Day: May 2, 2017

VVM Set to Launch Collegiate Accelerator This Summer

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Real-world Education

Valley Venture Mentors co-founder Paul Silva

Valley Venture Mentors co-founder Paul Silva

Valley Venture Mentors has long cultivated entrepreneurship in the Pioneer Valley through programs like its signature Accelerator, which provides education and support for aspiring business owners to hone their ideas. VVM’s Collegiate Accelerator, set to begin in June, is a different beast, focusing on a younger group with startup ideas and tossing them into a more demanding, time-intensive experience than the traditional Accelerator. But they do have something in common with their older peers: they don’t know anything. Yet.

Paul Silva recalls how Valley Venture Mentors was born out of entrepreneurship classes he and his fellow co-founders, Scott Foster and Jay Leonard, were teaching at UMass. But the vast majority of participants in VVM’s programs have been past their college years.

“But the student demand was there all along,” Silva said. “College students needed this.”

Which is why the Springfield-based nonprofit — which aims to build, support, and maintain an entrepreneurial renaissance in Western Mass. — launched a Collegiate Accelerator program this summer for college students and recent graduates. Twenty startups have been chosen to participate in the eight-week program, which was funded by multiple sources, including an anonymous donor who made a significant contribution.

“The donors agreed with us: ‘hey, we have great kids in our schools, or great kids are born here and go somewhere else to school. What they need is a great reason to stay,’” Silva told BusinessWest. “We want to show them that, if they want to create a startup, this is the place you can do it, and there’s no better time in their lives.”

There are some important differences between VVM’s traditional Accelerator and the collegiate version. While the adults in the former program dedicate one long weekend a month, the college students are essentially working a 40-hour schedule for eight weeks, with 20 hours per week spent in the classroom and another 20 in the field, meeting potential customers and honing their idea into a workable business plan. The accelerator will run weekdays from mid-June through August, and participants will receive a $2,000 stipend.

“We can run the program over the summer and not conflict with their studies,” Silva said. “Local kids can participate over the summer, and kids who come here for school can stay here over the summer. So we’re keeping all these great kids here; we give them our intensive program, and we get those great minds to stay local.”

We’re giving them an internship at their own startup, and they’re getting paid. We’re taking eight weeks of their summer, leaving time at the beginning and end, and we make it intense.”

Silva noted that participants will learn how to pitch their startup and how to raise capital, and will benefit from successful entrepreneurs and business leaders who will serve as speakers and mentors.

It is in some ways the best job of their lives so far, he added. “We’re giving them an internship at their own startup, and they’re getting paid. We’re taking eight weeks of their summer, leaving time at the beginning and end, and we make it intense. It’s a full-time job.”

VVM worked with a variety of partners, from the Grinspoon Charitable Foundation to area colleges, to publicize the Collegiate Accelerator and attract applications. Being chosen for one of the 20 slots was a two-part process. In the first, the applicants judged each other’s ideas blindly — no name, age, gender, or race information was attached. From that peer review, a number of startups were chosen to attend a screening party where they made their elevator pitch before at least 10 different VVM members, who grilled them about their ideas.

It’s an intense process, Silva said, but superior to coming before, say, a three-member panel and needing unanimous approval. With that model, if someone has an idea involving video games and one of three judges simply hates video games, it’s over. With 10 or more judges, there’s more leeway for those biases to be filtered out. And applicants who were not chosen were given plenty of practical feedback that might make them more likely to be chosen next summer.

Knowing Nothing

For those taking the plunge this June, the first lesson is a mantra that has been used often at Valley Venture Mentors.

“The foundation of our program is, you don’t know anything, and neither does your business partner,” Silva said. “All you have is a good idea.”

That idea requires testing through actual field work, he said. “Maybe I want to make video games for blind people. And it turns out that blind people are mostly older and don’t give a darn about video games, but they do miss socializing. So now I’ve learned more about them, and about social isolation.”

Perhaps that leads to a different idea for a video-game company, or a completely different type of company focusing on the needs of blind people. Those crossroads pop up all the time for young entrepreneurs, he explained. In fact, Silva said most entrepreneurs at the idea stage are 90% wrong, and the idea is to discover where they’re 10% right, and build on that.

VVM’s overarching goal is to catalyze the entrepreneurial renaissance in the Pioneer Valley.

VVM’s overarching goal is to catalyze the entrepreneurial renaissance in the Pioneer Valley.

A few of the 20 participants in the Collegiate Accelerator have actually received money in exchange for products, but most have not gotten that far, nor should that be expected at this stage of the game, Silva said.

“I tell them a startup is not a job where you make money; it’s where you figure out how to make money. A business is a job where you make money. The goal is to grow your startup into a business. If people are already giving you money, that’s a great signal, but it’s not the goal.”

The students participating in the 2017 Collegiate Accelerator include:

• Boman Container Homes, Springfield Technical Community College (STCC): offers a variety of customizable container homes, offices, and cabins for sale, ranging from economic to luxurious;

• Bystand, Hampshire College: connects certified bystanders, who rarely use their skills, with people nearby who are in need of immediate medical assistance;

• CognitEyes, UMass Amherst: makes affordable, comfortable, eye-tracking glasses, helping identify diseases, assess fatigue, and understand consumer behavior;

• DetraPel, Babson College: a super-hydrophobic liquid repellent that repels any liquid from almost any surface;

• El Cherufe Chile Paste, Greenfield Community College: offers a unique hot flavor profile to lovers of all things spicy in a versatile paste form;

• In Case Audio, UMass Amherst: installs speaker systems into vintage suitcases to create a stylish yet portable speaker and amp;

• Love Jones Renaissance Café & Lounge, STCC: a cozy, sophisticated lounge and café that provides customers with an ambiance that fosters individual and group creativity and networking;

• Lymph + Honey, Hampshire College: provides access to healthful, wholesome, and sustainable natural hair- and body-care products;

• Mitho MoMo, Mount Holyoke College: brings authentic Nepalese foods back to their people in the U.S. at affordable prices with the convenience of a microwave;

• Peace of Mind Home Inventory, STCC: personal asset inventory for insurance and estate planning;

• Redflowers, Smith College: promotes, empowers, and engages black identities and black women;

• Salad Express, Elms College: an inexpensive healthy fast-food experience;

• Shesabelle Chandeliears, Smith College: adds versatility and variety to modern jewelry owners’ earring selection;

• Socialopolis, UMass Amherst: a virtual and augmented reality software and hardware development firm;

• STEAMporio, STCC: STEAM education marketplace with a focus on the maker and DIY communities;

• Studio 26, Holyoke Community College: an inspiring network that strengthens the community and encourages growth and self-expression through the arts;

• The Schwa Company, Smith College: provides on-demand, real-life translators through an app 24/7, eliminating language barriers;

• The Travel Unicorn, Mount Holyoke College: an LGBTQ+ travel guide dedicated to sharing stories of love and travel, connecting LGBTQ+ travelers to safe and fun travel destinations;

• Vidvision, Babson College: offers a suite of interactive lead-generation tools to help SMBs drive ROI on their video content; and

• Zirui Collective, Mount Holyoke College: a beauty tech company that builds a compact, modular, customizable makeup kit that is space-efficient and travel-friendly.

