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Year: 2016

Marijuana Edibles Would Harm Children

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Opinion

Opinion

By Nick Bayer

A study recently published in JAMA Pediatrics Journal shows that reports of accidental marijuana poisoning by young children and toddlers has risen by 150% since commercial marijuana was legalized in Colorado in 2014. Half of the child-poisoning cases involved the accidental ingestion of marijuana edible products (including brownies, cookies, and candies) that are being marketed and sold in Colorado.

The Campaign for a Safe and Healthy Massachusetts urges the marijuana industry to explain why they would specifically authorize these products in Massachusetts under their 2016 ballot proposal (see story, page 36).

The report studied the number of marijuana poison-control cases for children aged 0-9, and showed a 150% increase since 2014. The average stay in the hospital for the children was about 11 hours. Marijuana edibles now account for approximately 50% of marijuana product sales in Colorado since legalization, and that number is growing.

Under the Massachusetts ballot question, written by the marijuana industry, edible pot products would be specifically authorized under the law. Edible products are such an essential part of the Massachusetts ballot question that the state’s Supreme Judicial Court, in a rare ruling, ordered that the ballot question summary be rewritten to include reference to edibles. In Colorado, the marijuana industry has vigorously fought against marketing restrictions once recreational marijuana was legalized.

It is becoming increasingly clear that the pot-edibles market is dangerous for our kids, and a huge part of the profit model for the marijuana industry. The marijuana industry chose to specifically authorize these dangerous edible products under their proposed law. The marijuana industry put their profits over the interests of Massachusetts families, and we believe the edibles issue alone is a reason to reject this ballot question in Massachusetts.

Among the facts about marijuana edibles:

• There is no limit on the potency of edible products in Colorado, nor are limits written into the proposed law in Massachusetts.

• Edible products have been known to have THC levels (the active ingredient in marijuana) reaching as high as 95%. That compares to the THC in current marijuana plants that average 17-18% THC, and marijuana THC levels of 3-4% that existed back in the 1980s.

• Marijuana-infused products such as gummy bears, candy bars, cookies, and ‘cannabis cola’ are often indistinguishable from traditional products and attractive to children.

• Doctors at Children’s Hospital Denver reported that, after legalization, the ER began treating one to two kids a month for accidental marijuana ingestion, mostly in the form of edibles. Prior to legalization, they reported none. For example, in 2014, a two-year old girl from Longmont, Colo. was sent to the hospital after accidentally eating a marijuana cookie she found in front of her apartment building.

The Campaign for a Safe and Healthy Massachusetts represents a growing coalition of healthcare and community leaders, anti-addiction advocates, educators, business groups, first responders, and families who are opposing this proposed legalization of the commercial marijuana industry in Massachusetts.

Among the groups that have already come out in opposition to this initiative include the Mass. Hospital Assoc., the Mass. Medical Society, the Mass. Municipal Assoc., Associated Industries of Mass., the Conference of Boston Teaching Hospitals, the Retailers Assoc. of Mass., the Assoc. of School Superintendents, the Assoc. for Behavioral Healthcare, the National Assoc. of Mental Illness (Massachusetts chapter), Mass. Chiefs of Police, the Mass. Sheriffs Assoc., and all Massachusetts district attorneys. v

Nick Bayer is campaign manager of the Campaign for a Safe and Healthy Massachusetts, which opposes a 2016 ballot question to legalize recreational marijuana for adults.

Partnerships Attract Business to Quaboag Region

By
Community Spotlight Features

Community Spotlight

Lenny Weake

Lenny Weake says the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce has partnered with QVCDC to promote resources available to startups and existing businesses in the region. 

In 2006, Nelson Rivera opened the Sharpest Edge Barber Shop on Main Street in Ware.

A few years later, he wanted to purchase a building on Pulaski Street to house his expanding operation, but didn’t think he could qualify for a commercial bank loan due to his poor credit score.

However, he found help at the Quaboag Valley Community Development Corp. (QVCDC), where he was referred to a bank that granted the loan he needed to buy the property.

“The QVCDC opened the door for me,” Rivera said, adding that he also took a QuickBooks class from the organization and recently got a loan from them that allowed him to make needed building improvements.

“The help they offer is amazing and if you have a good idea for a business, this is definitely a great place to launch it,” Rivera continued, as he told BusinessWest that business owners and residents in the area are very supportive of new and existing enterprises.

Lenny Weake agrees, and says the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce has partnered with QVCDC to promote resources available to startups and existing businesses in the region. The chamber represents 15 towns: Belchertown, Brimfield, Brookfield, East Brookfield, Hardwick, Holland, Monson, New Braintree, North Brookfield, Palmer, Spencer, Wales, Ware, Warren, and West Brookfield.

“We want businesses to come to our area and stay here; we have a lot to offer and have established a cohesive network of resources to help them,” said the president of the chamber. “Anyone can open a new company, but it doesn’t mean they know the best way to market their product or service or have the financial knowledge they need to be successful.”

To that end, the chamber and QVCDC have coordinated their efforts and are working collectively to help new businesses as well as landlords with property to rent in the 400-square-mile rural region. “If a business in Ware does well, Palmer and Brimfield also benefit, and if we all work together, we can bring more businesses to the area, which will lead to more jobs,” Weake said, adding that, although some might question the desirability of setting up shop in this region roughly halfway between Springfield and Worcester, it is not as far away as people think. “Palmer is only 15 minutes from Springfield and has an exit on the Mass Pike,” he noted. “Spencer is 20 minutes from Worcester; Route 9 runs from Ware through West Brookfield, East Brookfield and Spencer; Route 20 runs from Palmer to Brimfield into Sturbridge; and the Quabbin Reservoir attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.”

The area contains many former mill buildings that have been converted into office or light-manufacturing space, including the Palmer Technology Center and the Wrights Mill complex in West Warren, which is in close proximity to highways and freight-rail transportation systems.

“We’re a very vibrant region with beautiful open spaces, a rich history and culture, and wonderful people,” said Sheila Cuddy, executive director of the QVCDC and the Quaboag Valley Business Assistance Corp.

Indeed, Weake says some business owners have found that the Quaboag region is an ideal location. “Mike’s Party Rentals moved into space on Route 32 in Palmer several months ago because of its access to the Mass Pike and main roads,” he noted.

For this edition, BusinessWest takes a look at how organizations are working cooperatively to provide invaluable assistance  to businesses in the Quaboag region, which include a number of new programs, a workforce-training initiative, and education for landlords.

New Programs and Services

The QVCDC was formed in 1995, and it works in partnership with the Quaboag Valley Business Assistance Corp. and numerous community partners to provide a wide range of offerings. They include loans of $500 to $100,000 to businesses that are not bankable, job creation, and services designed to help businesses start, stabilize, and grow.

There is also help for outcome-driven projects, thanks to mini-grants of $300 to $750 and a network of professionals who offer their services at reduced rates to help business owners with legal issues, marketing, and more. For example, someone can get help with a logo or have an attorney review a contract or lease or provide assistance writing a contract for customers.

The QVCDC also offers classes on business topics not duplicated by other organizations, and Cuddy said a survey conducted in the region uncovered problems that the agencies are working collectively to address.

For example, many business owners reported they had trouble finding qualified employees, so a new program was designed to resolve that issue. QVCDC formed a partnership with Holyoke Community College, which led to the creation of the E2E (Education to Employment) program and the Quaboag Region Workforce Training and Community College Center in Ware.

The center contains two classrooms, private study areas, and office space, and has 10 computer workstations for people who want to enroll in HCC’s online credit classes.

Holyoke Community College President William Messner (far right), who recently retired, shakes hands with Tracy Opalinski during the opening ceremony for the new E2E (Education to Employment) program in Ware.

Holyoke Community College President William Messner (far right), who recently retired, shakes hands with Tracy Opalinski during the opening ceremony for the new E2E (Education to Employment) program in Ware.

In addition, there are non-credit classes in hospitality and culinary arts, and plans to expand course offerings in the future. Classroom education will be supplemented by hands-on training at Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School in Palmer, and HCC will offer academic advising and career-counseling services on site beginning this month.

“This is the first installation of any education past high school in the Quaboag region,” Cuddy said, noting that it’s a public-private partnership that will provide critical help to low- to moderate-income residents and local employers.

Tracy Opalinski agrees. “Businesses in this area are starved for qualified employees, so we’re trying to create our own feeder program and build a base so people can live and work locally instead of having to move far away or commute to find employment,” said the trustee of the Edward and Barbara Urban Charitable Foundation, which provided support to the E2E program.

Other E2E community partners and supporters include Country Bank, Monson Savings Bank, the Donovan Foundation, Baystate Mary Lane Hospital, Quabbin Wire, Meredith Management, Otto Florists, and Carol Works for You.

In addition, QVCDC offers free computer-software training to incumbent employees and businesses in Worcester, Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties. The training, which is funded by a state grant, takes place in Ware or at satellite training sites in Palmer or Brimfield. But if it is not feasible for employees to travel to those locations because of time, distance, or expense, the training sessions can be held at the businesses themselves.

“The program began last year and has been very popular; there are still slots available, but they are limited,” Cuddy noted.

She added that QVCDC’s most recent project is the Quaboag Connector, a regional initiative designed to transport people to and from work and the E2E program.

“One of the barriers to employment is the lack of affordable public transportation, and the creation of the E2E accelerated the need for it,” Cuddy told BusinessWest, adding that vans are being donated by the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority, and funding was provided by the Mass Dept. of Transportation and Baystate Wing Hospital in the form a $30,000 grant.

Another local initiative is the TRACK (Three Rivers Art Community Knowledge) program, which is using art as a catalyst to revitalize the downtown area and has been quite successful. Artwork is being displayed in empty and filled storefronts, there have been waiting lists for events for children and adults, and Workshop 13 in Ware held a business-planning session for artists that was attended by 15 aspiring entrepreneurs.

“We’ve recognized that we’re stronger when we form partnerships and work together,” Cuddy said, adding that the Quaboag Hills and Three Rivers chambers of commerce, the Ware Civic and Business Assoc., the Ware and Palmer Community Development Authorities, and the Palmer Historical and Cultural Center are among the groups that have joined forces to promote economic growth.

Their combined efforts have been enhanced by generous support from donors, which increased substantially over the past year after the QVCDC was selected to participate in the state’s Community Investment Tax Credit Program, which provides a 50% tax credit for donations to selected community-development corporations.

“We went from $126,000 in donations in FY 2013 to more than $208,600 in FY 2016,” Cuddy said. “Substantial support from our community partners has funded innovative new programs, sustained vital existing programs, and helped us leverage significant funding from state and federal sources.”

Ongoing Efforts

Weake said the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce is also playing a vital role in economic-development efforts. For the past two years, its economic development committee has worked to match businesses that want to move to the region with available vacant space. It developed a form for them to fill out that provides information about their needs, and identifies suitable sites during monthly meetings.

“We have space available for $4.50 per square foot,” Weake noted, adding that this is very affordable compared to larger cities and towns.

The chamber’s efforts have extended to landlords; there are few commercial realtors in the area, and many property owners lack marketing experience and don’t know what to charge for available properties.

“We have landlords with space for rent who don’t put up signs, and we want to make people aware of what we have to offer,” Weake continued, noting that the chamber is working to become the central point for startups or businesses looking to relocate within the region.

Education is also being provided to landlords on a variety of topics, including the importance of forming and maintaining good relationships with tenants, because there has been a fair amount of turnover in the past.

Weake suggested that some landlords may want to consider measures such as graduated rents based on business profits or a number of other parameters. They are also being advised to provide new tenants with information about things such as rules and regulations regarding signage, and outline exactly what they are responsible for in a lease agreement.

Such education is critical, Weake said, citing the example of a business in Palmer that had to close when a leak in the roof caused damage it wasn’t prepared to fix because the owners hadn’t read the terms in their lease carefully enough.

“We’re doing all we can to work cohesively because we want small businesses to come here,” said Weake, referring to the sum of the many recent initiatives. “They’re the backbone of the community and give so much back to it, while adding life and energy to our towns.”

Let’s Not Overlook This Honor

By
Opinion

Editorial

Well, it’s a start.

Actually, it’s more significant than that, although it’s still not the kind of honor a city wants.

Springfield recently wound up on yet another of those top-10 lists that have become so popular. This one is a CNBC compilation of overlooked cities where business opportunities are on the rise.

This is certainly a step forward from the kind of lists the city was making its way onto a decade or so ago, like ‘most dangerous cities for crime’ and ‘least desirable places to live,’ or words to that effect. And it means the city’s recent progress in the broad realm of economic development — MGM’s $950 million casino, CRRC MA’s subway-car factory, and a blossoming entrepreneurial ecosystem — is not going unnoticed.

Or is it? It’s not going unnoticed by the researchers at CNBC. But the word ‘overlooked’ means, well, that people are not looking at you, they’re looking past you, or over you, and at someone or something else. And for whatever reason.

A look at some of the other cities on the list reveals part of the problem with being on the ‘10 Most Overlooked’ list.

Boise, Idaho. Most people hearing that name would simply add some punctuation, as in Boise, Idaho?? The same is essentially true of Grand Rapids, Mich. and Greensboro, N.C. — two cities that had really fallen on hard times and were a shell of what they once were — and Fort Myers, Fla., a city known to most as merely the spring home to the Red Sox, although in reality it has much more going for it.

The point of this exercise, or list — we think, because you’re never really sure with these things — is to let the world know that these communities shouldn’t be overlooked. And in that respect, this is indeed a good list to be on.

Still, it will take a lot more than a compilation like this one to enable long-held sentiments about an area, or common perception, if you will, to change. Boise has made great strides in recent years and it has become a very attractive place to live and work, but people still say ‘Boise, Idaho?’

And this is where we make another push for Springfield to become more aggressive in its efforts to tell its story and actively promote its assets. As we’ve noted before, it wouldn’t have been prudent for Springfield to market itself heavily a decade ago because there simply wasn’t much to sell other than promise, which was hard for many people to grasp.

Now, it has plenty to sell, and we don’t mean the casino or the rail-car-assembly plant — although that’s part of it. It can sell the fact that Springfield and this region have the assets to attract employers of that size and nature. And it also has that burgeoning entrepreneurial infrastructure, which makes it an attractive place to start and grow a company.

We know all this locally, and, yes, news tends to travel, but the city still needs to take its marketing and brand-awareness activities to a much higher level. This takes money, but it can certainly be put in the category of money well spent.

Overall, being on this ‘10 Most Overlooked’ cities list is a step forward. It means Springfield is doing something right — actually, many things.

A bigger step forward, we believe, would be for the city not to be on this list, because it’s no longer being overlooked.

That will take some time — perceptions die hard, as we mentioned —  and it will take some aggressive work to make the city’s story known.

Friendly’s CEO Says the Company Has Achieved Needed Momentum

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FriendlysFeature 0916a
Features

Moving Beyond the Heavy Lifting

CEO John Maguire

CEO John Maguire says Friendly’s has achieved its first real mission — to once again be competitive in the marketplace.

As he talked with BusinessWest  roughly four years ago, soon after assuming the title of president and CEO, John Maguire said his assignment, while complex in nature, came down to two simple words: fixing Friendly’s.

There were, of course, many things that needed to be fixed, and Maguire, then, as now, summed them all up by reciting comments attributed to a woman from New Jersey who was part of a focus group assigned the task of gaining valuable input concerning the restaurant chain, its food, and service. Yes, he knows the passage by heart, because he’s lost track of how many times he’s quoted it.

“She said very eloquently, ‘the problem with Friendly’s is … your people aren’t friendly, your food is mediocre, your restaurants are dirty, and you don’t fix things when they break,’” he noted. “And that was all you needed to know to sum up what had happened to the brand.”

To make a long, four-year story much shorter, the menu has been simplified, the food has been upgraded from mediocre, the restaurants have been cleaned and renovated, and perhaps, most importantly, the people are, indeed, friendly. (If they’re not, they don’t work there for long, if at all.)

Despite all this, Maguire isn’t remotely ready to retire the present tense as he talks about what is still his assignment. Indeed, he is most definitely still fixing Friendly’s. But sufficient progress has been made now for him to summon the phrase “we’re competitive now,” and he did so quite often. The implication was clear; for years, this chain that was started in Springfield in 1935 and has been a part of the landscape ever since, wasn’t competitive.

“You never say that work is done — that’s not how it is with brands; fixing and improving is a continuum,” he explained. “But we are competitive in the marketplace once again, and we’re taking market share from other restaurants.”

The work to achieve competitiveness was described as the “heavy lifting” by Maguire, who was quick to add, however, that there is still plenty of that to do.

And the company will use the capital gained from the sale several months ago of its large and quite successful manufacturing division to Dean Foods to continue to move the needle in the right direction.

Initiatives include everything from new restaurants to continued renovations of existing venues, to the installation of drive-thru facilities at some locations where infrastructure permits it.

For this issue, BusinessWest talked at length with Maguire about the progress that’s been recorded at Friendly’s and the considerable work still to do to return the chain to the prominence it once enjoyed.

Recipe for Success

Retracing the steps that led to the sale of the manufacturing division, what he called a “powerful transaction,” Maguire said that in some ways it was a difficult decision to make. After all, the unit had been enjoying steady growth, and was, in some respects, the top-performing business within the company.

But this strong track record is also what made it quite attractive to the many large companies that dominate that realm and have been searching for additional, and potential-laden, growth opportunities.

So, with a need for additional capital, Friendly’s leaders eventually saw the sale of that division as a means to an end.

“As I looked at the total business, we had this gem called the retail and manufacturing business,” he told BusinessWest. “The first year I was there, we grew the business maybe 45% and launched our novelty business as well. What became evident to us fairly quickly was that we could use the growth from that business to give us the capital, but also the time and the space, to do the things we needed to do on the restaurant side.

Friendly’s

Giving restaurants a new look and feel and has been one of the primary missions at Friendly’s.

“So we put a full focus on that division, and as a result of those efforts, four years later, we ended up with a business that had grown more than 105% over that time,” he went on. “We were in more than 9,000 grocery stores, we were in 49 states, and had really a national footprint.”

The question then became what to do with this tremendous asset, he went on, adding that one option was to expand it, perhaps by opening one or more new plants in different parts of the country. The other was, as they say in business, to ‘sell high.’

It was decided to canvas the market to see if there was any interest in it. The response was overwhelming, to say the least.

“We were blown away by the response we got, both from private-equity companies and the ‘strategics,’ the people who were in the ice-cream business,” he explained. “We got back such a response that we believed that what made the best sense was exiting that retail and manufacturing business.”

John Maguire said one of the needed steps is his efforts to ‘fix Friendly’s’ was to revise and simplify the menu.

John Maguire said one of the needed steps is his efforts to ‘fix Friendly’s’ was to revise and simplify the menu.

The company will buy all its products from Dean, which acquired the division for $165 million, while continuing to own the recipes and setting the standards for quality, said Maguire, adding that Dean has made it clear it has no intention of moving the operation from Wilbraham or downsizing that workforce. In fact, it has plans to grow the division and expand those facilities.

Meanwhile, the transaction allowed the company to retire debt on the restaurant side and continue to gain momentum in the drive to make the restaurant side not only competitive, but a sector leader, and, in the process of doing all that, change the narrative from people like that woman from New Jersey.

“We went to work on solving those issues she cited,” he said. “We made improvements with our people, for example; if you weren’t friendly, you couldn’t stay; if you didn’t want to take care of kids and families, you couldn’t stay; if you didn’t really want to be in the service business, you couldn’t stay; if you were a manager and you couldn’t be accountable for the results and deliver on the things we needed to deliver on, you couldn’t stay.”

But weeding out those who couldn’t provide the desired experience was just part of the equation, he went on, adding that a bigger piece was making the necessary investments in training so they could provide it.

If people were part 1 of the broad assignment to fix Friendly’s, then food, or improving it, to be more precise, was part 2.

“The food was mediocre,” said Maguire. “Over the years, Friendly’s had cut costs and stopped investing in food. We reduced portion sizes and cut back on the quality of the ingredients.”

So the company went back to fresh beef in its burgers, real ice cream in its shakes, haddock in the fish sandwiches, and extra large eggs and better bacon at breakfast. Just as importantly, it removed from the menu items that didn’t sell or that Friendly’s had no “credibility in serving,” as he put it — the ‘chicken-and-shrimp stir frys’ of this world.

