Home 2016 (Page 15)

Year: 2016

Wistariahurst Presents ‘Holyoke Renaissance: Rising from the Ashes’

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Daily News

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.

Pioneer Valley Home Sales Down 11.3% in July

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Daily News

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%.

West of the River Chamber Breakfast to Feature Howie Carr

By
Daily News

AGAWAM — The West of the River Chamber of Commerce announced its Business Breakfast featuring speaker Howie Carr, an event which brings members and non-members together for a morning of breakfast and updates.

The event will take place on Thursday, Sept. 22 from 7 to 9 a.m. at Chez Josef in Agawam. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with local business people over breakfast, and later will enjoy an informational session by Carr, an award-winning front-page columnist for the Boston Herald. Known for his scathing exposes of local politicians, he has raised plenty of eyebrows and voices over the years. Carr, famous for pushing the envelope and not regretting that he went too far, is regularly featured on NBC, MSNBC, C-SPAN, Court TV, CNN, Fox News, and CBS.

Event sponsors include Reliable Temps, Spherion Staffing, and Haselkorn Inc. The event costs $35 for members and $40 for non-members. For more information or to register, visit www.westoftheriverchamber.com or call the West of the River Chamber of Commerce at (413) 426-3880.

Brian Houle Receives Spherion Staffing’s Excellence in Safety Award

By
Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — 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. Under Houle’s leadership, Spherion likewise has expanded its community presence through involvement in the local chamber of commerce and the Western Mass. Economic Development Council, among other organizations. Additionally, the West Springfield team participates in philanthropic projects benefiting organizations such as the Sisters of Providence Health System, the Boys and Girls Club, and area libraries.

Eastern States Exposition Taps White Lion to Brew Its Centennial Ale

By
Daily News

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 of 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.”

Anthony Frasco, director of sales and marketing for Williams Distributing, noted that, “as a long-standing partner with the Eastern States Exposition, we felt this celebratory occasion was worthy of a commemorative brew, and to see it come to fruition under a Western Mass. collaborative made it all the more special.”

The beer will officially debut at a kick-off party hosted by the Student Prince and the Fort on Thursday, Sept. 1. There will be limited availability to accounts looking to showcase the Eastern States Exposition Centennial Ale: Kolsch in Western Mass.

AIC Ranks Among Top 10 Colleges in State for Starting Salaries

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) has been named among the top 10 colleges and universities in Massachusetts for starting salaries.

SmartAsset, a financial-technology company that studies and reports on a variety of topics, including home buying, refinancing, retirement, insurance, loans, and colleges, has compiled information on “best-value schools,” including college tuition, student living, and starting salaries.

This study considered starting salary, as well as scholarships and grants, tuition, living costs, and student-retention rate. With those factors calculated, AIC placed 10th for starting salaries of recent graduates, surpassing some big-name schools in the Boston area.

SmartAsset gave 25% weighting to starting salary, tuition, and living costs, and 12.5% weighting to scholarships, grants, and student retention rate to determine a ranking of schools in its analysis. The average starting salary for recent AIC graduates was $54,100, only $100 less than ninth-ranked Tufts University in Medford. Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge topped the list at $74,900.

EANE, FIT Staffing to Present Seminar on Big Data on Sept. 9

By
Daily News

AGAWAM — The Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast (EANE), in partnership with FIT Staffing, will present a seminar with Dennis Perlot, Microsoft evangelist, on Friday, Sept. 9 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.

Stephan Chase Re-elected State Director of National Propane Gas Assoc.

By
Daily News

SOUTH HADLEY — 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.

Springfield Regional Chamber Welcomes Jeffrey Lomma

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Regional Chamber 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.

Western New England University Named a College of Distinction

By
Daily News

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. “This recognition affirms that our distinctive best practices are effective and achieve outstanding results for our graduates.”

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.

Unemployment Drops Across Massachusetts in July

By
Daily News

BOSTON — Local unemployment rates dropped in 21 labor-market areas, remained the same in two, and increased in one area in the state during the month of July, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported. Compared to July 2015, the rates were down in all areas.

Two of the 15 areas for which job estimates are published recorded seasonal job gains in July, with gains in the Barnstable and Pittsfield areas. Seasonal losses occurred in the remaining 13 areas.

From July 2015 to July 2016, all 15 areas added jobs, with the largest percentage gains in the Haverhill-Newburyport-Amesbury, Taunton-Middleborough-Norton, Peabody-Salem-Beverly, and Worcester areas.

In order to compare the statewide rate to local unemployment rates, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the statewide unadjusted unemployment rate for July was 4.0%. Last week, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported the statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 4.1% for the month of July. The unemployment rate is down 0.7% over the year.

The statewide, seasonally adjusted jobs estimate showed a 7,300-job gain in July and an over-the-year gain of 65,500 jobs.

The unadjusted unemployment rates and job estimates for the labor market areas reflect seasonal fluctuations and therefore may show different levels and trends than the statewide seasonally adjusted estimates.

The estimates for labor force, unemployment rates, and jobs for Massachusetts are based on different statistical methodology specified by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Pioneer Valley Montessori Receives MassMutual Foundation Grant

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Pioneer Valley Montessori School (PVMS), a not-for-profit organization cultivating children’s natural desire to learn, has received a $10,000 grant from MassMutual Foundation Inc. PVMS is one of only 17 organizations nationally to receive an award as part of a national Community Service Award (CSA) program. The MassMutual Foundation made the grant as a tribute to the volunteer efforts of Erik Skar, financial professional with Charter Oak Insurance and Financial Services Co.

“Our Community Service Awards program aims to encourage and recognize those financial professionals who are active members of their community,” said Alison Mathias, MassMutual’s director of Charitable Giving and vice president of the MassMutual Foundation. “Erik’s volunteer work reflects our steadfast commitment to supporting organizations in the communities where MassMutual financial professionals live and work.”

Skar, who currently serves as president on PVMS’s board of directors, has dedicated countless hours of his time and talent to help the school grow and flourish. His passion and advocacy for the mission of PVMS inspires others to do the same. He has championed the efforts of the staff and volunteers, and has done everything for the organization from strategic planning to maintaining the facility to directing traffic at events.

“I am delighted that my work with PVMS has been recognized by the MassMutual Foundation,” Skar said. “This grant will provide much-needed funding to continue its improvement efforts after the tornado of 2011.”

PVMS provides Montessori early childhood and elementary education to children between the ages of 18 months and 12 years. The school enrolls students from 21 towns in Massachusetts and Connecticut, with approximately half of its students living in the city of Springfield. PVMS will put MassMutual’s grant to work by providing permanent shade structures to replace the trees it lost in the 2011 tornado, and to replace flooring and security doors.

Paragus Founder Gives Employees an Ownership Stake

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ESOPfeature 0816b
Business Management Sections

Anatomy of an ESOP

Delcie Bean recalls that he was advised — by more than one individual and on more than one occasion — that it might not be wise to initiate an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) while the company was still very much in a strong growth mode. But he decided this self-described gamble was certainly worth taking — and for many reasons.

Delcie Bean

Delcie Bean

Delcie Bean likened an employee stock ownership plan, or ESOP, as one is commonly called, to an onion.

By that, he obviously meant that it has many layers of intrigue and complexity, as he found out while researching, planning, and eventually executing one for the company, Paragus Strategic IT, that he founded 17 years ago, when he was just 16.

“My initial understanding of an ESOP amounted to this 30,000-foot view,” he explained. “Over the past 2 ½ years, we kept peeling back the layers. I’ve learned more about this over the past few years than I could ever have imagined.”

Despite all these layers, Bean, as he explained why and how he went down this path, said there are two basic truths that he started with and that were still there when he peeled away all those layers: That this is, at least in his mind, the proper and fair course to take, and it is also (and this is in nearly everyone’s mind) a gamble.

“There’s a big part of me that believes that it’s the right thing to do — the fair and equitable thing to do,” he explained. “It’s not like I work that much harder than anyone else here, and there are people here who I’m sure work much harder than I do some days.

“To me, I always just felt uncomfortable with the fact that this young company was growing so fast and amassing a decent evaluation,” he went on, “but, for the most part, that was predominantly just to benefit me; I didn’t really like that.”

As for that second basic truth, Bean said he’s gambling that if he fast-forwards 10 years … 60% of the valuation of the business (as an employee-owned company) will be roughly the same or more as 100% of the valuation if he had remained the sole share holder in the venture.

“And I’ll never really know the answer to that, because we won’t be able to see both, obviously,” he told BusinessWest. “But it is something I really believe is possible. However, it takes a lot more than just forming an ESOP — there’s a lot of cultivation, education, and motivation needed. But if we get it right, then I think we can leverage the ESOP to grow the company, not only faster, but better, making it healthier, more stable, and more resilient than it could have been had I owned it and just had a bunch of employees.”

Referencing this ‘gamble’ part of the equation, Bean noted that he was actually advised — very early and quite often — against taking this step now, when the company is still very much in a growth mode, as opposed to full maturity or something approaching it, when ESOPs are a far more attractive option.

“They told me I might be leaving a lot of money on the table,” he said, adding that he didn’t want to wait 10 years or even 10 more months, because he thinks this gamble is well worth taking, and one he believes other business owners should take as well.

Paragus owners

Delcie Bean, third from right, joins other Paragus owners at a recent reception to mark the closing on the company’s ESOP.

Why? Primarily because giving employees an ownership stake in the company can — that’s the operative word here — bring advantages ranging from greater ability to recruit and retain talented workers, to improved morale, to an even sharper focus on growth and strategies to enable a company to function more effectively and more profitably.

And as one small, yet hopefully effective example, Bean pointed to … the company’s postage machine, or, to be more, precise, to the fact it’s been retired in favor of simply placing stamps on envelopes (no one has to lick them anymore).

“One of the employees pointed out that the cost of our postage machine we were renting, for the amount of postage we were using, just didn’t make sense,” he explained. “We thought ‘we’re a business, we’re supposed to have a postage machine; no one puts stamps on envelopes anymore.’ But she ran the math and figured out it would save us $1,800 a year to just pay for stamps and put them on, even with the labor added in.”

But overall, ESOPs are undertaken for more far-reaching, and more long-term, strategic thinking and implementation, he went on, noting that with ownership of the company comes what amounts to a greater stake in its success.

For this issue and its focus on business management, BusinessWest uses the Paragus ESOP as a window into this complex and often misunderstood business tool, and also at what Bean believes it will mean for his already-highly-visible company.

Taking Stock

To help explain just how onion-like and complicated an ESOP is, Bean said the plan to initiate one was actually announced to staff at a company retreat nearly three years ago, and he had undertaken preliminary research and calculations long before that.

Then, as now, the company was defined by strong growth (roughly 24% per year has been the average), as well as physical expansion — the company is already starting to feel snug in new quarters opened in Hadley just two years ago — a constantly growing staff, and the mounting challenge of finding and keeping talented help in that climate.

In all ways, the arrow was pointing decidedly up.

And this is not the time, as noted earlier, when business consultants advise ownership to go the ESOP route.

But Bean, who has generated headlines in recent years for all kinds of reasons — from almost-permanent residence on Inc. magazine’s fastest-growing companies list, to BusinessWest’s Top Entrepreneur award for 2014, to the opening of new businesses and a unique training facility to prepare people for careers in IT — decided it was time to generate one of a different kind.

And, again, he said there were many motivations, and primarily a desire to share the wealth — in part because it should be shared, in his thinking, but also because doing so would benefit the company.

Seeking to feel more comfortable with the manner in which the pie would be divided, Bean started doing some research.

It involved books, articles, case studies, and some recent examples, locally and nationally. As noted with the onion reference, he learned that ESOPs are quite involved and require planning, execution, and a large team to handle both.

As part of the exercise, Bean became closely acquainted with the ESOP undertaken by a Springfield, Ill.-based company that remanufactures and resells engines. That case was considerably different — the venture had been bought, the buyer announced its intention to sell it or shut it down, and the employees, fearing the loss of their jobs, secured the capital to buy it — but the machinations were similar enough to make it a learning experience.

There were others, including the ones at Harpoon Brewery and Chibone Yogurt, Bean went on, adding that his research revealed that in most cases, ESOPs are initiated by companies looking to raise capital for equipment purchases and other reasons, or by owners looking for an effective exit strategy.

“As Baby Boomers look to retire, if they don’t have a succession plan already created they may use ESOPs to help them with that challenge,” he said, adding that given current demographic trends and the lack of succession plans at companies large and small, it’s likely that there will be an uptick in ESOPs in the years to come.

Despite his aggressive research, though, Bean found it very difficult to find an ESOP quite like the one he was planning, for all those reasons stated earlier.

“I’m not looking to go anywhere,” he said, adding that this was a point he had to drive home to his employees over the course of the nearly three years it took to bring the plan to fruition. “Rather, it’s a commitment that I’m all in.”

ESOP’s Fable

And as he explained ‘all in,’ Bean offered some specifics as to how this ESOP works, and, more importantly, how he expects the company to leverage it in the years and decades to come.

He started by saying that unlike those cases where an ESOP is an exit strategy, no funding was raised by employees and no cash changed hands. In essence, 40% of Paragus (roughly $1.4 million) was gifted to the 40 or so employees in the form of a trust that is wholly owned by the employees of the company. And this share of the company becomes a type of retirement plan, or another retirement plan as the case may be (there’s a 401(k) program already in place).

“Once a year, employees will get a statement showing how many shares they have in their account, and what the valuation (of the company) is, and therefore what those shares are worth and what their account is worth,” he explained, adding that the ESOP becomes a perc — in his mind, a very attractive one.

We need to help the employees understand, from the context of their job, the things they can do to have an impact that matters and that can change the bottom line. We have an obligation to simplify the business down so that every position has a metric that they can understand, that is tracked, is clear, and that ties into our profitability, so they know what they can do.”

Indeed, the company has a 10-year goal for growth and valuation ($40 million to be specific), and if it is hit, he projects that the average ESOP account, governed by ERISSA, will be worth “in the low six figures.”

As for leveraging the ESOP, which closed June 8, Bean said the company had already generated a culture of ownership — reinforced with rewards — throughout its ranks, but the ESOP will hopefully take it to a higher level.

“In order for this gamble to work, there is an obligation on the part of the employee, but there’s also an obligation on us,” he explained, meaning company leadership. “We need to provide education, training, and motivation.

“We need to help the employees understand, from the context of their job, the things they can do to have an impact that matters and that can change the bottom line,” he went on. “We have an obligation to simplify the business down so that every position has a metric that they can understand, that is tracked, is clear, and that ties into our profitability, so they know what they can do.”

Elaborating, he said that each position has such a metric, and, therefore, steps, or operating strategies, that can improve profitability. Examples include everything from purchasing policies, to the level of customer service provided by service techs, to that postage machine.

At present, the company is looking at every position from the vantage point of creating a metric and providing employees with the tools, and motivation, to know where and how to work harder and better.

“If they don’t know where to invest the effort, then even if they want to, they won’t do it,” he explained, adding that one key through all of us is to take steps that improve profitability while not negatively impacting quality of service.

The Bottom Line

When asked if and how the company would begin to know if this gamble was paying off, Bean said a look at the numbers about 16 months from now would provide some clues.

“We’ve been averaging about 24% growth over the past seven years; if we can increase that number, I think we can be fairly confident that it’s because of the ESOP as the biggest factor,” he explained. “We’ll know at the end of 2017, when we’ve had a full year with this; we’ll see if we beat that 24% number.”

But the company is looking well beyond the end of next year, he added quickly, noting that the key isn’t achieving more-profound growth, it’s sustaining it.

“It’s not about a short-term bump, it’s about a long-term sustainable approach,” he said in conclusion, adding that he firmly believes an ESOP can help attain all that, and that’s why he took this gamble.

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

State’s Pay-equity Legislation Requires Some Planning

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Business Management Sections

Pay Attention to This Measure

By John S. Gannon, Esq.

John S. Gannon

John S. Gannon

Earlier this month, Mass. Gov. Charlie Baker signed a new law aimed at strengthening pay equity for women in the Commonwealth.

The new law amends the state’s Equal Pay Act by imposing stringent equal pay obligations on employers. The purpose of the law is certainly commendable, but the legislation goes beyond pay-equity issues by prohibiting certain pay-related conduct that is routine in some workplaces, including asking job applicants about their wage history and requiring employees not to discuss compensation.

The new law will be enforced by the Mass. Attorney General’s Office, but it also allows employees to sue their employers in court. The law takes effect in 2018, but employers should start planning today for necessary compliance obligations. Employees who successfully sue under the new Equal Pay Act will be entitled to recover all unpaid wages, plus an amount equal to unpaid wages as liquidated damages, as well as attorney’s fees.

Equal Work v. Comparable Work

Under the existing Massachusetts Equal Pay Act, employers are required to pay men and women equally for comparable work. The current version of the law, however, does not define “comparable.” Some judicial decisions interpreting the “comparable” work language have suggested that comparable work is something equivalent to the “equal pay for equal work” standard applied in federal law.

The legislation signed by Gov. Baker — which was also passed unanimously in the state House and Senate — defines comparable work in a much broader fashion. The new law defines “comparable work” as work that requires “substantially similar skill, effort, and responsibility” and is performed under “similar working conditions.”

This “substantially similar” language is likely to open the door to more equal-pay lawsuits in Massachusetts because it is much less demanding than the “equal work” language used under federal law.

Look at it this way, consider how many employees truly perform “equal work?” Regardless of your answer, it’s probably safe to say many more employees perform work that is “substantially similar.” When the law takes effect in 2018, all employees performing “substantially similar” work must be paid the same, unless a permissible variation applies.

Permissible Pay Differences

Some variations in pay will still be permissible, even for employees performing “comparable” work. If the difference is attributable to one (or more) of the following factors, wage differential liability may be avoided:

• A seniority system;
• A merit system;
• A compensation scheme that measures earnings by quantity or quality of sales;
• Geographic location of the job;
• Education, training, and experience; or
• The amount of travel required.

Unfortunately, the new law does not provide any guidance explaining how these exceptions will work in practice, leaving many questions unanswered. For example, is a 15-mile difference in geographic location of the job sufficient to justify pay variances for comparable work? What about a 50-mile difference? Does a bump in pay after an initial 90-day introductory period constitute a legitimate seniority system? The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office has the power to issue regulations interpreting the new law, so it is likely the agency will put out guidance helping to clarifying these terms.

One thing we do know is that employers may not reduce the salary of an employee in order to comply with the new law. Employers who have unexcused pay differentials will need to “level up” by bringing the pay of lower earners up to the pay of the highest earner doing comparable work.

More than Pay Equity

The new law goes beyond requiring equal pay for comparable work, because it also prohibits employers from engaging in several common wage-related practices. When the new law takes effect, employers will no longer be allowed to require applicants to provide wage and salary history on job applications or at any other time before an offer of employment is extended.

This means job applications and interview practices may need a refresher. The law also penalizes employers who require employees not to discuss compensation with coworkers.

There is one silver lining for employers. The new Equal Pay Act provides an affirmative defense to employers who complete a ‘good faith’ self-evaluation of their pay practices and demonstrate “reasonable progress” toward eliminating any wage differentials. This means that employers who adequately audit their pay practices may avoid liability under the new law. However, the employer’s self-evaluation must be “reasonable in detail and scope in light of the size of the employer.” Again, regulations from the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office might shed light on what constitutes an appropriate self-evaluation.

Skoler Abbott will be partnering with Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast (EANE) on August 30, to present a webinar on the new pay- equity law. Skoler Abbott will also be hosting a Labor and Employment law symposium the morning of Sept. 20, at which attorneys from the firm will be discussing significant developments in state and federal law, including the Massachusetts pay equity law.

John S. Gannon is an associate at the firm Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C.; (413) 737-4753 or [email protected].

Building Permits

By
Building Permits Departments

The following building permits were issued during the months of July and August 2016.

AGAWAM

Bona Housekeeping
16  Ralph St.
Valbona Ahmeti

D. Castonguay Trucking
133 Colemore St.
Dan Castonguay

Main School Realty
701-711 Main St.
Laura Posnik

The Deli on Walnut
369 Walnut St. Ext.
Antoinette Lambert

AMHERST

Legionary Personal Computers
108 Larkspur Dr.
Audrey O’Connell & Kevin Mepham

Life Plan Realty
71 Country Corners Road
James D. Linfield

The Kern Kafe
Hampshire College
893 West St.
Michael McKenna

The Pucino Group
521 Old Farm Road
Helmi Ann Pucino

CHICOPEE

David J. Roy Electrician
621 Grattan St.
David J Roy

Kate’s Boutique
55 Columba St.
Kate Daborowski

Total Exterior Services
218 Pondview Dr.
Derek Joe Sipma

Westover Maintenance
122 Casey Dr.
Wess Kenneth Boucher

NORTHAMPTON

Anderson Services
263 Ryan Road
Donald Anderson

Drawn to Ecology
26 Dewey Court
Alyssandra Black

Glazed Doughnut Shop
8 Craft Ave.
Keren Rhodes

Inkpot Pens
43 Murphy Terrace
Francis St. Germain

SPRINGFIELD

Cumberland Farms #0202
798 Carew St.
John Daly

Day & Night Convenience Store
671 State St.
Zeeshan Ali

Deniliva Inc., DBA Liberty
1179 State St.
Steven Kowalski

Happy Feet Child Care
439 Riverside Road
Zoila Rosario

Legacy Hair Studio
243 Main St.
Jasmine Huertas

M-F Brothers Painting
36 Acorn St., 1st Fl.
Maximino Serrano

Miss Jackie’s Family Child Care
50 Massachusetts Ave.
Jacklyn

Omy and Los Properties
38 Carver St.
Omy Carlderon

RMS Courier Service
245 St. James Ave.
Rosa Maeghan Scavron

Tremar Transportation
69 Grand St.
Michael Thomas

Walden Corp/DBA
181 A Chestnut St.
Derryl Devon Gibbs

West Springfield

BD Hair Design
62 Westfield St.
Barbara Dame

Dante Club Golf League
454 Main St.
Roland Navone

Elegant Lighting
1680 Riverdale St.
Tatyana Gut

Hospitality Restaurant
977 Main St.
Dheyaa Habeeb

Quick Stop Food
20 River Street
Amanullah Khan

WESTFIELD

Book Club Bookstore LLC
2 Main St.
Book Club Bookstore LLC

Christina Rosario Photography
13 Noble St.
Christina Rosario

Classic Northeast Gardens
1029 North Road
Tanya Costigan

Kosinski Farms
336 Russellville Road
Gene M. Kosinski

Nicole Wzorek Designs
22 Little River Road
Nicole Wzorek

Park Square Dental, PC
60 Court St.
Sushma Reddy, Donthi Reddy

Vast Energy Services
210 Munger Hill Road
Joseph J. Vaschak

Walton Read
33 Hassler St.
Susan Howard

Whip City Pools
7 Crown St.
Jamie Rossi

Real Estate Transactions

By
Departments Real Estate

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY

BERNARDSTON

91 Bald Mountain Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $174,500
Buyer: Brian T. Seaman
Seller: Thomas F. Seaman
Date: 07/21/16

BUCKLAND

31 School St.
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Raymond Lanza-Weil
Seller: John D. Marry
Date: 07/13/16

COLRAIN

258 Main Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Kurt J. Wenzler
Seller: Stuart S. Kingsley
Date: 07/15/16

48 Reils Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $246,500
Buyer: Steven Derscha
Seller: William K. Spencer
Date: 07/22/16

DEERFIELD

33 Graves St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Brian A. Pytko
Seller: Nell Schechterle
Date: 07/15/16

76 Hillside Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $278,000
Buyer: Douglas E. Montminy
Seller: Marc G. Weinberger
Date: 07/15/16