Catalyzing the Valley

When asked what the end goal of the Collegiate Accelerator should be, Silva said it’s similar to VVM’s overarching goal of catalyzing the entrepreneurial renaissance in the Valley.

“One of the most underutilized assets in the Valley is our college students,” he said. “We know from personal experience, and from the experience of others around the country, that if you shower young entrepreneurs with love and support, they’ll be more likely to find success, to remember you, and to stay here. Not everyone is going to stay, of course, and not everyone should stay; if what you’re doing is perfect for Silicon Valley, then you should go to Silicon Valley. But this is a great region for all kinds of startups.”

Besides, he added, startups that leave the area often become ambassadors of sorts, or allies, of the Pioneer Valley. One team from London that took part in a VVM Accelerator has since helped three other teams expand their business in the United Kingdom.

“We are dedicated to helping entrepreneurs launch and thrive. Students are one of the most high-potential populations our region has, and with a bit more help, they could really have an impact here,” Silva said. “We can’t wait to learn about their ventures and help them take the next steps to launch.”

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Real Estate Transactions

By
Departments Real Estate

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY

ASHFIELD

820 Conway Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $233,000
Buyer: Jonathan R. Williams
Seller: Williams INT
Date: 03/31/17

912 Creamery Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $208,000
Buyer: Marley Engvall
Seller: John L. Perkins
Date: 03/21/17

CHARLEMONT

56 Potter Road
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $222,000
Buyer: Nicholas Bilgri
Seller: Keith R. Obert
Date: 03/31/17

COLRAIN

Avery Hill Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $124,500
Buyer: Ralph Aurelia
Seller: Call INT
Date: 03/23/17

268 Jacksonville Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Terri H. Finkel
Seller: Scott R. Sylvester
Date: 03/29/17

Old Avery Hill Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $124,500
Buyer: Ralph Aurelia
Seller: Call INT
Date: 03/23/17

DEERFIELD

1 Steam Mill Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Ann M. Colo
Seller: Theodore M. Russo
Date: 03/29/17

168 Whately Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $277,000
Buyer: Tyler A. Hersom
Seller: Susan L. Hacker
Date: 03/21/17

16 Yankee Candle Way
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $13,000,000
Buyer: Yankee Candle Way LLC
Seller: Deerfield Yankee Candle
Date: 03/28/17

27 Yankee Candle Way
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $13,000,000
Buyer: Yankee Candle Way LLC
Seller: Deerfield Yankee Candle
Date: 03/28/17

ERVING

28 Forest St.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Glenn T. McCrory
Seller: James D. Paulin
Date: 03/27/17

10 Wells St.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $219,900
Buyer: Brody L. Misiun
Seller: George G. Johnson
Date: 03/24/17

GREENFIELD

637 Bernardston Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $256,500
Buyer: Allison B. Henry
Seller: Kristen Johnson
Date: 03/31/17

12 Devens St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Noah H. Diamond
Seller: Allison B. Henry
Date: 03/31/17

104 Federal St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: KB 104 Federal LLC
Seller: Christopher J. Ethier
Date: 03/22/17

16 Forest Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $194,000
Buyer: Christopher M. Giver
Seller: Mary E. McGarrah
Date: 03/24/17

39 Highland Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Joan R. Schwartz
Seller: Bruce G. Douglass
Date: 03/22/17

62 James St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $159,900
Buyer: Keith E. Fernet
Seller: John P. Nee
Date: 03/31/17

41 Madison Circle
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Christopher A. Dedinas
Seller: Alan P. Dedinas
Date: 03/20/17

23 Pleasant St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $229,000
Buyer: Heather L. Quinn
Seller: Evan S. Childress
Date: 03/27/17

LEVERETT

416 Long Plain Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $128,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Linda S. Delcastilho
Date: 03/24/17

MONTAGUE

6 Bridge St.
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $153,000
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Daniel L. Healey
Date: 03/31/17

214 Millers Falls Road
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Tyler M. Peters
Seller: Linda M. Vight
Date: 03/31/17

44 Oakman St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $179,500
Buyer: Keith R. Parenteau
Seller: Megan R. Glabach
Date: 03/31/17

NORTHFIELD

730 Old Wendell Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Marshall E. Royce
Seller: Peter J. Blackmore
Date: 03/31/17

ORANGE

395 Jones Cemetery Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Jonathan J. Hastings
Seller: Philip J. Hastings RET
Date: 03/23/17

30 Meadow Lane
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Ashley Manley
Seller: Haughton, Reginald C., (Estate)
Date: 03/22/17

344 West River St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $193,000
Buyer: Kevin J. Mchugh
Seller: William J. Donovan
Date: 03/24/17

SHELBURNE

32 Severance St.
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $251,000
Buyer: James F. Smith
Seller: Roberta E. Milner
Date: 03/27/17

SUNDERLAND

242 North Silver Lane
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Michael S. Wan
Seller: Mildred A. Ralicki IRT
Date: 03/31/17

WENDELL

11 Wendell Depot Road
Wendell, MA 01379
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Janet Mankowsky
Seller: Robert Shulman
Date: 03/20/17

WHATELY

394 Long Plain Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Sheila A. Wentzel
Seller: Nancy A. Capen
Date: 03/27/17

113 River Road
Whately, MA 01373
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Joshua C. Coates
Seller: Walter F. Letourneau
Date: 03/27/17

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

75 Belvidere Ave.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $183,000
Buyer: Paul M. Sandy
Seller: Kenneth Modzelesky
Date: 03/27/17

29 Briarcliff Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Thomas M. Roberts
Seller: Edwin J. Adamski
Date: 03/24/17

19 Brookline Ave.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $197,000
Buyer: Taylor N Hartmann
Seller: Amy R. Smith
Date: 03/24/17

62 Cambridge St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Deborah M. Leonczyk
Seller: Charles E. Ritter
Date: 03/27/17

19 Cherry St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $151,700
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Michael A. Santos
Date: 03/22/17

317 Cooper St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $217,000
Buyer: Douglas H. Clark
Seller: John Lesik
Date: 03/31/17

18 Deer Run Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $268,600
Buyer: Sinan Turan
Seller: Samuel Hurley
Date: 03/20/17

20 Denise Lane
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $224,500
Buyer: Kevin M. Wyman
Seller: Clifford Packer
Date: 03/30/17

80 Elbert Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $232,000
Buyer: Keith M. Garvey
Seller: Laurance R. Andrews
Date: 03/31/17