Just Desserts

Such improvements were both needed and quite timely, said Maguire, a food-industry veteran who has a turn-around effort at Panera Bread at the top of his résumé’s list of accomplishments, adding that the burger and ice-cream business is flourishing, despite what amounts to rumors to the contrary.

“I know everyone talks about eating healthy, but there’s not much real evidence of that,” he said, adding that this assessment is buffeted by the strong performance recently of chains such as Five Guys, Steak ’n Shake, Dairy Queen and its ‘Grill & Chill’ concept, and relative newcomers such as Shake Shack. “The truth of the matter is, if you have a compelling product in the burger and ice-cream segment, you can be pretty darn successful.”

In most ways, Friendly’s is qualified to use that word ‘compelling,’ he went on, adding, again, that food is just part of the equation, and this brings him to what would be considered the third leg of the stool regarding the company’s return to competitiveness — the restaurants themselves.

Looking back only a few years, he said that woman from New Jersey was right on the money with her assessment.

“Our restaurants were, quite frankly, in deplorable shape; they hadn’t been remodeled in 12 to 15 years on average, and when things broke, we didn’t fix them,” he explained, adding that the company has made needed improvements and has remodeled 95% of the 130 company-owned locations, with the rest slated for work over the next 12 months. There are 130 more restaurants that are franchised; 60% of those have been remodeled, and the company has received commitments for the rest to be done by the end of 2017.

Add all that up, and the result is that measure of competiveness Maguire mentioned. And now that Friendly’s is competitive, it can do the things it needs to do to grow the brand, he told BusinessWest.

“Now that we’re competitive, the real work begins,” he explained. “Now, it’s about showing not only that Friendly’s can be viable — which I would say it can be — but that it can be a growth vehicle. And there’s a big difference between the two.”

Growth will come from improving the average unit volume of each location, or simply bringing more people to those sites, he said, adding that, while all the initiatives taken above are part of that equation, additional steps are being taken.

These include the addition of drive-thru windows, he said, adding that this additional convenience has proven its worth for countless other brands. And while Friendly’s doesn’t exactly fit the description of fast food, Maguire noted that it gets food to the drive-thru customer within four or five minutes on average.

“We’ve begun to retrofit some of our locations for drive-thrus,” he said, noting that the location in Westfield was the first to be done over, and six have been completed to date. “And those drive-thrus are seeing a 25% lift in sales volume.”

The company plans to be aggressive in this realm and add another 25 to 50 such retrofits in the coming years, with the goal of having one-third of the locations equipped with them.

Meanwhile, the company continues to expand with new locations, including one at Logan Airport, another in Merrimack, N.H., and two more in Southern New Jersey, with more planned for next year.

Shaking Things Up

If you visit a Friendly’s location, you won’t see a picture of that focus-group participant from New Jersey on the wall.

Still, Maguire gives her ample credit for the company’s turnaround efforts and return to competitiveness. In fact, he even called her “wise” as he relayed her sentiments, or previous sentiments, to be more accurate.

Making those observations dated constituted the ‘heavy lifting,’ as Maguire called it, in his efforts to change the company’s fortunes, and now the real work has commenced to become into an instrument of growth.

As happened in individual locations, Friendly’s has fixed what became broken — its brand. Actually, it’s still fixing it, because, as Maguire noted, such work is a continuum, and it’s never really done.

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

Building Permits

By
Building Permits Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of August 2016.

AGAWAM

EP Energy Massachusetts LLC
Main St.
$1,849,895 — Installation of a large-scale ground mounted solar facility consisting of 1,891 modules.

FRP Holdings Agawam LLC
Springfield St.
$64,575 — Strip roof and re-roof Rocky’s

H + A Realty LCC
North Westfield St.
$0.00 — Frame new walls for new businesses at units #345 and unit #347 which will eventually be connected to create one space — Day Spa

WEJJAL LLC
Silver St.
$58,450 — Modify existing partitions, repair/replace wallboard, doors, floor and ceiling, add new exterior stairs

AMHERST

Amherst Shopping Center Associates LLC
175 University Dr., Big Y
$589,600 — Interior renovations

Stavros Center For Independent Living
210 Old Farm Road
$31,750 — Replace roof

Trustees of Hampshire College
1095 West St.
$266,240 — Ground-mounted, grid-connected solar PV array on Hampshire College field

HADLEY

Hampshire College
893 West St.
$125,500 — Adding on a 1,200 sq. ft. wood shop with material loading overhead door, wiring to be done by college. No plumbing and one wall-mount heater

NORTHAMPTON

Chicopee Kendall, LLC
129 Pleasant St.
$300 — Demolish building, including foundation and abatement

City of Northampton Parking Garage
85 Hampton Ave.
$162,000 — Replace sealant and tee-to-tee joints

Cooley Dickinson Hospital Inc.
30 Locust St.
$108,826 — Create men’s and women’s locker rooms

Main St. LLP C/O Colebrook Realty Services
175 Main St.
123,993 — Renovate customer/employee areas and restrooms, repair storefront, new front door

Smith St. Associates LLC
32 Smith St.
$480,000 — Construct 70 X 80 Addition

Trustees of Smith College
12 Arnold Ave.
$117,876 — New roof, sky light replacement, and rot repair

SPRINGFIELD

Big Y
1090 St. James Ave.
$25,000 — Add new cases and coolers. Frame-in new prep area.

Blue Tarp Redevelopment Inc.
34 MGM Way
$45,860,807 — Type 1B Construction (S-2 Parking Garage)

Crown Atlantic Company
22 Birnie Ave.
$20,000 — T-Mobile/Metro PCS proposes to replace (3) air b4a antennas with (3) air 32db antennas and install 1new HCS 6×12 hybrid fiber cable. All work will be completed within the existing area

Dickinson Street Funeral Home
305 State St.
$55,000 — Alteration of funeral home into dental clinic and replacement of eight existing windows

Mass Mutual
1500 Main St.
$90,000.00 — Office renovations for Morgan Stanley on the 19th floor; 1,920 square feet. No exterior alterations

One Financial Plaza
1350 Main St.
$89,453 — Building out a room on the 11th floor for Verizon Wireless equipment

Smith & Wesson
2100 Roosevelt Ave.
$160,000 — Drill foundation and erect structural steel for carport structures, install modules, perform wiring and terminations, trench collection systems, all construction debris to be disposed of in dumpsters

Western New England University
1215 Wilbraham Road
$88,250 — Remove old roofing, install new roof, insulation, drains, drip edge, metal to spec

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Big E
1305 Memorial Ave.
$8,000 — Installation of temporary cellular antenna

Chipotle Restaurant
241 Memorial Ave.
$479,500 – Site work, utilities, paving walkways, patio, dumpster enclosure, and new building shell

Dante Club
1197 Memorial Ave.
$24,000 — Remodel rest rooms

Myron Street Apts.
20-24 Myron Street
$7,560 — Replace 3-story stairs on one side of building

Powers & Liquori Law Offices
64 Park St.
$4,500 — Remove existing metal roof on dormer only and replace with asphalt shingles

West Springfield Middle School
31 Middle School Dr.
$600 — Erect a 30 x 40 frame tent for benefit

WESTFIELD

City of Westfield
366 Little River Road
$2,190,342 — Construct 3,500-square-foot addition to Little River station

Jarvis Surgical Inc.
53 Airport Road
$20,000 — Install sprinkles in the new addition

Rosow Westfield LLC
66 South Broad St.
$12,225 — Interior alterations, install overhead & exit doors

Streamfield, LLC
303 E Main St.
$180,000 – Alterate existing vacant space to permit use

Real Estate Transactions

By
Departments Real Estate

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY

ASHFIELD

562 Suburban Dr.
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Austin J. Snape
Seller: Lori G. Whiteman
Date: 08/01/16

BERNARDSTON

169 Bald Mountain Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $200,500
Buyer: Adam H. Barrett
Seller: Scott Digeorge
Date: 07/29/16

BUCKLAND

202 Lower St.
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Caroline Miklovich
Seller: Nikole L. Gilbert
Date: 07/26/16

COLRAIN

30 Wilson Hill Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: Sheri L. Menard
Seller: Cheryl L. Yacovone
Date: 07/26/16

CONWAY

388 Hart Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Jason F. Silverman
Seller: Bryant E. Benson
Date: 07/29/16

776 Reeds Bridge Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Donald M. Scott
Seller: Joseph T. McGranaghan
Date: 08/02/16

DEERFIELD

216 Conway Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $224,500
Buyer: Julie A. Sencabaugh
Seller: Jared K. Libby
Date: 08/01/16

49 King Philip Ave.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $342,000
Buyer: Erik W. Wrisley
Seller: Richard B. Reeves
Date: 07/29/16

225 Lower Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $318,000
Buyer: Michelle Rockett
Seller: Paul E. Gilroy
Date: 08/03/16

75 Stillwater Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Julia Rolin-Coffey
Seller: Sarah Carroll
Date: 08/04/16

24 Thayer St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $242,000
Buyer: Jeremy Wells
Seller: Joni Martino
Date: 07/28/16

321 Upper Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $293,000
Buyer: Christian Day
Seller: John F. Moriarty
Date: 08/01/16

GREENFIELD

38-40 Birch St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $132,132
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Alexandra T. Green
Date: 07/29/16

9 Cherry Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Dorothy A. Arsenault
Seller: Ruth M. Gile
Date: 07/29/16

82 Cleveland St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $196,500
Buyer: Joshua P. Michal
Seller: Durand D. Lively
Date: 08/03/16

80 Devens St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Sara L. Acton
Seller: Mark Sirum
Date: 07/29/16

51 Garfield St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Aisha Russell
Seller: Christine N. Turner
Date: 08/01/16

165 High St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $214,900
Buyer: Joshua A. Moran
Seller: Keith D. Streeter
Date: 08/05/16

42 Highland Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $251,000
Buyer: Rachel W. Lindsay
Seller: Rory A. Miskimen
Date: 07/29/16

23 Laurel St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Leigha M. Otto
Seller: Sydney I. Snow
Date: 07/29/16

28-A Old Albany Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Shaun D. Schofield
Seller: David T. Damery
Date: 07/28/16

14 Parkway St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Jennifer E. Antonellis
Seller: Doris C. Cowdrey
Date: 07/29/16

HAWLEY

20 Grout Road
Hawley, MA 01339
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Karen Hoffman
Seller: Duane Blakeslee
Date: 07/25/16

South River Road
Hawley, MA 01339
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Berkshire Highlands LLC
Seller: Thomas W. Shields
Date: 08/01/16

LEVERETT

14 Montague Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $427,500
Buyer: Stacey Temple
Seller: John W. Lemly
Date: 07/29/16

142-144 Montague Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Anthony Witman
Seller: Witman Properties Inc.
Date: 08/04/16

146-148 Montague Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Anthony Witman
Seller: Witman Properties Inc.
Date: 08/04/16

LEYDEN

162 Alexander Road
Leyden, MA 01337
Amount: $231,000
Buyer: Kenneth C. Griswold
Seller: John B. Glabach
Date: 08/01/16

529 Brattleboro Road
Leyden, MA 01337
Amount: $329,900
Buyer: John P. Higgins
Seller: Fiske INT
Date: 07/29/16

MONTAGUE

99 4th St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $167,000
Buyer: Karen L. Dodd
Seller: Laura Wormell
Date: 07/28/16

81 High St.
Montague, MA 01344
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Durand D. Lively
Seller: Terrance J. Sicard
Date: 08/03/16

16 Meadow Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $207,000
Buyer: Brian M. Kellogg
Seller: Carol L. Rastallis
Date: 08/03/16

347 Turners Falls Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: David E. Fisher
Seller: Melissa S. Hale-Doyle
Date: 08/01/16

454 Turners Falls Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Joshua K. McComb
Seller: John A. Greene
Date: 07/29/16

511 Turners Falls Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $274,500
Buyer: Jeannette Wicks-Lim
Seller: Jo-Anne Pach-Koirala
Date: 07/29/16

16 Willmark Ave.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Nancy E. Kopec
Seller: Beverly J. Sibley
Date: 07/28/16

NEW SALEM

160 Neilson Road
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Phyllis R. Rogers
Seller: Sunday D. Lefebvre
Date: 07/26/16

NORTHFIELD

80 South Mountain Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Timothy Crowley
Seller: Anna Burniske
Date: 08/01/16

ORANGE

15 Burrill Ave.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Ralph E. Cutter
Seller: John W. Griffiths
Date: 08/03/16

SHELBURNE

239 Colrain Shelburne Road
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $301,000
Buyer: George H. Kennedy
Seller: Nancy E. Kopec
Date: 07/28/16

94 Main St.
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $353,000
Buyer: Susan Berger
Seller: Donovan A. Stevens
Date: 08/01/16

48 Mechanic St.
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $368,000
Buyer: Eben D. Sorkin
Seller: Karen Hoffman
Date: 07/25/16

291 Patten Road
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Susan F. Durkee
Seller: Robert Jaros
Date: 08/03/16

17 Water St.
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $208,000
Buyer: Nina E. Talayco
Seller: Roxanne B. Hamilton
Date: 07/28/16

SHUTESBURY

65 Schoolhouse Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $248,745
Buyer: FHLM
Seller: Thomas E. Boynton
Date: 07/25/16

71 Wendell Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $182,500
Buyer: Roland S. Brock
Seller: William G. Labich
Date: 07/27/16

SUNDERLAND

35 North Plain Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Benjamin M. Barr
Seller: Lenore F. Bowen
Date: 07/29/16

WENDELL

75 Jennison Road
Wendell, MA 01379
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Cailyn M. Reed
Seller: Helen R. Haddad TR
Date: 07/28/16

143 Locke Hill Road
Wendell, MA 01379
Amount: $236,000
Buyer: Michael A. Grillo
Seller: Thomas H. Manley
Date: 07/27/16

47 Stone Road
Wendell, MA 01379
Amount: $118,500
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Stephen Booth
Date: 07/25/16

49 Stone Road
Wendell, MA 01379
Amount: $118,500
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Stephen Booth
Date: 07/25/16

27 West St.
Wendell, MA 01380
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Mark W. Manselle
Seller: Judith Breier
Date: 07/28/16

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

48 Carmen Ave.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: USA HUD
Seller: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Date: 08/03/16

102 Coronet Circle
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $219,900
Buyer: Scott R. Gates
Seller: Michael Osowski
Date: 07/28/16

84 Gold St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Stone Commercial Realty
Seller: JJS Realty LLP
Date: 08/04/16

42 Lawnwood St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $140,766
Buyer: Live Well Financial Inc.
Seller: Carol A. Gaynor
Date: 08/01/16

52 Liberty St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $339,900
Buyer: Kyle Gendron
Seller: Aaron F. Rickis
Date: 07/28/16

351 Meadow St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Richard M. Lewis
Seller: Diane M. Pedulla
Date: 08/04/16

47 Michele Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $408,000
Buyer: Kalpanaben Patel
Seller: C. Arslanian-Ginsberg
Date: 07/29/16

47 Mill St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $244,000
Buyer: Crystal M. Shea
Seller: Joseph W. Mikalson
Date: 08/01/16

35 North Westfield St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Robert Stabach
Seller: Barbara L. Murphy
Date: 08/05/16

125 North Westfield St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Robert H. Pettazzoni
Seller: Derek A. Myers
Date: 08/02/16

1139 North St. Ext.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Emanuel Diaz
Seller: Stephen H. Cassanelli
Date: 08/01/16

115 Spencer St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $222,000
Buyer: James F. Walsh
Seller: Patricia A. Reveruzzi
Date: 07/28/16

1661 Suffield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $710,000
Buyer: Calvin J. McFadden
Seller: Youness M. Bakr
Date: 07/29/16

BLANDFORD

1 Albano Dr.
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $204,000
Buyer: James A. Slattery
Seller: Laurence M. Weinstein
Date: 07/29/16

BRIMFIELD

32 Champeaux Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Graham S. Maxfield
Seller: Maple Lane Development Corp.
Date: 08/02/16

5 Devils Lane
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Christopher Caplette
Seller: Michael J. Poulin
Date: 08/05/16

1164 Dunhamtown Brimfield Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Corey W. Gingras
Seller: Michael J. Wood
Date: 07/25/16

1196 Dunhamtown Brimfield Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Carl T. Ingling
Seller: Christopher P. King
Date: 08/02/16

118 East Hill Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $219,900
Buyer: Brad Senckowski
Seller: Southbridge RE LLC
Date: 08/04/16

44 Little Alum Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $172,302
Buyer: USA VA
Seller: Jason R. Lamica
Date: 08/05/16

83 Marsh Hill Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Michael Poulin
Seller: Angela B. Dunn
Date: 08/05/16

CHICOPEE

29 Anson St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $183,000
Buyer: David Wallace
Seller: Kenneth E. Lamy
Date: 08/03/16

39 Arlmont St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $150,500
Buyer: Ruth Santana
Seller: M. D. Leon Fils Real Estate
Date: 08/05/16

170 Basil Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $231,000
Buyer: Brittany Lawrence
Seller: Christopher J. Ward
Date: 07/25/16

35 Beeler Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $229,900
Buyer: Ty A. Sherokow
Seller: Kimberly A. Stewart
Date: 07/29/16

43 Bonneville Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Alex N. Delvalle
Seller: Revampit LLC
Date: 07/29/16

11 Boutin St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $124,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Bonnie A. Trombley
Date: 07/26/16

93 Clairmont Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $190,500
Buyer: Brianna L. Kring
Seller: Holly E. Williams
Date: 07/29/16

53 Davenport St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Kiersten N. Korona
Seller: Karen Morando-Paulo
Date: 07/29/16

132 East Main St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $11,700,000
Buyer: She’s Your Queen To Be LLC
Seller: Falls View Associates LP
Date: 08/02/16

1416 Granby Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Rattell Real Estate Holdings
Seller: Donald J. Roy
Date: 08/03/16

153 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Dean T. Sudyka
Seller: Avmax LLC
Date: 08/05/16

56 Grove St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $11,700,000
Buyer: Shes Your Queen To Be LLC
Seller: Falls View Associates LP
Date: 08/02/16

54 Hillman St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $173,500
Buyer: Edwin Coll
Seller: Derek S. Booth
Date: 07/29/16

716 James St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Emanuel Ortiz
Seller: Larry R. Harrison
Date: 07/28/16

Keddy Blvd.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Jick Realty LLC
Seller: Mark B. Cowles
Date: 07/25/16

48 Leo Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $213,500
Buyer: Randall L. Hoy
Seller: Susan T. Racine
Date: 08/05/16

51 Maple St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $232,000
Buyer: Valley Opportunity Councl
Seller: Edward P. MeGarry
Date: 07/29/16

116 Marten St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Nicholas P. Baruffaldi
Seller: Baruffaldi, Barbara A., (Estate)
Date: 08/02/16

173 Mayflower Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $309,900
Buyer: Jeremy M. Brown
Seller: CRA Holdings Inc.
Date: 07/29/16

732 McKinstry Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $144,000
Buyer: Bank of America
Seller: Stephanie A. Corliss
Date: 08/01/16

43 Monroe St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $174,000
Buyer: Donnell G. Hart
Seller: O’Neil FT
Date: 08/01/16

160 Pendleton Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $182,000
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Theodore Larson
Date: 08/04/16

135 Polaski Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $168,000
Buyer: Christine V. Johnson
Seller: Catherine M. Lovett
Date: 07/29/16

219 Pondview Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $164,250
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Virginia Perosino
Date: 08/02/16

150 Rimmon Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $159,900
Buyer: Michelle M. Mcananama
Seller: Miriah Sherokow
Date: 07/29/16

10 Sampson St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: Jason C. Surprise
Seller: Theodore P. Cote
Date: 07/29/16

17 Spring St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $153,850
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Mary E. Paine
Date: 08/01/16

43 Van Horn St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Mark T. Hnitecki
Seller: Thomas P. Hnitecki
Date: 08/03/16

179 Waite Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Brenden A. Boucher
Seller: Kevin M. Robbins
Date: 08/04/16

138 Wheatland Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $147,000
Buyer: Garrett J. Moulton
Seller: Deborah E. Miles
Date: 08/05/16

127 Woodcrest Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $163,000
Buyer: Vincent Spagnoli
Seller: John B. Masters
Date: 08/04/16

EAST LONGMEADOW

47 Dearborn St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Donald R. Moriarty
Seller: FNMA
Date: 08/05/16

16 Elizabeth St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $169,900
Buyer: Theresa M. Roy
Seller: Michael F. Leahy
Date: 07/29/16