196 Mill Village Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $224,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Brian J. Noyes
Date: 07/20/16

67 Sugarloaf St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $288,000
Buyer: Mark A. Wightman
Seller: Carol J. Gritz
Date: 07/11/16

69 Sugarloaf St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Mark A. Wightman
Seller: Carol J. Gritz
Date: 07/11/16

161 Upper Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $196,000
Buyer: Robert H. Daigle
Seller: Robert H. Daigle
Date: 07/21/16

ERVING

19 Mountain Road
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $159,000
Buyer: Rodney W. Willis
Seller: Crosby, Ruth S., (Estate)
Date: 07/14/16

4 Semb Dr.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Aubrey S. Kocjan
Seller: Lori A. Hall
Date: 07/22/16

GREENFIELD

382 Adams Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $234,000
Buyer: Daniel J. Carew
Seller: Louis S. Giramma
Date: 07/21/16

18-20 Beech St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $146,120
Buyer: UMassfive College FCU
Seller: Kathleen M. Sullivan
Date: 07/22/16

397 Davis St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Hilaire Chucky
Seller: Sherri A. Hickey
Date: 07/13/16

335 Federal St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $152,500
Buyer: Samuel W. Stafford
Seller: Penny J. Stewart
Date: 07/15/16

425 Federal St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $133,500
Buyer: 425 Federal LLC
Seller: Ruggeri, Sebastian J., (Estate)
Date: 07/11/16

126 Maple St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Sean C. Devlin
Seller: Joshua A. Isles
Date: 07/19/16

145 Montague City Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Jennifer Smith
Seller: Tracy A. Caisse
Date: 07/14/16

36 Revere Circle
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Jenna Skutnik-Sheffield
Seller: Dylan D. Chase
Date: 07/20/16

HEATH

1 Clearwater Dr.
Heath, MA 01346
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Richard Allard
Seller: Wayne M. Macdonald
Date: 07/21/16

LEVERETT

15 Chestnut Hill Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: 15 Chestnut Hill Road TR
Seller: Ian Winokur
Date: 07/12/16

LEYDEN

555 West Leyden Road
Leyden, MA 01337
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Roark C. Herron
Seller: Patrick D. Sullivan
Date: 07/18/16

MONTAGUE

19 G St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $129,000
Buyer: Sadoway, Jack, (Estate)
Seller: Todd M. Shute
Date: 07/14/16

26 Maple St.
Montague, MA 01301
Amount: $194,000
Buyer: Suzanne L. Lomanto
Seller: Lorraine D. Boguslawski
Date: 07/11/16

132 Montague City Road
Montague, MA 01301
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Curtis J. Lindberg
Seller: Douglas E. Montminy
Date: 07/15/16

16 Old Sunderland Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $242,000
Buyer: Amy E. Bovaird
Seller: Melissa L. Ross
Date: 07/22/16

70 Old Sunderland Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $238,000
Buyer: Kimberlee A. Gilhuly
Seller: Diane L. Norman
Date: 07/15/16

98 South Prospect St.
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $176,000
Buyer: Shawn Peyton-Pack
Seller: Craig Mackinnon
Date: 07/15/16

71 Turners Falls Road
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: William J. Doyle
Seller: William A. Mackinnon
Date: 07/14/16

NEW SALEM

102 Whitaker Road
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $207,296
Buyer: Matthew J. Ferris
Seller: Garrick P. Doherty
Date: 07/13/16

ORANGE

80 East Myrtle St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $134,000
Buyer: Adam S. Whitten
Seller: Swan, Richard C., (Estate)
Date: 07/22/16

189 Holtshire Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $184,000
Buyer: Terry L. Parker
Seller: Marc E. Parent
Date: 07/22/16

410 Holtshire Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Juliana L. Costa
Seller: Nathan A. Lacroix
Date: 07/11/16

170 Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $237,500
Buyer: Andrew S. Daisey
Seller: Raymond A. Teague
Date: 07/15/16

40 Town Farm Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: HSBC Bank
Seller: Anne M. Chenausky
Date: 07/11/16

SHUTESBURY

56 Lakeview Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $309,900
Buyer: Lisa L. Adams
Seller: Jeremey A. Wright
Date: 07/21/16

375 Locks Pond Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: David R. Bernard
Seller: Donna L. Thackeray
Date: 07/22/16

291 Wendell Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $229,000
Buyer: Melanie R. Desilva
Seller: Margaret M. Miklovich
Date: 07/19/16

SUNDERLAND

57 South Plain Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $294,000
Buyer: Leif C. Riddington
Seller: William L. Rice
Date: 07/22/16

WHATELY

95 Westbrook Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Christopher R. Bourbeau
Seller: John P. Betsold
Date: 07/15/16

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

48 Carmen Ave.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Seller: Barbara Nutbrown
Date: 07/14/16

712 Cooper St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Dmitriy Sidoryuk
Seller: Antonia Liquori
Date: 07/18/16

79 Cosgrove Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Daniel D. Osborn-Schray
Seller: Travis L. Trout
Date: 07/22/16

121 Fairview St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Nicolle Serafino
Seller: Christina Crevier
Date: 07/22/16

59 Federal Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $149,900
Buyer: Kelly Day
Seller: Catherine A. Valego
Date: 07/20/16

49 James St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $143,650
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Raymond J. Smith
Date: 07/18/16

199 Juniper Ridge Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $408,000
Buyer: Jack E. Vadnais
Seller: David M. Lloyd
Date: 07/15/16

111 Kensington St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Darren M. Rempp
Seller: Colleen A. Secovich
Date: 07/22/16

41 Lealand Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Peter M. Brault
Seller: Courtney J. Marshall
Date: 07/15/16

14 Mallard Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: Shawn P. Tatro
Seller: Aaron D. Holloway
Date: 07/20/16

140 Maple St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Fred R. Slattery
Seller: Elizabeth A. Jarvis
Date: 07/13/16

29 Mckinley St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $163,000
Buyer: Stephen A. Virella
Seller: John Williamson
Date: 07/18/16

586 Mill St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $567,450
Buyer: Chicopee Kendall LLC
Seller: Joseph L. Hart
Date: 07/21/16

9 Nolan Lane
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $397,500
Buyer: Aaron D. Holloway
Seller: Patrick Benvenuto
Date: 07/21/16

42 Norman Terrace
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $141,000
Buyer: Vitalie Radu
Seller: Wilmington Savings
Date: 07/13/16

41 Pineview Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: STE Properties LLC
Seller: Susan C. Roberts
Date: 07/22/16

425 Pine St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $378,750
Buyer: Nancy L. Lane
Seller: Vincenzo P. Tirone
Date: 07/14/16

12 Scherpa St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Elizabeth M. Gavioli
Seller: Kyle A. Gendron
Date: 07/20/16

65 Shopping Center
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: 65 Agawam Shopping Center LLC
Seller: BGL Corp.
Date: 07/21/16

24-26 Walnut St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Xueling Tang
Seller: Samue L. Fay
Date: 07/19/16

BLANDFORD

19 Herrick Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Richard A. Lesperance
Seller: Kathleen M. Deviny
Date: 07/18/16

1 Maple Lane
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $146,000
Buyer: Sean P. Slowey
Seller: David Y. Proctor
Date: 07/21/16

BRIMFIELD

31 Lyman Barnes Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $357,000
Buyer: Paul B. Blackburn
Seller: David B. Deraleau
Date: 07/20/16

48 Washington Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Joseph Fife
Seller: Roger E. Woods
Date: 07/19/16

CHESTER

689 Skyline Trail
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $144,000
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Anthony A. Volino
Date: 07/22/16

CHICOPEE

67 Basil Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $249,500
Buyer: James R. Cartier
Seller: Richard H. Gelinas
Date: 07/15/16

167 Beauregard Terrace
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $159,500
Buyer: Xizhong Yu
Seller: Shawn A. Guilbault
Date: 07/15/16

38 Dallaire Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Jaime Gilbert
Seller: Tuttle, Barbara A., (Estate)
Date: 07/15/16

25 Florence St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $246,000
Buyer: Ekrem Ademi
Seller: Renata Obiedzinski
Date: 07/14/16

34 Frink St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $190,900
Buyer: Kathleen M. Lavallee
Seller: Dennis R. Kahelalis
Date: 07/12/16

124 Gelinas Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Joshua E. Fradette
Seller: Jean B. Crevier IRT
Date: 07/22/16

38 Keddy Blvd.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $129,600
Buyer: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Seller: Eric J. Davidson
Date: 07/14/16

45 Keith St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Lisa A. Phillips
Seller: Kevin A. Morris
Date: 07/15/16

83 Mandalay Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $159,900
Buyer: Deborah A. Dart
Seller: Christina K. Ford
Date: 07/15/16

100 Mandalay Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $146,925
Buyer: Heather M. Pietras-Gladu
Seller: Gail L. Turgeon
Date: 07/22/16

17 Morgan Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $336,000
Buyer: Anthony Garfi
Seller: CRA Holdings Inc.
Date: 07/21/16

87 Old Farm Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $173,000
Buyer: Kimberly Sullivan
Seller: Robert Sadowski
Date: 07/22/16

202 Old Lyman Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Casey A. Breault
Seller: DGL Properties LLC
Date: 07/20/16

93 Paradise St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $156,500
Buyer: Daisy M. Aguilar
Seller: Annette M. Rochon
Date: 07/15/16

44 Pearl St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Richard L. Guimond
Seller: Peter J. Burek
Date: 07/11/16

90 Quartus St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Beatriz Agosto
Seller: Tyrone Osoimalo
Date: 07/15/16

160 Ruskin St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Roxanne Labonte
Seller: Benjamin R. Christopher
Date: 07/11/16

1 Sherbrooke St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Joseph R. Beaulieu
Seller: Jeannette M. Beaulieu
Date: 07/13/16

189 Silvin Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $118,000
Buyer: Joseph M. Tarka
Seller: Joseph P. Tavernier
Date: 07/22/16

121 Streiber Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $191,000
Buyer: Jaime Santiago
Seller: Rachel M. Garfi
Date: 07/21/16

EAST LONGMEADOW

182 Benton Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $4,500,000
Buyer: Storage Properties East Longmeadow
Seller: Big Wind Corp.
Date: 07/14/16

21 Gates Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $226,000
Buyer: Daniel M. Dumala
Seller: Joseph F. Dilk
Date: 07/15/16

48 Greenwich Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $404,000
Buyer: Richard J. Condon
Seller: Daniel J. Swords
Date: 07/13/16

60 Helen Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $150,439
Buyer: JP Morgan Chase Bank
Seller: Scott R. Lafond
Date: 07/11/16

10 Jennifer Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Robert W. Jergensen
Seller: Gia Santaniello
Date: 07/22/16

98 Maple St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $192,450
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: James J. Griffin
Date: 07/19/16

10 Maynard St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: David P. Stgeorge
Seller: Oscar Real Estate LLC
Date: 07/15/16

24 Mill Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Dianne M. Evans
Seller: Michael Carabetta
Date: 07/12/16

76 Millbrook Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Matthew J. Turowsky
Seller: Bailey, Albert 3rd, (Estate)
Date: 07/18/16

30 North Circle Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Jill M. Pszeniczny
Seller: Bruce W. Stebbins
Date: 07/12/16

141 Old Farm Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $570,000
Buyer: Talal Khan
Seller: Italo Santaniello
Date: 07/21/16

32 Scantic Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $232,500
Buyer: Colin J. Robinson
Seller: Charles G. Lutz
Date: 07/15/16

4 Theresa St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Ryan P. Dermody
Seller: Matthew S. Hooper
Date: 07/22/16

11 Vadnais St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $169,900
Buyer: Shahadat Hossain
Seller: Adriana Lefebvre
Date: 07/21/16

65 Westernview Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $343,880
Buyer: Bank of America
Seller: Whitney T. Thompson
Date: 07/22/16

78 Woodbridge Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $586,500
Buyer: Christopher D. McKinnon
Seller: Daniel J. Kleeberg
Date: 07/13/16

GRANVILLE

23 Dickinson Dr.
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Michael Hooben
Seller: Monica W. Mills
Date: 07/15/16

346 Main Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $254,500
Buyer: Amy Jones
Seller: Nicholas Haftmann
Date: 07/13/16

474 Main Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Timothy A. Rickis
Seller: Carrie A. Forshay
Date: 07/15/16

538 South Lane
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $555,000
Buyer: Mark A. Gargiulo
Seller: Peter J. Batchelar
Date: 07/15/16

HAMPDEN

15 Fisher Lane
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $222,500
Buyer: Anthony D. Smith
Seller: Joyce A. Dugre
Date: 07/20/16

71 Highland Circle
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Angel J. Rios
Seller: Bruce Stewart
Date: 07/19/16

HOLLAND

5 Candlewood Court
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $292,800
Buyer: Simon J. Gunnell
Seller: Bogdan Wyszomirski
Date: 07/18/16

1 Howlett Dr.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $256,500
Buyer: Peter J. Brandolini
Seller: David S. Carson
Date: 07/11/16

Lake Dr.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $129,000
Buyer: Holly M. Frisbie
Seller: Rebecca A. Bianchi
Date: 07/14/16

2 Old County Way
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Maple Ledge Associates
Seller: Kent E. Andersen
Date: 07/13/16

124 Old County Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Michael Damato
Seller: Kevin Sawyer
Date: 07/18/16

HOLYOKE

31 Bray Park Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $189,900
Buyer: Ian M. Guenette
Seller: Kara A. Schoeffel
Date: 07/22/16

18 Columbus Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Carmen O. Pena
Seller: Jeremy V. Croake
Date: 07/15/16

8 Liberty St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Alexandra J. Rowland
Seller: Chester W. Dudley
Date: 07/22/16

76 Lincoln St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $238,600
Buyer: Carolyn R. Sheridan
Seller: Sarah J. Dalhaus
Date: 07/11/16

1244 Main St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $137,024
Buyer: HSBC Bank
Seller: Cindy B. Baran
Date: 07/12/16

21 Norwood Terrace
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $121,000
Buyer: Jodine Powers
Seller: Wells Fargo Bank
Date: 07/22/16

568 South East St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: ALE Ventures LLC
Seller: 568 South East Street LLC
Date: 07/15/16

22 Upland Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $176,000
Buyer: Cheryl G. Labrie
Seller: Patricia A. Keane
Date: 07/22/16

1 Wayne Court
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Trent Rivers
Seller: Lesley K. Lauderdale
Date: 07/19/16

LONGMEADOW

124 Birnie Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $152,500
Buyer: Michael Michaud
Seller: Katherine Cincotta
Date: 07/14/16

56 Churchill Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $569,500
Buyer: Stephen J. Kelly
Seller: Richard M. Owens
Date: 07/11/16

174 Edgewood Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $259,500
Buyer: Daniel E. Sewell
Seller: Ronald Rice
Date: 07/22/16

75 Erskine Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Manish Sharma
Seller: Audrey G. Psaltis
Date: 07/15/16

57 Eton Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $396,900
Buyer: Garth Wolber
Seller: Richard J. Condon
Date: 07/13/16

1016 Frank Smith Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Carl A. Antonucci
Seller: Harold H. Hershelman
Date: 07/18/16

34 Greenwich Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $639,000
Buyer: Dean Curtis
Seller: Amy L. Greenbaum
Date: 07/21/16

626 Laurel St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Roberto D. Naranjo
Seller: Marsha P. Conniff
Date: 07/11/16

787 Longmeadow St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $449,900
Buyer: David Lyon-Bennett
Seller: Robert A. Lusardi
Date: 07/22/16

66 Metacomet Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $336,500
Buyer: Rachel L. Goldberg
Seller: Patrick J. McCoy
Date: 07/15/16

126 Oakwood Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $257,200
Buyer: Paul W. Koetsch
Seller: Carol A. Breton
Date: 07/15/16

7 Twin Hills Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $680,000
Buyer: Susan E. Denmark
Seller: Todd M. Adelson
Date: 07/20/16

312 Williams St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Alecka J. Kress
Seller: Erin Beaulieu
Date: 07/12/16

LUDLOW

25 Bliss St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $349,800
Buyer: Glen W. Shenkin
Seller: Gois Building Inc.
Date: 07/22/16

29 Cherry St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: James W. Monette
Seller: Adam Provost
Date: 07/15/16

23 Daisy Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $312,000
Buyer: Kristie Burdick
Seller: Gary G. Decoteau
Date: 07/18/16

81 Lockland Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Renata Lewandowska
Seller: Elaine Tranquilli
Date: 07/18/16

1081 Lyon St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $341,000
Buyer: Adam J. Provost
Seller: James R. Cartier
Date: 07/15/16

42 Prokop Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $187,500
Buyer: James E. Morell
Seller: Melissa M. Miele
Date: 07/20/16

132 River St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $209,500
Buyer: Melissa Ibay
Seller: Myrna E. Vehr
Date: 07/14/16

16 Vienna Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $167,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Christopher P. Silveira
Date: 07/20/16

MONSON

42 Bradway Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $290,500
Buyer: Richard D. Gastone
Seller: Kevin C. Ferguson
Date: 07/15/16

14 Silver St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $219,000
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Robert M. Clingman
Date: 07/13/16

167 Stafford Hollow Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Robert Pratt
Seller: Joeli R. McQuaid-Robert
Date: 07/15/16

PALMER

1 Beacon Dr.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $12,100,000
Buyer: BC Palmer Green LLC
Seller: Palmer Green Assocs. LP
Date: 07/14/16

29 Bourne St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: Angela M. Lebel
Seller: Zofia Gorzynska
Date: 07/20/16

87 Flynt St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $162,900
Buyer: Michael Bedrosian
Seller: Dean P. Smith
Date: 07/14/16

19 Oakland St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: Jared M. Sawabi
Seller: Robert Ray-Canterbury
Date: 07/15/16

57 Olney Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Carlos M. Huertas
Seller: Anthony E. Poindexter
Date: 07/12/16

3051 Palmer St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $239,250
Buyer: Michael R. Harris
Seller: Mark Jackson
Date: 07/15/16

1352 Park St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Matthew Johnson
Seller: Michael T. Marquette
Date: 07/15/16

2050 Pleasant St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Jesse E. Taylor
Seller: Lisa F. Godek
Date: 07/21/16

1130 South Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Amherst Railway Society
Seller: Crossway Christian Church
Date: 07/21/16

31 Smith St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $287,000
Buyer: David B. Deraleau
Seller: Richard M. Opper
Date: 07/20/16

129 Springfield St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $154,000
Buyer: Lauren M. Reutenauer
Seller: Rose C. Dinelle
Date: 07/18/16

RUSSELL

75 Highland Ave.
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $261,000
Buyer: Leo S. Hicks
Seller: Margaret L. Belanger
Date: 07/15/16

SPRINGFIELD

57 Allen St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $768,000
Buyer: Allen 57 LLC
Seller: Bill Stathakos
Date: 07/20/16

187 Arcadia Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $169,900
Buyer: Raymond Gonzalez
Seller: Andrew J. Jolicoeur
Date: 07/19/16

53 Balfour Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $159,900
Buyer: Sean C. Devanney
Seller: Siobhan E. O’Toole
Date: 07/12/16

406-408 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $795,000
Buyer: Sic Infit LLC
Seller: Stoneridge Realty LLC
Date: 07/15/16

36 Belvidere St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $174,000
Buyer: Stephen F. Rivers
Seller: Bryant M. Melluzzo
Date: 07/22/16

315 Boston Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $819,000
Buyer: UH Boston 315 LLC
Seller: Bill Stathakos
Date: 07/20/16

28 Brown St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $134,233
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Christopher C. Grier
Date: 07/22/16

35 Burnside Terrace
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $129,900
Buyer: Lenin A. Diaz-Guerrero
Seller: Tracy L. Lukas
Date: 07/15/16

188 Cherokee Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $121,000
Buyer: Tavia Jones
Seller: Evelyn Vergara
Date: 07/22/16

78 Dana St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $131,000
Buyer: Jessica Santiago
Seller: Arnaud T. Goulette
Date: 07/11/16

5 Danaher Circle
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Derek Metras
Seller: Diane M. Laporte
Date: 07/22/16

299-301 Dorset St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: John F. McCarthy
Seller: HSB Investments LLC
Date: 07/22/16

37 Dresden St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $130,463
Buyer: Wilmington Savings
Seller: Thomas Crane
Date: 07/11/16

475 Dwight Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $166,000
Buyer: Bison Biswa
Seller: Jill Yarkey-Judd
Date: 07/15/16

75 Edgemont St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $124,999
Buyer: Paul Gilday
Seller: Branco Construction LLC
Date: 07/18/16

239 El Paso St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Jesse Carman
Seller: Wayne P. Labranche
Date: 07/18/16

150 Ellendale Circle
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Mary Corbett
Seller: Jeffrey E. Kline
Date: 07/19/16

248 Fiberloid St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Jeff Patnaude
Seller: Jason R. Blinn
Date: 07/14/16

515 Forest Hills Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Doria M. Farrington
Seller: Richard Delviscio
Date: 07/15/16

225 Gillette Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $212,000
Buyer: James Francisco
Seller: Stephen M. Orszulak
Date: 07/14/16

32 Glenoak Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $177,400
Buyer: Michael P. O’Connor
Seller: Carol A. Thompson
Date: 07/14/16

21 Glenvale St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $175,037
Buyer: Edward E. Comini
Seller: Christopher J. Morrison
Date: 07/12/16

83 Groveland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $117,000
Buyer: Nidia Torres
Seller: Michael A. Witek
Date: 07/15/16

78 Grover St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $123,500
Buyer: Jessica L. Demaio
Seller: Hedge Hog Industries Corp.
Date: 07/13/16

335 Hermitage Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $161,500
Buyer: Gregory P. Hebert
Seller: Joseph J. Scruton
Date: 07/20/16

79 Judson St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $219,000
Buyer: Stephen D. Clay
Seller: K&N Properties LLC
Date: 07/15/16

73 Kirk Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Sheila I. Gonzalez
Seller: Bryant M. Hersh
Date: 07/22/16

12 Leyfred Terrace
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Suzy-Ann N. Baker
Seller: Vadim G. Romanchenko
Date: 07/18/16

89-91 Lyndale St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $159,900
Buyer: Jesse Martinez
Seller: Robert C. Leduc
Date: 07/15/16

25 Lynebrook Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Kyle M. Mascaro
Seller: Dennis J. Dowling
Date: 07/22/16

90 Macomber Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $201,000
Buyer: Syreeta Frazer
Seller: Keith A. Romano
Date: 07/12/16

644-652 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $713,000
Buyer: UH Main 644 LLC
Seller: Bill Stathakos
Date: 07/20/16

62 Manchester Terrace
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $146,500
Buyer: Ashlee Viens
Seller: Colin J. Robinson
Date: 07/15/16

169-171 Maynard St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $119,900
Buyer: Jose Martinez
Seller: Daphne McDonald
Date: 07/15/16

93-95 Melha Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Eliana Taveras
Seller: Matteo J. RETtura
Date: 07/22/16

78-80 Mooreland St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: KG Holdings Inc.
Seller: William Raleigh
Date: 07/15/16

34 Newport St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $139,000
Buyer: Gloria Garcia
Seller: Brianne C. Methe
Date: 07/14/16

54 Oak Hollow Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $136,000
Buyer: Dean T. Godek
Seller: Luso FCU
Date: 07/20/16

83 Oakwood Terrace
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Justin M. Crapps
Seller: Viviana Council
Date: 07/15/16

90 Ogden St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Jean Claude-Letendre
Seller: Gladys C. Markuson
Date: 07/12/16

1943 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Manuel Dejesus-Santiago
Seller: Elias Colon
Date: 07/18/16

60 Palmyra St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $181,986
Buyer: Bank Of America
Seller: Benjamin B. Fox
Date: 07/18/16