13 Frank St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Christopher D. Bonneau
Seller: Mario C. Sotolotto
Date: 03/31/17

94 Garden St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $710,000
Buyer: J. Norbert Properties LLC
Seller: Giordano Building Inc.
Date: 03/20/17

Garden St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: J. Norbert Properties LLC
Seller: Richard S. Thomas
Date: 03/20/17

91 Raymond Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Michael Lim
Seller: Jammie E. Perry
Date: 03/24/17

804-806 South West St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Kevin D. Ghareeb
Seller: Patch, Susan, (Estate)
Date: 03/27/17

180 Southwick St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $148,000
Buyer: Timothy A. Smith
Seller: Donald R. Silkey
Date: 03/24/17

75 Spruce Circle
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $449,900
Buyer: Timothy M. Davis
Seller: Lee E. Smith
Date: 03/27/17

BLANDFORD

24 Sperry Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $218,500
Buyer: 24 Sperry Road Land Trust
Seller: Brian D. Boisseau
Date: 03/20/17

BRIMFIELD

30 Haynes Hill Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Armand H. Dimo
Seller: Adams, Susan L., (Estate)
Date: 03/28/17

35 Oakwood Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $228,000
Buyer: Michael A. Goodwin
Seller: George Markopoulos
Date: 03/31/17

CHESTER

9 Lynes Road
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Deborah A. Ashton
Seller: Diane Paquette
Date: 03/24/17

CHICOPEE

88 Ashgrove St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Peter A. Haas
Seller: Goyette, Claire L., (Estate)
Date: 03/22/17

58 Ashmont St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $127,500
Buyer: Kimberly A. Dziedzic
Seller: Manning, Roger E., (Estate)
Date: 03/23/17

13 Bonneta Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: Matthew R. Phillips
Seller: Lisa J. Thomas
Date: 03/27/17

63 Bourbeau St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Cady L. Spencer
Seller: Robert J. Wrzesinski
Date: 03/24/17

275 Broadway St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $162,000
Buyer: Jeira Castro
Seller: Ashe, Helen P., (Estate)
Date: 03/31/17

130 Catherine St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $129,900
Buyer: Michael J. Bourbeau
Seller: Bryan J. Szymczyk
Date: 03/24/17

174 Champagne Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Jennifer L. Cardinal
Seller: Michael L. Kerley
Date: 03/31/17

359 Dale St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $2,650,000
Buyer: Briarwood 16 LLC
Seller: Chateau Harmonie Apts. LLC
Date: 03/31/17

27 Dunn St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Andrew J. Jacques
Seller: Todd J. Kasperowski
Date: 03/31/17

22 East Street Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $161,470
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: John A. Dussault
Date: 03/22/17

75 Falmouth Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $159,900
Buyer: Timothy P. Murphy
Seller: Laura E. Carmody
Date: 03/24/17

646 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $318,000
Buyer: Fazi LLC
Seller: Grattan Bld LLC
Date: 03/24/17

190 James St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $157,900
Buyer: Marek Boryczka
Seller: FNMA
Date: 03/31/17

99 Jean Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $234,450
Buyer: Abdulrahman Addy
Seller: John Marques
Date: 03/30/17

71 Laramee St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $145,450
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Debra Himmelreich
Date: 03/21/17

32 Macek Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: James A. Stefanik
Seller: Frances M. Morawiec
Date: 03/21/17

82 Madison St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: HLR Home Inc.
Seller: Lucille D. Harland
Date: 03/23/17

21 Marble Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $165,900
Buyer: Matthew J. Crowley
Seller: John R. Crowley
Date: 03/31/17

78 Old Lyman Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Robert J. Wrzesinski
Seller: Jonathan Scully
Date: 03/24/17

70 Rich St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Dana C. Rhicard
Seller: Petros Mirisis
Date: 03/31/17

17 Saint Jacques Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Casa Bonita Apartments
Seller: FNMA
Date: 03/31/17

19 Smith St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $208,650
Buyer: Joseph S. Grab
Seller: Janusz Kosciolek
Date: 03/31/17

EAST LONGMEADOW

128 Allen St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $316,000
Buyer: JPMT Realty LLC
Seller: Vincenzo Montefusco
Date: 03/20/17

Hampden Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Chad P. Herrick
Seller: George W. Wegman
Date: 03/28/17

60 Helen Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $151,001
Buyer: Olmstead RT
Seller: USA HUD
Date: 03/23/17

11 Oak Brook Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $239,900
Buyer: Gabriel E. Sanchez
Seller: FNMA
Date: 03/31/17

92 Pleasant St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $142,400
Buyer: Amy Kloss
Seller: Marla J. Shelasky
Date: 03/20/17

238 Pleasant St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $279,900
Buyer: Tiffany Sanchez
Seller: Jacqueline L. Evans
Date: 03/31/17

232 Prospect St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $332,000
Buyer: Patrick M. Kehoe
Seller: Lorraine Eastman
Date: 03/31/17

40 Redin Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $213,000
Buyer: Edward C. Corl
Seller: Sandra J. Wheeler
Date: 03/30/17

25 Somerset St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Sean F. Merrigan
Seller: Nasman, Ernest O., (Estate)
Date: 03/23/17

65 Westernview Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $150,013
Buyer: Timothy P. Marquis
Seller: USA HUD
Date: 03/24/17

110 Wood Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Richard R. Pinkman
Seller: Constitution Properties
Date: 03/31/17

GRANVILLE

441 North Lane
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $190,966
Buyer: RBS Financial Products
Seller: Eugene G. Slack
Date: 03/28/17

198 South Lane
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $284,500
Buyer: Jose Rivera
Seller: Ruth M. Hauff
Date: 03/31/17

HAMPDEN

8 Mohawk Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $174,000
Buyer: John R. Roden
Seller: Robert J. Gossman
Date: 03/22/17

84 North Monson Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $299,900
Buyer: Brenda M. Scungio
Seller: Austin P. O’Toole
Date: 03/31/17

175 Stafford Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Susan A. Delrosso
Seller: Steven Balut
Date: 03/24/17

HOLLAND

8 Amber Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $236,000
Buyer: Renee Murphy
Seller: Karen A. Raymond
Date: 03/31/17

58 Leno Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Justus M. Gevry
Seller: Country Bank For Savings
Date: 03/22/17

HOLYOKE

31 Bayberry Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $217,000
Buyer: Dennis K. Schall
Seller: Anne O. Murphy
Date: 03/22/17

127 Congress Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Hayward D. Jones
Seller: Efrain Cosme
Date: 03/22/17

30 Harvard St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Nancy H. Adams
Seller: Hastings, Kimball, (Estate)
Date: 03/24/17

8-10 Saint James Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $159,000
Buyer: Ivan Carrasquillo
Seller: Michael W. Lapalme
Date: 03/31/17