173 Hampden Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Jessica L. Federici
Seller: Sylvia M. Caron
Date: 07/28/16

131 Meadow Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $229,000
Buyer: Donald J. Lambert
Seller: David J. Fontes
Date: 08/05/16

290 Parker St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $427,000
Buyer: Liam R. Jones
Seller: Donald A. Grindle
Date: 07/29/16

7 Peachtree Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Jonathan E. Robichaud
Seller: Paul Colantoni
Date: 07/29/16

36 Pondview Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01036
Amount: $584,000
Buyer: Kristen L. Cressotti
Seller: Custom Homes Development
Date: 08/03/16

30 South Bend Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Robert A. Gibowicz
Seller: John R. Ferrindino
Date: 07/29/16

Somers Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: National Property Services
Seller: Nina M. Forbes
Date: 07/28/16

42 Vadnais St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Richard Dzierwinski
Seller: Joann R. Hough
Date: 07/29/16

52 Windsor Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $537,000
Buyer: Susan Kartiko
Seller: Brian D. Bell
Date: 07/28/16

GRANVILLE

32 Dickinson Dr.
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $283,000
Buyer: Stephen J. Fitzgerald
Seller: William J. Oleksak
Date: 08/01/16

432 Main Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $219,000
Buyer: Lynne A. Thibault
Seller: Colleen M. Berndt
Date: 08/03/16

HAMPDEN

421 Glendale Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Tennessee Jed RT
Seller: Judith C. Gerrish
Date: 08/05/16

HOLLAND

122 Old County Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $117,000
Buyer: Patrick R. Doyle
Seller: Lawrence Torrey
Date: 07/25/16

HOLYOKE

90-92 Allyn St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $182,000
Buyer: Franklyn Suarez
Seller: Rivera, Ana L., (Estate)
Date: 07/29/16

3 Blaine Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Shaina M. Rogstad
Seller: Roland Leduc
Date: 08/01/16

8 Bray Park Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $166,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Sheryl L. Higgins
Date: 07/25/16

3 Brenan St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $227,500
Buyer: Ervin Santiago-Vega
Seller: Christopher Kulig
Date: 07/28/16

26 Edbert Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Robert E. Wojcik
Seller: Alicia Otero-Rodriguez
Date: 08/04/16

17 Laurel St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Yaritza Rivera
Seller: Matthew J. Beauchemin
Date: 07/29/16

67-69 Lincoln St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: JSLC Inc.
Seller: Lynchies LLC
Date: 08/03/16

71 Lincoln St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: JSLC Inc.
Seller: Lynchies LLC
Date: 08/03/16

40 Moss Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $144,400
Buyer: William J. Lotter
Seller: David Morrissey
Date: 08/05/16

50-52 Parker St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $124,800
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Cynthia Marquez
Date: 07/28/16

225 Sargeant St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Tracy E. Bergeron
Seller: Milton Craig

2-4 Saint James Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $222,500
Buyer: Patricia A. Reynolds
Seller: Sharon E. Bartlett
Date: 08/01/16

280-282 West Franklin St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Jordan Doucette
Seller: Lorraine Carson
Date: 08/01/16

9 Washington Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Carlos M. Mantilla
Seller: Erick Vasquez
Date: 08/05/16

47 Wellesley Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Julie D. Corey
Seller: Melinda S. Thomas
Date: 08/02/16

LONGMEADOW

20 Ashford Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $256,000
Buyer: Vidya Bharathi-Ramasamy
Seller: Lisa I. Santurri
Date: 08/01/16

6 Chatham Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: Scott H. McGowen
Seller: Randolf Kuerzel
Date: 07/29/16

114 Colton Place
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $304,000
Buyer: Eric D. Hunter
Seller: Kathleen Gibson
Date: 08/01/16

59 Converse St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $316,000
Buyer: Amy J. Megliola
Seller: Eric W. Bascom
Date: 08/01/16

771 Converse St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Lemkin
Seller: Richard S. Sheperd
Date: 08/02/16

85 Franklin Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $221,193
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Sean Hill
Date: 08/05/16

460 Laurel St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $354,900
Buyer: Jonathan W. Pinkston
Seller: Lee P. Shinoda
Date: 08/05/16

68 Lynnwood Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $364,900
Buyer: Linda VanOrden
Seller: Catherine A. Guardia
Date: 08/01/16

703 Maple Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Michael S. Markstein
Seller: Maple Road RT
Date: 07/29/16

33 Overbrook Lane
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $730,000
Buyer: Jeffrey M. Liguori
Seller: Ann T. Keiser
Date: 08/04/16

LUDLOW

30 Americo St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $240,465
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Isabel Serpas
Date: 08/03/16

20 Bliss St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: Thomas L. Canty
Seller: JNB Property Investment
Date: 08/05/16

1541 Center St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Vrajeshkumar Patel
Seller: Jeanette D. Trudeau
Date: 08/01/16

317 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $216,500
Buyer: James Mannis
Seller: Jennifer Donais
Date: 08/02/16

46 Evergreen Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $192,000
Buyer: Norman A. Freniere
Seller: Donald J. Lake
Date: 07/25/16

25 Fox Hill Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Paul Sahd
Seller: Mark K. McCulloch
Date: 07/29/16

141 Holy Cross Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Augusto Coelho
Seller: Janice A. Sharpe
Date: 08/01/16

6 Marie St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Kay Loudon
Seller: Stacy L. Haluch
Date: 07/29/16

38 Michael St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $153,900
Buyer: Bank Of America
Seller: Michael Staback
Date: 08/01/16

29 Watt Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $163,500
Buyer: Amandio Ribeiro
Seller: Kristina M. Vitorino
Date: 07/29/16

MONSON

47 Moulton Hill Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $262,500
Buyer: Adam J. Dziewit
Seller: Normand H. Plante
Date: 07/28/16

18 Pinnacle Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $196,000
Buyer: Keith W. Richardson
Seller: Philip A. Brehart
Date: 08/01/16

3 Pleasant St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Richard Lentinello
Seller: Sandra W. Jurczyk
Date: 07/28/16

PALMER

156 3 Rivers Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Kayla A. Basile
Seller: Michael A. Ziemba
Date: 08/05/16

25 Breton St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $176,000
Buyer: Thomas A. Schultz
Seller: Nancy Granger
Date: 08/03/16

268 Flynt St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Khailee E. Beach
Seller: Donna M. Pecenak
Date: 08/03/16

15 George St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Christopher W. Bartlett
Seller: Santucci, Zella T., (Estate)
Date: 07/29/16

2002-2004 Maple St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $141,450
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Timothy H. Allen
Date: 07/27/16

12 Norman St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $188,500
Buyer: Christine Tetreault
Seller: John M. Mancini
Date: 08/04/16

2010 Palmer Road
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $154,000
Buyer: Francesca M. Rodriguez
Seller: Richard Anischik
Date: 07/28/16

2042 Pleasant St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $265,585
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Gregory S. Bryant
Date: 07/29/16

2 Ridge Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Gary P. Leecock
Seller: Constance J. Demers
Date: 07/29/16

24 Searle St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $284,500
Buyer: Kimberly L. Pouliot
Seller: Charles M. Callahan
Date: 08/05/16

RUSSELL

27 Highland Ave.
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $154,100
Buyer: Liza M. Farrelly
Seller: Leanne M. Barrett
Date: 07/29/16

70 Overlook Dr.
Russell, MA 01085
Amount: $232,000
Buyer: Anna P. Hart
Seller: Betsy A. Braman
Date: 07/29/16

286 Woodland Way
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Dingman
Seller: Albert Grimaldi
Date: 08/05/16

SPRINGFIELD

114 Abbott St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $177,160
Buyer: Alyssa Sbalbi
Seller: Anthony P. Disantis
Date: 07/29/16

97 Alderman St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $204,000
Buyer: AJN Rentals LLC
Seller: Hallerin Realty LLP
Date: 07/29/16

19 Annies Way
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $228,000
Buyer: Jean Tailleur
Seller: Christina M. Gloster
Date: 07/28/16

228 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: HSBC Bank
Seller: William A. Hanke
Date: 08/01/16

25 Berard Circle
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $168,000
Buyer: Jose Vargas
Seller: Shawn E. Martin
Date: 07/29/16

1354 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $137,900
Buyer: David M. Mojica
Seller: Maria V. Desteno
Date: 07/29/16

189 Bowles Park
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $165,900
Buyer: Benjamin R. Torres
Seller: Mary P. Moriarty
Date: 08/05/16

1205 Bradley Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $191,000
Buyer: Luis A. Colon
Seller: Cheryl A. Perrault
Date: 07/28/16

63 Bridle Path Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $221,000
Buyer: Gary Munn
Seller: Jess P. Wainscott
Date: 08/02/16

31 Brunswick St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $164,000
Buyer: Miguel A. Ramos
Seller: Emmanuel Almanzar
Date: 07/29/16

67 Clough St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $152,500
Buyer: Sheina Rodriguez
Seller: Jason S. Balut
Date: 08/04/16

33 Coleman St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Kenny A. Rodriguez
Seller: London Realty LLC
Date: 07/28/16

42 Dewey St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Adaliz Diaz
Seller: Emanuel Diaz
Date: 07/29/16

76 Dorset St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $118,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: William W. Randall
Date: 07/27/16

263 Dorset St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $154,900
Buyer: Tia A. Ingram
Seller: Brendan Curran
Date: 07/29/16

10 Flora St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $170,150
Buyer: Amanda E. Salvat
Seller: Sandra Botero
Date: 08/03/16

99-101 Granby St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $154,000
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Sean Reilly
Date: 08/05/16

90 Greaney St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $116,000
Buyer: Shareva Delgado
Seller: Sullivan, Elizabeth A., (Estate)
Date: 08/03/16

50 Herbert Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $156,750
Buyer: Shay J. Daniels
Seller: Aida Roman
Date: 08/03/16

46 Irvington St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $144,000
Buyer: Bank of America
Seller: Michelle Kulczyk-Jiles
Date: 08/03/16

200 Island Pond Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Miranda Ronghi
Seller: Rebecca C. Evans-Andrade

38 Judith St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Valerie A. Roulston
Seller: First Niagara Bank
Date: 08/05/16

38 Kingoke Lane
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $232,000
Buyer: Richard C. White
Seller: William M. Weaver
Date: 07/29/16

5 Lavender Lane
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Awilda Vazquez
Seller: Nicklaus Kalish
Date: 08/05/16

17 Mooreland St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $141,000
Buyer: Eric D. Degray
Seller: Jeremiah P. Sullivan
Date: 07/29/16

155 Oak Grove Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $169,900
Buyer: Jennifer L. Morales
Seller: Campagnari Construction
Date: 07/29/16

41 Orlando St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Shameshia Holmes
Seller: Global Homes Properties
Date: 07/25/16

668 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: Jessie M. Estrada
Seller: Jose F. Diaz
Date: 07/29/16

37 Parkwood St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: Olga M. Mercado
Seller: Victor Roule
Date: 07/29/16

79 Perkins St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Sarah S. Gordon
Seller: Alex Demartin
Date: 07/29/16

97 Rockland St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Elizabeth R. Norman
Seller: Catherine M. Taranto
Date: 07/29/16

1426 Roosevelt Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Lucian Ortega
Seller: Viviana Council
Date: 08/05/16

465 South Branch Pkwy.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Aicha Yahyani
Seller: Dawn B. Fitzgerald
Date: 07/28/16

67 Thornton St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Sean Fitzgerald
Seller: Eugene J. Dean
Date: 08/01/16

70 Tiffany St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Ernest M. Toussaint
Seller: Mary J. Sheehan
Date: 07/28/16

283 West Allen Ridge Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: Joan M. Chmura
Seller: Timothy R. Payne
Date: 07/29/16

95 Whittier St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $146,280
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Judith A. Hanke
Date: 07/28/16

2338 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Eveliz Gonzalez
Date: 07/28/16

96 Whittum Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $187,500
Buyer: Meghan E. Quinn
Seller: Phillip D. Hale
Date: 08/05/16

6 Willowbrook Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Brenda M. Ferry
Seller: Lila M. Harvey
Date: 08/01/16

1256-1258 Worcester St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $163,000
Buyer: Amadeu P. Pereira
Seller: Grace Dias
Date: 07/29/16

SOUTHWICK

43 Fred Jackson Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Sean N. Searles
Seller: Joanne E. Craig
Date: 08/05/16

6 2 States Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $266,000
Buyer: Bonnie J. Druschel
Seller: Lisa M. Hunter
Date: 07/29/16

6 Shaggbark Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Ryan J. Albee
Seller: Ryan J. Pieczarka
Date: 07/29/16

WALES

22 Holland Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Southbridge RE LLC
Seller: US Bank
Date: 08/05/16

159 Stafford Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Michael Walker
Seller: Bernard Collins
Date: 08/01/16

WEST SPRINGFIELD

478 Amostown Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Kevin C. Huyghe
Seller: David B. Hebert
Date: 07/28/16

92-96 Armstrong St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $167,000
Buyer: Wayne V. Gosciminski
Seller: Michael A. Forrest
Date: 08/05/16

89 Baldwin St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $216,357
Buyer: Chesapeake Holdings East
Seller: Joe Cordis Wholesale Pizza
Date: 08/01/16

Bluejay Lane
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $287,250
Buyer: Fevzi Ramazanov
Seller: Karen M. Palanjian
Date: 07/28/16

4 Chapin St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Mongal D. Tamang
Seller: Ravshan Agayev
Date: 08/04/16

146 Circle Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Charles E. Kelliher
Seller: Anita P. Bouchard
Date: 07/25/16

462 Dewey St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Krista Dicarlo
Seller: Michael A. Lynch
Date: 08/05/16

29 Garden St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $132,900
Buyer: Russell F. Scalise
Seller: Paul Weinberg
Date: 07/29/16

46 Gaskill Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $161,000
Buyer: Cornelius P. Harold
Seller: Charles R. Lafleche
Date: 07/28/16

64 GayTerrace
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Robert M. Larkham
Seller: Martha Waldron
Date: 08/01/16

302 Greystone Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $242,000
Buyer: Brendan J. Curran
Seller: Jill M. Felix
Date: 07/29/16

32 Hampden St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $126,400
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Tonya A. Stanko
Date: 07/28/16

419 Kings Hwy.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $212,500
Buyer: Jonathan A. McGrath
Seller: MAA Property LLC
Date: 07/28/16

105 Morton St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $216,000
Buyer: Sean Daniels
Seller: Ellen M. Parkin
Date: 07/28/16

92 Prospect Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Terrence Clark
Seller: Thomas F. Bozek
Date: 08/05/16

56 Robinson Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $220,450
Buyer: Christine Dorn
Seller: John P. Lafond
Date: 07/25/16

WESTFIELD

63 Birch Bluffs Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: LP4 LLC
Seller: Edgardo Sanchez
Date: 08/05/16

37 Cabot Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $138,985
Buyer: Nikolay Chepurin
Seller: Deutsche Bank
Date: 08/03/16

45 Cardinal Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $307,500
Buyer: Muhammad H. Chaudry
Seller: Jerome Nathanson
Date: 07/29/16

17 Claremont St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $159,000
Buyer: Mohammed B. Rajab
Seller: Daniel S. Chrzan
Date: 08/05/16

15 Dudley Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Orlando Roman-Rodriguez
Seller: Tara A. Magrone
Date: 08/04/16

30 Hagan Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $161,000
Buyer: Thomas Romani
Seller: Sean B. Harris
Date: 07/29/16

3 Logan Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $167,000
Buyer: Robert L. Bovat
Seller: David O. Burgess
Date: 07/29/16

28 Orange St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $116,500
Buyer: Thomas D. Campbell
Seller: Karen Pighetti
Date: 07/29/16

40 Parker Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $215,900
Buyer: Kevin R. Blake
Seller: Lori J. Puza
Date: 08/04/16

43 Putnam Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Jason M. Lanney
Seller: Jeffrey A. Dingman
Date: 08/05/16

14 Scenic Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $319,900
Buyer: Ronaldo Alcantara
Seller: Deborah T. Kistner
Date: 07/29/16

91 Shaker Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Jeffrey F. Krol
Seller: John B. Ricardi
Date: 08/05/16

333 Steiger Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Joseph G. Thibault
Seller: Christine M. Magdycz
Date: 07/29/16

106 Woodcliff Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $434,900
Buyer: Ryan J. Pieczarka
Seller: Diane M. Bogdan
Date: 07/29/16

144 Wyben Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Paul C. Speckels
Seller: Robert A. Lapre
Date: 07/29/16

WILBRAHAM

37 Brainard Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $252,000
Buyer: Anna Dyrkacz
Seller: Kevin C. Huyghe
Date: 07/28/16

26 Brentwood Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: David J. Lachappelle
Seller: Elizabeth A. Crawford
Date: 07/29/16

24 Brooklawn Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Kevin J. Biermann
Seller: Amber L. Riggs
Date: 07/27/16

80 Burleigh Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Sharon M. Casey RT
Seller: Eleanor G. Engel
Date: 07/29/16

2 Edson Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Casey A. Siok
Seller: Keith G. Tellier
Date: 08/02/16

638 Glendale Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $418,000
Buyer: Bank of New York Mellon
Seller: Aaron M. Porchelli
Date: 07/28/16

107 Manchonis Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $136,905
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Edward G. Rosner
Date: 07/28/16

266 Mountain Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Karen F. Brehart
Seller: Suzanne M. Hicks
Date: 08/01/16

159 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $251,062
Buyer: Bank of America
Seller: Michelle L. Iglesias
Date: 07/28/16

775 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: MW RT
Seller: John W. Sullivan
Date: 07/25/16

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

865 Belchertown Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $359,000
Buyer: Eoin B. O’Carroll
Seller: Ali Wicks-Lim
Date: 07/29/16

25 Bellview Circle
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Geoffrey Kravitz
Seller: Sarah L. Mullins
Date: 07/27/16

259 East Pleasant St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Jonathan F. Hulting-Cohen
Seller: Michael Torre-Nelson
Date: 07/29/16

143 Fearing St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Timothy W. Reardon
Seller: Linso Vanderburg
Date: 07/25/16

32 Goldenrod Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: William Kaizen
Seller: Jae Young-Lee
Date: 07/29/16

202 Harkness Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $312,500
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Jeffrey D. Kris
Date: 07/25/16

10 Laurel Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Ho-Sung Kim
Seller: 5m Properties LLC
Date: 07/25/16

4 Poets Corner Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Karla M. Reed-McNally
Seller: Nancy E. Speas
Date: 07/29/16

17 Sheerman Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Susan C. Conkey
Seller: Catherine H. Lodge
Date: 08/01/16

1427 South East St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $279,900
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: James A. Maloney
Date: 07/25/16

39 Tanglewood Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $565,000
Buyer: Eiman Mikhchi
Seller: Lisa Perlbinder
Date: 07/29/16

134 Tracy Circle
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Brooks Caddell Barton TR
Seller: Daniel M. Marks
Date: 07/27/16

44 Valley View Circle
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $270,126
Buyer: Claire E. Cocco
Seller: Susan A. Clark
Date: 07/26/16

BELCHERTOWN

11 Barton Ave.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Evelyn T. Melendez
Seller: Rochelle M. Gaumond
Date: 08/02/16

26 Brandywine Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $284,900
Buyer: Sarah L. Perry
Seller: Dennis P. Vandall
Date: 07/29/16

466 Federal St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Robert L. Stephens
Seller: Wayne Goodnow
Date: 07/29/16

644 Federal St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Edward Megarry
Seller: Catharine S. Seymour
Date: 08/02/16

20 Mountain View Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Eric D. Lebeau
Seller: Bruce A. Eggleston
Date: 08/04/16

119 Mountain View Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Christopher M. Browne
Seller: Susan C. Donahue
Date: 07/29/16

55 North St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $201,000
Buyer: Marylu J. Schneider
Seller: Robert P. Beaulieu
Date: 07/27/16

34 Rural Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $520,000
Buyer: Robert M. Cote
Seller: Donald D. Freeman
Date: 07/29/16

86 South Liberty St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $317,500
Buyer: Matthew T. Dibona
Seller: Lisa M. Desroches
Date: 08/03/16

22 Trillium Way
Belchertown, MA 01002
Amount: $411,000
Buyer: Matthew C. Boudreau
Seller: Mark G. Jackson
Date: 08/05/16

CHESTERFIELD

283 Main Road
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Chad J. Hoag
Seller: Peter K. Scully
Date: 07/27/16

209 Old Chesterfield Road
Chesterfield, MA 01096
Amount: $168,000
Buyer: Zakary H. McCready
Seller: Randall S. Smith
Date: 07/29/16