72 Pear St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Tonika Feliciano
Seller: Nelson Garcia
Date: 07/18/16

34 Rencelau St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Katina M. Syner
Seller: Timothy F. Murphy
Date: 07/22/16

65 Riverview Terrace
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $258,000
Buyer: Kerry-Ann Crichton
Seller: SAW Construction LLC
Date: 07/19/16

57 Rochford Circle
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Seller: Quang N. Nguyen
Date: 07/14/16

82 Rochford Circle
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Christopher P. Labonte
Seller: Labonte, Shirley W., (Estate)
Date: 07/14/16

79 Roosevelt Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $149,900
Buyer: David Borkosky
Seller: Cheryl A. Raymond
Date: 07/15/16

32 Scarsdale Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Loni J. Sawtelle
Seller: James Niedbala
Date: 07/11/16

219 Seymour Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $137,000
Buyer: Samuel Gomez-Gonzalez
Seller: MYA Realty LLC
Date: 07/14/16

32 Sawmill Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $157,500
Buyer: Erika Linares
Seller: Denise L. Dickinson
Date: 07/19/16

5 Signal Hill Circle
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $296,000
Buyer: Ernesto A. Castillo
Seller: Stanley Czaplicki
Date: 07/15/16

335 Sunrise Terrace
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $131,000
Buyer: Ace Home Equity Loan TR
Seller: Tony Yarborough
Date: 07/12/16

70 Sunset Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Kirsten M. Schuster
Seller: MYA Realty LLC
Date: 07/12/16

48 Thompson St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Brian E. Layfield
Seller: Jesse Carman
Date: 07/18/16

365 Tiffany St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $199,000
Buyer: Nancy J. Shewchuck
Seller: Sapphire Property Development LLC
Date: 07/14/16

95 Victoria St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $119,000
Buyer: Angel Rodriguez
Seller: Miguel A. Filpo
Date: 07/22/16

21-23 Virginia St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $119,445
Buyer: Bank New York Mellon
Seller: Michael C. Tuitt
Date: 07/22/16

90-92 West Alvord St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Joseph Sostre-Diaz
Date: 07/11/16

73 Wakefield St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $124,000
Buyer: Stephanie T. Jenkins
Seller: Lee A. Smola
Date: 07/15/16

195 Whittum Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $185,900
Buyer: Luis A. Flores
Seller: Richard Chang
Date: 07/20/16

100 Wilmont St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: George Allen
Seller: Teneo Properties LLC
Date: 07/21/16

19-21 Windemere St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Marcus Wannamaker
Seller: Mario J. Tascon
Date: 07/14/16

1150 Worcester St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $133,000
Buyer: Kimone Gilbert
Seller: Kerri J. Niemice
Date: 07/11/16

1090 Worthington St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $389,000
Buyer: Bridge Home Inc.
Seller: Stephen P. White
Date: 07/22/16

SOUTHWICK

16 Gillette Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: HSBC Bank
Seller: Joseph P. Myette
Date: 07/13/16

13 Grandview St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Benjamin J. Barton
Seller: Ralph H. Barton
Date: 07/11/16

16 Jeffrey Circle
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $324,900
Buyer: Matthew S. Bailey
Seller: Thomas R. Drapeau
Date: 07/15/16

316 North Loomis St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $279,900
Buyer: John J. Morizio
Seller: Mark A. Criscitelli
Date: 07/12/16

3 Overlook Lane
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $123,000
Buyer: Carolyn J. Cardaropoli
Seller: Pinnacle Estates at the Ranch
Date: 07/21/16

126 South Loomis St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Maryssa C. Cook-Obregon
Seller: James N. Beaulieu
Date: 07/19/16

8 Veteran St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $154,000
Buyer: Michael L. Menard
Seller: Susan W. Gilbert
Date: 07/15/16

73 Vining Hill Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $122,000
Buyer: William Kingman
Seller: Cynthia Marshall
Date: 07/22/16

TOLLAND

166 Brook Lane
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: William Minarik
Seller: John D. Martin
Date: 07/14/16

WEST SPRINGFIELD

128 Althea St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $246,000
Buyer: Tracy L. Renaud
Seller: Donald F. Scripter
Date: 07/22/16

18 Ames Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $144,000
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Kathleen E. Sullivan
Date: 07/22/16

57 Belmont Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $202,000
Buyer: Scott Henderson
Seller: Shane J. Coffey
Date: 07/12/16

159 Connecticut Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $269,000
Buyer: Noah L. Cahillane
Seller: Oak Ridge Custom Home
Date: 07/22/16

43 Dorwin Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $229,900
Buyer: Robert E. McQueen
Seller: Kristen M. Haskins
Date: 07/18/16

232 Great Plains Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Rene O. Feliberty
Seller: David Braska
Date: 07/12/16

245 Lancaster Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Rebecca L. Taylor
Seller: Sergey Radionov
Date: 07/15/16

179 Lower Beverly Hills
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Anibal Jurado-Cruz
Seller: Craig W. Brown
Date: 07/12/16

76 Lynne Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Qahil Ahmeti
Seller: Frank W. Orr
Date: 07/13/16

758 Main St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Javat Azizov
Seller: Xiuyu Ma
Date: 07/15/16

18-20 Morningside Terrace
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: MCL NT
Seller: Melissa Lichwan-Besse
Date: 07/13/16

49 Overlook Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $216,400
Buyer: Keith R. Laflamme
Seller: Lisa M. Grondin
Date: 07/15/16

88 Partridge Lane
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Andrey Korniyenko
Seller: James F. Sullivan
Date: 07/21/16

224 Prospect Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $197,500
Buyer: Priscilla A. Turgeon
Seller: S&C Homebuyers LLC
Date: 07/21/16

41 Silver St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $163,000
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Melanie D. Allen
Date: 07/12/16

442 Westfield St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: T&Y LLC
Seller: Mark J. Danalis
Date: 07/15/16

2275 Westfield St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Scott Ryan
Seller: Krishel P. Allen
Date: 07/22/16

47 Wilder Terrace
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Maksim Kolesnichenko
Seller: FNMA  Date: 07/13/16

43-45 Witch Path
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $408,000
Buyer: CA&DA Realty LLC
Seller: Mark F. Stinson
Date: 07/15/16

WESTFIELD

78 Big Wood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Anthony G. Grader
Seller: Michael C. Oglivie
Date: 07/13/16

17 Blueberry Ridge
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Steven D. Leon
Seller: Melissa A. Gagnon
Date: 07/13/16

16 Christopher Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Liliya Kostinyuk
Seller: Bayview Loan Servicing
Date: 07/18/16

19 Country Club Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Vasily Zhuk
Seller: FNMA
Date: 07/22/16

33 Ely St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Joseph M. Wynn
Seller: Charlene C. O’Rourke
Date: 07/13/16

89 Fairfield Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Emil J. Altobello
Seller: Kevin J. Uva
Date: 07/14/16

41 Fowler St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $136,110
Buyer: Samantha L. Pielock
Seller: Joshua J. Massie
Date: 07/11/16

88 Highland View St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Jason A. Croteau
Date: 07/13/16

6 Knollwood Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $219,900
Buyer: Steven M. Boisseau
Seller: Amy K. Hathaway
Date: 07/15/16

279 Loomis St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Jeffrey A. Kiratsoulis
Seller: Theodore R. Koziol
Date: 07/13/16

6 Madison St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Jefferey M. Pleu
Seller: Tok Chang
Date: 07/18/16

48 Maple Terrace
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $194,000
Buyer: Roland R. Deblois
Seller: John D. Daniels
Date: 07/19/16

89 Mountain View St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Tracey A. Bey
Seller: Kevin M. Dale
Date: 07/11/16

73 Old County Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Ella Krapova
Seller: John J. O’Connor
Date: 07/15/16

17 Overlook Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $249,900
Buyer: Gerald M. Oleksak
Seller: Joshua M. Carrig
Date: 07/18/16

274 Paper Mill Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $194,880
Buyer: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Seller: Alan C. Matthews
Date: 07/19/16

50 Pleasant St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $149,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Ghenadie V. Cravet
Date: 07/13/16

19 Rider Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Jordan T. Figueroa
Seller: Jeffrey P. Cyr
Date: 07/13/16

15 Sherwood Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Ryan T. Maheu
Seller: Thomas D. Robert
Date: 07/15/16

34 Southview Terrace
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $210,100
Buyer: Diane E. Tillman
Seller: Elisa A. Jaskolka-Monney
Date: 07/15/16

130 Steiger Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Alexander Purshaga
Seller: Robert I. White
Date: 07/18/16

6 Stephanie Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $259,900
Buyer: Craig A. Miller
Seller: Wayne W. Wood
Date: 07/22/16

11 Susan Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $283,000
Buyer: Elizabeth J. Bigelow
Seller: Diane E. Tillman
Date: 07/15/16

25 William St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $144,757
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Kenneth A. Newell
Date: 07/15/16

18 Wilson Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Karianne M. Pioretta
Seller: Elaine J. Lees
Date: 07/13/16

WILBRAHAM

85 3 Rivers Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $222,000
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Margaret T. Wrede
Date: 07/19/16

23 Brooklawn Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $171,000
Buyer: Stratton Renovation LLC
Seller: John Haggerty
Date: 07/12/16

195 Burleigh Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $285,850
Buyer: Sean Cavanaugh
Seller: Annemarie Sweeney
Date: 07/18/16

30 Delmor Ave.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Plumtree Real Estate LLC
Seller: FHLM
Date: 07/20/16

3 Forest Glade Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $292,500
Buyer: Kristen M. Hughes
Seller: Cheryl D. Noad
Date: 07/15/16

7 Greenwood Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Jennifer M. Jodoin
Seller: Mary C. Manning
Date: 07/15/16

3 Linwood Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $146,000
Buyer: Jonathan Courtney
Seller: US Bank
Date: 07/19/16

22 McIntosh Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Mathew A. Cowles
Seller: Daniel A. Shore
Date: 07/22/16

6 Pine Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Michael A. Walker
Seller: Catherine C. Deloria
Date: 07/11/16

352 Springfield St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Andre L. Lamoureux
Seller: Mary E. Dickson
Date: 07/18/16

2 Stirrup Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Samson H. Hanka
Seller: Paul R. Bernier
Date: 07/11/16

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

23 Canton Ave.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: John R. Sirard
Seller: Goralski, Lillian E., (Estate)
Date: 07/15/16

151 Columbia Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Eric Engelson
Seller: Paul R. Christiansen
Date: 07/12/16

27 Glendale Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $297,500
Buyer: Jennifer H. Kaplan
Seller: Cynthia A. McDonald
Date: 07/19/16

6 Kamins Circle
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $229,900
Buyer: Francisco Cruz
Seller: Michael F. Malone
Date: 07/19/16

105 Leverett Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $304,000
Buyer: Chul Park
Seller: Melanie R. Desilva
Date: 07/13/16

30 Lindenridge Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $639,900
Buyer: Louis Parrot
Seller: Elizabeth E. Wright
Date: 07/11/16

44 Owen Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $765,000
Buyer: Peter H. Reinhart
Seller: Thomas S. Vanwinkle
Date: 07/15/16

360 Pelham Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $278,500
Buyer: Ruta M. Duncia
Seller: Melvin Carlson Jr. NT
Date: 07/14/16

156 Shutesbury Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: Amy E. Kahn
Seller: James M. Theroux
Date: 07/21/16

61 South Mount Holyoke Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: William E. Soares
Seller: Nancy Jenal
Date: 07/21/16

211 South Pleasant St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $352,000
Buyer: Amherst College
Seller: Jennifer H. Kaplan
Date: 07/15/16

6 Smith St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $354,000
Buyer: Evan A. O’Neill
Seller: Christopher Prather
Date: 07/13/16

132 Van Meter Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Mukul C. Gangull
Seller: John O’Brien
Date: 07/20/16

20 Whippletree Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $394,900
Buyer: Ric Weinman
Seller: Jesse S. Ortiz
Date: 07/15/16

36 Woodlot Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $520,000
Buyer: Conrad A. Marvin
Seller: Jeannette M. Tokarz
Date: 07/20/16

BELCHERTOWN

34 Bay Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $212,000
Buyer: George W. Daole-Wellman
Seller: James O. Pazaris
Date: 07/15/16

59 Bay Path Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Daniel M. Laragy
Seller: Harold L. Boudreau
Date: 07/22/16

21 Brandywine Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $282,500
Buyer: Robert C. Merryman
Seller: Guodong Zhang
Date: 07/21/16

321 Chauncey Walker St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $259,000
Buyer: Brian R. Woodward
Seller: Jeffrey A. Demaio
Date: 07/22/16

38 Hickory Hill
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Heidi L. Bonafini
Seller: J. N. Duquette & Son Construction
Date: 07/22/16

17 Jasons Way
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $595,000
Buyer: Matthew W. Buckingham
Seller: Heidi L. Bonafini
Date: 07/22/16

17 Ledgewood Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: Laira F. Vonschilling
Seller: Ronald C. Abdow
Date: 07/14/16

16 Nathaniel Way
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: William M. Powell
Seller: John Malinowski
Date: 07/18/16

27 Old Pelham Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Gnatek
Seller: Sarah D. Prall
Date: 07/22/16

270 South Liberty St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $157,250
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Jeremy C. Lackie
Date: 07/21/16

633 Warren Wright Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: David D. Messing
Seller: G&H Development LLC
Date: 07/18/16

CUMMINGTON

20 Porter Hill Road
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Jasper Kirk-Gardner
Seller: Andrew W. Dickinson
Date: 07/13/16

EASTHAMPTON

112 East St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $168,000
Buyer: Gary R. Campbell
Seller: Household Finance Corp. 2
Date: 07/15/16

33 Groveland St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $222,000
Buyer: Zhong Li
Seller: Andrey Korniyenko
Date: 07/20/16

11 Hannum Brook Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $273,500
Buyer: John J. O’Connor
Seller: Sherrilyn A. Seklecki
Date: 07/15/16

237 Loudville Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $269,900
Buyer: Sherilyn A. Seklecki
Seller: Paul Wodecki
Date: 07/18/16

35 Maple St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Zachary F. Ciaschini
Seller: Marilyn Z. Cheek
Date: 07/21/16

14 Matthew Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $384,636
Buyer: Bank of America
Seller: Daniel J. Greene
Date: 07/18/16

3 Pine Hill Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Daniel C. Labumbard
Seller: John E. Young
Date: 07/12/16

34 Pine Hill Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Susanne Weinman
Seller: Mary B. Bowers Manning LT
Date: 07/15/16

183-185 Pleasant St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: SSMZ LLC
Seller: Donna M. Weyant
Date: 07/19/16

8 Vadnais St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Emily C. Mew
Seller: Tomaszewski, Judith A., (Estate)
Date: 07/19/16

GOSHEN

37 Aberdeen Road
Goshen, MA 01032
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Frederick Alexander
Seller: Haskell FT
Date: 07/14/16

5 Adams Road
Goshen, MA 01032
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: David Kaufman
Seller: Lawrence & C. Osborn LT
Date: 07/15/16

GRANBY

257 Batchelor St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $279,500
Buyer: Marc C. Parent
Seller: Cheryl G. Labrie
Date: 07/22/16

34 New Ludlow Road
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Darrel B. Cutting
Seller: Ivonette Ortiz-Rodriguez
Date: 07/18/16

HADLEY

193 Hockanum Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $208,000
Buyer: Rebecca A. Bland
Seller: Samuel J. Russell
Date: 07/22/16

3 Joelle Terrace
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $399,000
Buyer: Brian R. Umberger
Seller: Andre L. Daniere
Date: 07/15/16

49 Rocky Hill Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $412,024
Buyer: Ryan G. Bamford
Seller: Richard D. Lacross
Date: 07/22/16

HUNTINGTON

8 Basket St.
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Nick Toroni
Seller: Katherine A. Kahn
Date: 07/21/16

140 Pond Brook Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $272,000
Buyer: Travis Trout
Seller: Gunther J. Reimann
Date: 07/22/16

NORTHAMPTON

17 Brewster Court
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: Cago Enterprises LLC
Seller: Marjorie C. TR
Date: 07/22/16

788 Burts Pit Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $327,000
Buyer: Anne L. Zawacki
Seller: Donald Y. Stiles
Date: 07/15/16

274 Crescent St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Laura A. Katz
Seller: Christopher F. Clark
Date: 07/20/16

54 Grant Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Rosemund LLC
Seller: Pedruczny, Louise A., (Estate)
Date: 07/14/16

30 Hampden St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $223,000
Buyer: Christine A. Nolan
Seller: Nolan, Patricia M., (Estate)
Date: 07/15/16

57 Kensington Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $730,000
Buyer: Patrick M. Manseau
Seller: Peter W. Butler
Date: 07/11/16

18 Laurel Park
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $247,393
Buyer: Thomas J. Herman
Seller: Center At 35 State St. LLC
Date: 07/22/16

13 Lexington Ave.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $258,000
Buyer: Letitia L. Ferguson
Seller: Michele E. Derouin
Date: 07/21/16

183 Maple Ridge Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $555,000
Buyer: Avital Levy-Carlis
Seller: Janice M. Sypek RET
Date: 07/15/16

20 Middle St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Joseph D. Wyman
Seller: Bradley B. Bacom
Date: 07/12/16

154 Oak St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $322,000
Buyer: Suzanne B. Goldstein
Seller: Peter J. Ells
Date: 07/22/16

139 Prospect St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Stephen Petegorsky
Seller: Henry Badner
Date: 07/14/16

347 Riverside Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $299,900
Buyer: Angela M. Combest
Seller: Sandra J. Staub
Date: 07/11/16

78 Ryan Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Michael P. Damon
Seller: Robert N. McLaughlin
Date: 07/14/16

355 South St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Justin R. Aquadro
Seller: Rebecca S. Macauley
Date: 07/22/16

47 Stone Ridge Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $499,000
Buyer: Robert A. Lusardi
Seller: Christopher K. O’Connor
Date: 07/22/16

1091 Westhampton Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Anthony F. Gleason
Seller: TJDL Development LLC
Date: 07/15/16

SOUTH HADLEY

84 Alvord St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $239,000
Buyer: Steven N. Fiedler
Seller: John Bolton Hughes LT
Date: 07/22/16

16 Bardwell St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $167,500
Buyer: Daniel F. Muldoon
Seller: Partyka, Walter P., (Estate)
Date: 07/20/16

146 Granby Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Alanna R. Hoyer-Leitzel
Seller: Pamela T. Rys
Date: 07/13/16

283 Hadley St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $216,000
Buyer: Jessica T. Krause
Seller: Foundation Investors Inc.
Date: 07/15/16

32 Lawn St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $164,000
Buyer: Donald Whelihan
Seller: Susan Wilson
Date: 07/11/16

46 Ludlow Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Anthony Cheney
Seller: Aaron J. Kremer
Date: 07/12/16

13 North St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $147,000
Buyer: Roanne Heroux
Seller: Scott J. Walsh
Date: 07/21/16

10 Oakwood Circle
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $303,000
Buyer: Robert L. Hollis
Seller: Mario Tedeschi
Date: 07/22/16

6 Parkview Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $182,500
Buyer: Siri J. Lewis
Seller: Roman Catholic Archbishop Of Springfield
Date: 07/14/16

15 San Souci Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Jacie Mesheau
Seller: Thomas A. Boyer
Date: 07/12/16

28 Virginia Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Elizabeth K. Gray
Seller: Stephen P. Lavelle
Date: 07/22/16

33 Westbrook Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Bruce Boisselle
Seller: Virginia A. Benoit
Date: 07/15/16

SOUTHAMPTON

17 College Hwy.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $2,050,000
Buyer: Patrick Properties LLC
Seller: MCC Project 4 LLC
Date: 07/12/16

26 Gunn Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Cody A. Carson IRT
Seller: James M. Rigali
Date: 07/15/16

WARE

4 Eddy St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $118,000
Buyer: Shelley A. Soltys
Seller: Brian R. Pratt
Date: 07/22/16

310 Palmer Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $132,500
Buyer: Kristy L. Smith
Seller: Michael J. O’Connell
Date: 07/20/16

100 Pleasant St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $165,500
Buyer: Leo F. Dominie
Seller: Kevin C. Dimitropolis
Date: 07/12/16

2-8 Ross Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $168,500
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Michael J. King
Date: 07/12/16

WILLIAMSBURG

19 Goshen Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $136,000
Buyer: MHFA
Seller: Jonothan B. Ratcliffe
Date: 07/19/16

28 Goshen Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $137,499
Buyer: Paul V. Zononi
Seller: Zononi, Victor V., (Estate)
Date: 07/12/16

105 Old Goshen Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Lynn S. Gerlinger TR
Seller: Lisa T. Stiepock
Date: 07/20/16

WORTHINGTON

24 Fisk Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $283,000
Buyer: Nestor D. Matthews
Seller: George W. Samaha
Date: 07/21/16

17 Old North Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Cai Walkowiak
Seller: Gertrude T. Dunham
Date: 07/14/16

299 River Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Jennifer Maas
Seller: Karen S. Shedd
Date: 07/13/16

Ailes Case Reinforces the Need to Have Policies in Place

By
Employment Sections

Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

By Karina L. Schrengohst Esq.

Karina L. Schrengohst

Karina L. Schrengohst

“I think you and I should have had a sexual relationship a long time ago . . . sometimes problems are easier to solve” that way.  This statement is one of several sexually charged statements former Fox News host, Gretchen Carlson alleges were made by former chairman and CEO of Fox News, Roger Ailes.  Carlson claims, among other things, that she was subjected to sex discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace. In addition, she alleges that her employment with Fox News was terminated after she reported this discrimination and harassment and rejected Ailes’ sexual advances.

Carlson’s lawsuit illustrates the two different ways sexual harassment claims arise. Most commonly, sexual harassment claims are based on hostile-work-environment harassment, which happens when sexual advances, comments, or conduct are severe and pervasive enough to interfere with an employee’s work environment and work performance.

Carlson claims that her co-host created a hostile work environment by treating her in a sexist and condescending way, shushing her, mocking her, shunning her, refusing to engage with her, and belittling her contributions. According to Carlson, after reporting this conduct to Ailes, he called her a “man hater” and “killer” and told her she needed to learn to “get along with the boys.”

Carlson also claims that Ailes ogled her and made comments about her body, including asking her to turn around so he could view her posterior, commented on certain outfits enhancing her figure, and commenting on her legs. In addition, this case illustrates quid pro quo sexual harassment, which occurs when something — a raise or promotion, for example — is promised in exchange for sexual favors or when an employee is fired for saying no to sexual advances.

According to Carlson, Ailes made it clear to her that the problems she was having at work would not have existed and could be solved if she had a sexual relationship with him.

Sex discrimination and sexual harassment is prohibited in the workplace by state and federal law. As such, employers have an obligation to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment before it arises and to create a harassment-free workplace.

The first step employers can take toward prevention is creating and implementing a comprehensive written policy prohibiting sexual harassment, which has a procedure for reporting harassment. The proliferation of electronic devices and social media adds a layer of complication that did not previously exist in the workplace. As employees increasingly communicate electronically and via social media sites, there are even more opportunities for problems to arise — and to arise outside of the line of sight of supervisors.

This means that an employer’s policies should consider how harassment can arise in this context.

The next step employers can take toward eliminating sexual harassment in the workplace is ensuring that their policies are effective in practice. It is critical to communicate with employees about anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies to ensure employees understand the company’s policies. In addition, employers should regularly train employees with supervisory roles to make certain they understand their obligations and know how to recognize and report sexual harassment when it arises.

This is particularly important because supervisors are a company’s first line of defense. What they do (or do not do) can prevent (or create) a problem. Providing the proper training to supervisors can help shield the company from costly and time-consuming employment litigation claims. Further, employers should establish an investigative process to promptly and consistently handle all complaints of discrimination and harassment. Any allegation of sexual harassment must be treated seriously, documented, and investigated in a timely manner. Finally, employers should take appropriate corrective action, as necessary.