17 Winterberry Circle
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Eliane D. Gauthier IRT
Seller: Leon M. Beauchemin
Date: 03/31/17

LONGMEADOW

214 Captain Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $311,000
Buyer: Christina Ly
Seller: Chi-Ping Wang
Date: 03/31/17

81 Converse St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $182,637
Buyer: Wilmington Trust
Seller: Leigh Cherkas
Date: 03/27/17

36 Magnolia Circle
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: William J. Dupont
Seller: Estelle A. Gross
Date: 03/21/17

64 Meadowlark Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $172,500
Buyer: Andrea S. Martin
Seller: Tai W. Kang
Date: 03/24/17

LUDLOW

88 Cedar St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $165,500
Buyer: Devan M. Curry
Seller: Karen Pestaina
Date: 03/31/17

972 Center St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $269,000
Buyer: Evelyne M. Cuipenski
Seller: Sapphire Property Dev. LLC
Date: 03/31/17

152 Edison Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $276,000
Buyer: James Footit
Seller: Martin J. Murphy
Date: 03/24/17

51-53 Greenwich St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Bank Of New York Mellon
Seller: Cheryl A. Cronin
Date: 03/22/17

7 Highland Place
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Megan M. Chastain
Seller: Clarissa P. Tsim
Date: 03/24/17

Holyoke St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Pauldin LLC
Seller: Gilmar Realty LLC
Date: 03/31/17

31 Nash Hill Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $281,000
Buyer: Christopher M. Pelletier
Seller: William P. Hogan
Date: 03/20/17

133 Pond St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Bethany N Williams
Seller: Paul R. Racine
Date: 03/27/17

109 Ray St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $201,000
Buyer: John A. Beaver
Seller: Jennifer L. St.Marie
Date: 03/21/17

170 Ridgeview Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Kenneth Massey
Seller: Carol A. Girard
Date: 03/24/17

128 Swan Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Kathleen Sweeney
Seller: Jakub Kopec
Date: 03/24/17

281 Westerly Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Samuel Hurley
Seller: Elke A. Greenwood
Date: 03/20/17

18 Winsor St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $196,000
Buyer: Laura J. Galloway
Seller: Brooke Surran
Date: 03/31/17

360 Winsor St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $188,500
Buyer: Jing C. Wei
Seller: Caitlin M. Clark
Date: 03/27/17

MONSON

59 Bradway Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Steven K. Meher
Seller: Ronald L. Poremba
Date: 03/30/17

100 Peck Brothers Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Daniel Alves
Seller: Pennymac Loan Services
Date: 03/30/17

1 Robbins Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: Alison T. Zaikowski
Seller: Daniel C. Pippin
Date: 03/30/17

123 Stebbins Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $183,665
Buyer: Kelsey L. Millier
Seller: Carrie A. Terpening
Date: 03/20/17

33 Washington St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $136,000
Buyer: Ryan P. Fortier
Seller: Daniel S. Baer
Date: 03/31/17

PALMER

Ains Manor Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Palmer Crystal Lake LLC
Seller: Southbridge Savings Bank
Date: 03/23/17

2 Breckenridge St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Palmer DG LLC
Seller: Kathleen J. Pelletier
Date: 03/20/17

4486 High St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $151,900
Buyer: Eric J. Chartier
Seller: Frank J. Cyran
Date: 03/31/17

2 Memory Lane
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Marcin A. Wszolek
Seller: Steven R. Tetreault
Date: 03/31/17

749 River St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $252,417
Buyer: Wilmington Savings
Seller: John T. Innarelli
Date: 03/21/17

1226-1230 South Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $199,000
Buyer: South Middlesex Non Profit
Seller: Richard G. Primavera
Date: 03/31/17

3050-3052 South Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Michael J. Mastriani
Seller: Christensen, Sharon, (Estate)
Date: 03/28/17

89 Shearer St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $137,500
Buyer: Amanda Taylor
Seller: John F. Davis
Date: 03/31/17

416 Springfield St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Patrick J. Austin
Seller: Michael R. Austin
Date: 03/31/17

30-32 Squier St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Christopher Falero
Seller: Michael J. Russo
Date: 03/20/17

RUSSELL

34 West Main St.
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $124,000
Buyer: Matthew Gelinas
Seller: Karl R. Dagenais
Date: 03/31/17

SOUTHWICK

173 Berkshire Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $255,500
Buyer: June M. Wilby
Seller: Kenneth Eggleston
Date: 03/27/17

151 Granville Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $116,830
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Eben C. Willey
Date: 03/27/17

22 Southwick Hill #22
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $349,900
Buyer: Amy L. Starling
Seller: 20 Depot Square LLC
Date: 03/31/17

SPRINGFIELD

268 Arnold Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $223,000
Buyer: Norman Davey
Seller: John V. Zielinski
Date: 03/31/17

769-771 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Suranthey Panton
Seller: Maria Maragoudakis
Date: 03/31/17

11 Bethel St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $147,300
Buyer: Lisbette Perez
Seller: Paula Lapolice
Date: 03/31/17

82 Birchland Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $128,800
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: John T. Andras
Date: 03/28/17

28 Bither St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $134,900
Buyer: Jayza M. Jimenez
Seller: Andros, Catherine, (Estate)
Date: 03/22/17

354 Central St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Magdiel Colon
Seller: Viva Development LLC
Date: 03/30/17

252 Christopher Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Gregory C. Flechsig
Seller: Earl D. Baidy
Date: 03/28/17

240-242 College St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Miche Mede
Seller: Charmaine Stephens
Date: 03/31/17

130 Connecticut Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $125,962
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Ann Hurley
Date: 03/21/17

37 Dorchester St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $146,000
Buyer: Joshua M. Gonzalez
Seller: Campagnari Construction
Date: 03/29/17

38 Doyle Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Juan A. Santa
Seller: Anita F. Mahan
Date: 03/28/17

312 Dutchess St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $148,000
Buyer: Stephen P. Wagner
Seller: Benjamin E. Jenne
Date: 03/20/17

280 Ellendale Circle
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $154,230
Buyer: Sean T. Anderson
Seller: USA HUD
Date: 03/27/17

133 Entrybrook Dr.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $157,500
Buyer: Roseline C. Chiuwa
Seller: FNMA
Date: 03/31/17

22 Fresno St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Wanda I. Torres
Seller: Eliezer Vega
Date: 03/30/17

131 Gardens Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $158,250
Buyer: Alexa Acosta
Seller: Yamil I. Cruz
Date: 03/20/17

152 Gilbert Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $149,000
Buyer: Maritzabel Cabrera
Seller: Devon Boreland
Date: 03/29/17

125 Granger St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $118,500
Buyer: FHLM
Seller: Mark E. Pariseau
Date: 03/20/17

762 Grayson Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Lydia Vega
Seller: Seana A. Coughlin
Date: 03/31/17

194 Hermitage Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $122,500
Buyer: Leonard A. Lindsay
Seller: Bryson, Aaron, (Estate)
Date: 03/20/17