EASTHAMPTON

53 Ashley Circle
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Brian D. Donoghue
Seller: James E. Coughlin
Date: 07/28/16

4 Carillon Circle
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $282,375
Buyer: Christopher M. Drozdal
Seller: Libby Kidess-Kanazi
Date: 08/05/16

46 Clapp St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $246,000
Buyer: Julie A. Copoulos
Seller: Amy C. Churchill
Date: 08/04/16

42 Clark St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Michael Wood
Seller: Matthew B. Geoghegan
Date: 07/26/16

11 Fox Run
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $393,300
Buyer: Stephanie B. Kelly
Seller: David A. Hardy Contractor
Date: 07/26/16

34 Glendale St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $247,000
Buyer: Kristina E. Smith
Seller: Andrea M. Lacasse
Date: 07/29/16

51 Knipfer Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Christine J. Harper
Seller: Gina B. Wyman
Date: 07/29/16

110 Maple St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: KM Properties LLC
Seller: Nancy C. Hill
Date: 07/29/16

90-92 Maple St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Elephant Shoes LLC
Seller: Alan Verson
Date: 07/28/16

25 Oliver St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Donald Tryon
Seller: Marcia S. M. Funk IRT
Date: 07/27/16

239 Park St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Jessica L. Andreu
Seller: Chris M. Drozdal
Date: 08/05/16

Parsons St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Penelope T. Evans
Seller: Cefriana A. Balo
Date: 07/29/16

23 Paul St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $339,900
Buyer: Ellen B. Tobiassen
Seller: David Garstka Builders
Date: 08/04/16

20 Peloquin Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $232,000
Buyer: Cefriana A. Balo
Seller: Ryan Bailey
Date: 07/29/16

110 Plain St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $214,000
Buyer: Martha G. Waldron
Seller: James S. Copen
Date: 08/01/16

22 Sterling Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $281,000
Buyer: Jeffrey M. Beaulieu
Seller: David B. Kinstle
Date: 07/25/16

132 West St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Mindy L. Cotherman
Seller: Deborah Hall-McNeil
Date: 08/02/16

9 Wilton Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $224,100
Buyer: Bank of New York Mellon
Seller: Punn Penn
Date: 08/03/16

GRANBY

62 Cold Hill
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $252,500
Buyer: Jennifer M. Matias
Seller: Jeffrey R. Kelliher
Date: 07/25/16

146 Porter St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $347,500
Buyer: Douglas R. Hamel
Seller: Steven Guyott
Date: 08/01/16

138 West St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $203,950
Buyer: Peter Deforge
Seller: FNMA
Date: 07/29/16

HADLEY

63 Comins Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: John H. Kokoski
Seller: Paul J. Kokoski
Date: 08/03/16

10 Frost Lane
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $359,900
Buyer: Cornelius Dutoit
Seller: Robert J. Reeves
Date: 08/04/16

10 Hawley Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Regina N. Payette
Seller: Diana Dindia
Date: 08/04/16

3 Maegans Way
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $799,000
Buyer: Paul Kozub
Seller: Thomas F. Quinlan
Date: 07/28/16

20 Maple Ave.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $359,000
Buyer: William B. Wright
Seller: Paul J. Kozub
Date: 07/27/16

45 North Maple St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: RGINK LLC
Seller: Ellen A. Morin RET
Date: 08/05/16

HATFIELD

102 Main St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $254,000
Buyer: Nicholas M. Hebert
Seller: Paula M. Mattson
Date: 08/05/16

HUNTINGTON

18 Crescent St.
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $116,000
Buyer: Justin R. Pinard
Seller: Christopher Maddock
Date: 08/03/16

MIDDLEFIELD

113 Skyline Trail
Middlefield, MA 01011
Amount: $259,900
Buyer: Kimberly E. Clark
Seller: Marie Lafayette
Date: 08/01/16

74 Town Hill Road
Middlefield, MA 01243
Amount: $115,260
Buyer: Citifinancial Servicing
Seller: Joanne Rennert
Date: 07/29/16

NORTHAMPTON

83 Bancroft Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $1,350,000
Buyer: Frank G. Allen
Seller: Robert A. Jonas
Date: 08/02/16

98 Brierwood Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $259,000
Buyer: An J. Hoeyberghs
Seller: Loretta K. Steiner
Date: 08/01/16

101 Chesterfield Road
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $844,000
Buyer: Katharine B. Cowperthwait
Seller: George F. Houck
Date: 07/29/16

349 Coles Meadow Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Leonard J. Larouche
Seller: Thomas A. Pascucci
Date: 08/05/16

105 Fern St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $234,000
Buyer: Betty L. Wolfson
Seller: Patricia A. Judice
Date: 07/29/16

50 Forbes Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $537,000
Buyer: Julie K. Lewis-Kulin
Seller: Christian Hawkins
Date: 07/29/16

43 Fox Farms Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Joanna D. Tillinghast
Seller: Bernyce B. Grant
Date: 08/01/16

109 Glendale Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $339,900
Buyer: Gary B. Kaskey
Seller: James E. O’Dell
Date: 07/25/16

26 Harold St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $247,000
Buyer: Steven E. Lacroix
Seller: Rebecca L. Gazzillo
Date: 08/03/16

423 Haydenville Road
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $435,868
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Lisa A. Cartagena
Date: 07/27/16

9 Hillcrest Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Sara R. Schieffelin
Seller: John J. Schieffelin
Date: 08/02/16

25 Indian Hill
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $292,000
Buyer: Marla S. Michel
Seller: Stephanie J. Billings
Date: 07/25/16

10 Laurel Park
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $196,000
Buyer: Mary Apikos
Seller: Amanda J. Crowley
Date: 08/05/16

68 Lyman Road
Northampton, MA 01063
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Caitlyn S. Butler
Seller: 68 Lyman Road NT
Date: 08/01/16

535 North Farms Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Travis T. Norsen
Seller: Bobbe A. O’Brien
Date: 08/05/16

90 North Maple St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Kristoffer J. VanNaerssen
Seller: Linda A. Lococo
Date: 07/29/16

61 Overlook Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $234,900
Buyer: Regan M. Clover
Seller: Joseph T. Hudock
Date: 07/25/16

36 Pine St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: William M. Girard
Seller: Matthew J. Hale-Rattigan
Date: 08/01/16

541 Riverside Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Sik K. Ang
Seller: Robert A. Gibowicz
Date: 07/29/16

306 Rocky Hill Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Paul Harvey-Cooke
Seller: Lynne M. Davis
Date: 08/03/16

824 Ryan Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Jill A. Apolinario
Seller: John C. Richi
Date: 08/04/16

8 Shepherds Hollow Road
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $599,000
Buyer: Fred H. Kim
Seller: Gary B. Kaskey
Date: 07/25/16

236 State St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Stephen Pelhan
Seller: Albert Y. Lim
Date: 08/05/16

22 Tara Circle
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $219,000
Buyer: Bobbe A. O’Brien
Seller: Janet Ochner
Date: 08/05/16

57 Vernon St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Pamela Holabird-Lawrence
Seller: Karen E. Bercovici
Date: 08/01/16

4 Warfield Place
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Kathryne M. Young
Seller: Jill A. Apolinario
Date: 08/04/16

8 Washington Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $745,000
Buyer: Alana Kaczmarek
Seller: Denise Orenstein
Date: 08/04/16

50 Williams St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Kilerine Properties LLC
Seller: Ranney, Jeannie S. S., (Estate)
Date: 08/05/16

Willow St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Timothy J. Lepore
Seller: Michael D. Driscoll
Date: 08/02/16

PELHAM

54 Boyden Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $332,500
Buyer: Isaac J. Larsen
Seller: Steven L. Funderburk
Date: 08/03/16

60 Daniel Shays Hwy.
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: John Mancini
Seller: Marc W. Perreault
Date: 08/04/16

PLAINFIELD

82 North Union St.
Plainfield, MA 01070
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Paige E. Cerulli
Seller: Dennis W. Mimitz
Date: 07/29/16

SOUTH HADLEY

25 College View Hts.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $159,900
Buyer: Janice H. Byer
Seller: Douglas B. Merrill
Date: 07/29/16

15 Dartmouth St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $178,900
Buyer: Ryan C. Colligan
Seller: Barbara A. Dagarin
Date: 07/29/16

238 East St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $322,500
Buyer: Lisa Levheim
Seller: Douglas R. Hamel
Date: 08/01/16

3 Edison Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: James F. Dennis
Seller: Mark S. Kendall
Date: 07/29/16

59 LymanTerrace
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $135,660
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Henry M. Bader
Date: 07/28/16

20 Michael Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $231,000
Buyer: Ronald F. Labarre
Seller: Roger Moreau
Date: 07/29/16

4 South Sycamore Knolls
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Mark Guerber
Seller: Nancy L. Beiermeister
Date: 07/28/16

12 Spring St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $221,000
Buyer: Adam M. Petit
Seller: Dean T. Sudyka
Date: 08/05/16

SOUTHAMPTON

34 Bissonnette Circle
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: John Cain
Seller: Florida Corp.
Date: 08/03/16

191 College Hwy.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $236,000
Buyer: Jessica A. Przybycien
Seller: Carla R. Mcavoy
Date: 07/29/16

88 College Hwy.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Heath B. Jones
Seller: Robert Golasinski
Date: 07/28/16

56 Line St.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Roger Ball
Seller: Thomas M. Bacis
Date: 07/29/16

2 Mountain Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Robert W. Buckingham
Seller: Paul Kuzeja
Date: 08/05/16

91 Pequot Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Sergey Gokhgalter
Seller: Peter M. Steans
Date: 07/29/16

55 Valley Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Richard G. Labrie
Seller: Richard G. Labrie
Date: 08/05/16

20 Wolcott Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $319,543
Buyer: Teresa M. Adams
Seller: Linda K. Cooper
Date: 07/25/16

WARE

290 Belchertown Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $167,000
Buyer: Sarah G. Perrott
Seller: Vincent R. Whitcomb
Date: 08/05/16

419 Belchertown Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $363,141
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Donald Petry
Date: 07/27/16

23 Coldbrook Dr.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $318,703
Buyer: Sherill J. Acevedo
Seller: Benchmark Custom Homes
Date: 08/05/16

29 Fisherdick Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $116,500
Buyer: Belspring RT
Seller: US Bank
Date: 07/28/16

176 Gilbertville Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Jason L. Shunaman
Seller: Sandra D. Adams
Date: 07/28/16

56 Old Belchertown Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $167,800
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Debra Sears
Date: 07/29/16

5 Warebrook Village
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $116,900
Buyer: Karla Harder
Seller: Meghan K. Lagimoniere
Date: 07/28/16

WESTHAMPTON

5 Pine Island Lake
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Cohen Karis TR
Seller: John F. Hamel
Date: 08/05/16

WILLIAMSBURG

2 Round Hill Road
Williamsburg, MA 01060
Amount: $218,000
Buyer: Joanne P. Lasker
Seller: Harry Whiting-Warner
Date: 07/28/16

120 South St.
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Jonathan D. Hoyt
Seller: Robert C. McCutcheon RET
Date: 07/27/16

Region’s Competitive Commercial-loan Market Poses Plenty of Opportunity

By
Banking and Financial Services Sections

Lending Optimism

Glenn Welch (left) and Jeffrey Smith

Glenn Welch (left) and Jeffrey Smith say Freedom Credit Union has built a name in local lending, but much more opportunity exists to expand the portfolio.

Banks and credit unions know all too well that the health of a commercial-loan portfolio is often dependent on the economic climate. Several years of improvement on that front has bolstered the portfolios of many regional lenders, some dramatically. But the added opportunity has brought little relief from fierce competition in the sector, both for loan business and the talent to procure it.

When asked about commercial lending, Matt Sosik doesn’t talk in terms of dollars and cents, but of relationships.

“Building long-term relationships brings value on both sides of the table,” said the president and CEO of Easthampton Savings Bank (ESB). “It allows us to transcend the pricing pressures and competitive pressures and focus on the relationship and the importance of it.”

Those relationships have become critical to banks trying to build their commercial-loan portfolio simply because, well, it’s a borrower’s market out there. A generally positive economy has businesses investing — perhaps not at pre-Great Recession levels, but close — yet the competition for those loans has only become more fierce.

“My back ground is in commercial lending, and it’s always been competitive,” said Glenn Welch, president and CEO of Freedom Credit Union. “Nobody wants to lose any deals in their portfolio. But every new loan out there … at least three institutions are looking at it. We’ve seen pricing get pretty skinny. We’ve walked away from some deals because we didn’t think they were appropriately priced for the risk in them.”

List of Banks in Western Mass.

But Freedom is making plenty of deals, too. Vice President and Chief Lending Officer Jeffrey Smith told BusinessWest the credit union’s gross volume in commercial loans is currently doubling from year to year. “We’d generally average $10 to $12 million in commercial lending each year, but in the 12 months that ended in July, we had more than $23 million.” Meanwhile, he added, the business-loan portfolio has grown from $30 million to $50 million.

Matt Sosik

Matt Sosik says a strong commercial-lending portfolio begins with strong relationships with area businesses.

“That’s still really small in a balance sheet of a half-billion,” Welch said, adding that he sees plenty of opportunity to ramp up business loans even further. “Also, commercial lending is the most profitable line of business. You can grow your balance sheet much quicker because generally the loans are larger. We service the small-business market, and we’re mostly comfortable in the $2-$3 million range, but we will go up to $5 million.”

Westfield Bank is another institution seeing significant lending growth, with higher ceilings for individual loans to boot. The bank was long known mainly as a residential lender before James Hagan’s tenure as president and CEO. But over the past two decades, the bank has significantly expanded its commercial-loan portfolio, said Allen Miles, executive vice president and senior lender — a process that will continue with the institution’s acquisition of Chicopee Savings Bank, which, once approved, will increase WB’s lending capacity from $20 million to $35 million.

“We have a small-business team, a middle-market team, and a commercial real-estate team,” Miles explained. “Our sweet spot is businesses with $5 to $10 million in revenues, but we’ve done loans for businesses with $80 to $100 million in revenue. We handle everyone differently.”

Ramping Up

While all banks were hit hard when companies pulled back on capital investments in the wake of the recession, smaller community banks were presented with opportunities as well. The nation’s larger institutions, awash in toxic debt, were having liquidity issues and pushed back on borrowers, many of whom took their business elsewhere, and community banks that had laid some groundwork and build relationships were able to take advantage.

Borrowers also appreciate locally based lenders who can make decisions quickly, Hagan explained, and Westfield became adept at turning credit applications around in 24 to 48 hours for loans up to $750,000, Miles noted. Larger loans are turned around in under a week.

“That has helped us grow,” Hagan said. “Potential borrowers appreciate that we can move things forward quickly.”

ESB, like many community banks in Western Mass., finds that lending to small to mid-size businesses is its bread and butter.

Jim Hagan

Jim Hagan says recruiting talent from area colleges has helped Westfield Bank build a formidable commercial-lending team.

“It’s a very important part of our balance sheet and, increasingly, on most community banks’ balance sheets,” Sosik said. “Commercial lending has become a priority we focus on, and we’ve grown the commercial portfolio over the past three years in particular. We’re trying to approach a level that gives us about a 50% loan mix — in other words, about 50% of the loans in the portfolio being commercially oriented.”

But he returned again to the importance of building long-term relationships with clients, rather than one-time transactions. “It’s easier for us to do that when we focus on medium to smaller businesses and geographically local businesses, for sure.”

Freedom Credit Union’s loan growth has been aided by its designation as a low-income credit union, which allows it to avoid the cap on commercial lending — 12.5% of assets — that most credit unions must adhere to. This, and an aggressive commercial-loan push in recent years, has seen the institution recognized as a top SBA lender in the region.

“The real growth has been over the last couple of years,” Welch said. “We’ve really matured into being more of a business lender than we originally started out. We do have a low-income designation, which does not put a cap on us, and that’s a big advantage to us in the market we’re in.”

Smith called the institution’s portfolio a “nice mix,” boasting clients ranging from IT companies, a construction firm, and commercial real-estate projects to social services and nonprofits. “We have a nice niche right now in the marketplace, with so many institutions in this market, headquartered in Springfield. Many times, we get phone calls based on the fact that we are a local player in this market.”

Valley’s Got Talent

Just because businesses are borrowing these days and plenty of opportunity seems to exist doesn’t mean growing a portfolio is easy, Sosik told BusinessWest.

“Commercial lending is a focus not just here at ESB, but across the community-bank sector, even on the credit-union side. There are a lot of players all vying for a finite group of customers, and that makes for a very competitive environment.”

Indeed, Welch noted that the local lending landscape has been rife with movement, with banks poaching talent from their competitors and even, in a few cases, entire teams moving from one bank to another.

Hagan said Westfield Bank has been fortunate to retain its top talent, and with the acquisition of Chicopee Savings will have three lending teams headquartered in Westfield, Springfield, and Chicopee.

“We have not lost lenders to our competitors,” he said. “But what we’ve also done is, we’ve actively recruited at colleges and universities. We interview folks and bring them on as credit trainees and groom them in-house. They get to know our culture and our customer base, and in so doing, we’ve created a way for them to grow in their career and for us to develop our own lending team. It’s been highly successful.”

It’s one way Westfield Bank has been able to continually grow its commercial-lending team and its book of loans, especially among small to mid-size, family-owned and closely held businesses that form the core of its portfolio.

As for Welch, he certainly thinks continued growth is sustainable. He noted that Springfield was recently named by CNBC as one of America’s “10 Most Overlooked Cities,” meaning cities where economic development — and, presumably, capital investments by companies — are on the rise, though not many people outside their regions are aware of it. And Springfield is only one part of a region currently booming with entrepreneurial life.

“There’s definitely more opportunity for growth, all the way up to Franklin County,” he said. “With our size and capital, we can compete pretty well. We’re trying to get our name out now, but I think there’s a lot of opportunity up and down the Valley.”

And that’s lending a measure of optimism to the region’s growing ranks of commercial lenders.

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Boys & Girls Club to Present Celebrity Bartending Event Sept. 8

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Boys & Girls Club will present its second annual celebrity bartending event on Thursday, Sept. 8 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Student Prince and the Fort, 8 Fort St., Springfield.

The event is hosted by the Student Prince and the Fort, where owners Andy Yee and Peter Picknelly will be among the many celebrity bartenders. The event will benefit the Springfield Boys & Girls Club, located at 481 Carew St., Springfield. Valet parking is included for all who attend.

In 2015, the celebrity bartending event saw the faces of Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, former NBA players, and many other local and national celebrities. The event raised thousands of dollars for the Springfield Boys & Girls Club in 2015, and this year the club looks to top that number as it brings in more than a dozen local and national celebrities.

The Springfield Boys & Girls Club offers programs that inspire, educate, guide, enable, and support all young people to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, respectful citizens and leaders. It provides a safe environment to learn and grow, ongoing relationships with caring adult professionals, life-enhancing programs, character-development experiences, and hope and opportunity.

Melha Shriners to Host Vintage Auto Car Show in Chicopee Sept. 11

By
Daily News

CHICOPEE — The Melha Shriners will continue a longstanding tradition, bringing the 36th annual Melha Shriners Vintage Auto Car Show to the Moose Family Center, 244 Fuller Road, Chicopee, on Sunday, Sept. 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine.

All years, makes, and models of automobiles are welcome, as well as motorcycles and more. General admission is $3 and includes access to view a large display of motor vehicles, live entertainment, arts and craft vendors, raffles, food, and beverages.

Prizes and trophies will be awarded to winners; the first 200 car owners will also receive official dash plaques. Volunteers will also conduct MYCHIP – the Masonic Youth Child Identification Program, which provides fingerprints, a photo, video, and dental impressions to parents and/or guardians. This information is not stored in a database; it is provided to guardians so that they may pass it along to law enforcement if needed to help locate missing children.

MSB to Offer Free Workshop: ‘Planning for Health Care in Retirement’

By
Daily News

MONSON — Monson Savings Bank will hold a complimentary workshop titled “Planning for Health Care in Retirement,” featuring Kevin Flynn, regional vice president for Nationwide.

