 5 Connection, 5-7 p.m., at Betts Piping Supply Co., 14 Coleman Ave., Westfield. For more information, contact the chamber at (413) 568-1618.

PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CHAMBER
www.professionalwomenschamber.com
(413) 755-1310

• Feb. 10: Ladies Night, 5-7 p.m., at It’s All About Me!, 2 Somers Road, Hampden. Enjoy complimentary wine and refreshments.  Reservations are complimentary but required. Contact Gwen Burke at (413) 237-8840 or [email protected]. The Professional Women’s Chamber is an affiliate of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield.

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.ourwrc.com
(413) 426-3880

• Feb. 19: Networking Lunch, noon to 1:30 p.m., at Lattitude, 1338 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. One 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].

• Feb. 25: Legislative Breakfast, 7-9 a.m., at Storrowton Tavern, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. The breakfast will feature a panel of various leaders, including state Sen. James Welch, state Sen. Donald Humason, Agawam Mayor Richard Cohen, and West Springfield Mayor Edward Sullivan. Tickets are $25 for members, $30 for non-members. For more information on ticket sales, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].

Agenda

By BusinessWest Staff February 10, 2015

Agenda Departments

Chicopee Chamber CEO Luncheon
Feb. 11: The Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce will present its first CEO luncheon of 2015 from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Collegian Court Restaurant, 16 Park St., Chicopee. The speaker will be Elizabeth Barajas-Román, CEO of the Women’s Fund of Western Mass. Barajas-Román has been a leader in progressive movements, including advocating at the national level for the health and rights of immigrant women and their families. Most recently, she was a manager at the Pew Charitable Trusts, where she directed a portfolio of partners that campaigned for state and federal policy change to improve government performance on issues that impact children’s health. Barajas-Román brings a background in impactful philanthropy, data-driven strategy design, fund-raising through philanthropic partnerships, creating coalitions, and mobilizing partners. Previously, she served as the director of Policy at the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health and directed the organization’s Washington, D.C. office. Barajas-Román was frequently invited to be a voice in national-policy discussions at the White House and on Capitol Hill. She is a graduate of Oberlin College and received her master’s degree in international policy from Harvard University. To register for the luncheon, visit ‘Upcoming Events’ on the chamber’s website, www.chicopeechamber.org. The cost is $25 for chamber members and $30 for non-members.

‘Pink in the Rink’
Feb. 21: Noble Hospital is the major sponsor the Springfield Falcons’ “Pink in the Rink” event against the Portland Pirates. This annual event helps to raise funds for and awareness of breast cancer. Falcons players wear special pink jerseys that will be autographed and auctioned off after the event. Visit www.ebay.com/usr/springfieldfalcons to bid on the pink jerseys after the game. In addition to the hockey game, breast-cancer survivors will be honored, there will be giveaways and raffles, and Noble Hospital will provide an information booth. Members of a support group, the Pink WAY, will also attend. Noble Hospital’s Center for Comprehensive Breast Health, under the direction of Dr. Steven Schonholz, provides a wide range of options and services in a single location. Pink bracelets will be available for donations at the Noble table; funds raised will go towards Noble’s breast-cancer awareness programs and to help local patients going through treatments. Area residents can support Noble Hospital by purchasing tickets to the game at give.noblehospital.org/pinkintherink. For more information, contact the hospital’s Community Development Office at [email protected] or (413) 568-2811, ext. 5520.

West of the River Chamber Legislative Breakfast
Feb. 25: The West of the River Chamber of Commerce announced that it will stage its Legislative Breakfast, an event that brings members and non-members together for a morning of breakfast and legislative updates, from 7 to 9 a.m. at the Storrowton Tavern Carriage House in West Springfield. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with local business people over breakfast, and later will enjoy an informational session presented by a panel of legislators including state Sens. Donald Humason and James Welch, state Rep. Michael Finn, Agawam Mayor Mayor Richard Cohen, and West Springfield Mayor Edward Sullivan. Political consultant Anthony Cignoli will emcee the event and offer economic updates. Sponsors for the event are Health New England, OMG, the Insurance Center of New England, Ormsby Insurance, and Spherion. The cost is $25 for members, $30 for non-members. For more information, call the chamber office at (413) 426-3880.

Greater Westfield Chamber Legislative Luncheon
Feb. 27: The Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, which serves Blandford, Chester, Granville, Huntington, Montgomery, Russell, Southwick, Tolland, Westfield, and Woronoco, will present its second annual Legislative Luncheon at Tekoa Country Club. Invited state legislators include Sens. Benjamin Downing and Donald Humason and Reps. Nicholas Boldyga, Peter Kocot, Stephen Kulig, William Pignatelli, and John Velis. A host of sponsorship opportunities are still available. Tickets for the event are $25 for chamber members and $35 (paid in advance) for non-members. For more information on tickets and sponsorships, call the chamber at (413) 568-1618.