92 Hudson St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $144,900
Buyer: Jon D. Mitchell
Seller: Theodore G. Sarant
Date: 03/31/17

26 Irvington St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: Wilmington Trust
Seller: Donald G. Fontaine
Date: 03/31/17

203 Jewett St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $213,000
Buyer: Justin Henry
Seller: Christian A. Barthelette
Date: 03/31/17

28 Jimmy Court
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $219,900
Buyer: Adam C. Santiago
Seller: Justin D. Greenia
Date: 03/22/17

293 Laurelton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $138,700
Buyer: Miguel Nieves
Seller: Maryann L. Connor
Date: 03/31/17

17 Lyndale St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $167,500
Buyer: Johnny Lopez-Santos
Seller: Lyle T. Le
Date: 03/30/17

2477 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $1,175,000
Buyer: 2477 Main Street LLC
Seller: North Park Apartments LLC
Date: 03/31/17

19 Mary Louise St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Brianna Mangano
Seller: Francisco Ramirez
Date: 03/20/17

88 Mildred Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $188,500
Buyer: Julian May
Seller: Living Stone LLC
Date: 03/24/17

8-10 Monroe St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $124,000
Buyer: AAD LLC
Seller: Nicks Affordable Home Improvement
Date: 03/21/17

202-204 Monrovia St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $199,500
Buyer: Jose A. Colon
Seller: Roland Lapointe
Date: 03/23/17

166 Nottingham St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $123,900
Buyer: Jason C. Chapdelaine
Seller: Cara L. Sullivan
Date: 03/31/17

57-59 Observer St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: MNJ LLC
Seller: 59 Observer Street LLC
Date: 03/31/17

71 Old Farm Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Jose Rivera
Seller: Brico Properties LLC
Date: 03/31/17

1172 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $118,000
Buyer: Daniel Santiago
Seller: Brenda C. Branchini-Lage
Date: 03/20/17

31 Palo Alto Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $212,000
Buyer: Kathleen E. Wright
Seller: Thomas E. Linnehan
Date: 03/22/17

37 Parkside St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $148,000
Buyer: Nitsy J. Torres
Seller: William Raleigh
Date: 03/31/17

1537 Plumtree Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $134,000
Buyer: Danielle M. Boutot
Seller: James C. Gay
Date: 03/31/17

7 Rollins St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $229,900
Buyer: Jason K. Streeter
Seller: Sergey Savonin
Date: 03/30/17

33 Ryan Circle
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Yamil I. Cruz
Seller: Progressive Community Baptist
Date: 03/20/17

26 Steuben St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $139,200
Buyer: Ashley M. Franco
Seller: Mya Realty LLC
Date: 03/31/17

98 Talbot Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $185,900
Buyer: Nancy Perez
Seller: Lawrence J. Pease
Date: 03/24/17

127 Thompson St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Joseph M. Morrison
Seller: Robin S. Babineau
Date: 03/30/17

129 Thompson St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Joseph M. Morrison
Seller: Robin S. Babineau
Date: 03/30/17

110-112 Tyler St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Asleudis Gonzalez
Seller: Maria Salazar
Date: 03/24/17

3 Waterford Circle
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $198,000
Buyer: Brian Santiago-Diaz
Seller: Peter J. Kelly
Date: 03/31/17

71 Westford Circle
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $133,000
Buyer: Damon A. Bermudez
Seller: Joseph Domingos
Date: 03/24/17

WEST SPRINGFIELD

109 Ashley Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $4,000,000
Buyer: Briarwood 15 LLC
Seller: Olympia Manor Apartments
Date: 03/31/17

42 Cedar Woods Glenn
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $510,000
Buyer: Rodney B. Thomas
Seller: Renee S. Marcus
Date: 03/31/17

389 Gooseberry Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $249,900
Buyer: Matthew S. Leahy
Seller: Ellen R. Dagostino
Date: 03/24/17

72 Jensen Circle
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $123,500
Buyer: Ruslan Shvetsov
Seller: Cardinal Homes Inc.
Date: 03/31/17

65 Lowell St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: Adriano G. Cosentini
Seller: Richard A. Larivee
Date: 03/31/17

187 Morton St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $174,000
Buyer: Justin L. Enriquez
Seller: Carianne M. Leahy
Date: 03/24/17

7 Neptune Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: George Santiago
Seller: FHLM
Date: 03/30/17

11 Orange St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Kara RET
Seller: Donald A. Rivers
Date: 03/24/17

24 Orange St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Bank Of America
Seller: Adele M. Kapelewski
Date: 03/20/17

326 Park St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: 326 Park Street LLC
Seller: Carol Delevo
Date: 03/31/17

83 Spring St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Romanko Realty LLC
Seller: Christopher A. Granger
Date: 03/29/17

256 Valley View Circle
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $267,000
Buyer: Caitlin M. Clark
Seller: Brandon T. Dantonio
Date: 03/27/17

124 Winona Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $327,900
Buyer: Kristine J. Villaruel
Seller: Donald C. York
Date: 03/31/17

95 Woodmont St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $191,200
Buyer: Shawn M. Schellenger
Seller: Kevin Wyman
Date: 03/30/17

WESTFIELD

95 Big Wood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Michael F. Cyran
Seller: Paul T. Kireyczyk
Date: 03/20/17

6 Cortez St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Ottavia Bush
Seller: Tallage Adams LLC
Date: 03/31/17

19 Country Club Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $236,000
Buyer: John E. Veit
Seller: Vasily Zhuk
Date: 03/31/17

58 Deer Path Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $259,900
Buyer: Seth T. Philipp
Seller: William Scott
Date: 03/23/17

1381 East Mountain Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $239,000
Buyer: Joan Judge
Seller: Ann M. Duquette
Date: 03/27/17

8 Hillcrest Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $362,500
Buyer: Petros I. Mirisis
Seller: Erin P. Thomas
Date: 03/31/17

6 Joseph Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $178,500
Buyer: Brian J. Morrissey
Seller: Patricia A. Brown
Date: 03/31/17

67 Kittredge Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Jeremie Lambert
Seller: Patrick F. Martunas
Date: 03/21/17

38 Lindbergh Blvd.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Kyle P. Hughes
Seller: Joseph A. Craven
Date: 03/30/17

11 Maple Terrace
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Anthony J. Collins
Seller: Raisa Amirova
Date: 03/31/17

758 North Road
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Kenneth F. Harder
Seller: Edgar A. Collis
Date: 03/20/17

119 Northridge Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $154,660
Buyer: Jesse Babcock
Seller: US Bank
Date: 03/23/17

101 Ridgeway St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Igor Adzhigirey
Seller: Mcgarry, Edith F., (Estate)
Date: 03/31/17