The event is designed to help people plan for retirement and learn how healthcare costs can impact their retirement income. This can be an unknown area of retirement planning, and the workshop will help make it simpler to understand the ins and outs of healthcare costs, Medicare coverage, and available options to help people plan for these expenses when they retire. It will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 13, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Hampden Senior Center, 104 Allen St., Hampden. Refreshments will be served.

“Too often, people don’t fully account for healthcare costs or understand what Medicare pays for when they decide to retire, and, unfortunately, they’re unpleasantly surprised at the adjustments they need to make to their budget and retirement plans when reality hits,” said Steve Lowell, president and CEO of Monson Savings Bank. “This workshop is designed to help people avoid that difficult scenario.”

The event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited, and reservations are required. To RSVP, contact Anna Calvanese at (413) 267-1221 or [email protected].

Local Historian Commemorates Big E Centennial with New Book

By
Daily News

AGAWAM — Agawam resident David Cecchi first attended the Eastern States Exposition in September 1964. He doesn’t remember much of that first fair — he was only a few months old — but, like many locals, he’s attended faithfully every year since. With his brothers, Bobby and Michael, he’s exhibited vegetables from his family’s farm. He’s watched his sons march in the Exposition’s daily parade with the Agawam High School marching band. He even took part in the very first Agawam Day celebration at the fair.

Along the way, he’s amassed a collection of Exposition-related memorabilia. And, to commemorate the centennial of this favorite local institution, and his love of it, he wrote a book, The Big E: Eastern States Exposition, part of Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America series, which will be released early this month. To celebrate, Cecchi is holding a book signing on Monday, Sept. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Captain Charles Leonard House, located at 663 Main St., Agawam.

The book features nearly 200 images spanning the entire first century of the Exposition. The images were selected from the Exposition’s archives, which were graciously opened to Cecchi, as well the author’s own collection and selections from local residents. From the fair’s inception as host to the 1916 National Dairy Show through recent years, Cecchi’s book is a photographic tour of the Exposition. From the early expansion in the 1920s, the Mohawk Indian Village, images of the 1927 and 1936 floods, and program covers throughout the decades, the book is a visual feast of all things Big E. The accompanying text highlights the important role the Exposition has held in the revitalization and promotion of New England agriculture, and is filled with little-known, newly discovered, and interesting information.

Copies of The Big E: Eastern States Exposition will be available for purchase, as will copies of Cecchi’s previous books of local interest: Agawam and Feeding Hills, Agawam and Feeding Hills Revisited, and Riverside Park.

Select items from Cecchi’s Exposition collection will also be on display during the book signing, and many other items can be seen as part of the Agawam Historical Assoc. exhibit, “100 Years of the Eastern States Exposition,” open on Sunday, Sept. 11 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Agawam Historical & Fire House Museum, 35 Elm St., Agawam.

For more information, contact the author at (413) 786-3236 or [email protected]. Cecchi is a member of the board of directors of the Agawam Historical Assoc. He is also principal of Cecco | the design office of David Cecchi, and president and club historian of the Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts.

Agenda

By
Agenda Departments

‘Big Data: Unlocking the Mysteries’

Sept. 9: The Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast (EANE), in partnership with FIT Staffing, will present a seminar with Dennis Perlot, Microsoft evangelist, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. The topic will be “Big Data – Unlocking the Mysteries.” Perlot will discuss ways to protect data in the cloud, information on unstructured data searches, Microsoft’s Power BI products, and much more. This event is free to regional IT professionals and will be held at the EANE offices in Agawam. Registration is required. To register or for more information, contact Allison Ebner at [email protected] or (413) 355-5125.

STCC Founders Day

Sept. 9: Springfield Technical Community College will kick off its 50th-anniversary celebration with a Founders Day Convocation starting at 2 p.m. The event, which will honor the four founders and briefly trace the history of the college through today, will be held in the Scibelli Hall gymnasium on campus. All alumni of STCC are invited to the event, as well as students, current and former faculty and staff, current and former board members, and friends of the college. The year-long celebration will include a number of festivities and events, culminating in a birthday celebration on Sept. 11, 2017.

RVCC Golf Tournament

Sept. 16: River Valley Counseling Center (RVCC), an affiliate of Holyoke Medical Center and member of Valley Health Systems, will hold its first annual golf tournament fund-raiser starting at 10:30 a.m., scramble format. The event, hosted by East Mountain Country Club in Westfield, is presented by G. Greene Construction Co. Inc., and funds raised will enable RVCC to improve programming through staff education and technology enhancements. The cost per golfer is $100 and includes a golf cart, lunch, and dinner. There will be contests on the course which include prizes donated by Marcotte Ford and Teddy Bear Pools. There will also be a raffle and silent auction. For more information about the event, including registration, visit www.rvcc-inc.org.

Ubora, Ahadi Awards

Sept. 17: The African Hall subcommittee of the Springfield Museums will present the 25th annual Ubora Award and the seventh annual Ahadi Youth Award at a ceremony at 6 p.m. at the Michele & Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts. The Ubora Award, named for the Swahili word for ‘excellence,’ is presented to an African-American who has made a significant contribution to the greater Springfield area. The Ahadi Youth Award is presented to an African-American young person who demonstrates strong character, leadership, academic achievement, and future potential (Ahadi means ‘promise’ in Swahili). Ubora Award winner Helen Caulton-Harris is the currently the commissioner of the Division of Health and Human Services for the City of Springfield. In her many years of public service, she has played a prominent role in developing policy for the health and human-services needs of underserved populations on the local and national level. In recognition of those efforts, she has received numerous awards, including the AIDS Action Award from the Action Committee and the Rebecca Lee Award from the Harvard School of Public Health. Caulton-Harris was named Woman of the Year by the Springfield Postal Service and received the Paul Revere Award from the Massachusetts Public Health Assoc. In 2015, she selected as one of the 100 Outstanding of Women of Color from Western Mass. and Connecticut. Previously, Caulton-Harris was appointed by former Gov. Deval Patrick to both the Public Health and Food Policy Councils for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and was also appointed to the Region 1 Health Council by the Secretary of Minority Health in Washington, D.C. She is the immediate past chair of both AAA of Pioneer Valley and Holyoke Community College. She is also a past president of the Greater Springfield Chapter of the Links Inc., a life member of the Carl L. Talbot VFW Ladies Auxiliary, and a member of the Xi Xi Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, as well as GirlFriends Inc. Ahadi Award winner David Bass is entering his junior year at Putnam Vocational High School, where he has distinguished himself as an outstanding student in both the classroom and the community. He has held perfect attendance and highest honors in his first two years of high school, and currently has a 3.9 GPA. A founder and active participant in Putnam’s Intellectuals Debate Club, Bass is an outstanding public speaker and communicator, and was elected president by the class of 2018. He assisted the Putnam’s Voice outreach group with its annual clothing, canned food, and toy drives as well as neighborhood cleanups. He is also part of the Project Purple volunteer group that seeks to curtail teen drug and alcohol abuse, and a member of Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni’s 2016 Youth Advisory Board. Bass is part of Putnam’s Marketing and Real Estate program, and plans to embark on a career in real estate following his graduation. The Ubora and Ahadi Award presentations will be followed by a reception at the Springfield Science Museum, with food and refreshments provided through support from Baystate Health. Admission to the event is $15 for adults and $10 for children under 12. For more information or advance reservations, call (413) 263-6800, ext. 325.

BerkshireSPEAKS

Sept. 18: The third annual BerkshireSPEAKS will take place at 1:30 p.m. at Hevreh of Southern Berkshire in Great Barrington. This year’s event will feature six Berkshire trailblazers and visionaries sharing their inspirational stories. BerkshireSPEAKS was established to create an opportunity for the entire community to hear from local residents who have had a significant impact on the Berkshires and beyond. This year’s speakers include John Downing, CEO of Soldier On, a national organization fighting veteran homelessness; Nancy Kalodner, Berkshire Realtor, teacher, and arts supporter; Gwendolyn Hampton-VanSant, CEO and Founder of Multicultural BRIDGE; Mary Pope Osborne, award-winning author of the Magic Tree House series (130 million copies sold worldwide); John Hockenberry, author, journalist, and award-winning public radio host; and state Rep. William “Smitty” Pignatelli, who represents the 4th Berkshire District. A reception with the speakers will follow the presentations. Registration costs $15 online and $18 at the door. To register online, visit www.hevreh.org/berkshirespeaks.

Northeast Training Institute

Oct. 4-5: The International Business Innovation Assoc. (InBIA), in partnership with the Assoc. of Cleantech Incubators of New England (ACTION), will host a two-day Northeast Training Institute at the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center in Holyoke. Four courses will be offered for the professional development of incubator managers or those exploring the development of an incubator or accelerator program in their community. Those who should consider attending include  business incubation and acceleration professionals, university administrators and faculty in entrepreneurship, community influencers and chamber of commerce of leaders, and economic-development leaders. Join other participants from around the region for these world-recognized training programs and hear about development plans for the Holyoke Innovation District. Learn more at www.actionnewengland.org. E-mail Joan Popolo at [email protected] with any questions.

Western Mass. Business Expo

Nov. 3: Comcast Business will present the sixth annual Western Mass. Business Expo at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield, produced by BusinessWest and the Healthcare News. The business-to-business show will feature more than 150 exhibitor booths, educational seminars, breakfast hosted by the Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce, lunch hosted by BusinessWest, and a day-capping Expo Social. Current sponsors include Comcast Business (presenting sponsor), Express Employment Professionals, Health New England, the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst, Johnson & Hill Staffing Services, MGM Springfield, and Wild Apple Design, and WMAS. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. Exhibitor spaces are also available; booth prices start at $725. For more information on sponsorships or booth purchase, call (413) 781-8600, ext. 100. For more Expo details as they emerge, visit www.wmbexpo.com.

Court Dockets

By
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
Mildred Gomez v. Pioneer Valley Transit Authority and Eugene J. Bernier Sr.
Allegation: Negligent operation of a motor vehicle resulting in injury: $4,718
Filed: 06/28/16

Red Technologies, LLC v. Safe Environment of America Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract, failure to pay for services: $48,567.54
Filed: 02/24/16

Lane M. Berton v. Constantinos Levanos, DDS, Inc. et al
Allegation: Wrongful discharge: $300,000 to $500,000
Filed: 08/12/16

Hampshire Superior Court
Patricia A. Murphy, VMC. and Kevin F. Murphy, as the guardians of Kathleen M. Murphy v. Janet Cremins, RN and Claire Kuhn, PhD
Allegation: Medical malpractice: $1,000,000+
Filed: 07/29/16

Nyrva Germain v. Winn Managed Properties LLC.
Allegation: Failure to maintain premises resulting in sip and fall injury: $54,401+
Filed: 08/08/16

Regina Shea-Sullivan v. Town of Southampton Select Board and Edward Cauley
Allegation: Discrimination: $801,000+
Filed: 08/18/16

Northampton District Court
Merrimack Mutual Fire Insurance Co., as subrogee of Albert and Janet Decker v. Boulanger’s Plumbing & Heating Inc.
Allegation: Water damage resulting from improper repair: $13,329.58
Filed: 08/04/16
Springfield District Court
Samuel D. Plotkin & Associates Inc., d.b.a NAI Plotkin, v. 80 Congress Street, LLC
Allegation: Breach of contract: $20,414.65
Filed: 08/01/16

Chamber Corners

By
Chamber Corners Departments

AMHERST AREA
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.amherstarea.com
(413) 253-0700

• Sept. 14: Chamber After 5, 5-7 p.m. at Applewood Retirement Community, 1 Spencer Dr., Amherst. Sponsored by Hospice of the Fisher Home. Join us for an evening of fun, music, and food surrounded by long stretches of beautiful New England countryside.
Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Register online at www.amherstarea.com.

• Oct. 6: 2016 Annual A+ Awards Dinner, 5-9 p.m., at the UMass Student Union Ballroom, 280 Hicks Way, Amherst. Sponsored by PeoplesBank. The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce Annual A+ Awards Dinner is the social event of the year.  This year we will be honoring five awardees for their contributions to life and commerce in the Amherst Area. The MVP Award, Legacy Awards, Lifetime Achievement in Business, Community Service, and Young Professionals will all be given. In addition, we seek to honor our two Cooley Dickinson Scholarship winners. Music sponsored by the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. Register online at www.amherstarea.com. Cost: $80 per ticket, $750 per table of 10.

EAST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.erc5.com
(413) 575-7230

• Sept. 8: 2016 Mill Fest, 4-7:30 p.m., at Europa Black Rock Bar & Grill, 782 Center St., Ludlow. With heartfelt respect and honor to the events happening in our country, the ERC5 would like to use this event as a small way to thank law enforcement for its service to our businesses and protecting our communities. Come and thank one of your local men and women in blue, and take advantage of the opportunity to network and experience the economic business development happening in Ludlow. This fun-filled event will feature delicious food, live music, beers to taste from the Mill’s favorite brewery, Iron Dukes, a signature blue drink recognizing law enforcement, and a fun-filled Ludlow Fun Fact Contest. Register online at www.erc5.com. Cost: $25.

• Sept. 30: Annual Golf Tournament, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Country Club of Wilbraham, 859 Stony Hill Road, Wilbraham. Proceeds will go to the ERC5 Scholarship Fund. The fund to date has raised more than $100,000 for local student scholarships. Registration will begin at 11 a.m., lunch is at 11:30 a.m., and 12:30 p.m. is the shotgun start. Don’t golf? Join us after the tournament for the cocktail party and buffet. The reception will be a great opportunity to network and congratulate the winners. Cost: $125 for an individual golfer, $500 for a foursome. For registration information, contact Nancy Connor at [email protected] or (413) 575-7230.

FRANKLIN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.franklincc.org
(413) 773-5463

• Sept. 15: Google Marketing Workshop Series: “Set Goals with Google Analytics,” 11 a.m to 1 p.m., hosted by Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, 395 Main St., Greenfield. Google Analytics is a free, powerful analytics tool that provides reports showing how visitors found your website and what they did when they got there. This workshop will explain how you can use Analytics to improve your marketing. Cost: $5, including lunch. To sign up, call the chamber at (413) 773-5463 or visit franklincc.org/whats-new-at-the-chamber.

• Sept. 29: Google Marketing Workshop Series: “Create Your Free Website with Google,” 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., hosted by Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, 395 Main St., Greenfield. Learn how to create, customize and publish your site. Free hosting and domain name for a year. Cost: $5, including lunch. To sign up, call the chamber at (413) 773-5463 or visit franklincc.org/whats-new-at-the-chamber.

GREATER CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101

• Sept. 9-10: 2016 Chicopee Downtown Getdown. Food, vendors, live entertainment, and more. Free event. For details, visit chicopee.wix.com/downtowngetdown.

• Sept. 14: Business After Hours with the West of the River Chamber, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Cal’s, 1068 Riverdale St. West Springfield. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members.

• Sept. 21: Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., hosted by MassMutual Learning & Conference Center, 350 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Cost: $23 for members, $28 for non-members.

GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.holyokechamber.com
(413) 534-3376

• Sept. 8: Chamber Coffee Buzz, 7:30-8:30 a.m., hosted by Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts, 301 Kelly Way, Holyoke. Sponsor is Whittlesey & Hadley, P.C. Coffee sponsored by Spradley Deluxe Coffee. A morning networking program that provides chamber members and guests the opportunity to make new contacts and exchange business information over a lig ht breakfast. Cost: free.

• Sept. 14: Chamber Oktoberfest 2016, 5-7:30 p.m., at Munich Haus Restaurant, 13 Center St., Chicopee. Sponsored by Suez Environment/United Water, Resnic Bearuregard Waite & Driscoll, and Marcotte Ford. Dig out your lederhosen and join your friends and colleagues at the Bier Garten at the Munich Haus for a night of German beer, a buffet of authentic German food, and networking. Each ticket also includes a stein of bier. Door prizes and 50/50 raffle. Cost: $30 for members, $35 for non-member guests and walk-ins. Register online at www.holyokechamber.com.

 

GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.explorenorthampton.com
(413) 584-1900

• Sept. 7: September Arrive @ 5, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Spoleto Restaurant. Sponsored by Webber & Grinnell Insurance, Applied Mortgage, BusinessWest, and Lia Honda. Cost: $10 for members.

 

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618

• Sept. 12: Mayor’s Coffee Hour with Westfield Mayor Brian Sullivan, 8-9 a.m., at McDonald’s, 182 North Elm St., Westfield. Call Pam at the Chamber office at (413) 568-1618 to register for this event so we may give our host a head count. Cost: free.

• Sept. 14: After 5 Connection, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Westfield YouthWorks East Mountain Transition Program, 128 East Mountain Road, Westfield. Refreshments will be served. Bring your business cards and make connections. Cost: $10 for members, $15 cash for non-members. Register at www.westfieldbiz.org.

• Sept. 23: September Breakfast, 7-9 a.m., hosted by the 104th Fighter Wing ANG, 175 Falcon Dr., Westfield. Sponsored by Baystate Noble Hospital, United Bank, Tighe & Bond, and United Way of Pioneer Valley. 50/50 raffle to support two Citizen’s Scholarships. The 104th Fighter Wing ANG requires registration for this event and also requires a driver’s license number in advance and upon entering the base. You will be required to provide your driver’s license number when registering. For more information or to donate a door prize for the event, call Pam at the chamber at (413) 568-1618. Cost: $25 for members, $30 for non-members. Register online at www.westfieldbiz.org.

 

SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL CHAMBER

www.myonlinechamber.com
(413) 787-1555

• Sept. 7: Business@Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at the Sheraton Springfield, One Monarch Place, Springfield. Sponsored by Columbia Gas of Massachusetts and United Personnel. Business@Breakfast pays tribute to individuals, business firms, and organizations for major contributions to civic and economic growth and for actions which reflect honor on the region. In September, we will be saluting Nate Costa and the Springfield Thunderbirds and Zach Baru and the Springfield Sting. Cost: $22.50 for members in advance, $25 for members at the door, $30 general admission. Register online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.

• Sept. 21-23: 2016 Washington Symposium, hosted by U.S. Rep. Richard Neal. An opportunity to meet with leaders in the Senate, Congress, and the Obama administration in its final months in office, as well as other top policy makers on the federal issues that matter to you. Plane departs Bradley International Airport at 12:35 p.m. on Sept. 21 and returns at 4:35 p.m. on Sept. 23. Contact Nancy Creed for cost and registration information at [email protected] or (413) 755-1309.

• Sept. 27: Pastries, Politics, and Policy, 8-9 a.m., at the TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main St., Springfield. Cost: $15 for members; $25 general admission. Register online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.

 

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.ourwrc.com
(413) 426-3880

• Sept. 22: Business Breakfast with Howie Carr, 7-9 a.m., hosted by Chez Josef, Agawam. Cost: $35 for chamber members, $40 for non-members. Register online at www.westoftheriverchamber.com.

 

People on the Move

By
Departments People on the Move

Robinson Donovan, P.C., a full-service law firm based in Springfield, announced that seven attorneys were honored by The Best Lawyers in America© for 2017. They are:

• Attorney Jeffrey Roberts, Managing Partner at the firm, in the practice area of corporate law and trust and estates. Roberts graduated from Colgate University (Bachelor of Arts, 1968) and Georgetown University (Juris Doctor, 1974).

• Attorney Jeffrey L. McCormick, a Partner at the firm, in the practice areas of personal injury litigation — defendants and personal injury litigation — plaintiffs. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts (Bachelor of Arts, 1970 and Master of Education, 1971) and Seton Hall University (Juris Doctor, 1975).

• Attorney James F. Martin, a Partner at the firm, in the practice areas of franchise law and real estate law. Martin attended Georgetown University (Bachelor of Arts, 1975 and Juris Doctor, 1978).

• Attorney Nancy Frankel Pelletier, a Partner at the firm, in the practice area of personal injury litigation — defendants. Notably, she was named a 2017 Best Lawyers in America© Lawyer of the Year, for her practice of personal injury litigation in Springfield. Pelletier is a graduate of Boston College (Bachelor of Arts, 1981) and George Washington University (Juris Doctor, 1984).

• Attorney Patricia M. Rapinchuk, a Partner at the firm, for her practice in employment law and management in Springfield. She graduated from Mount Holyoke College (Bachelor of Arts, 1979) and the University of Connecticut (Juris Doctor, 1989).