Although in this instance Fox News has lucked out, that is not usually the case and employers typically find themselves named as a party. Employers would be wise to take proactive, preventative steps to eliminate workplace discrimination and harassment, which in turn helps to reduce the risk of liability when faced with a sexual harassment lawsuit.

Karina L. Schrengohst Esq. specializes exclusively in management-side labor and employment law at Royal, P.C., a woman-owned, women-managed, boutique, management-side labor and employment law firm, which is certified as a women’s business enterprise with the Mass. Supplier Diversity Office, the National Assoc. of Minority and Women Owned Law Firms, and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council; (413) 586-2288; [email protected].

MCAD Gets Entrusted with ‘Sex,’ ‘Gender,’ and Other Key Issues

By
Employment Sections

Defining Issues

By Peter Vickery

Peter Vickery

Peter Vickery

At the end of June, the Mass. Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) was the subject of a report by the state auditor that criticized the agency’s delays, accounting practices, and security controls. Nevertheless, in July the Legislature decided to entrust the MCAD with the task of drafting rules and regulations around the Act Relative to Transgender Discrimination (commonly, and somewhat disparagingly, known as the Bathroom Bill).

But it chose not to make the MCAD the starting point for complaints under the new Pay Equity Act. Both pieces of legislation will affect employers in Western Mass., as would any changes the MCAD makes to its operating procedures in response to the audit report. But first, an overview of a recent decision from the agency’s Boston office that may influence the way employers across the commonwealth handle temporary disabilities.

MCAD & Carta v. Wingate Healthcare Inc.

The MCAD recently awarded a formerly full-time employee $25,000 for emotional distress in part because her employer had done such a good job of accommodating her need to work part-time. When the employer argued that keeping a part-time employee in a job that needed a full timer was an undue hardship, the hearing officer pointed to the fact that the company had coped well enough for five months and could show no loss of revenue or operational burden. The employer may regret having accommodated the disability so effectively.

One might think that the MCAD would want employers to create financially viable workarounds and reward them — or at least not punish them — for providing reasonable accommodations that do not hurt the bottom line. Instead, if this case is anything to go by, an employer’s success in accommodating a temporary disability can count as a strike against it.

The case, MCAD and Carta v. Wingate Health Care Inc., is the decision of a single hearing officer, not the full commission, but it provides insight into the agency’s thinking.

Cecelia Carta was the admissions coordinator for Wingate Healthcare. During 2010, she was off work for health reasons for one week in August and then from September to December. She returned to work part-time Dec. 6, working four hours a day, initially three days a week and later four days a week. On May 12, 2011, Wingate terminated Carta’s employment, telling her that the company needed a full-time admissions coordinator.

They asked her stay in touch and suggested she apply for her old job if and when she could return to full-time work. But they had not warned her (or, rather, presented no evidence that they had warned her) that unless she returned to full time she would be let go. This was an important omission.

Perhaps the HR people were worried that if they told Carta that the company really needed a full-time admissions coordinator as opposed to a part-time one, their words could be construed as in some way discriminatory. Whatever their reason, the lack of notice carried a price tag of $25,000.

The hearing officer did not order Wingate to pay lost wages because Carta had received $116,000 in workers compensation and $181,000 from two injury-related lawsuits. But Carta was entitled to $25,000 for the emotional distress of being terminated without having been warned that her employer would like her to resume work on a full-time basis some time in the not too distant future.

Why did Wingate terminate Carta? The company’s decision-makers seem to have thought that the medical documentation put them on solid ground. After all, at the end of April, Carta’s primary care physician had cleared her to return to full-time work “from a medical perspective.” The doctor deferred to her orthopedic surgeon for orthopedic clearance, and the May 10 orthopedic opinion stated no date for a return to full-time work.

After accommodating the disability for five months, and with no medical opinion showing that Carta could ever return to full-time work, plus the knowledge that Massachusetts anti-discrimination law does not require an employer to keep a disabled employee’s job open indefinitely, Wingate’s decision seems reasonable. But the hearing officer deemed the termination precipitate.

How long should Wingate have continued to employ Carta part-time? According to the MCAD:

“At the very least, [Carta] should have been permitted to complete her physical therapy over the course of the next month, and if then there was no definitive prognosis for improvement, and no anticipated return to full duty, [Wingate’s] obligation to continue providing an accommodation in the form of a part-time schedule would likely have ceased.”

Terminating Carta in the month of May rather than waiting until June cost Wingate $25,000.

State Auditor’s Report

Just before the Fourth of July holiday, the state auditor published an official report on the MCAD. In addition to noting the commission’s four-year backlog and revealing the usual, garden-variety problems that bedevil state agencies (e.g. mismanagement, inefficiency, and poor book-keeping) it confirms a long-harbored suspicion: The MCAD asserts jurisdiction where it has none.

The statute that governs the MCAD clearly states: “Any complaint filed pursuant to this section must be so filed within 300 days after the alleged act of discrimination.” Nevertheless, the state auditor’s report reveals that in the three-year period of the audit (2012-2015) the MCAD processed more than 100 cases where it lacked subject matter jurisdiction because the applicable statute of limitations had run its course:

“[D]uring our audit period, MCAD accepted 123 complaints beyond the 300-day timeframe for complainants to file their complaints. MCAD regulations allow for this 300-day timeframe to be extended under certain conditions, but there was no documentation in the case files to substantiate that any of these complaints met those conditions.”

Out of curiosity I asked the state auditor’s office how they determined this fact. It turns out they simply had to review the data in the MCAD’s case-management system. Perhaps if the MCAD confined itself to cases over which it does have jurisdiction, it would not have a four-year backlog. In any event, employers charged with discrimination should check the calendar and take steps to preserve their objections on the grounds of late filing. Having the case dismissed on jurisdictional grounds may offer little consolation if the dismissal only occurs after four years of investigation.

Act Relative to Transgender Discrimination

This is the statute that opponents dubbed the Bathroom Bill. After much brouhaha, the Legislature passed it and Gov. Baker signed it into law. It provides:

“An owner, lessee, proprietor, manager, superintendent, agent, or employee of any place of public accommodation, resort, or amusement that lawfully segregates or separates access to such place of public accommodation, or a portion of such place of public accommodation, based on a person’s sex shall grant all persons admission to, and the full enjoyment of, such place of public accommodation or portion thereof consistent with the person’s gender identity” (emphasis added).

So what exactly is gender identity? The statute defines it as follows: “‘Gender identity’ shall mean a person’s gender-related identity, appearance or behavior, whether or not that gender-related identity, appearance or behavior is different from that traditionally associated with the person’s physiology or assigned sex at birth.”

Perhaps aware that the foregoing does little more than restate the term “gender identity” rather than actually defining it, and mindful of the potentially ticklish nature of proving any given individual’s gender identity, the Legislature chose to delegate the task of crafting evidentiary standards to a state agency. It selected one with an imaginative and expansive approach to statutory definitions, namely the MCAD. The report is due Sept. 1.

Pay Equity Act

Together with the Act Relative to Transgender Discrimination, the Legislature enacted the Pay Equity Act, which prohibits employers from discriminating upon the basis of gender. The previous statute declared that “no employer shall discriminate in any way in the payment of wages as between the sexes.” The new version provides: “No employer shall discriminate in any way on the basis of gender in the payment of wages.” So out with ‘sex’ and in with ‘gender.’

But isn’t gender the same as sex? No, not any more (see below).

As well as differing from the old equal-pay statute, the new law also differs from the Fair Employment Practices Act (Chapter 151B). Unlike employees bringing complaints under Chapter 151B, employees who wish to charge their employers with violations of the pay-equity statute will not have to start at the MCAD. They can go straight to court. Another novelty is that the new law encourages employers to conduct regular reviews of their pay practices.

If an employee sues, and the employer can show that it undertook a good faith self-evaluation of pay practices within the preceding three years (and made progress in remedying any discrepancies) it will have an affirmative defense. With an affirmative defense, the burden is on the party raising it, i.e. the employer. So with an eye to future lawsuits, employers may wish to keep in mind the need for persuasive evidence sufficient to prove that the good-faith evaluation took place.

But what exactly does the law prohibit? It forbids pay discrimination on the basis of gender, a word the Legislature chose not to define and whose legal meaning has changed over the past 20 years.

In 1996 the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit was saying nothing controversial, let alone heretical, when it held that in Title VII cases the words ‘sex’ and ‘gender’ were interchangeable. Although the court observed that “some academic writers” were asserting “that ‘gender’ connotes cultural or attitudinal characteristics distinctive to the sexes, as opposed to their physical characteristics” and that the distinction might be useful “for some purposes,” it decided to stick with the practice of treating ‘gender’ as a synonym for ‘biological sex.’

A dozen years later, the Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit took a more flexible approach, noting that “gender, to some people, is a fluid concept.” After acknowledging that gender is “rooted in science and means sex — male or female — based on biology (chromosomes, genitalia)” the court noted that “the usage of the word is changing in some circles as a result of social and ideological movements that find the scientific meaning to be unsatisfactory or not sufficiently inclusive.” That usage is catching on.

Last year, Judge Mastroianni of the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts stated that the statutory prohibition against discrimination “on the basis of sex” prohibits discrimination not only on the basis of “biological sex” but also on the basis of a “gender identity.”

As authority for this proposition he cited a First Circuit Court of Appeals decision from 2002 and a Supreme Court decision from 1989 that used the words ‘sex’ and ‘gender’ as synonyms, concluding that by using the words interchangeably those courts had interpreted ‘sex’ to encompass ‘gender identity.’ Of course, using the words interchangeably had led the Fourth Circuit to precisely the opposite conclusion, i.e. that the word ‘gender’ had its scientific meaning, namely biological sex. But that was way, way back in 1996.

Nowadays law must pay less heed to science, with its pettifogging attention to such trifles as chromosomes and genitalia, and more to the “social and ideological movements” that deem the scientific terminology “not sufficiently inclusive.” Therefore, so far as the judges are concerned, if a statute says that it prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex (a matter of biology) what the statute really prohibits is discrimination on the basis of gender (a matter of identity).

And what of a pay-equity statute prohibiting discrimination on the basis of gender (not sex); what does it forbid? We shall have to wait and see.

Peter Vickery practices employment law in Amherst; (413) 549-9933.

Local Employment Agencies See Surge in Demand for Full-time Employees

By
EmploymentFeature 0816b
Employment Sections

Hire Expectations

Employment agencies, by nature of the work they carry out, can take an accurate read of the economy, the confidence exhibited by area employers, and the trends developing within various sectors. Their pulse-taking exercises reveal, among other things, that the economy has been growing steadily since the end of the recession, and that this remains, by and large,  a a job hunter’s market because businesses and start-ups are growing, and the demand for people with specialized skills is currently greater than the supply.

Tricia Canavan

Tricia Canavan says working with an employment agency can be beneficial to job seekers because such firms know what employers want and can help them hone their skills.

A client recently told Tricia Canavan that he didn’t know how she found the right person to fill an executive position in his firm.

“I told him it’s our sole focus, so it’s easier for us than it is for many small and mid-sized companies,” said the president of United Personnel in Springfield.

But it’s still no small feat: The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.2% in June, for the third month in a row, and fewer people are searching for jobs.

“It is becoming increasingly difficult to find qualified candidates,” Canavan said.  “The economy in Western Mass. is really strong, the job market is very tight, and we’re seeing increased demand for direct hires as well as temp-to-hire positions.”

Chart of Area Employment Agencies

Indeed, although the market was flooded with job hunters during the recession, the pendulum has certainly swung in the opposite direction, creating new challenges for employers — and the staffing agencies trying to serve them.

“The field is rife with opportunity for people with the right skills,” said Jackie Fallon, president of FIT Staffing Solutions LLC in Springfield and Enfield, which specializes in the field of information technology. Historically, about 25% of their job openings have been for temporary positions, and although there was a rise in temp jobs from 2008 to 2010, today only two of 25 openings she is trying to fill fall into that category.

“It’s a job-candidates’ market; there is a gap between supply and demand,” Fallon continued, adding that people with IT skills are not afraid to quit jobs without notice due to the high demand for their skills, and this factor, combined with the fact that many baby boomers are retiring, has increased the number of openings in the industry.

“It is becoming increasingly difficult to find qualified candidates,” Canavan said.  “The economy in Western Mass. is really strong, the job market is very tight, and we’re seeing increased demand for direct hires as well as temp-to-hire positions.”

Ed Piekos notes the same trend in another industry. “Job openings continue to exceed hires for companies looking for financial professionals with well-rounded skill sets and strong soft skills,” said the vice president of Accountemps/Office Team in Springfield. The former specializes in accounting and finance professionals and their temporary jobs can last up to two years, while its sister division specializes in administrative support, where a business might need a receptionist for as little as a day.

Jackie Fallon

Jackie Fallon says there is strong need for employees who are proficient in information technology, and this pattern will continue.

Andrea Hill-Cataldo, president of Johnson & Hill Staffing Services in West Springfield, said the need for people in accounting and finance has grown so much that earlier this year she hired Tiffany Appleton to serve as director of the new Finance and Accounting division her firm created.

“We’re very busy, and there is a growing need for this type of expertise in both temp and temp-to-hire positions, although most of the jobs we’re trying to fill are temp-to-hire,” she told BusinessWest.

Appleton moved from the Boston area to Western Mass. to take the job, and was surprised to find the majority of vacancies in this region are newly created jobs.

“We’re not seeing a need for backfills; all of the positions we have exist because small and mid-size companies are growing and want to add to their teams,” she noted. “They’re creating permanent jobs and are fully committed; they are not testing the waters with a temp.”

Although she noted that larger firms still do employ temps, which some people prefer to call “contractors” due to the negative connotations associated with the term “temporary,” the majority of them keep these hires for a year or longer, which allows them to continuously adjust to economic demands without affecting their permanent staff.

“Temporary hires are a workforce-management tool because they can be used for projects, special needs, or uncertain demands,” Appleton explained.

Overall, who, when, and why companies are hiring are subjects still dominated by a host of questions marks. But many employment issues are coming into focus, and for this issue, BusinessWest talked with many staffing professions about what they’re experiencing, and what that means in terms of the proverbial big picture.

Meeting Diverse Needs

Although the demand for full-time employees is growing, Canavan said many companies have significant seasonal fluctuations and do need temporary workers. Decades ago they hired people to fill these jobs, then laid them off, but today they depend on employment agencies to fill their need for workers whose job duties can range from customer service to processing orders to even project management.

It’s a system that works well because local employment agencies retain pools of qualified candidates they deploy on a frequent basis.

Andrea Hill-Cataldo, left, and Tiffany Appleton

Andrea Hill-Cataldo, left, and Tiffany Appleton say that although large companies can offer rich benefit packages, small to mid-sized companies often can be more flexible or creative with benefits, which appeals to many job seekers.

The length of time they work depends on what they are hired for, but Fallon said her firm provides them with health insurance if they need it and keeps them on staff as W2 employees, because independent-contractor law in Massachusetts is the strictest in the country.

“And in our industry, many software developers want to go from job to job, which they can do in other states, but not in this one,” she explained.

Other agencies also see people who only want to work on a temporary basis. Some are retired, others are simply interested in challenging projects, a number want to gain skills and experience in a new field they are considering, and still others supplement their income by working part-time.

“They may have plans to move in a year, are re-entering the workforce, or are a recent college graduate who just wants to build a resume,” Canavan said.

She told BusinessWest there are also many part-time positions available, which is ideal for job applicants with another job or responsibilities that prevent them from working full time.

The options are unlimited, and the temp-to-hire route often works well for both employers and prospective employees, although people leaving a full-time job to take another usually want the security of knowing they have a job.

“Many companies want to try a candidate out to see if they fit well in their culture, but it’s also an excellent way for a person to see if they want to work for the employers,” Piekos explained, noting that a job placement needs to be a good fit; someone who has worked in corporate America may not be comfortable working in the construction industry.

Ed Piekos

Ed Piekos says companies seeking a highly skilled financial professional with strong soft skills must act quickly when they find one and be willing to negotiate.

That can be difficult to determine if the employer and their workplace constitute an unknown entity, which happens frequently when people search for a job on their own.

“It can be very frustrating for people to apply for jobs via the Internet. It’s like sending your resume into a black hole,” Canavan said, explaining that there is often no response and no feedback, which can be mitigated with an employment agency because they know their clients well.

In fact, Hill-Cataldo believes every job seeker should contact an employment agency.

“We can’t help everyone but we’re really honest about feedback and we offer specialized services. One interview with us can yield a lot of potential options, so it is a good investment of people’s time,” she explained.

Her agency also offers candidates they accept free assistance in polishing their resumes as well as their interviewing skills, and offers honed advice on how to turn a temp position into a permanent one.

Timing Issues

Star performers may be in demand, but Hill-Cataldo said their clients are not compromising their standards.

“They want the right person and are highly selective,” she noted, “But if they do find a top candidate, they act quickly because they know that quality people are being snatched up.”

Piekos has spent 18 years in the industry and been through three economic downturns and recoveries, and says the market right now for skilled employees is especially tight, so it is critical for employers to make offers quickly if they like a candidate.

“Companies need to be willing to negotiate quickly because a person may have a lot of offers on the table. They have to be ready to sell themselves and be willing to entertain things such as higher salaries and flexible scheduling or they could lose top performers,” he said. “We’re in a specialized economy, and skilled talent is becoming harder and harder to find, so candidates with the skill sets companies want often have multiple offers.

“Counter offers are common and hiring has become intensively competitive,” he went on, adding that the national unemployment rate is 1.8% for financial analysts, and 2.6% for bookkeepers, so there may be dozens of local companies trying to hire a senior accountant.

“It’s really a candidate’s market, and people with the right skill sets are so confident they are forcing employers to look at retention strategies and compensation plans,” Piekos continued, explaining that people are more willing to change jobs today than they were during the recession.

He believes the top items companies need to offer in order to acquire and retain top employees include a willingness to invest in their professional development; the ability to provide opportunities for career advancement; good salaries or hourly wages; and programs that reward or recognize employees for excellent work.

Many job seekers in this market, particularly millennials, are also concerned with the flexibility a job offers and want to be able to make their own work schedules.

“Candidates are definitely demanding and want to work for a company that offers them a good work/life balance. Many tell us the company’s mission is important and should allow them to take time off to volunteer, as well as allowing them to work from home as much as possible,” Fallon said, adding that employers who want to hire people competent in information technology need to keep pace with it themselves because college graduates won’t work for a company with old technology.

And since a good fit means understanding the needs of both the employer and the employee, Canavan says her firm interviews employers about what a typical work week is like, and talks to prospective employees about what they find acceptable.

There are other important factors, and one of them is that finding the right candidate for a job doesn’t necessarily mean they need all of the technical skills a company would like.

Job-placement specialists agree that skill sets are transferable, so soft skills are often more important than proficiency in a certain area and finding someone who fits well within an employer’s culture and has good soft skills can be the deciding factors in who they hire.

“Employers are more open to understanding this today than they were in the past,” Appleton said. “Many skill sets are transferable.”

Hill-Cataldo added four new employees to her own staff over the past 18 months, and followed that principle; her new placement coordinator was a legal assistant, and other hires came from the banking and retail industries.

“You can train someone on the technical aspects of the job, but you can’t train them to be passionate about their work,” she said.

Future Outlook

The need for qualified employees continues to grow, and more companies are taking measures to ensure that the people who already work for them are happy, which is critical to retention. They are also focusing on why their firm stands out so they can sell themselves to candidates they like.

Hill-Cataldo and other experts say this is especially important in the current competitive environment.

“It’s not your typical market, and we are so busy we can’t identify enough qualified candidates for the business we have,” she noted, adding that they are placing people in many high- level positions.

“It’s a good time to be looking for a job,” she said in conclusion. “There are lots and lots of opportunities.”

Homeschooling Presents Challenges, Unique Opportunities

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Life Lessons

Jean Pao Wilson

Jean Pao Wilson homeschooled her son Dillan for six years until he chose to enter public school, and still homeschools her 13-year-old daughter Amelia.

Jean Pao Wilson will never forget the moment she decided to homeschool her children.

“I can still see the picture in my head; my children were sitting on my husband’s knees on the riding mower as the sun set behind them,” the Easthampton mother said, adding that she had returned home from running errands, and although it was past their bedtime, her son and daughter ran and jumped into their father’s lap as soon as they saw him.

“It was a deciding moment; my son was in kindergarten and I had been thinking about the idea, but that did it,” Pao Wilson said, explaining that her husband worked six days a week, her children were in bed every night when he got home, and she knew homeschooling would allow them to spend more time together.

Other local parents who homeschool may not have experienced a similar epiphany, but those who have chosen this route say the benefits outweigh the challenges, and they and their children have no regrets.

Indeed, 16-year-old Dillan Wilson, who made the decision to switch to a brick-and-mortar school in seventh grade after years of homeschooling, found his experiences with learning very different than many of his peers.

“I saw so many kids who were just trying to get a (grade of) 60 to pass a test, rather than really wanting to understand the material,” he explained. “If I hadn’t been homeschooled for so many years, I might have been one of them.

“Homeschooling was a good experience,” he continued. “It wasn’t over-structured and I always wanted to learn more because there was never any pressure or testing.”

Statistician Sarah Grady from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics said the organization’s most recent study on homeschooling has yet to be released. But there was a 74% increase in homeschooling from 1999 to 2003, a 36% increase over the next nine years, and by 2012, 3.4% of students in the U.S. were homeschooled, including 31,000 to 41,000 children in Massachusetts.

Grady said the majority of parents cited concern about the environment in schools as the primary reason they decided to homeschool. However, the numbers reflect a limited population; 83% are white, and the income for most households is $50,000 to $100,000.

But local parents say the benefits are numerous: Homeschooling can be tailored to meet each child’s need; each child has a one-on-one-tutor; they can learn at their own pace without being labeled, which is especially important if they are ahead or behind in a subject area; they learn to think more independently than their peers; they are not bored by subjects they lack interest in or have already mastered; the environment is safe and devoid of bullying; and unusually close family relationships are forged due to a lifestyle that incorporates learning at every level.

Which is not to say that parents never have doubts.

David Iacobucci of East Longmeadow is a middle-school vice principal, and when his wife Adriana told him she wanted to homeschool their children he was apprehensive because he lacked a true understanding of the possibilities.

But over the years, a series of small and consistent successes that began when he watched Adriana teach his children to read built a belief in homeschooling that exceeded anything he could have imagined.

It has involved a lot of lot of hard work; the couple has studied Massachusetts and Connecticut state standards, and David has provided Adriana with many resources gleaned from his own career. But ultimately, he discovered that what was taking place in his home was the ideal set for public schools: Student-centered learning with an unlimited opportunity for socialization through a full schedule of diverse activities.

But he admits he continued to have some reservations, although they diminished over time, until his oldest daughter, Lena, got her first report card in a brick-and-mortar high school.

Today, Lena is a senior and president of the National Honor Society in East Longmeadow High School; her younger sister Sofia, who entered public school in 7th grade, has also earned honors, including the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence in eighth grade; and 11-year-old Eliza and 8-year-old Luca are being homeschooled by Adriana.

For this edition and its focus on education, BusinessWest takes a look at homeschooling through the eyes of several local families who shared their fears, hopes, and dreams, and the challenges and rewards of this form of alternative education.

Unlimited Resources

Miranda Shannon of Amherst started homeschooling 16 years ago. Today, one of her children is in graduate school, two are in college, her 18-year-old just finished his high school homeschooling program, and her 14-year-old son is still being homeschooled.

“Homeschooling is a viable way to educate children that can be done successfully because it allows parents to take their children’s personalities and learning styles into account; the ultimate goal is to produce an educated, self-confident young person,” Shannon told BusinessWest, noting that it’s more accepted today than when she started more than a decade ago.