1050 Russell Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $187,500
Buyer: Sarah A. Nuttall
Seller: Ryan Menard
Date: 03/30/17

9 West School St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $143,000
Buyer: Big Buck Properties LLP
Seller: Deutsche Bank
Date: 03/22/17

WILBRAHAM

2377 Boston Road #101
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: JCE Realty LLC
Seller: Baystate Wing Hospital Corp.
Date: 03/31/17

12 Brainard Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $238,000
Buyer: Kenneth W. Valentine
Seller: Edward W. Irla
Date: 03/22/17

6 Danforth Farms Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $592,500
Buyer: Francisc Dejesus-Paulino
Seller: Mohammed S. Ahmed
Date: 03/31/17

593 Main St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $217,300
Buyer: Branch Bank and Trust
Seller: Gilbert A. Barrett
Date: 03/31/17

47 Monson Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Anthony E. English
Seller: Michael A. Smith
Date: 03/31/17

3 North Hills Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Clarissa P. Tsim
Seller: Boston Road Properties
Date: 03/27/17

4 Old Farm Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $364,000
Buyer: Michael P. Ferzoco
Seller: Timothy J. Chipman
Date: 03/31/17

4 Opal St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $177,700
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Thomas F. Budlong
Date: 03/20/17

33 Pomeroy St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Thomas E. Linnehan
Seller: Jacqueline P. Daniels
Date: 03/22/17

412 Springfield St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Michelle L. Downie
Seller: Gary J. Soverow
Date: 03/24/17

Squire Dr. #13
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Peter C. Thompson
Seller: Crane Hill LLC
Date: 03/22/17

33 West Colonial Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Owen M. Knox
Seller: Roberta J. Perry
Date: 03/22/17

10 Woodsley Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $499,900
Buyer: Jeffrey R. Weinberg
Seller: Zhizhong Liu
Date: 03/28/17

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

150 Blackberry Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $522,000
Buyer: Jeewon Park
Seller: Daniel A. Viederman
Date: 03/28/17

22 Lessey St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $12,500,000
Buyer: Amherst Clark House LP
Seller: Clark House Assocs.
Date: 03/24/17

97 Lincoln Ave.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $605,000
Buyer: Michael A. White
Seller: Amherst College
Date: 03/27/17

38 Maplewood Circle
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Theodore G. Fay
Seller: Neil E. Mendelsohn
Date: 03/22/17

150 Sunderland Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Goat Meadow LLC
Seller: Watrola, Chester E., (Estate)
Date: 03/29/17

178 West Pomeroy Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Eugene Young
Seller: Robert S. Anderson
Date: 03/31/17

34 Wildwood Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $570,000
Buyer: David A. Driver
Seller: Robert T. Wilce
Date: 03/31/17

BELCHERTOWN

11 Blacksmith Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Nicholas E. Bernard
Seller: Eduardo Melendez
Date: 03/22/17

1067 Federal St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Solsiree DelMoral
Seller: Thomas M. Kerle
Date: 03/31/17

111 Mill Valley Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $309,000
Buyer: James S. Bachand
Seller: Lauren Clarke
Date: 03/31/17

49 Mountain View Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Devon J. Thomas
Seller: Thomas E. Soutier
Date: 03/28/17

58 Stebbins St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: William R. Pesco
Date: 03/24/17

CUMMINGTON

4 Thayer Corner Road
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Nate Loux
Seller: Daniel Loux
Date: 03/31/17

EASTHAMPTON

10-12 Center St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $328,000
Buyer: Michael Colwell-Lafleur
Seller: Chen Ping Yap
Date: 03/22/17

18 Clark Lane
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $359,900
Buyer: Colleen M. Chambers
Seller: Anthony J. Stonina
Date: 03/31/17

89 Maple St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $144,900
Buyer: Julianne Busa
Seller: US Bank
Date: 03/28/17

216 Park St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Patrick M. Goodreau
Seller: Eliane D. Gauthier IRT
Date: 03/31/17

15-17 Water St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $227,900
Buyer: Kaitlin Ames
Seller: Anthony J. Stonina
Date: 03/31/17

2 West St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Randi Garcia
Seller: Gary P. Talbot
Date: 03/31/17

GRANBY

239 Amherst St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Gerald R. Archambault
Seller: Gary P. Shannon
Date: 03/30/17

26 Circle Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $232,400
Buyer: Kirsten Therrien
Seller: Edith A. Blais
Date: 03/24/17

8 Sherwood Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Westover Metropolitan Development Corp.
Seller: George W. Cooke
Date: 03/28/17

HATFIELD

26 Chestnut St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: David Zononi
Seller: Thomas J. Wickles
Date: 03/31/17

11 Dwight St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Karen May
Seller: Roy R. Coulter
Date: 03/24/17

359 West St.
Hatfield, MA 01066
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Classic Garage 359 LLC
Seller: 359 Lap LLC
Date: 03/31/17

NORTHAMPTON

34 Calvin Terrace
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $545,000
Buyer: Stultz RET
Seller: Dorien J. Miller
Date: 03/27/17

185 Cardinal Way
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $462,500
Buyer: James E. Gillespie
Seller: 185 Cardinal Way LLC
Date: 03/31/17

37 Drewsen Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Benjamin Brumbaugh
Seller: Robert Baird
Date: 03/31/17

5 Franklin St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $565,000
Buyer: Community Enterprises Inc.
Seller: Janet B. Hutchins
Date: 03/29/17

11 Hatfield St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $314,000
Buyer: Friends Of Hampshire County
Seller: Anthony W. Rossi
Date: 03/20/17

191 Main St.
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Cynthia A. Roberts
Seller: Roman Catholic Bishop
Date: 03/20/17

109 Olander Dr.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $1,424,999
Buyer: Robert A. Jonas
Seller: Wright Builders Inc.
Date: 03/20/17

104 Pine St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Dennis A. Grimaldi
Seller: Eva S. Dewitz
Date: 03/23/17

17 Ridge View Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Katie A. Clifford
Seller: Ridgeview Development LLC
Date: 03/30/17

64 Riverside Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Vera D. Beauvais
Seller: Carol A. Beauvais
Date: 03/27/17

392 South St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Christopher P. Cahillane
Seller: Norma J. McElligott RT
Date: 03/31/17

249 Sylvester Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Jay A. Fisher
Seller: Daviau & Hathaway Dev. LLC
Date: 03/31/17

south hadley

66 Brainerd St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Karen E. Sause
Seller: William M. Gorczycz
Date: 03/24/17

72 Lathrop St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $174,000
Buyer: Richard R. Sligo
Seller: Sligo, Virginia, (Estate)
Date: 03/21/17

116 Mosier St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $308,000
Buyer: James W. Buckley
Seller: Kimberly M. Roy
Date: 03/30/17

414 Newton St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: Random Properties Acquisitions
Seller: George Cunliffe
Date: 03/22/17