PAWSCARS Fund-raiser
Feb. 28: Dakin Humane Society will present a fund-raising event at the MassMutual Center in Springfield that will affectionately spoof Hollywood, the Oscars, and red-carpet fashion. Dubbed “The PAWSCARS & Red Carpet Fashion Parade,” the show will be emceed by Ashley Kohl and Seth Stutman, hosts of Mass Appeal on WWLP-22News. Beginning with a VIP Reception at 6 p.m. and a plated dinner at 7 p.m., the evening will also include a red-carpet fashion parade featuring local people of prominence, accompanied by rescue dogs (among them former Dakin dogs, now adopted). Short videos of animals recreating iconic moments in cinematic history, created by members of the public, will also be screened during the evening. “We’re looking forward to presenting a one-of-a-kind event with the PAWSCARS,” said Dakin Executive Director Leslie Harris. “We’re blending fashion, fun, and film with a healthy dose of humor for an unforgettable night. Plus, as our major fund-raising event of the year, it will be a terrific opportunity for our supporters to come together and enjoy themselves while providing much-needed aid for the many animals in our care.” With a targeted audience of 500, The PAWSCARS is Dakin’s most ambitious fund-raising event in its 45-year history. Tickets for the event are available at www.dakinhumane.org for $125 per person (dinner and show) or $50 (show only). Corporate sponsors for the PAWSCARS include Baystate Health, Piepul’s Camera Center, Clinical & Support Options, United Personnel, C.A.R. Data Management and Program Evaluation Services, Hampden Bank, and Robinson Donovan. The Republican, Reminder Publications, WMAS, the Daily Hampshire Gazette, and the Recorder are among the media sponsors. Visit www.dakinhumane.org for more information about the event.

Difference Makers
March 19: The sixth annual Difference Makers award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House. Difference Makers is a program, launched in 2009, that recognizes groups and individuals that are making a difference in this region. The class of 2015 is profiled in this issue. Tickets cost $60 per person, and tables of 10 are available. Go HERE to order, or call (413) 781-8600, ext. 10, or e-mail [email protected].

40 Under Forty
June 18: The ninth annual 40 Under Forty award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House. Details on the event, which honors the region’s most accomplished and civic-minded professionals under age 40, will be published in upcoming issues. The class of 2015 will be revealed and profiled in the April 20 issue.

Court Dockets

By BusinessWest Staff February 10, 2015

Court Dockets Departments

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.

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Daviau Construction, LLC v. Complete Restoration Solutions Inc.
Allegations: Failure to pay under the terms of a construction contract: $28,010
Filed: 12/30/14

Prospect Builders Inc. v. Elmcrest Country Club
Allegations: Non-payment of construction labor and materials provided: $33,378.22
Filed: 12/16/14

Quality Health Ideas Inc. v. Accountable Care Associates Inc.
Allegations: Breach of contract and breach of implied covenant of good-faith and fair dealing: $955,916.00
Filed: 12/23/14

USNE Inc. v. Prime Solutions Inc., Sune Monson I, LLC, and Pro-Tech Energy Solutions Inc.
Allegations: Non-payment of labor and materials: $118,843.30
Filed: 12/18/14

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT
Ian Hogan v. Gary M. Bombardier, M.D., Louis J. Durkin, M.D., Holyoke Medical Center, and Mercy Medical Center
Allegations: Tortious interference with business relations causing plaintiff to lose his job and restrict future employment: $450,000
Filed: 12/9/14

Michael J. Kocak, personally and as administrator for the estate of John W. Kocak v. Apple New England, LLC d/b/a Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar and Grill
Allegations: John Kocak was a patron at Applebee’s where he choked on food and later died as a result: $25,000+
Filed: 12/4/14

Vincent O’Connell and Katharine Swanson v. George Propane Inc.
Allegations: Negligence in winterizing of heating system causing damage to property: $42,000
Filed: 11/17/14

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT
Cheryl A. Vaid v. Seneca Foods Corp. and Stop and Shop Companies Inc.
Allegations: Negligence in food packaging and breach of implied merchantability: $25,000.00+
Filed: 12/9/14

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Thomas Publishing Co., LLC v. Diecutting Tooling Services Inc.
Allegations: Non-payment of advertising services rendered: $3,938.40
Filed: 11/24/14

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Horizon Beverage Co. Inc. v. Buck Pond Enterprise Inc., f/d/b/a Tommy D’s
Allegations: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $3,929.16; Filed: 11/21/14

Picture This

By BusinessWest Staff February 10, 2015

Departments Picture This

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]

Transforming Cancer Care

Mercy Medical Center recently announced that Westfield Bank and the Chicopee Savings Bank Charitable Foundation have pledged gifts of $150,000 and $100,000, respectively, to Transforming Cancer Care, the capital campaign for the Sr. Caritas Cancer Center, located at the hospital. From left, Bill Wagner, president of Chicopee Savings Bank; Diane Dukette, vice president of Fund Development for the Sisters of Providence Health System; and James Hagan, president and CEO of Westfield Bank, check on the progress of the $15 million project to expand the cancer center.