• Attorney Carla W. Newton, a Partner at the firm, in the practice area of family law. Newton is a graduate of Lesley College (Bachelor of Arts, 1972), Suffolk University (Juris Doctor, 1980) and Boston University (Master of Laws, 1990).

• Attorney Richard M. Gaberman, of Counsel for Robinson Donovan, P.C., in the practice areas of corporate law, real estate law, tax law and trusts and estates. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts (Bachelor of Business Administration, 1960), Boston College (Bachelor of Laws, 1963) and Boston University (Master of Laws in Taxation, 1968).

Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Best Lawyers is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey. Over 79,000 leading attorneys are eligible to vote and more than 12 million votes have been received to date on the legal abilities of lawyers in their practice areas. Lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed; therefore, inclusion in Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor. Corporate Counsel magazine has called Best Lawyers “the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice.”

•••••

The Gaudreau Group Insurance and Financial Services Agency announced that Judy Davis has joined its Employee Benefits team. Davis has more than 25 years of experience in the corporate employee benefits industry, with a focus on designing and implementing benefits plans and services for organizations large and small.

She joins The Gaudreau Group after having spent 11 years as Vice President of Sales in the Employee Benefits Division at Insurance Center of New England in Agawam.  Prior to her time at Insurance Center, Davis was Vice President of Employee Benefits at Banknorth (now USI) Insurance Agency in Springfield.

“I’m very proud to have joined an organization that exemplifies the same high standards of exceptional customer service and integrity that I have provided my clients for over 25 years,” says Davis.

Jules Gaudreau, President of The Gaudreau Group added, “Judy is a great addition to our industry-leading Employee Benefits division. With the largest staff in the region, robust compliance programs, and high-tech employer and employee software solutions on her side, Judy will deliver real, impactful results to our clients.”

Davis is the recipient of several accolades and awards, including the 2013-2014 Top Woman in Insurance in the “Top 25 Women to Watch” in Western Mass., as well as the 2015 “Friend of Stavros” award from Stavros Center for Independent Living in Amherst, MA.  She has served on several Chamber of Commerce boards and committees in the Western Mass. area.

•••••

Spherion Staffing Services, a local recruiting, staffing, and workforce-solutions provider, recently honored West Springfield franchise owner Brian Houle with the company’s 2016 Excellence in Safety Award. The annual award recognizes the Spherion owner who maintains the lowest workplace-injury rate among placed employees during the previous year and consistently demonstrates a safety-first mentality. Through an emphasis on safety protocols and a commitment to ensuring employees understand and adhere to workplace regulations, Houle and his team improved their year-over-year injury frequency rate by nearly 20%. Houle frequently participates in panels and calls to relay new safety-improvement best practices, and implements new strategies to ensure compliance with changing legislative regulations. “Ensuring the safety of our employees is of paramount importance to Spherion, and Brian Houle epitomizes our commitment to providing a secure a comfortable work environment,” said Sandy Mazur, division president of Spherion. “Brian and his team go above and beyond to identify opportunities to drive even greater workplace efficiency through safety. We are thrilled to honor their accomplishments and willingness to lead by example in achieving exceptional customer service.” Houle joined Spherion in 2013, and has since grown the West Springfield branch to include a team of four dedicated staffing and recruiting experts.

•••••

Jeffrey Lomma

Jeffrey Lomma

The Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce announced that Jeffrey Lomma has joined the chamber team as member services director. He will be responsible for ensuring the continuous and steady growth of the chamber’s membership by building and maintaining a comprehensive and aggressive membership recruitment, retention, and service program. He will also develop and manage programs and services that grow member businesses, service member needs, and increase the overall value offered to members. Lomma comes to the chamber with nearly 10 years of experience in sales, business development, and customer service. As a former Springfield Regional Chamber ambassador and past treasurer for the North Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, he is well-versed in chamber management and member services. Lomma has been with Westfield Bank since 2007, most recently serving as a branch manager. Among his many client relationship responsibilities, he worked with local community members and nonprofits to support community-reinvestment initiatives and played a pivotal role in growing the location’s portfolio. Lomma also served as a business specialist for the bank, where he helped lead the small-business sales-training program, managed customer relationships, and assisted in opening a banking center in a new market in Enfield, Conn. A former board member with the Springfield Performing Arts Development Corp. and the Springfield Hockey Heritage Society, and committee member with the Young Professionals Society of Greater Springfield, Lomma currently serves as a member of the board of directors for Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts and on the Greater Springfield Senior Services Money Management Program Advisory Council. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Western New England University.

•••••

Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C., a labor and employment law firm serving employers in the greater Springfield area, today announced that four attorneys were honored by The Best Lawyers in America© for 2017:

• Ralph F. Abbott Jr. was listed in Best Lawyers in the categories of Arbitration, Employment Law — Management, Labor Law — Management, and Mediation. A partner since 1975, Abbott is known throughout the legal community for his work representing management in labor relations and employment-related matters, providing employment-related advice to employers, assisting clients in remaining union-free, and representing employers before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Abbott also has numerous credits as an author, editor, and teacher, and a record of civic and community involvement. He has been selected by his peers for inclusion in Best Lawyers consecutively, since 1989.

• Jay Presser, was listed in Best Lawyers in the categories of Employment Law — Management, Labor Law — Management, and Litigation — Labor and Employment law. Presser has more than 35 years of experience litigating employment cases. He has successfully defended employers in civil actions and jury trials and handled cases in all areas of employment law, including discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful discharge, wage hour, FMLA, ERISA and defamation. He has won appeals before the Supreme Judicial Court and the First and Second Circuit Courts of Appeals and represented employers in hundreds of arbitration cases arising under collective bargaining agreements. He has been selected by his peers for inclusion in Best Lawyers every year since 1991.

• John Glenn was listed in Best Lawyers in the categories of Arbitration, Employment Law — Management, and Labor Law — Management. He has been a partner of the firm since 1979 and spent his career representing management in labor relations and employment-related matters. In addition to providing employment-related advice to employers, he assists clients in remaining union-free and represents employers before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). He has extensive experience negotiating collective bargaining agreements, representing employers at arbitration hearings and before state and federal agencies. Prior to joining Skoler, Abbott & Presser, Glenn was employed by the National Labor Relations Board in Cincinnati, Ohio. He has served as an adjunct professor of labor law at Western New England University School of Law and is a member of the American Academy of Hospital Attorneys. He has been selected by his peers for inclusion in Best Lawyers repeatedly, since 1995.

• Timothy Murphy was listed in Best Lawyers in the categories of Employment Law — Management, Labor Law — Management, and Litigation — Labor and Employment. A partner in the firm, Murphy joined Skoler, Abbott & Presser after serving as general counsel to an area labor union and serving as an assistant district attorney for the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office. His practice includes labor relations and employment litigation, as well as employment counseling. A native of the Springfield area, Murphy is a graduate of the Western New England University School of Law. He is a frequent contributor to business and human resource publications and a contributing author to the Massachusetts Employment Law Letter. He has been selected by his peers and listed by Best Lawyers every year since 2013, and was named the Best Lawyers 2015 labor and employment law “Lawyer of the Year” in Springfield.

•••••

Two Sullivan Hayes & Quinn, LLC attorneys have been named Lawyer of the Year for 2017 by The Best Lawyers In America. Selection, which is based on professional evaluations by other attorneys, honors only one attorney in each professional practice area and community. Meghan Sullivan is Lawyer of the Year for Labor Law – Management, the fifth year in the past six years that she has been selected for that honor. Gordon Quinn was honored for Litigation – Labor and Employment. Additionally, Sullivan’s accomplishments for clients resulted in her being named to The Best Lawyers in America for Employment Law – Management and Labor Law – Management and Litigation – Labor and Employment. Quinn was selected by The Best Lawyers in America for his work in Employment Law – Management and Labor Law – Management, and Litigation – Labor and Employment. Again named to The Best Lawyers In America was Fred Sullivan, who has now been included for more than 20 consecutive years.  He was named for his work in Employment Law – Management and for Labor Law – Management. Sullivan Hayes & Quinn represents employers in a variety of Western Mass. industries and throughout the Northeast in employment- and labor-law issues.

•••••

Stephan Chase, president of Fuel Services Inc. in South Hadley, was recently re-elected to serve a second two-year term as Massachusetts state director of the National Propane Gas Assoc. (NPGA) board. Chase has been President of Fuel Services for more than 25 years. The company has evolved over the years, adding additional service areas and new fuels to the mix. His commitment to the propane industry extends to educating consumers on the benefits of this type of energy. He is also an active board member and the incoming secretary for the New England Propane Gas Assoc., a board member of the BBB of Central and Western MA, and a Navy veteran, having served on the USS Little Rock. “As the leader in the fuel industry in Western Massachusetts, I am honored to be re-elected as the Massachusetts state director for the NPGA. It is a position I accept with great pride,” Chase said. Richard Roldan, president and CEO of NPGA, addeed that Chase’s re-election is evidence of his support and desire to continue to actively participate in the work of the NPGA. “His service to the association is greatly appreciated,” Roldan said. The National Propane Gas Assoc. is the national trade association representing the U.S. propane industry. Its memberships include small businesses and large corporations engaged in retail marketing of propane gas and appliances. Currently, the NPGA consists of approximately 2,800 memberships from companies in all 50 states.

•••••

Fourteen lawyers from area law firm Bulkley Richardson were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2017.

Bulkley Richardson had the most honorees of any law firm in Springfield, with 12 of its 14 selected lawyers based in its Springfield office.

Three of the firm’s honorees were also named Springfield “Lawyer of the Year” in specific practice areas:

• William Hart was named the Best Lawyers® 2017 Springfield Trusts and Estates “Lawyer of the Year”;

• John Pucci was named the Best Lawyers® 2017 Springfield Criminal Defense (White-Collar) “Lawyer of the Year.” Pucci was also recognized in the area of Criminal Defense (General Practice); and

• Ellen Randle was named the Best Lawyers® 2017 Springfield Family Law “Lawyer of the Year.”

The following Bulkley Richardson lawyers were also selected for the 2017 edition of Best Lawyers®:

• Peter Barry — Construction Law;

• Michael Burke — Medical Malpractice Law (Defendants); Personal Injury Litigation (Defendants);

• Mark Cress — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law; Corporate Law;

• Francis Dibble Jr. — Bet-the-Company Litigation; Commercial Litigation; Criminal Defense (White-Collar); Litigation (Antitrust, Labor and Employment, Securities);

• Daniel Finnegan — Administrative/Regulatory Law; Litigation (Construction);

• Robert Gelinas — Personal Injury Litigation (Defendants);

• Kevin Maynard — Commercial Litigation; Litigation (Banking and Finance, Construction);

• David Parke — Corporate Law;

• Melinda Phelps — Medical Malpractice Law (Defendants); Personal Injury Litigation (Defendants);

• Donn Randall — Commercial Litigation;

• Ronald Weiss — Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law; Tax Law

•••••

Keith Minoff was recently selected by his peers for inclusion in the 2017 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America in the areas of commercial litigation and corporate law. Minoff represents businesses and individuals throughout Western Massachusetts in the areas of business litigation and employment law.

He received his law degree with honors from George Washington University in 1983 and has been a practicing attorney for more than 30 years. Minoff maintains a law office in downtown Springfield.

•••••

Bacon Wilson announced that four partners have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2017.

Michael Katz was selected for bankruptcy and reorganization, Paul Rothschild for plaintiff’s litigation, Jeffrey Fialky for commercial and finance, and Stephen Krevalin received the honor for family law for the fifth consecutive year.

Founded in 1895, Bacon Wilson, P.C. is one of the largest firms in the Pioneer Valley, with 42 lawyers, and approximately 60 paralegals, administrative assistants, and support staff. The firm’s offices are located in Springfield, Amherst, Northampton, and Westfield.

•••••

The board of directors of the Professional Women‘s Chamber (PWC), a division of the Springfield Regional Chamber, has elected its officers to lead the division: Laurie Cassidy as President; Tracy Sicbaldi as Acting Vice President; Caron LaCour as Treasurer; Jeannie Filomeno as Assistant Treasurer; and Liz Rappaport as secretary. Janet Casey serves as Past President.

Cassidy is the executive director of the West Springfield Council on Aging/Senior Center and has served in that position since 2010. Prior, she served with the Greater Springfield Senior Services as its area agency on aging director and its regional ombudsman director. She has extensive volunteer experience, currently serving as a member of the Sisters of Providence Health System Board of Trustees, Mary’s Meadow Board of Trustees, West Springfield commission on Disabilities, and West Springfield Garden Club. She is also the secretary and treasurer of the West Springfield Emergency Planning Committee and Medical Reserve Corps and associate member of the West Springfield Veterans Council. She has been a member of the PWC since 2011.

Sicbaldi is an accountant with Overland Solutions Inc. and has more than 30 years of banking experience and six years as a municipal treasurer. She joined the PWC in 2006 and has served as its treasurer, vice president, and president.

LaCour is a Certified Public Accountant working with Burkhart Pizzanelli P.C. She focuses on taxation of individuals, businesses and nonprofit corporations. This is LaCour’s first term on the PWC board and is active on its scholarship, woman of the year and program committees. She is also actively involved with Rays of Hope and the Red Thread Network.

Filomeno is the human resource manager at Marcotte Ford Sales, Inc., her family business where she has worked since graduating college. She has served on the PWC board for three terms, served as the co-chair of its mentoring program and is a member of its scholarship committee.

Rappaport is a third-generation property manager at Century Investment Company.  Prior to joining the family business, she served in a marketing and brand management role at WF Young.  In addition to the PWC, Rappaport is actively involved with the Jimmy Fund taking a leadership role in several fund-raising activities each year.

Casey, principal and founder of Marketing Doctor, served as the PWC president for the past two years.

Board members Jacquelyn Bangs, senior account manager for EMC; Marikate Murren, director, training and workforce development for MGM Springfield; and Gillian Palmer, business development and group sales coordinator for the Eastern States Exposition, will round out the executive committee.

The PWC supports the female professional through networking opportunities, provides scholarships for nontraditional students returning to the workforce and mentors students through a partnership with Springfield Technical Community College.

•••••

VertitechIT, a nationally known healthcare leader in the design and implementation of hyper-converged network architecture, has promoted Gerry Gosselin to the position of Vice President, Engineering. Having formerly served as the company’s Director of Technical Operations, Gosselin brings with him more than eighteen years of programming and network engineering experience.

“Gerry’s wealth of early experience as a programmer shines through in his infrastructure design skills,” said VertitechIT Chief Operations Officer Gregory Pellerin.  “As health system IT departments across the country adopt a software-defined approach to networking and storage, we’re confident that Gerry will further our leadership position in the industry.”

Gosselin will oversee VertitechIT’s team of senior engineers and architects in determining technology, scope, and level of effort for all company projects. He joined the company in 2013 and has developed high-level IT experience in network engineering, monitoring and management, virtualization, system administration, and systems integration.

•••••

Link to Libraries Inc. announced the addition of new members to its executive board:

• Gail Baquis is a graduate of the University of Maine with a degree in journalism. She has been a volunteer with Link to Libraries since its inception in 2008 and has been the project director for the LTL Read Aloud programs and the RAP – Reading Any Place for Homeless Youth program.

• Tammy Trudeau is a graduate of University of Massachusetts.  She has been involved with numerous fund raising events for Link to Libraries and other local organizations.

• Kelly Dawson, CPA, Audit Manager for Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P. C. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She also holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts. Her professional affiliations include the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants.

• Amy Scott is the Founder of the marketing firm Wild Apple Design Group in Wilbraham and is best know for website design success in non-profit, education and for profit sectors. She is a BusinessWest Forty Under 40 Alum.

• Laura McCarthy, Attorney is an associate at Bacon Wilson, P. C. where she practices bankruptcy, corporate law, commercial and residential real estate and other transactional matters. She is a graduate of Boston University School of Law.

• Dr. Jennifer Stratton has been teaching students from the kindergarten to graduate level for more than 15 years. She is certified as a reading specialist and holds a doctoral degree from AIC in education. In addition to teaching, Jen hosts a blog (JenStratton.com) where she shares the sports stories of athletes who play adaptive sports and authors children’s books about Paralympians.

Briefcase

By
Briefcase Departments

Springfield Wins Grant from
U.S. Department of Justice

SPRINGFIELD — U.S. Rep. Richard Neal and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno recently announced that the city of Springfield has received a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in the amount of $147,456 to expand communications and technology at the Springfield Police Department, and to increase officer safety and efficiency. The funds were awarded through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, the primary provider of federal criminal justice assistance to state and local governments. The JAG funds support for a range of program areas, including law enforcement, drug treatment, victim and witness initiatives, and technology-improvement programs. “This important crime-prevention assistance for the city is timely and needed,” Neal said. “I have always said the men and women of the Springfield Police Department deserve the appropriate amount of local, state, and federal resources they need to do their jobs effectively. Each day, they put their lives at risk to protect families and keep our community safe. With these additional funds, they will be able to continue to do their vital and courageous work on the streets of Springfield. In my opinion, Mayor Sarno and Commissioner Barbieri deserve great credit for their efforts to secure this highly competitive grant.” Added Sarno, “Police Commissioner John Barbieri is always looking to do cutting-edge innovative technology initiatives which in turn will continue to enhance the public safety of each and every one of our residents in the city of Springfield. These funds will assist with improving the technology needed to make the Springfield Police Department more efficient and effective in serving the residents of our fine city.” According to the DOJ, the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program allows states and units of local government to prevent and control crime based on their own state and local needs and conditions. Grant funds can used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice, including for any one or more of the following areas: law-enforcement programs; prosecution and court programs; prevention and education programs; corrections and community-corrections programs; drug-treatment and enforcement programs; planning, evaluation, and technology-improvement programs; and crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation). The Springfield Police Department will use the award funds to support information-technology upgrades and purchase protective equipment. The use of this federal assistance meets unfunded needs and expands communications and technology capacity and increases officer safety and efficiency.

Employer Confidence Falls
for Second Straight Month

BOSTON — A resurgent U.S. stock market, better-than-expected job growth, and growing labor-force participation failed to make believers of Massachusetts employers during July as business confidence fell for a second consecutive month. The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Business Confidence Index declined one point to 55.1 last month, leaving it more than four full points lower than in July 2015. The confidence reading remained above the 50 mark that denotes an overall positive economic outlook, but optimism dimmed across the board on employment, the Massachusetts economy, and employers’ outlook on their own companies. The index has now declined in three of the past four months. Economists suggest that employers may be caught between the expectation of an expanding U.S. economy and concern about anemic growth and instability overseas. It’s a paradox that has resulted in the stock and bond markets, which usually move in opposite directions, rising in tandem this year. “We see a familiar pattern in what is now the fourth-longest economic expansion since World War II — employers remain optimistic about the state of the economy, but it is an optimism marked by fits and starts and reactions to all sorts of political and economic events,” said Raymond Torto, chair of AIM’s Board of Economic Advisors (BEA) and lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Design. The AIM Business Confidence 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. It has remained above 50 since October 2013. Most of the sub-indices based on selected questions or categories of employer declined during July. The Massachusetts Index, assessing business conditions within the Commonwealth, dropped 1.3 points during July and 0.3 points over the year to 57.2. The U.S. Index of national business conditions, in contrast, bucked the downward trend of the past year (in which it dropped 3.0 points) by gaining 1.5 points. Even so, employers have been more optimistic about the Massachusetts economy than about the national economy for 75 consecutive months. The Current Index, which assesses overall business conditions at the time of the survey, fell 0.2 points to 55.3, while the Future Index, measuring expectations for six months out, slid 1.8 points to 54.8. “July marked the first time since September 2015 that employers were more positive about current conditions than those six months from now. It’s something to watch, since confidence drives employer decisions on hiring and investment moving forward,” said Elliot Winer, chief economist for Northeast Economic Analysis Group LLC. “It’s also worth noting that employer confidence in their own companies has declined by 5.8 points, albeit from a high level, during the past 12 months.” Indeed, the three sub-indices bearing on survey respondents’ own operations all weakened. The Company Index, reflecting overall business conditions, fell 1.8 points to 55.9, while the Sales Index lost 1.4 points to 55.6, and the Employment Index dropped 2.0 points to 52.5. The AIM survey found that nearly 39% of respondents reported adding staff during the past six months, while 19% reduced employment. Expectations for the next six months were stable, with 37% expecting to hire and only 10% downsizing. “A tightening labor market is finally beginning to put upward pressure on wage growth as employers compete for skilled workers,” said Michael Goodman, executive director of the Public Policy Center (PPC) at UMass Dartmouth. “Wages rose 2.6% for the 12 months ended in June, the fastest annual growth rate since 2009. While this is welcome news for the state’s working families, whose wages have been stagnant for an extended period, it represents a challenge for those employers with limited pricing power who can expect it to be increasingly difficult and expensive to obtain the labor they need to support expected growth in coming months.” Confidence levels in July were higher in Greater Boston (56.8) than in the rest of the Commonwealth (52.2). Non-manufacturing companies enjoyed a significantly brighter outlook at 58.0 than manufacturing employers, who posted an overall confidence level of 52.6. AIM President and CEO Richard Lord, a BEA member, said employers should take encouragement from the moderate approach to business issues taken by state lawmakers during the two-year legislative session that ended Sunday night. Beacon Hill balanced a difficult budget with no tax increases, passed economic-development and energy legislation, and developed a consensus pay-equity measure that balances the needs of employers and workers. “The Legislature and the Baker administration again showed an understanding of the factors that contribute to business growth and job creation,” Lord said.