18 Pleasant St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $174,900
Buyer: Karol Makusiewicz
Seller: Margaret C. Giustina
Date: 03/31/17

20 Rivercrest Way
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $381,400
Buyer: Christopher S. Sutton
Seller: Rivercrest Condos LLC
Date: 03/31/17

6 Riverlodge Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Jonathan Scully
Seller: Patrick J. Spring
Date: 03/24/17

27 Saybrook Circle
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $165,300
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Diana F. Gaouette
Date: 03/28/17

19 Smith St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $208,650
Buyer: Joseph S. Grab
Seller: Janusz Kosciolek
Date: 03/31/17

17 Summit St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $249,900
Buyer: Danielle A. Langevin
Seller: Sequoia Properties LLC
Date: 03/31/17

SOUTHAMPTON

35 Bissonnette Circle
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Troy M. Copeland
Seller: Katie Clifford
Date: 03/30/17

10 Manhan Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: David E. Derouin
Seller: John P. Higgins
Date: 03/31/17

108 Moose Brook Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $317,000
Buyer: Christopher W. Mahoney
Seller: Matthew L. Puza
Date: 03/30/17

WARE

47 Eddy St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $162,000
Buyer: Philip J. Dupell
Seller: Neil Seelen
Date: 03/23/17

WORTHINGTON

110 Williamsburg Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $171,035
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Robert A. Bourdon
Date: 03/20/17

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies Departments

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

Balathunis, Timothy P.
116 Austin St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/28/17

Bessette, Paul Emery
Bessette, Audra Lynn
966 Main St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/22/17

Bouchard, Clovis V.
Bouchard, Patricia M.
27 Joan Dr.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/26/17

Bradley, Timothy A.
36 Hartwick St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/17/17

Calabrese, Anthony J.
124 Barrington Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/29/17

Coakley, Margie R.
100 Leyfred Terrace
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/26/17

Colonial Pizza
Anagnos, Constantine
a/k/a Anagnostopolus, Constantine
Anagnos, Eleni
a/k/a Anagnos, Helen
66 Holbrook St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/29/17

Cranson, Richard Earnest
Cranson, Barbara Ann
65 Broadway St., Apt. 68
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/30/17

Dow, Leah S.
1 Day Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/28/17

Edward Acker Photography
Acker, Edward G.
34 Main St.
Lenox, MA 01240
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/28/17

Eldridge, Larry F.
54 Charter Oak Dr.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/27/17

English, Brian K.
English, Andrea E.
a/k/a Wilke, Andrea Elizabeth
a/k/a Lyman, Andrea Elizabeth
27 Van Ness St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/22/17

Gerber, Stuart M.
20 Halifax Court
Apt G, Bld. 23
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/24/17

Gonzalez, Marianne Theresa
303 Sanders St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/30/17

Grant, Harvey M.
79 Old Farm Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/24/17

Holbrook, Lawrence Russell
P.O. Box 225
Gilbertville, MA 01031
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/22/17

Huynh, Tay T.
1170 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/17/17

Jackson, Wendy L.
244 Silver St.
Granville, MA 01034
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/27/17

K & B construction
Dubrule, Bruce G.
21 East Buckland Road
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/20/17

Knechtel, Katie Louise
149 Bartlett Lane
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/24/17

Labine-Perry, Valerie J.
5 Elm Circle
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/21/17

Lavoie, Tracy A.
a/k/a Lotito, Tracy Ann
188 Saffron Circle
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/29/17

Lawrenchuk, Timothy
Lawrenchuk, Mary
39 Birchwood Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/30/17

LeSage, Julie P.
119 Chantilly Ave.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/30/17

Lewis, James M.
12 Lenox St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/19/17

Maharne, George J.
840 Homestead Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/30/17

Malloy, Gary A.
87 1/2 Orchard St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/28/17

Mastroianni, Karen L.
68 Highland Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/30/17

McCabe, Michael T.
56 Perrine Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/17/17

McDonald, Amanda R.
40 Thompson St.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/27/17

McLain, Laura
5 Lyman St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/28/17

Murphy, Christopher R.
169 Wachusett St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/30/17

Olbrych, Mary A.
a/k/a Friel, Mary A.
451 Britton St.
Chicopee, MA 01022
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/28/17

O’Neil, Judith A.
87 East Road
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/19/17

Peck, Wayne T.
P.O. Box 206
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/27/17

Potters Playhouse
Potter, Thomas R.
Potter, Kelly G.
91 Old Douglas Road
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/20/17

Ravento, Arnaldo
a/k/a Lopez, Arnaldo Ravento
222 Pine St., Fl. 1
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/20/17

Ryan, Tracey Anne
416 North Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/30/17

Scerbo, Justine M.
P.O. Box 776
Williamstown, MA 01267
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/26/17

Schenk, Scott Parker
a/k/a Schenk, Ashley
49 Old Stage Road
Montague, MA 01351
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/24/17

Shukes, John M.
a/k/a Tressler, John M.
92 Moulton St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/24/17

The Hairport
Collins, Kristen
186 West Main St., Apt
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/30/17

V.I.P. Pest Solutions
Smart Looks II
Fortin, Jason M.
Fortin, Brenda Lee
a/k/a Marquis, Brenda Lee
151 Woodcrest Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/28/17

Vorce, Melanie Marie
78 West St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/24/17

Watson, Dallas A.
Watson, Tina Marie
165 Cole Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/20/17

White, Patrick
81 Hawthorne St.
lenox, MA 01240
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/21/17

Wilson, Kelley L.
a/k/a Gyurasz, Kelley L.
157 Corinth St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/22/17

Winners Circle
Sheikh, Mehmood A.
92 Blokland Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/17/17

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates Departments

The following business certificates and trade names were issued or renewed during the month of March 2017.

AMHERST

Oliver Construction
170 East Hadley Road
Omar Gayle

Renaissance School Inc.
867 North Pleasant St.
Dotty Meyer

Socialopolis
151 Orchard Hill Dr.
Jacob Ayers

TrailTech
5 Morrow Lane
John Kowalski

CHICOPEE

Big Boys Contracting
930 McKinstry Ave.
Victor Borisik

Casa del Caribe Restaurant
108 West St.
Bernice Rivera

Ela Deli
226 Exchange St.
Elzbieta Magda, Gregorz Magda

Europa Deli
55 Cabot St.
Krystyna Kania

Frank’s Garage
11 Lawndale St.
Frank Drewniak

Hearth and Harness
35 Cochran St.
Ginger Moon

Oasis Risk
57 Sanford St.
Garrett Owens

RJ Services
1 Exchange St.
Richard Jones

EASTHAMPTON

Elite Quality Cleaning Service, LLC
22 Treehouse Circle, Apt. 2
Pamela Ann Lumpkin