Shannon is the moderator for the Pioneer Valley Homeschoolers Group, an inclusive, eclectic, online support group started in 2000 by a handful of families in a playgroup who shared the same goals.

It’s a place where people can find resources, ask questions, get advice and support, and post events, classes, and other activities. The group also offers help on tasks that include how to turn in paperwork required by local school departments as well as other practical information.

“There are things that every family must do, but when it comes to actual teaching we all do things very differently,” Shannon said, noting that PVHG provides support at all stages of schooling, from preschool/kindergarten through high school, which is important; veteran homeschoolers, who schooled their teens through high school give advice to families who wish to do the same.

The help ranges from information about existing options to advice on how to create high school transcripts, and personal experiences with the college application process.

Adrianna Iacobucci

Adrianna Iacobucci helps 11-year-old Eliza and 8-year-old Luca with their studies.

Indeed, so many groups exist in which homeschoolers and parents collaborate that it’s not difficult for parents to find one with like-minded people; they include cooperatives where group learning and projects are the primary focus; clubs formed by parents; support groups; and a growing number of field trips, classes, and educational sessions.

Sophia Sayigh is on the board of directors for Advocates for Home Education in Massachusetts; the statewide nonprofit is based in the Boston area and designed to educate and support parents in the Commonwealth who want to homeschool their children.

She says each town or city is responsible for overseeing residents who are homeschooled, and parents must submit an annual plan for each child. However, there is considerable room for flexibility because homeschoolers are not required to take standardized tests, although they can take an exam similar to the GED if they want a traditional diploma.

But experts say that is not necessary for entrance to college, especially at private schools, and an article in the Journal of College Admission notes that homeschoolers’ ACT and SAT scores are higher than those of public school students, and home-educated college students perform as well as or better than traditionally educated students.

Although some parents use curriculums they purchase to help guide their daily lessons, many create their own based on state standards. The Internet also provides an unlimited trove of resources: Lena Iacobucci took a free college course in psychology when she was in 8th grade, and her sister Sofia took a college course in International Law while she in 6th grade, thanks to offerings on the website www.coursera.org.

Sayigh tells parents to consider their child’s interests and how they learn best and include that in their education plan, and notes that being able to cater to their individual needs is one of the benefits of homeschooling.

“Everything is interdisciplinary,” she said, explaining that although schools divide their day into periods with designated times for different subjects, taking a child who is fascinated by marine biology to an aquarium can lead to extensive reading, research, writing, and math exercises that the child finds interesting. And since children learn best when they are enthusiastic about a subject, it can result in advanced learning.

In fact, homeschooling is an experience far removed from what most people imagine.

“You do not have to recreate school at home; there is no school bus to catch, and if something isn’t working, you change it,” Sayigh said. “Plus, your child doesn’t ever have to struggle because their learning is not dictated by an outside institution.

“Although you need to be able show progress, they don’t have to be at grade level in every subject,” she continued, citing the example of learning to read; there is a continuum of normal, and if parents read to their children every day and take other measures that hold their interest, they attain competence in their own timeframe.

Shattering Misconceptions

Homeschooling parents agree that although it can be a lifesaver for some children, it is definitely not for everyone, and is unlikely to be successful if the parent’s and children’s personalities do not mesh well, or for those unwilling to make the effort required to ensure their children have a multitude of opportunities to interact socially with their peers.

“If the parent is on the quiet or shy side, it may be hard to provide enough socialization for their children,” said Pao-Wilson, a licensed clinical psychologist. “It takes energy and time to network and establish and build the relationships and support that you and your children need.”

Local homeschooling parents say they don’t sit at the kitchen table for six hours a day, and their schedules are much different than one would find in a traditional school setting. Most tackle academic subjects such as math and language arts in the morning, because children learn best when they are not tired.

But their afternoons vary; children meet and do projects or learn lessons with co-op groups, take field trips, do volunteer work, research, read, take part in organized sports, and participate in the many programs that have sprung up in recent years at local museums, nature centers, and other facilities offering programs expressly for home-schooled students.

Gary Pao Wilson and his son Dillan

Gary Pao Wilson and his son Dillan share a close relationship and many interests, which was the intent behind Jean Pao Wilson’s decision to homeschool their children.

For example, Springfield College started a free physical education program last year for homeschoolers that divides them by age and meets on Friday mornings.

“All aspects of the program are directly supervised by Springfield College faculty members,” said Springfield College PEHE Chairman Stephen C. Coulon. “The physical education instruction is offered in a supportive environment with the emphasis on achievement and enjoyment.”

Parents also start their own groups. Pao Wilson and another homeschooling mother received a STEM grant from 4-H to start a Science Club, and was helped by two friends; a molecular cellular biologist and a friend with a degree in astrophysics.

“I know it’s incumbent on me to find programs that will interest my children, and if something doesn’t exist, I need to create it or find resources that will help me,” she said.

Most children’s schedules are filled with activities and trips to places that interest them, and they also belong to Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, local sports teams, and more.

Social skills are formed as they work on projects in homeschool cooperatives and through the many group activities they take part in. In fact, parents and children say that being in a classroom doesn’t mean you will make friends with the people around you, and that it’s easy for them to form friendships in a homeschooling environment.

“You don’t need to be with 30 kids a day to develop as a normal, happy person, and homeschooled children are often more comfortable with adults because they don’t view them as someone who is trying to keep them in order,” Sayigh noted, adding that she successfully homeschooled her two children.

Different Styles

Pao Wilson does not think of homeschooling as simply another way to master academics; instead she views it as a place to learn lessons about life; develop critical thinking skills; and share her personal values.

And since most homeschoolers engage in a wide variety of activities related to their schooling, that’s exactly what has occurred with her children.

Her daughter Amelia, has earned ribbons for science-related projects in 4-H; taken photography classes, and pursued other things that interest her.

And although Dillan chose to leave homeschooling for a traditional education, 13-year-old Amelia tried an English class, then decided she wants to continue learning at home.

“I can do things at my own pace at home. It’s easier than having a schedule,” she said, adding that she likes the flexibility of being able to take a break when she gets tired.

Her outside activities include horseback riding, but she says she is very self-motivated when it comes to schoolwork.

“My mom is always there if I have questions, and I don’t have to wait for an e-mail or a phone call to get the answer,” she continued, citing the benefits. “Some of my friends wish they were homeschooled.”

Pao Wilson and other parents say they were initially apprehensive about their ability to teach their children, but when doubt arises, she recognizes it’s something she has to make peace with.

But it quickly became clear that she had to spend time on her relationship with her children and their relationships with each other; they had to learn to negotiate and resolve conflicts with each other, express their emotions, and get along.

“I had to change my style of parenting, and by the time they were 10 and 8, I was talking to them like they were teenagers,” she said. “But they were able to develop their own thoughts about things without worrying about conforming to the norm or being subjected to the pressure of how others perceive them.”

Adriana Iacobucci, who has homeschooled for 13 years, said she and her husband David gave their children choices from the time they were toddlers, and the decision to homeschool evolved after their oldest daughter Lena returned from preschool and announced she could learn the same things at home.

“We wanted them to be self-directed learners,” she said, adding that homeschooling families learn quickly to respect and support one another even if their teaching styles are very different.

Like other parents, she has moments of doubt, but she also views it as a challenge that must be overcome. But she has been part of many co-op groups, and continues to make a concerted effort to involve her children in as many activities as possible.

“They have been in many situations with diverse families, so they’re open minded about other people and really accept them,” she noted. “Our children are also extremely independent; making decisions about their own academic studies has spilled over into how they spend their time and who they spend it with.”

She has enjoyed watching them learn, and says it’s a luxury to allow them the time and space they need to master subjects they find challenging.

Eliza is still at home, and the 11-year-old enjoys her lifestyle. “I like being homeschooled, although I definitely do want to go to high school,” she said.

Her 8-year-old brother Luca also likes being homeschooled. “You don’t have to be in class as long,” he said, reciting subjects he enjoys, including science and math.

Difficult Lessons

Pao Wilson says homeschooling requires parents to learn how to learn themselves, have a desire to examine their beliefs, and be willing to change.

It also requires personal and financial sacrifices, because one parent is home instead of working. “But whether you’re home or making money in the workforce depends on your values and whether your definition of success is measured in dollars,” she noted.

Her initial goal of giving her children more time to spend with their father has been met, and today they all enjoy close relationships.

“Any endeavor worth pursuing will have its share of challenges, and there will be good days and bad days,” she explained. “But in the end, even with the kids squabbling, the uncertainty and worry about whether I’m doing the right thing or if I’m doing enough; and the sacrifices in health, time, energy, money, and sometimes my sanity … I still believe that homeschooling is worth the sacrifice.”

Teen Sofia Iacobucci agrees. “I left homeschooling because I wanted to try something new, and a lot of homeschool friends were going to public school,” she said. “But it was a big change. I liked the freedom we had at home. We had a say in what we wanted to learn instead of being told what we had to do and it allowed me to take my education into my own hands and become independent.”

Which is indeed the goal of every parent; to raise a well-rounded, happy and independent child.

Hampshire College Takes an Aggressive Course on ‘Green’

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Learning Environment

Not long after arriving on the Hampshire College campus in 2011, President Jonathan Lash asked students how long they believed it would be before the school could accurately declare itself carbon neutral. Upon hearing that they thought it could be done in 25 years, he said, in essence, that this wasn’t nearly good enough. So the school set a new goal — 10 years — and with some dramatic recent developments, it is well on its way to meeting it, and in the process it is writing an exciting new chapter in a history long defined by progressiveness and unique approaches to learning.

President Jonathan Lash in the Kern Center

President Jonathan Lash in the Kern Center

Jonathan Lash noted that Hampshire College — that self-described “experiment” in higher education located on rolling farm land in South Amherst — has been operating for 46 years now.

That’s more than enough time to gather research, look at trends, and develop a composite, or profile, if you will, of the graduates of this small and in many ways unique institution.

And one has emerged, said Lash, the school’s president since 2011, noting quickly that individuality and independent thinking are perhaps the most common traits among students and alums, so it is impossible to paint them with one broad brush. But there are some common traits.

One of them is entrepreneurship. A quarter of the school’s graduates — an eclectic list that includes Stonyfield Farm chairman and former president and CEO President Gary Hirshberg, documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, actor Liev Schreiber, and countless others involved in the arts and literature — have started their own business or organization, placing the college on Forbes’ short list of ‘most- entrepreneurial colleges.’

Another is a passion for learning; the school is in the top 1% of colleges nationwide in the percentage of graduates who go on to earn doctorates.

“Our students have such a good time learning that they don’t want to stop,” said Lash with a laugh, noting that the desire to create unique learning experiences for students was one important motivation for two recent sustainability initiatives on the campus — construction of a so-called ‘living building,’ the school’s R.W. Kern Center, which will use zero net energy, and the announcement that the institution would take a huge step toward becoming the first private college in the country to go 100% solar powered.

Hampshire College

Recent initiatives in sustainability have added another intriguing chapter to Hampshire College’s history of progressiveness.

Indeed, professors in several disciplines have incorporated the Kern Center into their curriculum, said Lash, noting also that for a course he was teaching last fall in sustainability, he assigned students the task of reviewing the contract for the solar installation and explaining why the initiative was a sound undertaking for the school and the company building it.

“One of the ideas behind this building is to make sure you learn something every time you walk into it,” Lash said of the Kern Center.

As for the exercise involving the solar installation, he borrowed an industry term of sorts. “You could see the lightbulbs going on,” he said while relating how the students eventually grasped the many aspects of the concept.

But creating such learning opportunities is only one motivating factor. Indeed, this school that has been seemingly defined by that adjective ‘alternative’ since it was first conceived nearly 60 years ago, is adding another dimension to that quality. And in the process, it is living up to its own core beliefs while also taking on the character (and the mission) of its president, hailed by Rolling Stone magazine as one of 25 “warriors and heroes fighting to stave off the planet-wide catastrophe.”

And it is a dimension that Lash believes will inspire other institutions — both inside and outside the realm of higher education — to follow suit.

For this issue and its focus on education, BusinessWest traveled to the Hampshire College campus to talk with Lash — in the Kern Center — about how that building and a broader drive to become carbon neutral is adding another intriguing chapter to the school’s brief but already remarkable history.

Alternative Course

Hampshire’s distinct philosophy and pedagogy assert that: Students learn best when they are given the independence to direct their own learning under the advisement of faculty, and education should not be imposed on students.

Courses are not the only sites of learning for our students; instead they engage in a variety of learning activities and environments that challenge their creativity, problem-solving, and discovery of ideas and meaning, through independent study, internships, community engagement, social action, lab work, and teaching assistantships. Hampshire was founded by the leaders of four venerable colleges in Western Massachusetts to re-examine the assumptions and practices of liberal arts education.

At Hampshire, all students are challenged to perform serious independent work under the mentorship of faculty. The college’s goal is to graduate students who can identify significant questions, devise interesting ways to approach them, and follow through to a solution … we have no majors, each student designs their own program of study, commonly examining questions through the lenses of several disciplines. The student negotiates their studies with faculty advisers in a rigorous environment that supports student intellectual growth. The student learns to be a creator of knowledge, engaging in substantial independent research and self-directed projects as they explore the questions that drive them.

List of Colleges in Western Massachusetts

This language, taken directly from the school’s own literature — a fact sheet describing and explaining its academic program — does an effective and fairly concise job of explaining what this school is, and more importantly, what it isn’t.

It isn’t a college in the traditional sense of that term — as made clear in that passage about majors, grades, and set programs of study, or the distinct lack of them, to be more precise.

These are the foundations upon which the school was founded, and Lash admits that he knew very little, if anything about all that when he came across an e-mail titled ‘Hampshire College’ from a headhunter, one that would eventually lead to the most recent line on a very intriguing resume dominated by work in the environment and sustainable development.

But first, back to that e-mail. Lash wasn’t going to open it; he opened very few of the many he received from search firms looking for candidates for a host of different positions. But something compelled him to click on this one.

“I cannot tell you why I opened it — I just don’t know; but instead of just clicking ‘delete,’ like I did with all the others, I opened it,” he told BusinessWest, adding that upon reading it, he recalled that a friend, Adele Simmons, had served as president of the school in the ’80s. He called her, and she eventually talked him into meeting with the search committee.

Lash needed such prodding, because he didn’t even know where the school was, and also because higher education was somewhat, but not entirely, off the career path he had eventually chosen, with the accent on eventually.

Indeed, Lash, a graduate who earned both his master’s in education and juris doctor from Catholic University, started his career as a federal prosecutor in Washington in the mid-70s.

“At a certain point, it began to be less and less rewarding for me to send people to jail, and I wanted to have a different kind of impact on society,” he explained, adding that he left the prosecutor’s office for the National Environmental Defense Fund, at what turned out to be a poignant time in its history — just as Ronald Reagan was entering the White House.

“There was a period during the Reagan administration when environmental organizations were filing lawsuit after lawsuit to stop things Reagan was doing,” he noted. “It was like shooting at a Budweiser truck — you just couldn’t miss; they just didn’t bother with the law.”

Fast-forwarding a little, Lash eventually left that organization to run environmental programs for the new governor of Vermont, Madeleine Kunin, and later became director of the Environmental Law Center at Vermont Law School.

From there, he went on to lead the World Resources Institute, a Washington-based environmental think tank focusing on issues ranging from low-carbon development to sustainable transportation. Under his leadership, WRI quadrupled its budget and globalized its work, with offices in eight countries and partners in more than 50 nations.

It would take something compelling to leave that for the Hampshire College campus, and he encountered it at his interview before the search committee, a panel of 26, dominated by students.

“They asked very aggressive questions, they argued with all my answers, and they were absolutely passionate about it all,” he recalled. “And about 45 minutes into it, I thought to myself ‘I’ve been working on these environmental issues all my life; I’ve been really successful, and the things I care about are getting worse. If anyone’s going to change that, it’s going to be kids like these, and I should probably help them.’”

Entrepreneurial Energy

Lash said he did some research before he came to Amherst for his interview, and gleaned a general understanding of the school and everything that made it unique. But it didn’t really prepare him for what he found.

And it was only a matter of weeks after arriving that he said he found himself saying, ‘I wish I could have learned this way,’ or words to that effect.

Still, four decades after its doors opened, Hampshire College was facing a number of challenges, especially those that apply to a small school with a tiny endowment — $40 million. In many ways, the school needed to make some kind of statement, a reaffirmation of its core values — social justice and environmental sustainability — and an even stronger commitment to live them.

ground-breaking ceremonies for solar installations

Officials gather for the ground-breaking ceremonies for solar installations expected to save the college $8 million over the next 20 years.

The Kern Center is part of that statement, Lash said, referring to a structure that was carefully designed to make its own energy, harvest its own water, and treat its own waste, and thus become truly carbon neutral.

But that’s just one building, said Lash, who then related a conversation with students concerning the school’s participation in the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, under which institutions commit to implementing a comprehensive plan to achieve a carbon-neutral campus.

“The committee that was working on it came to me and said ‘maybe we can do it in 25 years,’” Lash recalled. “And I said, “I don’t think you understand how urgent this matter is; if Hampshire College says ’25 years,’ what is the world supposed to say?’

“So we switched it to 10 years, and that kind of forced us to think radically,” he went on, adding that such thinking included exploration of solar power.

But at that time, such a proposition was still financially untenable, he went on, adding that since then, the cost of photovoltaic collectors has gone down so much, and the efficiency of units has increased to such a level, that the proposition was not only feasible, but the school would save up to $8 million in electricity costs over the 20-year life of the project.

After months of cost analysis and negotiations with project partner SolarCity, which will construct the PV arrays and sell the electricity back to the college, work began earlier this month on the 15,000 solar panels, an installation that represents the largest known on any campus in New England and one of the largest in the Northeast.

It’s a groundbreaking development in many respects — again, Hampshire is the first residential college in the U.S. to go 100% solar — but it has been, and will continue to be a learning experience on many levels, in keeping with the school’s mission.

“The whole experience of reviewing proposals, shaping the contract, choosing where on our campus we were willing to put solar collectors, affirming the size of it and the ambition to go 100% solar, challenging and re-challenging the question ‘can you really do this in snow country?’ — students were involved in every step of that,” Lash explained, adding that this experience will serve them well.

“Students who have participated in this process and done this analysis, are going to go into the world really well prepared for answering the questions that society will need answered,” he went on. “If you take a highly entrepreneurial group of students who are already independent-minded and you give them this experience, they’re in a very good place.”

And moving forward, the installation can, and should, become both a classroom and an inspiration to those outside the institution who want to learn from it, he went on.

“Over the next 20 years, this is going to become a compelling environmental, but also business and technological question,” he explained. “The question of how we organize ourselves to provide low-carbon electricity will be central to the country.”

Which means he expects even more visitors to find their way to the Amherst campus in the years to come.

Kern20160715_0232-copyAlready, many have come to take in the Kern Center, he explained, adding that he is one of many who will give tours to those representing institutions such as Yale Divinity School, which is contemplating a village of buildings with similar credentials.

“Three or four other universities have come to look, and other nonprofits that were thinking of building something but thought this was out of their reach have toured and realized it’s not out of their reach,” he explained. “You can watch when people come in the building and begin to look around and understand what it says and what it does — it influences them.”

And he expects the same will happen with the solar installations.

Study in Progressive Thinking

As one traverses the long driveway to the campus off Route 116, one sees meadows on both sides of the road — and for a reason; actually several of them.

“We don’t see why we should use the thousands of gallons of gasoline necessary to keep all that as lawn,” Lash explained. “But it also creates a habitat for an incredible number of birds and other creatures, and our science students study that.”

Thus, those meadows become yet another example of the school’s unique approach to learning, as stated earlier — that section in the fact sheet about ‘engaging in a variety of learning activities and environments that challenge their creativity, problem-solving, and discovery of ideas and meaning.’

Today, there are more such environments, with others, especially the solar installations, now taking shape on the campus. They both exemplify and inspire those traits for which the school’s students and alums are noted — entrepreneurship and a desire to not stop learning.

And they are textbook examples, in every sense of the word, of how this experiment in higher education is adding new dimensions to its mission, uniqueness, and commitment to sustainability.

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

Gun Violence Is a Public-health Crisis

By
Opinion

By JAMES S. GESSNER, M.D.

A number of mass shootings this summer, including the one at a night club in Orlando in June that left 49 dead and another 50 injured, have stunned the nation.

Such events are becoming all too common. According to Everytown for Gun Safety, 133 mass shootings in 39 states occurred in the U.S. between January 2009 and July 2015 — almost two per month. Yet, as horrible and shocking as they are, mass shootings — defined by the FBI as any incident in which at least four people are murdered with a gun — account for a small share of firearm homicides.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than 33,000 deaths from firearms — about 91 a day on average — occur each year.

The statistics make it abundantly clear: gun violence is a public-health issue. And the physician’s voice — ever so critical on matters of public health — must become stronger.

The Mass. Medical Society (MMS) stance on this issue has been firm and long-standing. Our medical society’s policy on firearms and gun violence is expansive and dates back to 1995. It is guided by “the principles of reducing the number of deaths, disabilities, and injuries attributable to guns; making gun ownership safer; promoting education relative to guns, ammunition, and violence prevention for physicians and other health professionals, as well as for the public; and encouraging research to understand the risk factors related to gun violence and deaths.”

Our actions have matched our policy. Our Committee on Violence Intervention and Prevention, also established in 1995, has provided a number of resources to help reduce violence in many forms, and gun violence has been prominent among the topics.

From testimony on proposed legislation on Beacon Hill to education for patients; from resources for physicians on talking with patients to our most recent Public Health Leadership Forum on Firearm Violence in April, to then-MMS President Dr. Richard Aghababian’s call to action following the school shootings in Newtown in 2012, gun safety and gun violence have been key issues for our society.

It is heartening to see more physician groups lend their strong support to the effort. The American Medical Assoc. (AMA), with long-standing policies on reducing violence from firearms, stated its position at this year’s annual meeting, adopting a policy calling gun violence in the U.S. “a public-health crisis” that requires a comprehensive public-health response and solution. Perhaps most important, the AMA also resolved to lobby Congress to overturn legislation that for 20 years has banned the CDC from conducting research on gun violence.

Our actions have matched our policy. Our Committee on Violence Intervention and Prevention, also established in 1995, has provided a number of resources to help reduce violence in many forms, and gun violence has been prominent among the topics.

A second resolution by the AMA on firearm availability encourages legislation that would enforce a waiting period and background check for all firearm purchases and urges additional legislation to ban the manufacture, sale, or import of lethal and non-lethal guns of non-metallic materials that can not be identified by weapons-detection devices.

In April 2015, seven physician organizations, along with the American Public Health Assoc. and American Bar Assoc., issued a call to action, declaring that “deaths and injuries related to firearms constitute a major public-health problem in the United States.”

I am proud to say that more efforts at our medical society are underway. Our Leadership Forum provided materials for six continuing-medical-education courses on gun violence that launched at the end of June. Among the topics are the role of the clinician, community-based prevention, and evaluating the risk for gun violence in patients. Additionally, we are participating with Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey in developing materials to enhance the provider-patient relationship regarding firearms.

The shock of Orlando and other recent tragedies may fade over time, but physician efforts to reduce gun violence should not. Attorney General Healey, speaking at our Leadership Forum, highlighted the importance of physician participation in curbing gun violence, saying it will require a “partnership” with physicians. Indeed it will.

Dr. James S. Gessner is president of the Mass. Medical Society.

West Side Balances Private, Public Projects

By
Community Spotlight Features

Community Spotlight

By Kathleen Mitchell

Mayor William Reichelt

Mayor William Reichelt says the $6 million Fathers & Sons auto dealership under construction on Memorial Drive will enhance the commercial corridor.