Pioneer Valley Home Sales
Down 11.3% in July

SPRINGFIELD — The Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley reported that single-family home sales in July were down by 11.3% in the Pioneer Valley, compared to the same time last year. The median price was up 8.2% to $224,000. In Franklin County, sales were down 26%, and the median price was up 24.7%. Hampden County saw a 7.5% sales decrease, with the median price rising 0.1%. In Hampshire County, sales were down down 15.6%, while the median price rose 8.1%.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook Departments

Big E Taps White Lion to
Brew Its Centennial Ale

SPRINGFIELD — White Lion Brewing Co., in collaboration with Williams Distributing and the Student Prince and the Fort, will commemorate the Eastern States Exposition’s 100th anniversary with an exclusive centennial ale. This limited-quantity Kolsch ale will be featured at one of the newest Big E venues from Sept. 16 through Oct. 2: the Wurst Haus, located near the New England Center and the Coliseum, where the Student Prince and the Fort will feature its German menu. “We are happy to share our appetite for delivering quality food and beverage to festival goers that have been supporting the Eastern States Exposition for 100 years,” said Andy Yee, the restaurant’s managing partner. “In our inaugural year, it made sense for us to partner with community-committed companies such as White Lion Brewing and Williams Distributing as a way to further enhance the overall experience.” Heather Gawron, operations and sales manager at White Lion Brewing Co., added that “White Lion is very excited to be part of the centennial celebration and be showcased at New England’s largest fair. To stand with a regional pioneer, the Eastern States Exposition, and two great community partners, Williams Distributing and the Student Prince and Fort restaurant, is a historical moment for our brand. Our brewer, Mike Yates, worked with the Student Prince and Fort restaurant to determine what style would complement the German-themed venue. Fittingly, the beer will be called Eastern States Exposition Centennial Ale: Kolsch. The beer will be a light-bodied and crisp golden ale, brewed with German hops and malts.”

WNEU Named a
College of Distinction

SPRINGFIELD — Western New England University (WNEU) is featured in the 2016-17 edition of the Colleges of Distinction guidebook. Based on the opinions of guidance counselors, educators, and admissions professionals, the guidebook honors colleges that excel in key areas of educational quality and appeal to students’ unique and varied interests. “We place high value on innovation and excellence in order to provide the best possible experience for our students. We challenge students to dream big, take risks, and surprise themselves with all they can accomplish,” said Bryan Gross, vice president for Enrollment. Western New England University serves approximately 4,000 students, including 2,575 undergraduate students, on its main campus in Springfield. In order to qualify for inclusion in the guidebook, Western New England University was evaluated for its performance in four distinct categories: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant communities, and successful outcomes. Guidance counselors and admissions professionals around the country recommended WNEU highly in all four categories. The university was particularly noted for providing an innovative, engaged experience that prepares students for successful careers, active citizenship, and lifelong learning. Western New England University is accredited by the Assoc. to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International. Fewer than 5% of business programs worldwide are accredited by AACSB International.

Elms College President Announces Retirement

CHICOPEE — Mary Reap, president of the College of Our Lady of the Elms, has announced she will retire in the summer of 2017, according to Cynthia Lyons, chair of the Elms College board of trustees. In accepting Reap’s retirement, Lyons said, “on behalf of the board of trustees, I wish to express our sincere gratitude for all Sr. Mary has given to the College of Our Lady of the Elms during her tenure. Her accomplishments will serve as the firm foundation upon which the future of the college will be built. This year will provide us with the opportunity to celebrate Sr. Mary and her many contributions to our college and our community. Sr. Mary’s guidance, dedication, and vision will leave a lasting legacy on the Elms campus and in the hearts of all who love this college.”
Since arriving at Elms College in 2009, Reap has made a profound impact on both the academic programs and the campus itself. It was her vision, for example, that instituted a successful fund-raising effort for the new Center for Natural and Health Sciences building, which now serves as the crown jewel of the campus.
Reap has also been instrumental in the creation of articulation agreements between Elms College and every community college in Western Mass. and into Worcester County to develop completion programs for adult students. During her tenure, the college also added to its graduate offerings by developing DNP (doctor of nursing practice) and MBA (master of business administration) programs. “We are committed by our mission to carry on the legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph in as many ways as possible through our thoughts and actions,” Reap explained. “The very fabric of the college is to serve the spiritual, social, and healthcare needs of our dear neighbors as the sisters have done throughout the diocese over so many years.” Reap will remain as president through the academic year, and will assist the trustees in the college’s search for a new president, in addition to other projects related to the development of a Master Campus Plan and strategic refinement of programs and services to meet the needs of the college over the next year and beyond. The board of trustees will form a search committee, and national search firm R.H. Perry and Associates will lead the search for a successor.

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies Departments

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

Avis, Michael W.
PO Box 328
Brimfield, MA 01010
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/01/2016

Bartley, Edward Wayne
Bartley, Shauna Rene
23 Stone Haven Dr.
Athol, MA 01331
Date: 07/29/2016

Cantor, Gail E.
93 Blythewood Dr.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/05/2016

Fairin’s Market
Woods, Fairin
63 Claremont Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/04/2016

Gingras, Michele Lynn
275 Munsing St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/02/2016

Gonzalez, Carla
62 Wolcott Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/04/2016

Gonzalez, Francisco
a/k/a Gonzalez, Frank
43 Denver St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/31/2016

Goodale, Kathleen E.
16 Ahrend Circle
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/29/2016

Kid Chicks Carpentry
Chekovsky, Robert D.
143 Point Grove Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/04/2016

LaBarre, Jeremy A.
312 East Mountain Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/02/2016

Mamuska, Christa A.
60 South West St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/03/2016

Maxfield, David J.
52 Old Belchertown Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/04/2016

McElroy, Matthew T.
107 Anderson Road
Chicopee, MA 01022
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/03/2016

Mendoza, Christopher O.
135 St. Jerome Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/30/2016

O’Kane, Stephen Michael
14 Clifford Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/02/2016

Perron, Jason M.
139 Springdale Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/30/2016

Pickford, Roger S. Sr.
7 Russell Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/04/2016

Pietrucci, Michelle S.
11 Barry Wills Place
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Date: 07/29/2016

Santoya, Philip
a/k/a Santoya Cruz, Philip
57 Gilbert Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/03/2016

Steinbock, Lisa Ann
P.O. Box 292
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/02/2016

Stewart, John, Robert
Stewart, Jill, Ellen
117 Town Farm Road
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/31/2016

Sustache, Ruth D.
16 Beacon Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Date: 08/01/2016

Torres, Miriam
27 Hanover St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/02/2016

Doing Business As Certificates

By
DBA Certificates Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of August 2016.

AMHERST

American Agro AGD
515 Sunderland Road
Ganisher D. Abbasov

Quantum Breakthroughs
401 Main St.
Deborah Maclin

Taylor Furniture Gallery
320 College St.
Allen Fitzsimmons

Voice Male Magazine
44 North Prospect St.
Rob Okun

CHICOPEE

Air Temp Solutions, LLC
259 Arcade St.
William F. Renaud

M and M Cleaning and Painting Services
302 Springfield Ave.
Mariana Acosta

Murray Automotive
102 Old Fuller Road
Michael Murray

Not Your Granny’s Crochet Co.
24 Ashmont St.
Olga Kravchenko

Pets Hear All Clear
55 Empire St., Unit 43
Jean C. Mattson

Senior Benefits
57 Sixth Ave.
Michael R. Perez

HADLEY

Alina’s Ristorante
96 Russell St.
Maritza Branch & Martin Barraza

Chili’s Grill & Bar
426 Russell St.
Pepper Dining Inc.

Hartsbrook School
193 Bay Road
Noah Smith

Midas Muffler
397 Russell St.
Felix Santana

Pet Hotel
155 Russell St.
Every Pets Dream

NORTHAMPTON

All Season Yard Maintenance
48 Bliss St.
Jonathan P. Mitchell

The Baker’s Pin Inc.
34 Bridge St.
Lisa Grecco & Dennis Grecco

Enterprise Rent-A-Car
24 North King St.
Camrac, LLC

Great Falls Ceremonies
52 Revell Ave.
Heather G. Richard

Nest Family Expo
117 Acrebrook Dr.
Kristin Smith-Pilorge & Lauren Gottschalk-Scher

Northampton IT Inc.
46 Oak St.
Lee Feldscher

Roger Sitterly & Son Inc.
391 Damon Road
Rod R Sitterly

SPRINGFIELD

A-1 Property Management
38 Phillips Ave.
Megan LaRose-Wallace

AKS Plumbing & Heating
127 Louis Road
Andrew Kevin

Beauty Creation LLC
1158 Parker St.
Lillian Lam

C&L Auto Transport
181 Massasoit St.
Juan C. Luna

Deb’s Jewelry Design’s 4
35 Chalfonte Dr.
Deborah Ann Morrissey

Elsie’s Thrift Shop
166 Main St.
Mercedes Porfirio

Enterprise Rent-A-Car
1045 Boston Road
Camrac, LLC

Great Masonry
87 Tyler St.
Windell Westbrook

Hampden Janitorial
72 Kent Road
Isaac Akrasi

Hanger Clinic
1985 Main St.
Hanger Prosthetics

J B Twisted Mobile Audio
445 Franklin St.
David Berrios Matos

Lynmar Greeting Card Comp
21 Ainsworth St.
Mary A. Woodard

Mark Jones Creative
8 Restone Dr.
Mark D. Jones

Roger Rewel Remodeling
617 Parker St.
Rogerio Vinicius

Stamps Williams Family
85 Melrose St.
Robin L. Jones

Susu Translation Service
293 Belmont Ave.
Xuan L. Nguyen

Sweet Treats
714 State St.
Arlington G

True Blue Home Solutions
128 Warrenton St.
Dmitry Oleksandrovich

Unholywood Apparel
77 Littleton St.
Marc Leroux

Whistling Oak Woodworking
72 Enfield St.
Matther John Geboskie

WEST SPRINGFIELD

B.A.D. Delivery
82 Garden St.
Brian Dandy

Enterprise Rent-A-Car
1053 Riverdale St.
Camrac, LLC

Grounds Guys of West Springfield
924 Memorial Ave.
Stephen R. Browning Jr.

Mayimbes Auto Repair
55 ExpositionTerrace
Luis Martinez

WESTFIELD

Carpet Wizard
37 South Meadow Road
Tyson James

Dawn’s Animal Connection
690 Montgomery Road
Dawn Allen

Mattress Firm, #181012
613 East Main St.
Mattress Firm Inc.

Sandy L Designs
39 MagnoliaTerrace
Sandra L. Fiedler

Incorporations

By
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

Steel Buildings NH Inc., 17 Old Nashua Road, Amherst, MA 03031. Peter Flynn, same. Construction and sale of structures.

CHICOPEE

ALI 2015 Inc., 457 Granby Road, Chicopee, MA 01013. Mohammad A. Shahid, 362 East State St. Granby, MA 01033. Own and operate convenience stores.

EASTHAMPTON

Corsello Crea Inc., 2 Torrey Way, Easthampton, MA 01027. Vincent Corsello, same. Food and well-being.

FLORENCE

Chatham Sub Shop Inc., 779 Westhampton Road, Florence, MA 01062. Charles G. Sakany, same. Retail food sales and sub shop.

GREAT BARRINGTON

Deodornut Inc., 489 Old Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230. Stephanie Graham, same. Product sales.

HOLYOKE

SR Carpet Installation Inc., 29 Cabot St., Apt 2F, Holyoke, MA 01040. Angel Silva, 171 Belvidere St., Springfield, MA 01108. Flooring contractor.

The Holyoke Bar Association Inc., 98 Lower Westfield Road, Holyoke, MA 01040. Lisa A. Ball-Russo, 272 Whitney Ave., Holyoke, MA 01040. Serves the Holyoke legal profession and the public by promoting the administration of justice, professional excellence, diversity and unity in the legal profession serving Holyoke, Mass.

MONSON

All Phases Flooring and More Inc., 54 Bumstead Road, Monson, MA 01057. Anthony Wilke, same. Flooring contractor.

PITTSFIELD

Sen Sushi Inc., 127 Oak Hill Road, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Hong Liang Shen, same. Restaurant.

SOUTHWICK

TG Home Improvement Inc., 86 Bungalow St., Southwick, MA 01077. Terrance Martin Gorenc, same. Roofing, siding, windows, doors, decks and addition.

SPRINGFIELD

Souper Sweet Shop Inc., 51 Forest St., Springfield, MA 01108. Sonya Yelder, same. Restaurant.

WILBRAHAM

Vapemasters Lounge Inc., 2141 Boston Road, Suite E, Wilbraham, MA 01095. Michael Grogan, 23 Adams St., Ludlow, MA 01056. Vape shop.

Berkshire Theatre Group Receives $29,000 Grant

By
Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Theatre Group announced it is the recipient of a $29,000 grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Cultural Investment Portfolio (CIP), which provides unrestricted general operating support grants and project support grants to nonprofit organizations that provide public programs in the arts, sciences, and humanities in Massachusetts.

“We’re deeply thankful for the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s CIP grant to BTG. As ticket sales only cover half of our expenses, outside funding is vital to maintain our educational and transformative programs and productions. We are grateful that the MCC supports the valuable work we do.”

The CIP recognizes that organizations with an established record of programmatic service and administrative stability should have access to funds to support their organizational goals and objectives, and to maintain their ongoing programs, services, and facilities without special emphasis on new initiatives as justification for funding.

Pedal-boat Event on Sept. 17 to Raise Funds for New Look Park Train

By
Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — “Pedalmotion for Locomotion” is a pedal-boat racing event scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 17 from noon to 5 p.m. at Willow Lake at Look Park to raise funds in support of the purchase of the new locomotive at Look Park.

Over the past 32 years, the 1853 Huntington replica locomotive has logged over 400,000 miles to the delight of nearly 2 million visitors. Unfortunately, the locomotive has reached the end of its journey and has recently been replaced by a new model so that generations can continue to enjoy this special experience. The cost of this train was well over $200,000.

Teams of two will depart from the dock at Willow Lake with the hopes of setting the best time of the day in a variety of different categories. Teams may also choose to take a more leisurely trip if they so desired. All participants will receive free entry into the park on event day, a cookout hosted by Local Burger, and a commemorative water bottle.

To participate, sign up at www.runreg.com/pedalmotion. Participants must be 18 years old to be a pedaler, but children may accompany an adult, as all the pedal boats seat four.

Anyone interested in sponsorship opportunities in support of this event, or who has any event questions, should contact Greg Malynoski, Director of Development, at (413) 727-8457 or [email protected].

OMG Roofing Products Names Philip Johnson Key Account Manager

By
Daily News

AGAWAM — OMG Roofing Products promoted Philip Johnson to the position of key account manager, the company announced. In his new role, he will be responsible for managing several strategic accounts with a high level of responsiveness and customer service.

Johnson started with OMG in 2012 as a field sales representative in Texas, and was promoted in 2014 to the position of regional sales manager for the United Kingdom and Ireland. He will report to Josh Kelly, vice president and general manager.

“Phil is a dedicated and talented manager, who has shown a commitment to helping the company grow,” said Kelly. “He excelled as a field sales representative in Texas and as a regional sales manager in the UK and Ireland. I’m confident that Phil will continue to thrive in this new account management role for the roofing products team.”

Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Ark.

Headquartered in Agawam, Mass., OMG Roofing Products is North America’s largest manufacturer of commercial roofing products, featuring specialty fasteners, insulation adhesives, drains, pipe supports, emergency repair tape, edge metal systems, and productivity tools.

Baystate Wing, Baystate Mary Lane Hospitals Merge Under One License

By
Daily News

PALMER, WARE — The Mass. Public Health Council approved Baystate Wing Hospital’s application to merge Baystate Mary Lane Hospital with Baystate Wing Hospital and combine the two facilities and their respective satellite facilities under one license.

The last day of inpatient services at Baystate Mary Lane will be Friday, Sept. 9. As of Sept. 10, Baystate Mary Lane will become a satellite of Baystate Wing. Inpatient care at Baystate Mary Lane will be transitioned to Baystate Wing, while all outpatient services will continue at Baystate Mary Lane.

Beginning Sept. 10, what is currently the Baystate Mary Lane Emergency Department will operate as a satellite emergency facility of Baystate Wing Hospital. Patients will get the same level of 24-hour emergency care delivered by the same caregivers. Those who need to be admitted for hospital care will be transported to Baystate Wing, Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, or another appropriate medical facility depending on their care needs. The Ware facility will be known as the Baystate Mary Lane Outpatient Center.

“We appreciate the Public Health Council’s recognition that this transition is an important step toward providing the best possible quality and value in services for the communities we serve,” said Michael Moran, president and chief administrative officer for the Baystate Health Eastern Region. “Our priority now is to work to ensure that the transition goes smoothly, and to continue to engage our local community on the many health issues that we face together. Baystate Mary Lane will continue to play a vibrant role in improving health in our communities.”

Patients should not expect any disruptions in services related to the transition, and may call their doctor’s office if they have any questions about the effect of the change on any scheduled appointments.

PeoplesBank Named to List of ‘Top Ten Banks in Massachusetts’

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — AdvisoryHQ has named PeoplesBank to its list of “The Top Ten Banks in Massachusetts” after an extensive review. According to the publication, “the names on this list of banks in Massachusetts are all very distinctive from one another, yet all have many advantages, benefits, and value-creating products and services that make them excellent choices for consumers seeking the very best in financial services.”

The bank’s corporate values were highlighted by AdvisoryHQ in its announcement of the list, which noted, “the corporate philosophy of PeoplesBank is a commitment to customers, maintaining corporate responsibility, creating a great place to work, and always striving to improve their environment.”

Added Thomas Senecal, president and CEO of PeoplesBank, “AdvisoryHQ has accurately identified the values we are proud of. As a mutual bank, we strive to serve our customers and the community as well as support the environment and our associates’ growth and development. These are also the qualities that we believe separate us from other financial institutions and truly make us a top bank.”

PeoplesBank was recently highlighted by the Assoc. for Customer Loyalty for the bank’s commitment to customers, was named a Top Corporate Charitable Contributor by the Boston Business Journal; was named a Top Place to Work by the Boston Globe and an Employer of Choice by the Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, and has received environmental-sustainability awards from the city of Springfield (the first-ever GreenSeal Award), BankNews (Green Leaf Award), and the American Bankers Assoc. (Sustainable Banking Award).

AdvisoryHQ also suggested that the bank’s mobile app was one of the reasons it made the list of Top Ten Banks in Massachusetts. PeoplesBank was one of the first community banks in the nation to launch a mobile app and mobile deposit.

Economic-development Leaders to Address Holyoke Chamber Breakfast

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — The Economic Development Business Breakfast of the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 7:30 a.m. at Wyckoff Country Club.

Attendees will learn about community-development updates and initiatives straight from local economic-development leaders, including Marcos Marrero, director of Holyoke Economic Development; Mike Sullivan, South Hadley town administrator; and Mike Vedovelli, Chicopee Director of Economic Development.