Thirty Years and Still Growing

TSM Design, a brand-development, marketing, and design firm located in the historic Stearns Building in downtown Springfield, recently celebrated 30 years in business. Owner Nancy Urbschat has been with the agency for all but three months of the 30 years, and 2015 also marks the anniversary of her purchase of TSM Design 10 years ago. Urbschat said 2014 was a banner year for the company, with the opening of a second office in the historic G. Fox building in downtown Hartford and a host of new clients, including the city of Hartford, the Insurance Center of New England, White Lion, and Fathers & Sons. “I know it’s early in the year, but I think 2015 will be even stronger,” she added. Top: Urbschat, right, with Janet Bennett, marketing director, and Brittany Arita, designer, of TSM Design. Middle: Janet and Mark Bennett. (Photos by Chris Marion)

Holyoke Health Center Announces ‘Dental Adventure’ Event

By BusinessWest Staff February 10, 2015

Daily News

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Health Center is celebrating Children’s Dental Health Month by hosting a two-day event called “Dental Adventure” on Feb. 17 and 18 to raise awareness for Pediatric Oral Health. The American Dental Assoc. recognizes the month of the February as National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM) to increase awareness of the importance for children’s oral health. The Dental Adventure event will be held on all floors of Holyoke Health Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the two days.

The event will include activities that engage participants in oral-health education, dental exams, and creative oral-health crafts. The health center will provide pediatric dental services including oral exams, X-rays and imaging, sealants, and fluoride treatments. Throughout this event, young participants will get the opportunity to experience all the dental-health services provided at Holyoke Health Center by participating in a scavenger hunt throughout the facility, with tasks including oral-health education, dental-themed crafts, and an oral exam, with prizes and giveaways for completing each task.

“At our health center, we are proud to offer affordable medical, dental, pharmacy, behavioral-health and community programming,” said CEO Jay Breines. “Our approach is to look at the whole health of the person and their life beyond the walls of our health center. By focusing on prevention and partnering with local, community-based organizations, we can give our patients the right tools to stay healthy and productive, and out of the hospital.”

To learn more about Holyoke Health Center, visit www.hhcinc.org.

Jones Whitsett Architects Awarded GCC Child Care Center Project

By BusinessWest Staff February 10, 2015

Daily News

GREENFIELD — Greenfield-based Jones Whitsett Architects has been chosen to design Greenfield Community College’s new Child Care Center. The Mass. Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) selected Jones Whitsett to design a state-of-the-art facility that will combine a healthy, creative educational setting with maximum environmental efficiency.

Jones Whitsett, led by Principal Architect Margo Jones, is an award-winning architectural practice with three decades of experience providing architectural services on municipal, cultural, and historic-preservation projects. Over the past two decades, school design has become the largest part of Jones Whitsett’s portfolio.

The new Child Care Center will be the first on-campus child-care center at GCC since GCC’s Head Start program ended 15 years ago when renovation began on the College’s main building. The new center will be built on the college’s main campus and will serve the families of GCC staff, faculty, and students, as well as families from throughout the community. It will also serve as the ‘lab school’ for students in GCC’s Education programs to do their field work.

“The competition for this project was stiff, with many good architects from throughout the state eager to take on the work,” said GCC President Bob Pura. “We are especially pleased that the DCAMM Review Board chose Greenfield-based Jones Whitsett Architects to design GCC’s new Child Care Center. Margo Jones’ understanding of GCC is long-standing. This brings an added dimension and understanding of this community to the design of the center. Knowing that Jones Whitsett is designing the center elevates our excitement about the project. We are hopeful that children, teachers, parents, and GCC’s students will be entering the new Child Care Center by January of 2017.”

Responding to DCAMM’s decision, Jones said, “Jones Whitsett Architects is truly thrilled to have been selected as the design firm for this important project. It is a very exciting project, which will utilize many of our strengths and passions — healthy, creative educational environments, cutting-edge sustainable design, participatory and reclamation landscape architecture, and early-childhood design that will be state of the art. Certainly, affordable, high-quality child care for GCC is needed, and will be a huge resource for the college and its community. We are especially honored to be chosen to follow in the footsteps of the previous design team, who, in partnership with GCC and DCAMM, made beautiful improvements to the main building at the campus. We have every confidence we can meet and possibly exceed this very high bar for interactive, accessible architecture.”

Reflecting on the need for the Child Care Center, Professor of Education Kate Finnegan noted that, “in order to flourish as younger human beings, children need loving care, food, shelter, heat, clothing, and education. In addition, educational programs like those that will be housed in the new Center offer protection, foster resiliency, and create opportunity. As children flourish and mature into adulthood, they begin their unique journey into the larger world. GCC welcomes the children and their families who will be served by the programming delivered at the new facility on GCC campus. A majority of the parents of children served by child-care programming at the new GCC facility will be, in all likelihood, GCC students. When GCC’s previous child-care program closed years ago, 75% of the children’s parents were also GCC students.”

Working on the Child Care Center design along with Jones Whitsett will be Keith Miller of Miller Design LLC, which has designed more than 100 child-care centers in the U.S. and abroad. “We are excited to be part of the design team with Jones Whitsett Architects,” Miller said. “We look forward to sharing our expertise with the team and community in creating a building that will in turn shape the future of the community through the children, faculty, and students.”