Mayor William Reichelt says West Springfield is a small town that in many ways assumes the character of a city, due in part to the popular retail establishments — stores and restaurants — that line its two main commercial corridors, Riverdale Street and Memorial Avenue.

Indeed, the traffic that passes along these stretches each day makes them such an ideal location that little commercial space remains. When parcels do become available, they move quickly, and right now, more than $34 million in new construction is underway along the two thoroughfares.

But that economic development has been balanced by efforts initiated by the new mayor: Reichelt, a member of BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty Class of 2016, took office in January and has already streamlined the permitting process and formed new committees and task forces to ensure that the zoning is appropriate, traffic flow does not affect residential neighborhoods, and blighted properties are addressed.

“West Springfield is easy to get to for people coming from the north, south, east, and west, and we have become a cut-through community, so we’re trying to improve the quality of life for our businesses and residents,” he said, noting that the town’s roadways connect Springfield to Agawam; Westfield to Springfield and points farther south; and provide access to Riverdale Street and Springfield for residents of the hill towns.

Reconstruction of the Memorial Avenue rotary on the West Springfield side of the Memorial Bridge, which contains two overpasses on Route 5 to the north and south, was recently completed by the state Department of Transportation under its Accelerated Bridge Program.

It’s an important gateway, which is matched by another one to and from Agawam at the end of the 1.7 mile strip, and last year the town signed a contract with Greenman-Pederson Inc. to create a design that incorporates principles of the Complete Streets program and will accommodate the increased traffic flow expected to occur when the MGM Casino in Springfield is finished.

“Memorial Avenue is expected to become a pinnacle of the Complete Streets plan,” Reichelt told BusinessWest, adding that the Big E is also studying the traffic flow through its property, and efforts will be made to ensure that any work that is done meshes together well.

The cost estimate for the Complete Streets project, which includes repaving the corridor, adding a two-lane bicycle path, updating utilities, and adding new landscaping, is estimated at $15 million, and since it’s more than the town and MassWorks can pay for, officials are hoping the Transportation Infrastructure Program will help fund the project.

“Memorial Avenue is the first view people have of West Springfield when they cross the Memorial Bridge, and we want to make it more attractive,” Reichelt said, noting that two major multi-million-dollar projects are underway along the commercial strip that will further enhance its desirability and likely spark investments by other businesses.

For this, the latest installment in its Community Profile series, BusinessWest looks at what is going on in West Side and the measures being taken to strike a balance between commercial growth and the needs of the town’s residents.

Major Investments

Reichelt said Fathers & Sons is building a new $6 million, 50,000-square-foot Audi and Volkswagen automotive sales showroom and service center on Memorial Avenue. The company’s former Volkswagen showroom and Kia of West Springfield, which it had closed earlier, were demolished to make way for the new facility, which will include two large showrooms and a 23-bay, state-of-the art service area and waiting room with flat-screen TVs, leather couches, and Internet access.

The company expects the new service area to increase efficiency and reduce customer waiting time, and notes that the new Audi store will free up space at the Fathers & Sons dealership on 989 Memorial Ave., which will sell and service Volvo vehicles exclusively once the new facility opens.

The town has never undertaken a comprehensive review of its zoning, and we want to make traffic flow and the use of property in our commercial areas harmonious with the rest of the town.”

The project is expected to create 20 new jobs, and Reichelt noted that the city approved a five-year tax-increment-financing deal with Cartelli Realty LLC, which owns the Fathers & Sons site. It will provide limited tax breaks on the so-called growth portion of the assessed valuation of the property at 434 Memorial Ave., and town officials hope it will help enhance the corridor’s desirability.

“The new dealerships will bring more business to Memorial Avenue, and we hope it will help it to become the new Riverdale Street. Everyone wants to move their business there (Riverdale Street) because it gets so much traffic, but space along that corridor is expensive,” Reichelt said.

Work is also underway on the grounds of the former St. Ann’s Church, which was sold to the Colvest Group by the Diocese of Springfield about four years ago.

Colvest President Frank Colaccino said the company acquired and combined three parcels, which include the church property, the Bridge Street road closure, and a parking lot behind Clark Paint Factory on 966 Union St., and created a plan to build a one-story, 9,000-square-foot retail structure on the 1.5-acre site that has been approved.

Currently, utility lines on the property are being relocated, work that must be finished before construction can begin.

“It will be a good addition,”Colaccino said. “West Springfield is a great town which is well-perceived; and the new mayor is very capable and gets an A+.”

Colvest recently signed a lease with Florence Bank, which will become the anchor tenant in the new building. The new bank branch will have a drive-through window and ATM, and its current West Springfield offices will be moved into the structure when it is finished.

But it has taken years to ready the site for construction. “The church property was contaminated when we purchased it. The diocese was responsible for cleaning it up, and it has been a process to get it ready for a new building,” Colaccino said, adding that the company is in negotiations with several businesses interested in occupying the 65% of the building that Florence Bank does not need.

“It’s nice to see the church property being reused for a commercial purpose,” Reichelt said, adding that traffic along the roadway is also driven by the Big E, which attracts thousands of visitors every year and can help spur continued growth.

However, new investments are ongoing. McDonald’s held a ribbon-cutting ceremony several weeks ago to celebrate a complete renovation of its 429 Memorial Ave. eatery; and a Chipotle Mexican Grill is in the permitting process and hopes to open next summer in the former home of Jiffy Lube, which moved into a new facility on 788 Memorial Ave.

Growth is also occurring on Riverdale Street, where a new four-story hotel with 92 rooms is in the permitting stage; and scattered improvements are being made throughout the community. The Food Bag on 884 Westfield St. is being remodeled; Arrha Credit Union recently opened on 63 Park Ave. in the former home of Springfield Teacher’s Credit Union; and plans submitted to knock down the Cumberland Farms on Park Avenue and built a new one have been approved.

Helpful Measures

The town is rife with private investments, and Reichelt is doing his part to facilitate balanced growth; he immediately began taking action to address issues and areas of concern after he was sworn into office earlier this year.

He told BusinessWest that he heard complaints from some business owners about the length of time it took to navigate the permitting process, so in April he kicked off a new program. Today, meetings are held on the first and third Mondays of the month, and business owners and developers meet with a team that includes the mayor, the chair of the planning board, and 11 department heads, which helps iron out difficulties and streamlines the process.

A new, 13-member Zoning Review Committee is also being formed to take a close look at West Springfield’s zoning as well as the zoning in a variety of communities across the state. The group will begin meeting in September and will determine what needs to be done to facilitate growth, while protecting the quality of life in residential neighborhoods.

“The town has never undertaken a comprehensive review of its zoning, and we want to make traffic flow and the use of property in our commercial areas harmonious with the rest of the town,” Reichelt said, adding that the committee will also look at pedestrian crossings to make sure residents are safe.

He noted that to that end, the entire lighting pattern at the intersection of Park and Elm streets was revamped after the 2011 tornado, and new pedestrian crossways were added.

A Blight Task Force has also been formed to deal with the 100 or more vacant or derelict properties in town. Members include the building inspector, two health inspectors, and the town attorney; who take calls from residents in a centralized location about sites that need to be addressed. The mayor told BusinessWest that since the task force was formed, four homes have gone into receivership and three are being rebuilt.

In addition, action is being taken at the former Standard Plating Co. on 964 Main St., which has been vacant since 2011 when it was ravaged by the tornado that swept through the area.

The city worked with the owner to remove contamination at the brownfields site, which is within walking distance of the Memorial Avenue rotary. The building has been razed, and when the environmental cleanup is complete, the Redevelopment Authority will take possession and build a new commercial structure there.

West Springfield also plans to apply for a $1.5 million MassWorks grant for a new pumping station and an extension of the sewer lines along Route 5.

“There are five properties near the river, including a large car dealership, that have septic systems right now,” Reichelt said, noting that the pumping station was built when Riverdale Plaza consisted of a drive-in movie theater and airport, and the area occupied by Costco was farmland.

He added that Agri Mark on Riverdale Road is also building a new processing plant. “They’re making a $10 million investment in West Springfield,” the mayor said.

Continued Progress

Although a significant amount of new construction is taking place in West Springfield, balance is critical to the town’s future.

“If you leave the business corridors, you find neighborhoods and two schools in the Merrick section of town,” Reichelt told BusinessWest. “Union and Main streets are walkable areas that contain small businesses, and as you move up the hill you encounter the residential subdivisions that have grown up over the past 20 to 30 years.

“There are a lot of commercial projects underway, and we benefit from being the crossroads of New England, but the town is also a great place to live,” he said. “We’re community-oriented and have active groups that range from the Tree Committee to the Garden Club, so we are careful not to forget about our residents.”

Which makes West Springfield far more than an address for the Big E and two busy commercial strips that have become a destination due to the large number of retail establishments and eateries that flourish there.

It’s also a community that residents and businesses alike love to call ‘home.’

West Springfield at a glance

Year Incorporated: 1774
Population: 28,391 (2014)
Area: 17.49 square miles
County: Hampden
Residential Tax Rate: $16.99
Commercial Tax Rate: $22.21
Median Household Income: $54,434
Family Household Income: $63,940
Type of government: Mayor; Town Council
Largest employers: Eversource Energy; Harris Corp.; Home Depot; Interim Health Care; Mercy Home Care
* Latest information available

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies Departments

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

Agresto, Angela Marie
41 Corticelli St.
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/25/16

Ballard, Billielee
255 Federal St., #2
Montague, MA 01351
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/18/16

Beck, Virginia
89 Lady of the Lake Court
Becket, MA 01223
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/18/16

Berelson, Katherine D.
30 Meadow Wood Dr.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/21/16

Bessette, Yvon J.
32 Lavender Lane
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/21/16

Blissett, Jerine A.
282 Commonwealth Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/19/16

Bloch, Joseph J.
3 Deerfield Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/26/16

Carreira, Filipe P.
158 Skyridge St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/23/16

Chofay, Aimee C.
22 Spring St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/23/16

Czupryna, April Ann
60 South Liberty St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/19/16

Diotalevi, Brian T.
Diotalevi, Michelle A.
19 Grant Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/22/16

Dugre, Richard L.
Dugre, Patricia A.
896 Prospect St., Apt. 2R
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/28/16

Eichenlaub, Matthew S.
10 Grant St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/23/16

Fontaine, Theresa M.
5 Granby Heights, Apt. #5
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/19/16

Harrison Digital Productions
Harrison, John F.
Cady-Harrison, Sharon A.
436 South Gulf Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/27/16

Hartley, Lisa Maria
65 Kane Brothers Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/18/16

Langlitz, Michael T.
24 Crescent Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/26/16

LaPlante, Kristy L.
895 Front St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/28/16

Lester, Donna
23 Joanne Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/25/16

Lorge, Michael A.
2 Carver St.
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/29/16

Major, Patrick J.
Major, Theresa M.
104 Deane St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/21/16

McCoy, Cathy L.
331 Rosewell St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/29/16

MJT Holding, LLC
Pettit, Patrick A.
136 South St.
Cheshire, MA 01225
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/27/16

Montagna, Melissa M.
101 Sylvan St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/19/16

Moorehead, Nancy A.
1723 Northampton St., Apt. 1-R
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/22/16

Morales, Zulma G.
79 Alvin St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/26/16

Morales-Torres, Carmen M.
20 Lafayette St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/26/16

Morris, Eugene W.
Morris, Romanita
31 Kenneth Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/20/16

Mulville, Brian D.
Mulville, Patricia A.
68 Old Farm Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/20/16

Pettit, Lynn M.
136 South St.
Cheshire, MA 01225
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/27/16

Potvin, Robert A.
52 Honeysuckle Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01022
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/25/16

Ramos, Aileen J.
42 Marquette St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/23/16

Reilly, Elaine Bernice
55 North Main St., #17
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/18/16

Reynolds, Michele M.
a/k/a Baldwin, Michele M.
16 N. Washington St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/19/16

Robillard, Guy J.
73 Ferry St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/20/16

Rodriguez, Angela M.
983 Shoemaker Lane
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/23/16

Samuels, Deborah K.
42 Brewster St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/21/16

Setkewich, Darlene R.
164 Groveland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/19/16

Swedish Steel Automotive
Raymond, George Theodore
9 Lyman St.
Northfield, MA 01360
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/22/16

Thielen, Cynthia A.
63 High St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/28/16

Top Daug Enterpprises
East Coast Custom Homes
Krzanowski, Gregory Anthony
PO Box 670
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/22/16

Universal Travel Services
Universal Products of Poland
Stafinski, Andrzej
Stafinski, Maria B.
42 Gill St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/21/16

Williams, Rickey A.
67 Boyer St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/23/16

Wilson, Earl G.
58 Maynard St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/22/16

Young, Emerlita Lastrilla
115 Northampton St., Apt. A
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/25/16

Doing Business As Certificates

By
DBA Certificates Departments

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

Agawam

Bona Housekeeping
16  Ralph St.
Valbona Ahmeti

D. Castonguay Trucking
133 Colemore St.
Dan Castonguay

Main School Realty
701-711 Main St.
Laura Posnik

The Deli on Walnut
369 Walnut St. Ext.
Antoinette Lambert

Amherst

Legionary Personal Computers
108 Larkspur Dr.
Audrey O’Connell & Kevin Mepham

Life Plan Realty
71 Country Corners Road
James D. Linfield

The Kern Kafe
Hampshire College
893 West St.
Michael McKenna

The Pucino Group
521 Old Farm Road
Helmi Ann Pucino

Chicopee

David J. Roy Electrician
621 Grattan St.
David J Roy

Kate’s Boutique
55 Columba St.
Kate Daborowski

Total Exterior Services
218 Pondview Dr.
Derek Joe Sipma

Westover Maintenance
122 Casey Dr.
Wess Kenneth Boucher

Northampton

Anderson Services
263 Ryan Road
Donald Anderson

Drawn to Ecology
26 Dewey Court
Alyssandra Black

Glazed Doughnut Shop
8 Craft Ave.
Keren Rhodes

Inkpot Pens
43 Murphy Terrace
Francis St. Germain

Springfield

Cumberland Farms #0202
798 Carew St.
John Daly

Day & Night Convenience Store
671 State St.
Zeeshan Ali

Deniliva Inc., DBA Liberty
1179 State St.
Steven Kowalski

Deniliva Inc., DBA Liberty
533 Belmont Ave.
Steven Kowalski

Happy Feet Child Care
439 Riverside Road
Zoila Rosario

Legacy Hair Studio
243 Main St.
Jasmine Huertas

M-F Brothers Painting
36 Acorn St., 1st Fl.
Maximino Serrano

Miss Jackie’s Family Child Care
50 Massachusetts Ave.
Jacklyn

Omy and Los Properties
38 Carver St.
Omy Carlderon

RMS Courier Service
245 St. James Ave.
Rosa Maeghan Scavron

Tremar Transportation
69 Grand St.
Michael Thomas

Walden Corp/DBA
181 A Chestnut St.
Derryl Devon Gibbs

West Springfield

BD Hair Design
62 Westfield St.
Barbara Dame

Dante Club Golf League
454 Main St.
Roland Navone

Elegant Lighting
1680 Riverdale St.
Tatyana Gut

Hospitality Restaurant
977 Main St.
Dheyaa Habeeb

Quick Stop Food
20 River Street
Amanullah Khan

Westfield

Book Club Bookstore LLC
2 Main St.
Book Club Bookstore LLC

Christina Rosario Photography
13 Noble St.
Christina Rosario

Classic Northeast Gardens
1029 North Road
Tanya Costigan

Kosinski Farms
336 Russellville Road
Gene M. Kosinski

Nicole Wzorek Designs
22 Little River Road
Nicole Wzorek

Park Square Dental, PC
60 Court St.
Sushma Reddy, Donthi Reddy

Vast Energy Services
210 Munger Hill Road
Joseph J. Vaschak

Walton Read
33 Hassler St.
Susan Howard

Whip City Pools
7 Crown St.
Jamie Rossi

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

Schoolspace Inc., 12 Amity Place, Amherst, MA 01002. Richard Blake Hood, same. To provide free and low-cost website and web collaboration tools and services for public schools and public-school-related organizations such as parent/guardian organizations.

CHICOPEE

PD Homecare Inc., 65 Savory Dr., Chicopee, MA 01020. Paul E. Hillsburg, same. Provide and market non-medical home care services.

Rondina Acquisitions Corp., 640 Springfield St., Chicopee, MA 01013. David Carl Rondina, 32 Upland road, Leeds, MA 01053. Auto repair services.

EASTHAMPTON

Roma’s Restaurant Inc., 126 D Northampton Road, Easthampton, MA 01027. Gloria E Moreno, 24 Crestview Dr., Florence, MA 01062. Restaurant.

LENOX

Savikant Softweb Inc., 8 Holmeswood Terrace, Lenox, MA 01240. Sweta Pandya, same. Software and hardware technical support.

PITTSFIELD

Romatella Pizza Inc., 239 Onota St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Santos A. Orellana, 60 Keelwyn Dr., Somersworth, NH 03878. Restaurant.

SPRINGFIELD

Pearl Development Group Inc., 78 Bowdoin St., Springfield, MA 01109. Dametrice D. Brown, same. To provide organically grown produce in the urban areas of New England.

WESTFIELD

Park Square Dental, PC, 60 Court St., Westfield, MA 01085. Sushma Reddy Donthi Reddy DMD, same. Dental services.

Peps Transport Inc, 549 Russell Road #1C, Westfield, MA 01085. Anthony Pepin, same. Cargo transport.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

R Construction Inc., 52 Southworth St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Andrey Rudin, same. General construction.

Relax Zone 88 Inc., 16 Beverly Terrace, West Springfield, MA 01089. Yan Lin, same. Bodywork relaxing spa.

Agency Fuels Entrepreneurship in Greater Holyoke

By
SPARKfeature0816b
Features

Providing a SPARK

Since its launch nearly two years ago, SPARK Holyoke has become an important addition to the region’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing a learning-and-nurturing environment for a variety of business owners. To sum up its impact, one participant said the agency gave him the discipline to be “both a creator and a finisher.”

Farid Kheloco

Farid Kheloco says SPARK was created to help start-ups get off the ground — and maybe help fill some of Holyoke’s vast supply of vacant mill space.

When asked to talk about the agency known as SPARK (yes, that’s an acronym, but not really; hardly anyone knows what those letters stand for) and how it’s helped her create, shape, and realize a vision for her company, Hot Oven Cookies, Sheila Coon found it necessary to do a little comparing and contrasting.

And the other subject in the discussion was a close cousin among organizations that are part of what is now being described as an ‘entrepreneurial ecosystem’ — Valley Venture Mentors, known for many things, but especially its high-octane, extremely intense accelerator program, with which Rivera also participated.

“VVM … I love it because I’m kind of a high-action person,” she told BusinessWest. “With VVM, you go the edge of the cliff, they hand you a prarachute, and tell you to jump. And as you go down, they tell you ‘jump this way’ or ‘jump that way.’ It’s very high-paced.

“SPARK, on the other hand … kind of has you sit back, and think, and analyze things slowly and more methodically,” she went on. “It gave me the opportunity to slow down and think things through. And it was very intimate — there were 10 people in the class; we had more time to think and talk things through. It was amazing.”

Though perhaps not intentionally, Coon used this exercise to not only point up the differences between the two organizations, but also spell out, in an effective manner, why SPARK Holyoke, which has the Hispanic community as one of its main focal points, has become an important addition to the entrepreneurial landscape in Western Mass.

In short, since being launched in late 2014 as part of a Working Cities Challenge grant, SPARK Holyoke has enabled a number of aspiring entrepreneurs to sit back, think things through, and, hopefully, go into business for themselves.

It does so through a 15-week course that, according to Executive Director Farid Kheloco, has a number of moving parts and objectives and is designed to help a wide range of individuals, from start-up owners to those who have been operating for several years and, for one reason or another, are trying to change how they do things. In other words, people like Coon.

“We want to hold your hand so you can take your idea and turn it into a bullet-proof business plan,” he said while smashing the mission down to a simple phrase.

The current series of classes started earlier this month, said Kheloco, noting that the one that ended during the summer featured 42 participants and 31 businesses.

Since it was launched, SPARK Holyoke has provided assistance to individuals involved with a wide variety of businesses, from cookie making to motorsports sales; from home remodeling to sock-manufacturing; from event planning to window-tinting.

Sheila Coon, seen here with her husband, David

Sheila Coon, seen here with her husband, David, says SPARK helped her create a vision, and a game plan, for her venture, Hot Oven Cookies.

Overall, SPARK is part of a series of initiatives undertaken by Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse and his administration to spur entrepreneurship, create jobs, and generate more interest in Holyoke, especially with the younger populations.

Those efforts have been successful enough to earn the city placement on Popular Mechanics’ list of the “most entrepreneurial” cities in the country.

And while the goal is to encourage entrepreneurship and help businesses get off the ground, there is another, very practical element to the agency’s existence. That would be the roughly 2 million square feet of vacant mill space in this former industrial powerhouse, and a desire to fill it, said Kheloco.

He doesn’t expect SPARK to make a huge dent in that inventory any time soon, but the agency’s work can certainly be a factor in bringing more life to the old paper and textile mills that gave this city its identity and providing another spark (there’s that word again) to broad efforts to revitalize the city.

“SPARK is helping to put us (Holyoke) in the game when it comes to promoting entrepreneurship,” said Kheloco, as he spoke with BusinessWest in the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce offices (where the agency is housed) on High Street. “SPARK has a definite role in that perception of Holyoke, and that’s important for our city, because we have a lot of open space.”

For this issue, BusinessWest takes an in-depth look at SPARK Holyoke and how, despite the fact that it doesn’t issue parachutes to participants, it does help them get off their ventures off the ground.

Igniting Passion

For the record, SPARK is short for Stimulating Potential, Accessing Resource Knowledge. Kheloco and others involved with the program can probably recite all that (again, that’s probably) but most participants wouldn’t care to try.

But they do care about trying to take ideas they have a product or service and advancing them in the form of a new business. Or not, if they determine that said idea is not really viable, and SPARK Holyoke can help with that, as well.

It’s all part of that ‘thinking through’ concept that Coon mentioned, and while there is quite a bit that goes into it, the agency’s broad goals are to simplify the many matters involved with a business as much as possible, said Kheloco, who can speak with experience as he goes about working with aspiring entrepreneurs.

“I’ve been entrepreneurially minded my whole life, and growing up here I was told that you should leave the area if you want to be an entrepreneur,” he said, adding that while he works today to dispel such notions, at the time, he took that advice.

He went to New York and then Dubai, before relocating to the western part of this country and eventually for working for several different IT companies.

He returned to this area a few years ago, soon became program  manager of TechFoundry, and found himself immersed in the work of VVM and other agencies involved with entrepreneurship.

He was looking to launch his own venture — one that would produce wooden sunglasses — in Holyoke, but wound up launching SPARK instead.

“The market is pretty much saturated with wooden sunglasses,” he joked, adding that the opportunity to run SPARK — a career path recommended to him by Katie Stebbins, who was then overseeing Holyoke’s Innovation District and is now working in the Executive Office of House & Economic Development — sounded like much more of a winning proposition.

Felix Santana, owner of Northeast Motorsports

Felix Santana, owner of Northeast Motorsports, says SPARK has given him the discipline to be “both a creator and a finisher.”

Initially, his work centered around getting the agency started, honing its mission, and developing its curriculum, he said, adding that now, he spends more of his time getting the word out — in essence, filling seats for the classes — while also achieving sustainability; the grant that funds the program is three years in duration, and this is year 2 of the initiative, so new funding sources must be attained.