Chamber board chair Margaret Mantoni of Loomis Communities will kick off the breakfast with a welcome and then turn it over to emcee Spiros Hatiras, chamber board member and president and CEO of Holyoke Medical Center. The chamber will roll out the welcome mat to new members Expert Staffing, the United Arc, Score, the Jamrog Group, Skoler, Abbott, & Presser, P.C., the Munich Haus, Neari School, ArteSana Inc., KnoxworX Multimedia, Golden Heart Home Healthcare, LLC; and Applebee’s.

Also recognized at the breakfast will be the new superintendent of the Soldier’s Home of Holyoke, Marine Lt. Col. Bennett Walsh; General Cleaners on its 90th anniversary; the United Way campaign kickoff; McDonald’s on its new business on Whiting Farms Road; Applebee’s on its new restaurant on Whiting Farms Road, and former state Sen. and state Rep. from Westfield, Michael Knapik, the new director of the Western Massachusetts Governor’s Office.

The breakfast is presented by PeoplesBank and sponsored by Holyoke Medical Center, Hadley Printing, and United Bank. Admission is $23 with advance registration for chamber members and $28 for all other guests. Register early at holyokechamber.com/events or by calling (413) 534-3376.

Crevier & Ryan, LLP Welcomes Attorney Richard Sullivan III

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SPRINGFIELD — Crevier & Ryan, LLP announced the addition of a new associate to the firm, attorney Richard “Kick” Sullivan III.

Sullivan works primarily for attorney Michael Ryan. Collectively, Ryan, Sullivan, and fellow associate Rebecca Moran have a practice devoted to residential real-estate transactions, commercial lending, commercial real-estate acquisitions and sale (including 1031 tax-free exchanges), corporate governance, buy and sell agreements for closely held businesses, contract analysis and negotiation, civil litigation, and pre-litigation disputes (including conflicts involving trusts and estates).

Sullivan graduated from Bates College in 2012, then enrolled in Western New England University School of Law, graduating earlier this year. During his legal education, he completed concentrations in estate planning, real estate, and business law. Eager to expand his education beyond the classroom, he completed the WNEU Law Small Business Clinic, Real Estate Practicum, and an estate-planning drafting course. These experiences have provided him with an advanced handle on transactional skills as well as a specialized knowledge in these practice areas. While most experienced in these legal fields, he aims to expand the practice and his expertise.

Sullivan was previously employed during law school for Westfield Bank, as a law clerk for Fitzgerald, Attorneys at Law in East Longmeadow, and as a legal intern for the city of Springfield Law Department, Code Enforcement. Active in the community, he serves on the Westfield Zoning Board of Appeals.

Armory Provides Look Behind the Storage Doors

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SPRINGFIELD — Curator Alex MacKenzie will showcase artifacts from the Springfield Armory collection in three presentations through the fall and winter. The first is slated for Saturday, Sept. 10 at 2 p.m. These experiences will be an expansion of the special exhibit “National Park Service Centennial: A Century of Service,” which runs through February 2017. This series offers the public a glimpse behind the scenes of the collection and a chance to hear the stories about these interesting objects. Admission is free.

Selecting a few pieces from the collection, MacKenzie will explain the history and details of each in an opportunity for the public to learn more about the rich collections of Springfield Armory National Historic Site.

“I enjoy these opportunities to show the public some of the objects in collections storage,” he said. “There are hundreds of stories in the museum collections at Springfield Armory NHS, most of which tie to nearly all of American history. Some are well-known; others are more obscure. Join us as we read the objects and dive into the fascinating history of Springfield Armory.”

A question-and-answer period will follow the presentation, as well as an opportunity to see these featured items up close. The next two presentations will follow on Saturday, Nov. 19 and Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017.

OMG Roofing Opens Two New Warehouses

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AGAWAM — To support its goal of accelerating international sales growth in Asia and Europe, OMG Roofing Products has established new warehouses in Rotterdam in the Netherlands as well as in Shanghai, China.

The two new warehouses are centrally located within their regions to enable OMG to rapidly supply products to roofing contractors and OEM partners in each of these critical markets. Both warehouses will stock a wide range of products sold locally, including OMG fasteners and plates, RhinoBond tools and plates, OMG telescopic tubes, OlyBond500 insulation adhesives, OlyFlow drains, and EverSeal roof repair tape.

“OMG Roofing Products has continued to grow and expand beyond U.S. borders,” said Web Shaffer, vice president of Marketing. “By adding these warehouses, we are building a stronger foundation on which to accelerate our international growth by improving our service and expanding our distribution into new countries throughout Europe and Asia.”

Inspired Marketing Announces Several Changes

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SPRINGFIELD — Inspired Marketing Inc. announced it has been certified as a woman-owned business by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), and also announced several promotions and hires in the company.

“This designation is something I have longed to receive, and this year was thrilled to have accomplished the goal,” said Jill Monson-Bishop, chief inspiration officer. “I am even prouder of this certification because I have incredible women on my team who celebrate it with me.”

In addition, Heather Ruggeri, the company’s chief events officer, was recently promoted and adds vice president to her business card. She joined Inspired Marketing in 2015 and previously worked as the conference service manager and sales manager at the Springfield Sheraton for nine years. In addition, she was recently named to the board of the Connecticut River Valley Chapter of Meeting Professionals International and is one of only a few certified meeting professionals in the area and one of only about 13,000 worldwide.

Another team member, Kristin Carlson, was recently named senior marketing visionary partner. Kristin started with Inspired Marketing as an apprentice right out of college in 2014. She has continued to evolve into a valued team member, creating innovative, successful media campaigns for several clients with outstanding results.

Meanwhile, Lauren Mendoza, who was with Inspired Marketing in its infancy before leaving for tech startup Waterdog, has rejoined the team and is now the office manager. Her organization keeps the team on track and helps communication, meetings, and schedules to run smoothly.

Cara Cole recently joined Inspired Marketing as a marketing visionary partner, serving on the front line with client creative implementation. She came to Inspired Marketing from the Center for Human Development and previously from Square One.

Finally, Jenifer Esile joined Inspired Marketing as on-staff graphic designer after having been a freelance partner since the company’s inception. In addition to 20 years of diverse design experience, she brings copywriting and social-media skills to the team to provide greater value to clients.

Aegis Energy Services Announces Strategic Alliance With Yanmar

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HOLYOKE — Aegis Energy Services Inc., a provider of co-generation technology, announced a strategic alliance with Yanmar, a 100-year-old Japanese diesel engine and equipment manufacturer and cogeneration provider.

The Aegis and Yanmar relationship will broaden the reach of combined heat and power (CHP) systems by offering a wider product line to serve facilities of all sizes — from hotels, hospitals, and residential buildings with large footprints to smaller facilities, including nursing homes and assisted-living facilities, apartment complexes, boutique hotels, restaurants, and more.

“For more than 30 years, Aegis has designed, manufactured, and installed combined heat and power systems equipped with world-class remote monitoring and service across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic,” said Aegis President Lee Vardakas. “The alliance with Yanmar not only increases our CHP product offerings, but our geographic reach. Together, we can provide modular systems for facilities of any size to generate sustainable, clean power options that reduce energy costs and emissions on a wider scale.”

According to the U.S. Energy Department, CHP captures energy that would normally be lost in power generation and uses it to provide heating and cooling, making CHP 75% to 80% percent efficient. While most central power plants create steam as a byproduct that is then expelled as wasted heat, a CHP system captures the thermal energy that would normally be lost in power generation and uses it to provide on-site heating and cooling to factories, multi-residential housing and hospitality facilities, breweries, athletic facilities, and other applications requiring thermal load. In 2012, legislation was enacted which set a national goal for increasing CHP capacity.

“Aegis has already demonstrated a commitment to Yanmar’s cogeneration product line by successfully completing our training courses designed for these systems,” said Arne Irwin, Energy Systems Business Unit manager at Yanmar America. “They will be able to provide a high level of service in their market for Yanmar’s CHP products.”

Greater Holyoke Chamber, HCC Announce Leadership Holyoke 2016

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HOLYOKE — Leadership Holyoke — a comprehensive community-leadership and board-development program of the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce — is back again.

Leadership Holyoke utilizes a combination of classes and practical experiences to help local business people develop their leadership skills, increase their knowledge of the community, and acquire the skills needed to serve as board members and community leaders. The series is made possible by PeoplesBank and the Republican.

The 2016-17 Leadership series begins on Sept. 23, consists of a weekly series of eight seven-hour sessions, and concludes on May 3 with a graduation ceremony at Holyoke Community College with a specialty luncheon prepared by the college’s culinary students. All sessions will be held on Fridays (except for the Boston State House trip) and take place at Holyoke Community College (HCC) and other locations throughout the city.

Each session will include a segment on organization and leadership skills, and a segment on community needs and resources. Faculty members from HCC will participate as instructors and facilitators, and community leaders will participate as speakers and discussion leaders in areas of their expertise.

Tuition is $600 per participant, due at the start of the course, and includes the fee for a continental breakfast each week, a bus trip to Boston, and the graduation luncheon. Sign up online at holyokechamber.com or call the chamber with any questions at (413) 534-3376.

Gray House Seeks Help to Fill the Plate for Neighbors in Need

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SPRINGFIELD — The Gray House, a nonprofit organization in the North End of Springfield, is kicking off its second annual Fill the Plate Challenge, an online fund-raising initiative running throughout September.

The organization has set a goal of $15,000 for the month of September and is asking the community to help it reach this goal. All proceeds will directly support its food-pantry operations, which serve an average of 80 to 120 households each week. In 2015, the Gray House served over 8,000 people in the community.

Participants are asked to make a donation through razoo.com/fill-the-plate-challenge, post a photo of themselves with an empty plate and a link to the donation page on social media, and tag the Gray House and any friends they want to encourage to donate. In addition to raising money, the goal of the fund-raiser is to raise awareness of the prevalence of food insecurity in the community.

“The empty plate represents all of those neighbors who would go hungry without groceries from our food pantry. We encourage donors to post photos on social media and share with their networks so that we can reach an even greater number of people,” said Teresa Spaziani, executive director of the Gray House. “Monetary donations to our food pantry go a long way in feeding our neighbors. As a member of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, we are able to purchase food for a significantly reduced price. For example, we can often purchase 90 pounds of meat for only $3.”

In 2015, the Gray House challenged the community to help it raise $10,000 in order to be eligible for a $10,000 matching grant through the United Way of Pioneer Valley. This goal was exceeded, with more than $12,600 raised in addition to the $10,000 matching grant.

Earlier that year, the Gray House entered into a partnership with Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen & Pantry of Chicopee.

“The partnership enables us to share staffing and resources such as storage and delivery transportation, allowing us to operate as efficiently as possible while serving even more neighbors than ever before,” said Spaziani.

The food pantry remains a program of the Gray House, and, therefore, all donations stay at the Gray House.

Springfield College Earns National Recognition as College of Distinction

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SPRINGFIELD — Innovative application of high-impact educational practices at Springfield College earned the school recognition in the national Colleges of Distinction guidebook. Springfield College students earn college credit and valuable life experience while participating in study-abroad programs, as well as through service learning and quality internships.

“We’re so happy to award Springfield College for developing skills relevant to graduates’ lives,” said Tyson Schritter, executive editor for Colleges of Distinction. “High student engagement in college is one of the keys to a successful undergraduate education. With an increasing emphasis on hands-on learning techniques, Colleges of Distinction applauds Springfield College for practicing methodologies that prepare students for their futures.”

Schools must demonstrate results across the four distinctions — engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community, and successful outcomes. High-school counselors and educators make nominations, and each school is evaluated on key indicators, including student engagement, student empowerment, and curricular innovation. Colleges that have distinguished themselves in each of the four distinctions and have demonstrated dedication to enriching student outcomes through innovative learning opportunities are then invited to join Colleges of Distinction.

The annual selection process also includes a review of each institution’s first-year student experience, as well as its general education program, strategic plan, and alumni success and satisfaction measures. To view Springfield College’s profile, visit collegesofdistinction.com.

Ad Club Kicks Off 2016-17 Season at Centennial Big E

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SPRINGFIELD — Eastern States Exposition President Gene Cassidy and Marketing Director Noreen Tassinari will welcome the Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts to the centennial edition of The Big E on Wednesday, Sept. 21. This is a chance to see racing pigs, the Cowsills, the Budweiser Clydesdales, and the fair’s centennial exhibit — and you may even catch outgoing Ad Club President David Cecchi on the Tilt-A-Whirl.

Tickets for this networking event, available online at adclubwm.org, are $20 for Ad Club members and $25 for non-members. Advanced ticket purchase by Thursday, Sept. 15 is required to allow time for delivery of credentials.  The club’s season kickoff event will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Big E. The cost includes admission to the Big E, a parking pass for Gate 1, parade viewing from the Brooks Building Terrace (approximately 5:15 p.m.), cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres, and after the parade, attendees are free for the evening to explore the fair on their own.

The Ad Club and the Eastern States Exposition have a long shared history; the Exposition’s Betsi Sheehan Taylor served as president of the Ad Club in 1977-78, and the club presented Exposition founder Joshua Brooks and Exposition trustee Horace Moses with the Pynchon Award for community service in 1916. The club thanks Tassinari and the Eastern States Exposition for their help in reviving the long-standing tradition of hosting the Ad Club’s season kickoff meeting at the fair.

Science Museum to Host Stars Over Springfield Astronomy Program

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SPRINGFIELD — On Friday, Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m., the Springfield Science Museum’s large rooftop telescope will once again be open for public skygazing for the monthly Stars Over Springfield observatory program. These programs are organized by the museum and the Springfield Stars Club, and take place on the first Friday of each month. The featured talk on Sept. 2 is by Curator of Physical Science Richard Sanderson, who will speak about eclipses of the sun and moon, and the upcoming 2017 total solar eclipse.

Stars Over Springfield programs are best suited for families with children ages 8 and older; however, younger children are also welcome. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for children 17 and under. These programs are held rain or shine. If it is cloudy, a planetarium show will be presented in place of telescope viewing.

The Springfield Science Museum is located on the Quadrangle at 21 Edwards St. in downtown Springfield. Free on-site parking is available.

Johnson & Hill Launches Specialized Accounting & Finance Division

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SPRINGFIELD — Johnson & Hill Staffing Services Inc. recently enhanced its service offerings to include a specialized Accounting & Finance Division. While Johnson & Hill has always placed accounting and finance professionals, this move signals an increased commitment to this area of expertise. The agency sees a growing demand for this skill set and an opportunity to assist clients more proactively.

Tiffany Appleton has been appointed director, Accounting & Finance Division. Boasting more than a decade of recruiting experience in accounting and finance, she will provide direct-hire, contract-to-hire, and contract staffing, assisting clients in filling critical accounting and finance needs within their organizations. Roles range from clerk level up to CFO with a concentration on middle-management positions, including senior accountant, accounting manager, controller, financial analyst, manager of FP&A, internal audit, and public audit and tax. Her staffing experience crosses many industry sectors, spanning manufacturing, technology, nonprofit, professional service, and life science, with companies ranging from startup to publicly traded.

Appleton will focus on developing and nurturing long-term relationships with both clients and job seekers, which are built on mutual trust, sincerity, and confidentiality. She is sought after by clients for her progressive ideas on acquiring talent and consistent ability to deliver quality candidates. Job seekers appreciate her willingness to provide career coaching, interview preparation, and résumé assistance.

Prior to Johnson & Hill, her professional career included serving as client relations director for a large, regional CPA firm and principal and talent advisor for a boutique staffing firm specializing in accounting and finance placement.

Johnson & Hill is an independent, regional, woman-owned staffing service offering temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct-hire employment opportunities, serving Western Mass. and Northern Conn. Johnson & Hill specializes in administrative, accounting, legal, and professional staffing services.

ServiceNet Wins $1.2M Grant to Boost Work with Homeless Individuals

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NORTHAMPTON — To further combat the continuing challenge of homelessness in communities across Western Mass., ServiceNet’s Shelter & Housing division has been awarded a three-year grant, totaling $1.2 million, by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Returning Home, the program funded by this grant, is specifically focused on the needs of chronically homeless individuals and homeless veterans who also have a serious mental illness and/or substance-use disorder. The SAMHSA grant is one of 30 recently awarded nationwide, and it is the only one awarded in Massachusetts.

Returning Home has a two-fold goal: to successfully move individuals from homelessness to permanent housing, and to improve their overall health and well-being. It does so through a combination of intensive case-management services and evidence-based clinical care. Increased funding will enable ServiceNet to assist an additional 112 individuals in the three-year period, and to expand its community outreach to meet with people on the streets, in outdoor camps, and elsewhere in the community. Returning Home will accept referrals from service providers throughout Berkshire, Franklin, and Hampshire counties, as well as from ServiceNet’s own network of emergency shelters.

“This award reflects SAMHSA’s trust in the outstanding work our team has done to date in housing individuals who are chronically homeless,” said Jay Sacchetti, ServiceNet’s vice president of Shelter & Housing, Vocational, and Addiction Services. “We are proud of the work they do, and this funding further stabilizes and preserves our Returning Home program.”

Sacchetti also cited ServiceNet’s longstanding commitment to applied research as an advantage in securing the national grant. “When we say something works, we have the data to prove it; and when something doesn’t work, we understand why,” he said. “Our research team will continue to track the impact of Returning Home’s expanded services as we move forward.”

ServiceNet is partnering with the Hilltown Community Development Corp. — administrator of the federal continuum of care which oversees area initiatives related to homelessness — to serve as steering committee for the grant.

“This grant is going to help a lot of people a lot,” said Jack Tulloss, a former Marine and now clinical case manager with ServiceNet’s Shelter and Housing division. Increased case-management efforts will be underway by Oct. 1.

Springfield Museums Lecture Series Returns in September

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SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Museums’ monthly tour and lecture schedule for September features the return of the popular Thursday Museums à la Carte lectures after a summer hiatus.

The lectures are held weekly at 12:15 p.m. at the Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts. Admission is $4 ($2 for Springfield Museums members). Visitors are invited to bring a bag lunch (cookies and coffee are provided). This month’s lectures include:

Sept. 8: “LIFE in the Art World: LIFE Magazine and Modern American Art.” Melissa Renn, author and collections manager, HBS Art and Artifacts Collection, Harvard Business School, discusses how LIFE shaped the public and the critical reception of modern art in the U.S.

Sept. 15: “The Art of Illustrated Maps.” John Roman, author, illustrator, and assistant professor, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, shares his expertise on the world of imaginative mapmaking through the history and psychology of this form of art.

Sept. 22: “Pen to Paper.” Mary Savig, curator of Manuscripts at the Smithsonian’s Archives of American Art will reveal the expressive nature of handwriting found in personal correspondence.

Sept. 29: “When the Road Came Through: How The Construction of Interstate 91 Changed Western Mass.” Barry Deitz, local historian and storyteller, talks about the advent of the interstate highway system.

As an added feature, museum docents will lead guided gallery discussions titled Continuing Conversations following lectures on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month (museum members only). September’s Conversations will take place on Sept. 8 with docent Pat McCarthy at the D’Amour Museum (Early 20th-Century Gallery) and Sept. 22 with docent Dawn Whitney at the GWV Smith Museum (Classical Cast Gallery) at 1:30 p.m. (check with Welcome Center for locations).

Monthly walking tours are presented on second Saturdays in collaboration with the Armoury-Quadrangle Civic Association (AQCA). On Sept. 10, science educator Matthew Livermore will lead a tour titled “Downtown Nature.” Walking tours are free for Springfield Museums and AQCA members, $5 non-members, and start at the museums’ Welcome Center.

Wistariahurst Presents ‘Holyoke Renaissance: Rising from the Ashes’

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HOLYOKE — During September and October, Wistariahurst will host a new exhibit titled “Holyoke Renaissance: Rising from the Ashes.” Three area artists will showcase architecture as art when they present their work in a joint exhibition celebrating the renaissance of the city of Holyoke. The exhibit by artists Debra Dunphy, Nancy Howard, and Kristine Villeneuve-Topor, will feature various views of the old industrial city of Holyoke and its architectural designs.

Holyoke is currently undergoing a transformation that is renewing much of the downtown after suffering urban blight for decades. Works on display will include local landmarks and streetscapes from around the city and will be presented to shine a light on the beautiful art and architecture in the city.

The exhibit will run from Saturday, Sept. 10 through Saturday, Oct. 29. Gallery viewing hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. An opening reception is planned for Sunday, Sept. 18 from 2 to 4 p.m., and will be free and open to the public. Admission to the gallery is available for a $3 suggested donation.