“We’re kind of in our teen-aged years,” he said of the organization. “We’ve identified a little of what we are, but we need to mold that and solidify what’s needed to survive for the long term.”

Kheloco’s various outreach efforts drive home the basic point that SPARK is a community organization to help what he called “every-day entrepreneurs.”

That’s certainly not a technical term, but one he summoned to describe “neighborhood projects” — small ventures, mom-and-pop operations that may or may not scale.

“We want to work with them to give them the guidance they need to get started,” he went on. “So we take a lot of the competition aspects out of the equation, and we take a lot of the business jargon out of it; we try to make it team-oriented and say ‘now you’re part of this group, the SPARK starters, and how are we going to help each and work together?’”

SPARK carries out this work with a host of partners, which include VVM, the chamber, SCORE, Holyoke Community College, Easthampton Savings Bank, and Nuestras Raices, a nonprofit group that seeks to promote economic, human, and community development in Holyoke through projects related to food, agriculture, and the environment.

“Predominantly, we deal with concepts, and we work on taking the idea and turning it into a business model,” he went on. “We like to say that we work with anyone’s who’s stuck.”

Getting Down to Business

‘Stuck’ might not be the best term to describe what Coon was when she encountered SPARK and its curriculum, but it’s in the ballpark.

To be more precise, she was at a crossroads of sorts, or transition phase, and in need of some guidance and perhaps technical help with regard to where she could and should take her venture — as well as ‘how’ and ‘when.’

Backing up a bit, she said Hot Oven Cookies was enjoying decent success and had developed a solid following (one fan called this the ‘Ben & Jerry’s of the cookie world’) with its 100 flavors — some staples, or “classics” and other varieties rotated in weekly — and a business focused on gifts and catering, all delivered.

“That keeps it fun,” she said of the large inventory of flavors. “It’s good for the customers, but it’s good for us, too — we get to keep creating.”

This first phase of the venture, as Coon described it, helped pinpoint demand and identify need, and with regard to latter, what emerged was a desire to enable customers to buy a cookie or two or three, and not a full dozen, the minimum she set for deliveries.

And this led to talk of putting a food truck on the road and bringing the product directly to consumers. It’s a big step and a sizable investment, and she credited both SPARK and VVM with helping her bring it all the fruition; the truck makes its debut next month.

She was in the second accelerator cohort, which wrapped up its work in the spring, and through that experience was introduced to Kheloco and SPARK Holyoke, and took part in both programs simultaneously.

She credits VVM with helping her take an idea off a napkin, as she put it, and take it forward, but she said SPARK provided that more-intimate, slower-paced environment that enabled her to stop and work things through.

“We talked through all of my phases,” she said of the SPARK experience, adding that the experience not only helped her conceptualize her ideas, but pitch them in a more-effective manner.

Felix Santana wasn’t exactly stuck, either. But he did need some help with his venture, Northeast Powersports, which seeks to become the largest provider of Chinese-made motorsports — primarily scooters, dirt bikes, and go carts — in the region.

The company has become an authorized dealer of Cao Cao products, offering both sales and service, he said, adding that he graduated from SPARK’s first class.

He said it provided him with both support, in the form of mentorship, and technical guidance.

“I went in there with a really solid business plan — it was a matter of getting the numbers and the data to back it up,” he explained. “They helped me get my business plan focused and connect with the right people, like SCORE, and get organized.”

He noted that he’s a serial entrepreneur of sorts, but one that doesn’t “finish,” as he put it.

“I was one of those entrepreneurs who was a really good starter, but when I got to the middle point, I never knew how to finish and would usually sell whatever idea I had at that point,” he explained. “SPARK helped give me the discipline to be both a creator and a finisher.”

Seeing the Light

Searching for more words and phrases to describe what SPARK Holyoke is and what it does, especially with regard to the proverbial ‘big picture,’ Kheloco said it acts as the glue that binds the many organizations and agencies promoting and facilitating entrepreneurship in Holyoke and the communities surrounding it.

And in that capacity, it is not only helping to create new opportunities in Holyoke and fill some of that vacant mill space, but also taking on an important role within a growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.

SPARK is technically an acronym, but mostly it’s both a noun and a verb, and as such, the word effectively describes what the agency is, and what it provides.

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

Cocchi: The Clear Choice for Sheriff

By
Opinion

As a general rule, BusinessWest does not routinely endorse candidates for political office like daily newspapers do. We do so when we think a race is so consequential that our voice should be heard.

And that is the case in the upcoming race for Hampden County Sheriff. This is a vitally important contest for the Greater Springfield area, and for many reasons. Chief among them is the fact that this election will decide a new sheriff for the first time in more than four decades. More importantly, though, it will decide who will be given the unenviable task of trying to fill the shoes of the office-holder since 1977 — Michael Ashe.

This past March, BusinessWest presented Sheriff Ashe with its coveted Difference Makers award (he’s the first politician to be so honored) for his work to revolutionize corrections and put the focus on rehabilitating prisoners, not simply warehousing them. These efforts have brightened the fortunes of those prisoners, the business community (many companies are currently employing such individuals), and area cities and towns alike by making their streets safer.

It is imperative that these programs are continued and that the tremendous sense of momentum in the Hampden County correctional system be maintained.

And for that reason, we strongly endorse Nick Cocchi, the deputy chief of security at the Hampden County’s Sheriff’s office and a 23-year veteran of that department in next month’s Democratic primary. He has helped Sheriff Ashe stay on the cutting edge of correctional rehabilitation, and he is by far the best candidate to continue this tradition.

… we strongly endorse Nick Cocchi, the deputy chief of security at the Hampden County’s Sheriff’s office and a 23-year veteran of that department in next month’s Democratic primary. He has helped Sheriff Ashe stay on the cutting edge of correctional rehabilitation, and he is by far the best candidate to continue this tradition.

We endorse Cocchi not only because of his managerial skill set but also because of his competition, especially his opponents in the Democratic primary, who are simply career politicians looking for more power, a fatter paycheck, and a much bigger pension.

This is especially true of former Springfield Mayor Michael J. Albano, currently on the Governor’s Council, an individual who certainly should not be trusted with running a correctional system with an $80 million budget, 1,000 employees, and up to 1,800 inmates.

The last time he was trusted with such responsibility, he sent the City of Springfield into receivership and a deep state of decline that required a decade to fix, not to mention many of his appointees and closest confidants going to prison in the process.

We find it ironic that Albano is demanding — and decrying a lack of — transparency, accountability, and honesty from that sheriff’s department as he campaigns. Sadly, those were qualities sorely absent from his mayoral administration, and the city paid an enormous price for his failed leadership.

The talents most required of the sheriff are those of hiring a competent team and then providing the leadership to manage it. Albano has shown that he is incapable of either.

Meanwhile, Springfield City Councilor Tom Ashe, no relation to the current sheriff, has shown that there’s seemingly no seat he won’t seek — whether he’s qualified for it or not, with the latter usually being the case, especially in this instance.

Ashe also needs to explain the child support and tax levies listed in his campaign account. If he can’t manage his own financial affairs, how can he be trusted to manage our correctional system? If accurate, these tax and child support levies disqualify Tom Ashe from being sheriff because there are or have been inmates serving time for doing exactly that — not paying child support.

As we said, Cocchi is the clear choice for Hampden County sheriff. We cannot leave the public’s safety to an unqualified career politician who will only have their own interests in mind. That’s why Sheriff Michael Ashe has endorsed Cocchi, and we wholeheartedly agree that he is the best person to serve as our next sheriff.

Springfield Museums to Honor 2016 Ubora, Ahadi Winners

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — 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 on Saturday, Sept. 17, 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 has participated in every volunteer opportunity offered by his school this year, and 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. David 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.

Coalition Expands Core Competencies to Combat Opioid Epidemic

By
Daily News

BOSTON — The Baker-Polito administration, in partnership with the state’s advanced-practice nursing (APRN) programs and professional organizations, physician-assistant programs, the Mass. Assoc. of Physician Assistants, the Mass. League of Community Health Centers, and all affiliated community health centers, have agreed to expand the reach and use of the pioneering core competencies established previously for the prevention and management of prescription-drug misuse.

This set of cross-institutional core competencies will ensure advanced-practice nurses and physician assistants educated in the Commonwealth, as well as employees of community health centers, receive enhanced training in primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies regarding prescription-drug misuse.

“Agreeing upon and expanding these core competency standards is another major step for the prevention and management phases of fighting the opioid epidemic,” said Gov. Charlie Baker. “As we search for new ways to bend the trend in this public-health epidemic, we appreciate the hard work and collaboration that prescriber and academic communities have demonstrated and look forward to continuing this partnership with our nurses, physician assistants, and members of the medical community.”

This first-in-the-nation partnership has been expanded with the establishment of cross-institutional core competencies for the prevention and management of prescription-drug misuse that will reach the approximately 2,000 enrolled APRN students, 900 enrolled physician-assistant students, and 50 community health centers representing the organizational membership of the Mass. League of Community Health Centers.

“Educating our clinicians on prescribing practices for opioids is critical to mitigating the opioid epidemic in the future,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders. “We are pleased to stand with our healthcare partners to further advance the training and education of our current and future healthcare practitioners.”

The agreement follows similar partnerships with the Commonwealth’s three dental schools, the Mass. Dental Society, the Commonwealth’s four medical schools, and the Mass. Medical Society on sets of groundbreaking medical and dental education core competencies for the prevention and management of prescription-drug misuse. Practitioner training about addiction and safe prescribing practices was a key strategy recommendation of the opioid working group.

“Substance misuse is a chronic disease, and we must treat it as one, starting with education of our clinicians,” said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Monica Bharel. “We must approach the treatment of this disease taking into account the multiple needs of the individual, not just substance misuse.”

United Way of Pioneer Valley Day of Caring Kicks Off with Breakfast

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — United Way of Pioneer Valley’s Day of Caring, slated for Friday, Sept. 9, is the largest day of service in the Pioneer Valley. The day brings together more than 1,000 volunteers from area businesses and organizations to complete community service work for 35 nonprofit agencies and more than 85 projects throughout the Pioneer Valley.

This year, the event kicks off with a celebratory breakfast in Springfield’s Court Square from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., featuring food, drinks, and music from the Community Music School of Springfield’s faculty band.

The Day of Caring was established to promote the spirit of volunteerism, increase awareness of local human-service organizations, and demonstrate how people working together for the common good can accomplish great things. The United Way of Pioneer Valley is a state-recognized volunteer connector, assisting families and individuals to engage in community service. Last year, its volunteer projects contributed 22,715 hours of service with a value of $636,044.

For more information about the Day of Caring or the breakfast, contact LaTonia Monroe Naylor, manager of community impact, at (413) 693-0215 or [email protected].

Picture This

By
Departments Picture This

A photo essay of recent business events in Western Massachusetts August 23, 2016

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

 

First Impressions

PicThisFirst2

 

PicThisFirst1

New York-based Elle Magazine sponsored an opening reception at Visual Changes Salon and Spa, a high-end, contemporary facility at 100 Shaker Road, East Longmeadow. WHERE: Visual Changes owner Mark Maruka (right) with Craig Sweitzer, owner of Craig Sweitzer & Co., the general contractor for the new facility.

(Photos by Robert Charles Photography

Court Dockets

By
Chamber Corners 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

Kathleen Godbout v. South Hadley Housing Authority
Allegations: Negligence resulting in severe personal injury: $8,838.90
Filed: 01/26/16

Certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s of London as subrogee of Anthony R. Witman v. Giguere’s Used Appliances Inc.
Allegations: Negligent repair caused fire, damaging property: $108,925.39
Filed: 02/4/16

Anna Manzi v. Huu and Minh, LLC, The LE Sisters, LLC, d/b/a Subway, and James Bennet, d/b/a, Max One Enterprises
Allegations: Negligence resulting in slip and fall: $43,774.52
Filed: 05/31/16

Yolanda Rivera v. Kmart & Sedgwick Claims Management Services Inc.
Allegations: Negligence leading to slip and fall: $42,969.18
Filed: 03/18/16

Perparime Abdullahu v. Chateau Harmonic Apartments, LLC
Allegations: Negligent removal of snow and ice resulting in slip and fall: $104,378.17
Filed: 04/28/16

Hampshire Superior Court

Piotr Madro v. Cutler Associates Inc.
Allegation: Negligent placement of a can of volatile material in front of a heater resulted in injury: $41,297
Filed: 07/05/16

John Parker d/b/a suspended Ceiling Service v. O’Leary Group Inc., American River Nutrition Inc., Twothree27, LLC
Allegation: Breach of contract, Failure to pay for services: $10,904
Filed: 07/19/16

Jerome Pauze and Charlotte Pauze v. Cumberland Farms Inc.
Allegation: Unsafe conditions resulting in personal injury: $32,500+
Filed: 07/29/16

Northampton District Court

Maria Depriest v. Jacob Morelli and Quality Beverage Limited Partnership
Allegation: Negligent operation of a motor vehicle resulting in injury: $20,550.03
Filed: 07/05/16

Barry Goldberg and Annette Goldberg v. Capital Video Corporation
Allegation: Breach of contract: $25,301.10
Filed: 07/15/16

Springfield District Court

Lakarsha Morris v. Kelsie Grimaldi & Liberty Mutual Insurance Company
Allegations: Negligence leading to property damage: $11,337.40
Filed: 06/16/16

Westfield District Court

Cigar Room II, LLC v. F. Fiore, LLC.
Allegation: Breach of lease agreement: $ (unknown)
Filed: 07/01/2016

People on the Move

By
Departments People on the Move
Timothy Netkovick

Timothy Netkovick

Attorney Timothy Netkovick has joined Royal, P.C. He has more than 14 years of litigation experience and has tried nearly two dozen cases to verdict. Netkovick’s practice is focused in labor law and complex employment litigation. He also counsels companies on the multitude of state and federal employment laws impacting them, including wage-and-hour issues, disability and leave laws, workplace safety and OSHA compliance, affirmative action, and contract negotiations. His other preventive work includes drafting employee manuals; preparing non-disclosure, non-solicitation, and non-compete agreements; and conducting management training. He is a graduate of American International College and Western New England University School of Law.

•••••

Kimberly Klimczuk

Kimberly Klimczuk

Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C. announced that Attorney Kimberly Klimczuk is among only 50 women throughout the Commonwealth named among the 2016 Top Women of Law by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. The Top Women of Law program showcases women who are shining stars across numerous legal fields. This list of elite legal female professionals will be honored at a dinner program sponsored by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, planned for Oct. 27 at the Marriott Copley Hotel in Boston. “I know that Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly has a long-standing tradition of recognizing pioneers in the legal field,” Klimczuk said. “I am honored to be included in this group of talented women lawyers throughout Massachusetts.” Klimczuk joined Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C. in 2004 and concentrates her practice in labor law and employment litigation. She became a partner with the firm in 2011. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and received her juris doctor from Duke University School of Law. Her experience includes negotiating collective bargaining agreements and advising on contract interpretation and successfully defending clients in state and federal court and before administrative agencies in a variety of areas of employment law, including wage-and-hour law, discrimination, harassment, wrongful discharge, and breach of contract. In addition, she has assisted employers in compliance matters involving the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, and drafted numerous affirmative-action plans for them. She is a frequent speaker for a wide variety of associations and organizations and, as a resident of Springfield, is an active member of the Western Mass. community.

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Greenfield Community College announced that Catherine Seaver has been named Chief Academic and Student Affairs Officer. “Catherine Seaver is a great fit for GCC,” said college President Bob Pura. “Catherine understands the joy, privilege, and the challenges of teaching and learning at a community college because she attended a community college, she has taught in the classrooms of one, and has worked in leadership positions in a community college. She understands the challenges of working in and running a tech-based business because she has worked in that environment. Catherine fits here because she gets how important relationships and community are to student success, how important the ongoing commitment to betterment and improvement is, and why it is essential that our student outcomes are comprehensive and sustainable. Catherine totally gets the importance of access, excellence, and our mission.” Seaver holds a bachelor’s degree in applied science: manufacturing engineering technology from Miami University, a master’s degree in computer information systems from the University of Phoenix, and a master’s degree in educational technology from Eastern Connecticut State University. She will complete a PhD in leadership from the University of the Cumberlands in December. Seaver worked at Manchester Community College from 2002 until this past spring. Her positions included division director for Business, Engineering & Technology; interim associate dean of Student Affairs; and department chair/professor in Engineering & Technology. While in administrative roles, Seaver taught one online or on-campus course each semester as an adjunct professor, including “Introduction to C++ Programming,” “Introduction to 3D AutoCAD,” “Object-Oriented C++ Programming,” and “Introduction to Engineering Analysis.” Prior to working at Manchester Community College, Seaver held systems-engineering, project-management, and technical-instructor positions with Hallmark IT, General Cigar Co., IKON (formerly HBM Technology Group), KTC Software Services, and Carrier Corp. “GCC’s President Bob Pura and GCC as a whole have a superb reputation throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, and beyond,” Seaver said. “I’m honored to be able to work here. When I was teaching at Manchester Community College, students would take a few classes at MCC with the intention of transferring to GCC to finish. I am very committed to community colleges. Their smaller classes and teachers focused on teaching instead of research make all the difference in student success. I was a finalist for a position at a selective four-year college that admits only 50% of their applicants. Thinking about what happens to the other 50%, I realized how much open access means to me and that I want to focus my career on community colleges. GCC is a great school doing powerful work in the community, and I look forward to being part of what GCC does so well.”

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Nancy Frankel Pelletier

Nancy Frankel Pelletier

Robinson Donovan, P.C. announced that partner Nancy Frankel Pelletier will be honored among the 2016 Top Women of Law by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. This honor is awarded to only 50 women attorneys annually throughout the Commonwealth. It recognizes and celebrates outstanding achievements made by exceptional female lawyers. The 2016 honorees will be recognized at a dinner program on Oct. 27 at the Marriott Copley Place Hotel in Boston. “When I look at the list of honorees this year, I see a group of women who are without-a-doubt trailblazers in the legal field,” Pelletier said. “I am thankful to be included among so many influential legal experts, and I want to extend my congratulations to each of them.” Pelletier exclusively practices litigation. She has no fear of taking a case to trial; however, she recognizes when it is not in the best interest of her clients, and she is equally talented at resolving conflicts outside of the courtroom expeditiously and economically. Her reputation as a litigator reaches well beyond Springfield, with a practice area extending from the Berkshires to Boston in both state and federal courts. She has also been admitted to the Hampden County Bar Assoc., the Women’s Bar Assoc. of Massachusetts, and the Federal Bar Assoc. Pelletier is a fellow at the International Association of Defense Council and a life fellow of the Massachusetts Bar Foundation. Other professional affiliations include membership to the Massachusetts Defense Lawyers Assoc., the Defense Research Institute, and civic involvement at George Washington University and East Longmeadow High School, where she provides mentoring and career job-shadowing opportunities for students. A complete list of 2016 Top Women of Law nominees can be found online at masslawyersweekly.com.

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J. Polep Distribution Services announced the promotion of Brian Neeld to Vice President, in addition to his role as chief financial officer. Neeld has been with J. Polep since 1998. Over the past 18 years, he has played a key role in the Accounting department. When he first started with the company, he held the title of accounting assistant, and worked his way up to corporate controller, a title he held for nine years, supporting the CFO. He was responsible for the production of financial reports, maintenance of accounting records, and a comprehensive set of controls and budgets. In 2014, Neeld was appointed CFO, then was promoted to vice president. Company leaders say his commitment and focus on customers, vendors, and the J. Polep team — as well as his dedication and ability to tackle complex accounting — have positively impacted J. Polep’s growth.

•••••

Jeffrey Trapani

Jeffrey Trapani

Robinson Donovan, P.C. announced that attorney Jeffrey Trapani has been appointed chair of the legislative steering committee for the Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce. The legislative steering committee identifies issues of major concern to the business community, researches the issues, and recommends positions on them. The committee is also charged with educating members on these issues, soliciting member support, and encouraging elected officials to adopt the chamber’s position. This committee also serves as the legislative arm of the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce. “Jeff is not only an outstanding litigator, but a genuine leader in the community,” said Nancy Frankel Pelletier, head of Robinson Donovan’s litigation department. “We are very proud that he has taken on a leadership role at the Springfield Regional Chamber. He has an unwavering commitment to our business community, and he will be carrying on a decades-old tradition at Robinson Donovan of community service.” Trapani, a partner at Robinson Donovan, concentrates his practice in civil litigation, including insurance defense, employment law, municipal liability, business litigation, and professional malpractice. Additionally, he represents landlords in summary-process actions and housing-discrimination claims and insurance companies in unfair-settlement claims and coverage issues. He graduated, cum laude, from New England Law in Boston, where he was editor in chief of the New England Law Review. He has been recognized by Super Lawyers since 2008.

•••••

Marylou Fabbo

Marylou Fabbo

Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C. announced that Attorney Marylou Fabbo has been named one of the 2016 Top Women of Law by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. This distinction is presented to only 50 female legal professionals in the Commonwealth each year. The Top Women of Law program highlights women who are trailblazers in their respective fields and role models for future generations of attorneys. This prestigious list of elite female legal professionals will be honored at a dinner program sponsored by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, planned for Oct. 27 at the Marriott Copley Hotel in Boston. “I am truly humbled to be recognized among so many talented women,” Fabbo said. “It speaks volumes about our firm to have two attorneys recognized this year. I look forward to celebrating the achievements of all the honorees in October.” Fabbo represents employers in employment litigation before state and federal courts as well as state and federal agencies in Massachusetts and Connecticut. She is a partner at Skoler Abbott and heads the firm’s litigation team. She has extensive experience working with employers to reduce the risk of legal liability they may face as the result of illegal employment practices. She is a frequent speaker on employment-related topics and also conducts extensive management-training and employment-practices audits. She is a published author and volunteers in the local community. Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly was founded in 1972 and reports decisions issued by all state and federal courts in Massachusetts as well as changes to court rules, verdict and settlement reports, bar-discipline notices, and other news vital to attorneys in the Commonwealth. A complete list of the publication’s 2016 Top Women of Law can be found at masslawyersweekly.com.

Agenda

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Agenda Departments

Kandinsky Exhibit

Through Jan. 15: Earlier this summer, the Springfield Museums unveiled an exhibit of prints by Russian artist Vassily Kandinsky titled “Kleine Welten (Small Worlds),” a portfolio of 12 works created in 1922 using a range of print-making techniques. The Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts is one of only a handful of public museums to own the complete series; other such museums include the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art. The exhibit will be on view in the Collins Print Gallery through Jan. 15, 2017. Known as one of the pioneers of abstract art, Kandinsky (1866-1944) lectured and wrote extensively in support of non-objective art, believing that total abstraction offers the possibility for profound spiritual expression. His paintings of 1913 are considered to be among the first completely abstract compositions in modern art history, as they made no reference to the natural world and were inspired by (and took their titles from) pieces of music. His non-representational paintings paved the way for the development of the abstract expressionist movement that dominated American painting after World War II. Kandinsky’s “Kleine Welten” portfolio exemplifies the artist’s abstract style, while also demonstrating his achievements with various print-making techniques. Though Kandinsky is perhaps best known for his paintings, this series of prints shows his mastery of lithography, woodcut, and etching.

Ad Club Networking on Connecticut River

Aug. 25: The Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts invites guests to network on the Connecticut River on the famous Lady Bea, departing from event sponsor Brunelle’s Marina in South Hadley. Guests are invited to sip on a cocktail from the cash bar, enjoy light appetizers, and take in the scenery while mingling with writers, designers, printers, agency staff, photographers, web designers, marketers, and media from Western Mass. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m., and the Lady Bea will depart at 6 p.m. from Brunelle’s Marina, 1 Alvord St., South Hadley. Guests must purchase tickets in advance by Friday, Aug. 19 by calling (413) 736-2582, visiting www.adclubwm.org/events/calendar, or e-mailing [email protected]. Ticket prices are $20 for Ad Club members, $30 for non-members, and $20 for students with valid ID.

Westfield Food Fest

Aug. 26-28: The Rotary Club of Westfield announced the second annual Westfield Food Fest, a three-day event that will feature vendors from local restaurants and food trucks, as well as entertainment from local musicians. The Rotary Club hopes this free event will draw people to the downtown area. The event will be held on Elm Street between Franklin Street and Main Street on Aug. 26 from 5 to 9 p.m., Aug. 27 from noon to 9 p.m., and Aug. 28 from noon to 6 p.m. The festival will also be broadcast live on location on WSKB 89.5 FM. Participating local restaurants include Pasquale’s, Two River Burritos, and Janik’s Pierogis. Food trucks will include Ed & Angies, Sun Kim Bop Korean, Silver Platter Gourmet, Bistro Bus, Moolicious Ice Cream, Angelo’s Fried Dough, and Ed’s Fries. A variety of local artists and craftspeople will be doing interactive, family-friendly demonstrations. The Rotary Club will sell beer and wine. For information on how to become a vendor, e-mail Jennifer Gruszka at [email protected]. Event sponsors include Westfield Bank, Westfield Gas & Electric, Forish Construction, Elm Electrical, Commercial Distributing, Mestek, Sarat Ford, Roger Butler Insurance Agency, Jerome’s Party Plus, and John S. Lane & Son Inc. This event would not be possible without the support of the city of Westfield, the Westfield Police Department, and all other city departments that help make events safe and enjoyable. For more information, visit facebook.com/westfieldrotaryclub. A complete schedule and listing of vendors, participants, and musicians will be posted soon.

Slide the City

Aug. 27: Celebrate Holyoke welcomes the return of Slide the City to Holyoke on the Saturday of its three-day event, and will once again sell discounted tickets prior to the event. In addition, the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Holyoke is partnering with Slide the City to raise money for its organization and help secure volunteers for the day of the slide. Slide the City will return to the same location along Appleton Street. Tickets are currently available at slidethecity.com, and single tickets can be purchased for $20 on the day of the event. Discounted tickets can also be found at celebrateholyokemass.com. For the second year, the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Holyoke will partner with Slide the City to recruit volunteers for the day of the event. For every volunteer signed up, Slide the City will make a donation to the Holyoke Boys & Girls Club. “The Holyoke Boys & Girls Club is thrilled to be partnering for the second year with Slide the City and the Celebrate Holyoke committee,” said Eileen Cavanaugh, president and CEO of the Boys and Girls Club. “Last year was a great experience, and we were so pleased with and grateful for the amount of volunteers that came out to support the club. I’m sure this year will be even better! We are looking forward to another fun event that allows our club to be part of Celebrate Holyoke.” Volunteers are still needed for various shifts throughout the day and will be helping with the following tasks: setup, registration tent (check pre-registered customers, take payment for new customers, etc.), slide monitors (check wristbands, help keep people moving along), cleanup, trash pickup, and loading trucks with gear and merchandise. Anyone who is interested in volunteering to raise money for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke should e-mail Cavanaugh at [email protected]. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. In exchange for their participation, volunteers will receive a Slide the City T-shirt and be provided snacks and refreshments during each shift.

Dress for Success Tag Sale

Sept. 9-11: In keeping with its mission to empower women to be more confident in their personal and professional lives, Dress for Success is hosting a tag sale in Springfield to raise funds and awareness, while also working to meet the needs of women throughout the community. In conjunction with the United Way of Pioneer Valley’s Day of Caring, Dress for Success volunteers will host the event at Eastfield Mall on Sept. 9 and 10 from 1 to 7 p.m., and Sept. 11 from 1 to 6 p.m. Customers may peruse through the racks of new and gently used donated items, including suits, dresses, pants, blouses, skirts, shoes, accessories, and more. Items may be purchased individually or by filling a shopping bag for only $25. All proceeds will benefit Dress for Success. Volunteers are needed to staff the event. If interested, contact [email protected]. This event follows several successful tag sales, each raising thousands of dollars and engaging the help of hundreds of community volunteers.

Mini-Medical School

Sept. 15 to Nov. 3: Thinking of going back to school? Baystate Medical Center’s Mini-Medical School will give area residents an inside look at the expanding field of medicine — minus the tests, homework, interviews, and admission formalities. The Mini-Medical School program is an eight-week health-education series featuring a different aspect of medicine each week. Classes this fall will include sessions on various medical topics such as surgery, emergency medicine, anesthesiology, pathology, and several others. Many of the ‘students,’ who often range in age from 20 to 70, participate due to a general interest in medicine and later find that many of the things they learned over the semester are relevant to their own lives. The goal of the program — offered in the comfortable environment of the hospital’s Chestnut Conference Center, is to help members of the public make more informed decisions about their healthcare while receiving insight on what it is like to be a medical student. Baystate Medical Center is the region’s only teaching hospital, and each course is taught by medical-center faculty who explain the science of medicine without resorting to complex terms. All classes are held Thursday nights starting at 6 p.m. and run until 8 or 9 p.m., depending on the night’s topic. No basic science knowledge is needed to participate. Each participant is required to attend a minimum of six out of eight classes in order to receive a certificate of completion. The classes run from Sept. 15 through Nov. 3, and a full listing of topics and presenters can be found at www.baystatehealth.org/minimed. Tuition is $95 per person and $80 for Senior Class and Spirit of Women members. While it is not difficult to be accepted into the program, slots are limited, and early registration is recommended by calling (800) 377-4325 or visiting www.baystatehealth.org/minimed.

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, or visit River Valley Counseling Center’s Facebook page. With outpatient clinics in Holyoke and Chicopee and a drop-in center in Springfield, RVCC provides comprehensive mental-health and other supportive services to individuals, families, and groups through a dedicated, multi-disciplinary team of social workers, counselors, psychologists, clinical nurse specialists, psychiatrists, and nurse practitioners. Programs include an intensive psychiatric day treatment program; teen clinics and/or school-based health centers in Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield, and Granby; HIV/AIDS support services; the CONCERN employee-assistance program; medication services; and the Holyoke Safe and Successful Youth Initiative. For additional information, visit www.rvcc-inc.org or contact Angela Callahan at (413) 841-3546 or [email protected].

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. “BerkshireSPEAKS continues to grow each year, with speakers whose passion reminds us that anything is possible,” said Toby Levine, event co-chair. “We have a fantastic program planned and look forward to an afternoon that brings the community together to share empowering ideas.” 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. 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.

Chamber Corners

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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. Please join us for an evening of fun, music, and food surrounded by long stretches of beautiful New England countryside.
Register online at www.amherstarea.com/ Cost: $10 for members; $15 for non-members

• 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/ERC 5

www.erc5.com
(413) 575-7230

• Sept. 8: 2016 Mill Fest, 4-7:30 p.m., at Europa Black Rock Bar & Grill, 782 Center Street, 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/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: 2016 Annual Golf Tournament, 10 a.m.-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 shot gun start. Don’t golf? No problem, please join us after the tournament for the cocktail party and buffet. The reception will be a great opportunity to network and congratulate the winners. For registration information contact Nancy Connor [email protected], (413) 575-7230
Cost: Individual golfer, $125; foursome, $500.

FRANKLIN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.franklincc.org
(413) 773-5463

• Aug. 25: Google Marketing Workshop Series: “Grow Your Business Online with Google Tools,” 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., hosted by Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, 395 Main St., Greenfield. Can people find your business on computers and mobile devices? Free tools show you how people search on Google and how they use your website. Google’s suite of online business-productivity tools makes collaboration a breeze. Cost: $5, including lunch. To sign up, call the chamber at (413) 773-5463 or visit franklincc.org/whats-new-at-the-chamber.

• Sept. 1: Google Marketing Workshop Series: “Advertise Online Using Google AdWords,” 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., hosted by Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, 395 Main St., Greenfield. An introduction to advertising and how it can benefit a business. Learn how Keywords work, how to find them, and how to evaluate their performance. Learn how to write great ads for your business. Cost: $5, including lunch. To sign up, call the chamber at (413) 773-5463 or visit franklincc.org/whats-new-at-the-chamber.

• 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. Google Analytics measures the effectiveness of your online and offline marketing campaigns. 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. Get a free domain name or use one you already own. Access and edit your site any time. Use your own photos and text, or the website generator can create the text for you. 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, MA. 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 light 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 a ton of fun networking. Each ticket also includes a stein of bier. Door prizes and a 50/50 raffle will add to the fun. Register online at www.holyokechamber.com. Cost: $30 for members; $35 for non-member guests and walk-ins.

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

• August 22: After 5 Connection, 5 p.m., at Papps, 110 Airport Road, Westfield. Sponsored by: Air1 Flight Training and A Slight Edge Salon. Join us for a unique networking event. There will be a cash bar, eggplant tower bites, renowned tomato bruschetta, and a chef’s choice selection.  Enter a drawing to win a $25 gift certificate to Papps Bar & Grill. We will also have a raffle to support our scholarship fund, where you can win an aerial scenic view of Westfield in a 1942 Aeronca L3 plane — weather permitting. Register online at www.westfieldbiz.org/ Cost: Free

• Sept. 12: Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8-9 a.m., at McDonad’s, 182 North Elm St., Westfield. Please join us for our monthly Mayor’s Coffee Hour with Westfield Mayor Brian Sullivan. Please 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. Register online at www.westfieldbiz.org/ Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members (cash).

• 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. Join us for our annual September Chamber Breakfast. 50/50 Raffle to support two Citizen’s Scholarships. Please note, the 104th Fighter Wing ANG requires registration for this event and also requires your 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, please call Pam at the chamber at (413) 568-1618. Register online at www.westfieldbiz.org/ Cost: $25 for members, $30 for non-members.

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. Register online: www.springfieldregionalchamber.com. Cost: $22.50 for members, in advance; $25 members at the door; $30 general admission.

• Sept. 21-23: 2016 Washington Symposium, hosted by Congressman Richard E. Neal. A “don’t miss” 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]; (413) 755-1309.

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

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.

Company Notebook

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Company Notebook Departments

Jerry Rome Nissan Becomes Balise Nissan

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Jerry Rome Nissan, located at 500 Riverdale St. in West Springfield, has officially become Balise Nissan of West Springfield. The current facility and parking area will undergo expansion in the coming months. Pending approval from the town of West Springfield, the dealership will be renovated to align more closely with Nissan’s latest dealership image. “Our team is thrilled for the all-new Balise Nissan of West Springfield,” says Bill Peffer, president & COO of Balise Motor Sales. “We look forward to exceeding customers’ expectations in areas of sales, service, and overall customer experience.” Balise Nissan is the sixth Balise dealership on Riverdale Street in West Springfield and the ninth Balise dealership in Western Mass.

Berkshire Bank Named Among Top 10 Best Banks in Massachusetts

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Bank has been recognized by AdvisoryHQ News as one of the Top 10 Best Banks in Massachusetts. “We are honored to be recognized by AdvisoryHQ News on their list of the best banks in Massachusetts,” said Tami Gunsch, executive vice president of Retail Banking. “We look forward to continuing to provide solutions to meet the financial needs of those within our communities and help our customers thrive and achieve what’s most exciting in their lives.” AdvisoryHQ News based its rankings on a number of factors, including advantages, benefits, and value-creating products and services provided by these financial institutions that benefit the consumers they serve. It delves deeper than the obvious fees, ratios, and metrics, also looking at the quality and value of products and services, creating a more personal examination. The products listed by Advisory HQ News as particularly beneficial to consumers are the NOW Checking, Pure Excitement Money Market, mobile banking, and MyBanker programs. AdvisoryHQ News is an online news outlet that provides research, reviews, and ranking of firms and products across the U.S., U.K., and Canada.

PFHS Accredited by New England Assoc. of Schools and Colleges

SPRINGFIELD — Pope Francis High School, a faith-based, college-preparatory school serving grades 9-12, announced its accreditation by the New England Assoc. of Schools and Colleges Inc. (NEASC). The school was formed by the recent merger of Cathedral High School and Holyoke Catholic High School. “This accreditation provides assurance to our prospective families that Pope Francis High School meets and upholds the standards that are outlined by the NEASC, and we will continue to work to meet those standards in the future,” said interim Head of School Dr. Thomas McDowell. “Accreditation by the NEASC is voluntary; it shows our willingness to abide by their standards and open ourselves regularly to examination by outside evaluators familiar with higher education.” According to a letter dated July 19 from Jay Stroud, NEASC interim director of the commission, Cathedral and Holyoke Catholic have been members of the association since 1993 and were last evaluated in 2013. By commission policy, their accreditation is extended to cover Pope Francis High School, which will be reevaluated for continued accreditation in 2023. “The effective date of accreditation for Pope Francis High School is Nov. 5, 2013, and the expiration date is Dec. 31, 2023,” Stroud wrote, adding that “Pope Francis High School is in good standing with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.” NEASC was founded in 1885 and works to establish and maintain high standards for all levels of education, from pre-kindergarten to the doctoral level.

Garvey Communication Associates Feted in Newspaper Poll

SPRINGFIELD — Readers of the Daily Hampshire Gazette voted Garvey Communication Associates Inc. (GCAi) “Best Marketing – Advertising Agency” in the 2016 Reader’s Choice poll. GCAi is a digital-marketing agency and independent Google Certified Partner agency which recently celebrated its 25-year anniversary. “The award certainly comes as a surprise and is a nice 25th-anniversary present,” said Mary Shea, vice president of Digital Strategy at GCAi. “We have worked hard for years to introduce new digital-marketing strategies to the market, and our volunteer work with startups, here and around the world, is unparalleled. We see the award as validation of both.” For several years, GCAi was the pro bono agency of record for local startup accelerator Valley Venture Mentors, and the GCAi digital-marketing team regularly presents and mentors entrepreneurs from around the world through the global accelerator MassChallenge.

Florence Bank Employees Recognized Among Top Loan Originators

FLORENCE — Florence Bank announced that Toby Daniels, vice president and branch manager at the bank’s Hadley location, and Susan Seaver, vice president and mortgage loan officer, have both been recognized by the Warren Group as among the top loan originators for the Central and Western Mass. regions. The Warren Group, publisher of Banker & Tradesman, compiled the list and rankings for the top loan originators statewide for the period between April 1, 2015 and March 31, 2016. The originators were ranked by number of loans and volume of loans, statewide and by region. Seaver was listed eighth in mortgage volume and seventh in number of loans. Daniels was listed ninth in mortgage volume. The comprehensive list, based on public records, is the compilation of data on hundreds of licensed loan originators in the state, as well as their lending institutions. The list was published in the June 20 edition of Banker & Tradesman and also distributed to attendees at the 2016 Mid-Year Mortgage Conference, held June 23 in Natick. In its report, the Warren Group stated that the Massachusetts housing recovery is one of the fastest in the nation and still going strong in most areas of the state. “All over the state,” the publishers noted, “loan originators have worked hard in the face of increased demand and increased regulatory burden. They are to be commended for their well-deserved success and their contributions to helping families achieve their dreams of home ownership.” Seaver said, “I’m thankful to have the opportunity to work with so many great customers. It’s very rewarding to help people purchase their dream home. I’m also thankful for the underwriters and processors at Florence Bank who work as a team with the loan officers to ensure the borrower gets the highest level of personal service, which makes my job easy.” Added Daniels, “I’m very happy to have been recognized. We have a great network of realtors who provide referrals, as well as a strong back office and streamlined approval process. And the lending rates have been great. We’re very pleased to have been able to help so many of our neighbors and friends here with their housing needs.” John Heaps Jr., president and CEO of Florence Bank, said the bank is honored to have the pair recognized among the region’s top lenders. “This speaks volumes about their commitment and good work. At Florence Bank, we are fortunate to have such a dedicated team of people focused on helping our friends and neighbors achieve their dreams of buying a home. I am proud of them all.”

AIC Named Among Top 50 Nursing Schools in New England

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) has been named one of the top 50 nursing schools in New England by a research team at Nursing Schools Almanac, which collected data on more than 3,200 nursing schools and campuses throughout the U.S., with just 10% making the final list.
Each nursing school in the six-state region was evaluated on three dimensions: the institution’s academic prestige and perceived value, the breadth and depth of nursing programs offered, and student success, particularly on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
According to Nursing Schools Almanac, “AIC ranked number 36 in New England. American International College opened in 1885 as a school for international immigrants. The institution became coed in 1892, making it one of the first colleges in the region to educate women. AIC offers BSN and RN-to-BSN courses for undergraduate students. The college introduced its MSN program in 2005, which offers a hybrid of classroom and online modules. In fact, two-thirds of the content is available online, providing much-needed flexibility for working nurses.”
Cesarina Thompson, dean of the School of Health Sciences, is pleased that AIC is being recognized. “Over the past five years, AIC’s average pass rate on the NCLEX exam has been at or above state and national averages. The college’s diverse nursing programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels offer a breadth and depth of courses and degrees that address current shortages of skilled healthcare professionals and an ever-increasing need for the future.”

Olde Holyoke Development Corp. Is Now OneHolyoke CDC

HOLYOKE — Olde Holyoke Development Corporation will now be called OneHolyoke CDC (Community Development Corporation) to better reflect its service to the most challenged neighborhoods in Holyoke and its commitment to best practices in the field of community development.
“It’s ‘Out with the Olde’ at Olde Holyoke Development Corporation,” according to OneHolyoke CDC Executive Director Michael Moriarty. “Our new name reflects the changes we have made to be a Community Development Corporation that represents a 21st century catalyst for change in Holyoke.”
Founded in 1971, the newly-named OneHolyoke CDC has created more than 160 new homes in the Flats, Churchill, and South Holyoke neighborhoods, rehabilitated hundreds of apartments, and provided thousands of home-improvement grants to homeowners through the Neighborhood Improvement Program. Olde Holyoke Development Corporation was formed originally as a Model Cities Community Development Corporation serving only the Flats neighborhood and continuing the work of a discontinued federal Great Society program.

In 2014, Olde Holyoke Development Corporation became the only certified Community Development Corporation based in the City of Holyoke. “OneHolyoke is a name that reflects the unifying, flexible and responsive CDC we strive to be,” Moriarty noted. “We’re doing what it takes to build communities, make improvements and transform lives.”
In recent years the housing development agency has diversified its board of directors, expanded its community service outreach, and launched efforts to collaborate with many city agencies and nonprofits that go beyond brick and mortar projects. Moriarty said the new name reflects the company’s evolution.
“The ‘Olde’ has served its purpose and outlived its time; we have a legacy of service and success we are proud of as ‘Olde Holyoke,’ but it is not our original name,” he said. “In the early ‘80s we adopted Olde Holyoke because the Flats is the oldest densely-populated section of Holyoke, which was the only area of focus. Now in 2016, we have been working throughout the city for years, not only in the Flats.

 OneHolyoke speaks to our service to the whole City, and our hope is to be a unifying and positive voice for Holyoke.”Jerry Rome Nissan Becomes Balise Nissan
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Jerry Rome Nissan, located at 500 Riverdale St. in West Springfield, has officially become Balise Nissan of West Springfield. The current facility and parking area will undergo expansion in the coming months. Pending approval from the town of West Springfield, the dealership will be renovated to align more closely with Nissan’s latest dealership image. “Our team is thrilled for the all-new Balise Nissan of West Springfield,” says Bill Peffer, president & COO of Balise Motor Sales. “We look forward to exceeding customers’ expectations in areas of sales, service, and overall customer experience.” Balise Nissan is the sixth Balise dealership on Riverdale Street in West Springfield and the ninth Balise dealership in Western Mass.

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Baystate Health Laying Off 300

SPRINGFIELD — In a memo to employees, Baystate Health President and CEO Dr. Mark Keroack announced the elimination of 300 positions from among the system’s 12,500 employees, citing a budget gap of $75 million for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, 2016. “Many factors are causing this projected shortfall, most significantly the continuing shortfalls in the reimbursements we receive for providing Medicaid services,” Keroack said. “Other factors are also contributing to this challenge, most prominently the recent decision by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services not to accept corrected wage data resulting in $23 million in reduced Medicare reimbursements next year, as well as increased spending on wages and benefits, pharmaceutical costs, and malpractice insurance.” He explained that Baystate’s leadership team has identified almost $40 million in strategies to mitigate these impacts and reduce the budget gap to about $35 million, but workforce cuts are necessary to further trim the deficit. “We expect that these reductions will affect management as well as front-line team members, prioritizing non-clinical areas for reductions, and most importantly preserving the quality and safety of the care we provide,” he wrote. “We expect the majority of these reductions will take place in Springfield-based operations, but we anticipate some impact throughout many parts of Baystate Health. As we know more specifics about impact on teams and individuals, we will share them.” Employees affected by the cuts will have access to severance pay and Baystate Health’s workforce placement and transition services, and may apply for open positions of critical need in the system. “Even after these painful steps, we expect to face a remaining budget gap of $15 million. We’ll continue our work to address this gap and do all we can to preserve jobs,” Keroack noted. “Our leadership has worked hard, as our financial challenges have mounted in recent months, to minimize the impact of these challenges. We are doing everything we can to help our elected leaders change some of the long-standing disparities in Medicaid reimbursement between different provider organizations in Massachusetts, which have been a major driver of our current difficulties.”

GCC Survey Uncovers What Employers Look for

GREENFIELD — What skills and knowledge do Pioneer Valley employers look for in their recent hires? That was the focus of a spring 2016 survey conducted by Greenfield Community College (GCC). More than 125 businesses, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and schools weighed in on the college-learning outcomes they value the most. The survey, modeled after a national study conducted by Hart Research Associates on behalf of the Assoc. of American Colleges & Universities (AAC&U), was sent to Pioneer Valley employers on the member lists of the Franklin County, Greater Northampton, and Amherst Area chambers of commerce. It presented 17 distinct skill and knowledge areas and asked respondents to indicate how important it is that the new college graduates they employ exhibit proficiency in each. Among the results, at least four out of five respondents said they want new hires to have the ability to effectively communicate orally, ethical judgment and decision making, the ability to work effectively with others in teams, the ability to apply knowledge and skills to real-world settings, and critical-thinking and analytical-reasoning skills. Employers, both large and small, report placing high value on these skills when hiring recent college graduates. Recently, GCC students participated in the national Community College Survey of Student Engagement and were asked how much their experience at the college has contributed to their knowledge, skills, and personal development in a number of areas similar to those on the employer survey. A majority of respondents indicated that their time at GCC has contributed “quite a bit” or “very much” to their abilities to write and speak clearly and effectively, think critically and analytically, and work effectively with others. Marie Breheny, GCC’s director of Assessment, noted that “the findings from this local survey of Pioneer Valley employers were very similar to those obtained through the AAC&U’s larger effort. The ongoing national debate about the purpose of a college education is often presented in terms of conflicting viewpoints, with some believing that college is primarily for the development of a person and others believing that it is primarily to get a job. Following from that argument are questions about the value of various courses of study. The results from these surveys show no such conflict, as the outcomes from a broad education that that contribute to the development of a well-rounded individual are also highly valued by employers. In short, a liberal-arts education that fosters communication, ethics, critical thinking, teamwork, and the application of knowledge to real-world settings prepares students for success in employment and success in life.” Added GCC President Bob Pura, “Greenfield Community College thanks employers in the Pioneer Valley for their participation in this effort. Input such as this helps the college understand how issues in higher education that garner national attention play out at the local level. GCC will use this information to inform its programming and planning so as to best serve students while being responsive to the needs of area employers and the community.”