In Unity Healing Center
384 Main St.
Candice Amendola

R & D Ventures Group
37 Maple St.
Robert Bolon

Spirit Playground Healing Arts
384 Main St.
Tammi Jo Bechard

Superior Roof Cleaning
25 Franklin St.
Luke Delisle

EAST LONGMEADOW

Added Attractions
180 Shaker Road
Carol Kononotz

Ciao Bella
128 Shaker Road
Donna Brayton

Great Clips of East Longmeadow
420 North Main St.
Clifford Laraway

Perron’s Automotive Inc.
197 Shaker Road
Brian Perron

Salon Karma
35 Harkness Ave.
Sarah Pliska

GREENFIELD

Connecticut River Conservancy
15 Bank Row
Connecticut River Watershed Council, Andrew Fisk

Lafave Plumbing & Heating
182 Fairview St.
Brian Lafave

HADLEY

Debra Rusenko, Licensed Acupuncturist
8 Goffe St.
Debra Rusenko

Leah Hollrock Jewelry
298 Russell St.
Leah Hollrock

Nail Pro
367 Russell St.
Ouyn Nguyen, Lien Luong

Peters Farm
112 East St.
Clinton Peters

Rtrue Productions
3 Kennedy Dr.
Richard Trueswell

S&M Rebuilders
75 Lawrence Plain Road
Carl Johnson

HOLYOKE

Cajun Café & Grill
50 Holyoke St.
Harry Chen

Dr. Vonnahme & Associates, P.C.
98 Lower Westfield Road
Dr. Hans Vonnahme

Providence Behavioral Health Hospital
1233 Main St.
The Mercy Hospital Inc.

Rogue Life Art
20 Hitchcock St.
Kristen Davis, Amy Davis

Ven You Events
14 School St.
Beatriz Cruz

LONGMEADOW

Mousse Café
101 Converse St.
Darby Mather

Muslu Law Firm
785 Williams St., #185
Claudia Kokaz

RA Wireless of MA
744 Bliss Road
Sammy Fathalla

Sagacity
114 Crescent Road
Barbara Flynn

School Volunteers Share
18 South Park Ave.
Jennifer Cosgrove

LUDLOW

Fall Fields Farm 2
482 Holyoke Road
Clarke Kennedy

Psych Care Associates, P.C.
185 West Ave., Suite 301
Usman Qayyum

NORTHAMPTON

Al-Mehar Inc.
15 Locust St.
Syed Iqbal

Angie Gregory Consulting
18 Northern Ave.
Angela Gregory

Anthony King Wheelbuilding
32 Highland Ave., Apt. 2
Anthony King

Arborcast Films
28 Highland Ave.
David Gaestel

Born Perfect
72 Center St., #3B
Jaye McElroy, Leta Herman

The Children’s Clinic
17 Brewster Court
Tina Champagne

Easthampton Farmers’ and Makers’ Market
198 Sylvester Road
Adrienne Ehlert-Bashista

Grow Haus Inc.
26 Strong Ave.
Moses Nasar

Hybrid Strength and Conditioning
215 Lovefield St., Unit D
Alexander LeBoeuf

Noho Music
104B Damon Road
Philip Warren

Rebekah Markham
16 Center St., Suite 511
Rebekah Markham

Studio 338 Handwoven
221 Pine St.
Paula Veleta

Tidy Gnome
59 Chestnut St.
Angela Parro

PALMER

Ancestral Link
1321 Main St., Apt. 6
Romari Caesar

Arrange This Travel
1350 Ware St.
Tonya Girouard

Bourgeois Transportation
3001 Hill St.
Kenneth Bourgeois

Federico’s Sales and Service
323 Burlingame St.
Francis Federico

Payless Auto
26 Wilbraham St.
Kelly Doyle, Wayne Doyle

Stephen’s Tree Service
102 Chestnut St.
Shane Stephens

SOUTHWICK

Center Property Services, LLC
15 Pearl Brook Road
Michael Buscemi

The Cove
90 Point Grove Road
Tina Siniscalchi

New Main Moon
610 College Highway
Zhao Yang

Residential Bulk Deliveries
9R Rising Corner Road
Norman Mogul

SPRINGFIELD

CEMA 69
25 Mattoon St.
Carlos Mendez

Chicke D’s Chicken & Grill
1375 Carew St.
Derrick Brathwaite

Clayton Commons Management
7 Clayton St.
Ernest Harris

Creative Mind Labs
248 Hancock St.
Marcus Hickley

Hong Kong Garden Restaurant
475 Breckwood Blvd.
Shaoquing Ni

Insurance Paid Construction
93 Maryland St.
Mayra Martinez

It Makes Scents
77 Fairfield St.
Michelle LaRocque

JDL Financial
11 Preston St.
Julius Demetrius

JDL Productions
27 Lyman St.
Julius Demetrius

Life in the Valley
83 Ontario St.
Angel Martinez

Magnolia Family Daycare
204 Abbott St.
Michelle Mann

Papa Bear Gift Baskets
186 Belmont Ave.
Jasmine Green

Plummer Enterprise
116 Andrew St.
Deveron Plummer

Posh Studio LLC
1372 Allen St.
Cynthia Rossini

Power Gospel Church
43 Ferris St.
Jesse Lee

Quang’s Forest Park Barbershop
529 Belmont Ave.
Tuyen Nguyen

Trueheart Enterprise
38 Wilber St.
Lolitta Lowe

Tyler John Inc.
28 Verge St.
Samuel Wilson

Universal Real Estate
33 Mulberry St.
Anthony Ardolino

Yung Kidney
75 Copeland St.
Shequinna Barton

WARE

Deer Haven Farm, LLC
417 Palmer Road
Brian Skoczylas, David Skoczylas

DeSantis, LLC
417 Palmer Road
Brian Skoczylas, David Skoczylas

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Advanced Landscaping
955 Piper Road
Allan Beiermeister

Ashley Arms, LLC
131 Ashley Ave.
Mary Thayer

Atlantech Security
203 Circuit Ave.
Steven Rodrigues

Atwood Fire & Security
33 Sylvan St.
George Condon III

Bertera Mitsubishi
526 Riverdale St.
Bertera Automotive

Bob’s Auto
622½ Union St.
Robert Philip

Cyber Exchange
1267 Riverdale St.
Stephen Buynicki

Joe’s Barbershop
450 Main St.
Joseph Guadalupe

Mr. Siding
96 New Bridge St.
Maksim Reznichenko

Northeast Family Services
59 Interstate Dr.
Peter Patch

Orgullo Latino
2260 Westfield St.
Lois Reyes

Otis Boat Lift & Docks
849 Amostown Road
Brian Battista

Pat Tours
1285 Riverdale St.
Mary Gorecki

Savers
135 Memorial Ave.
Michael Ensine

Stella’s Bones & Pet Care
640 Elm St.
Lesley Maple

Super Petro Inc.
230 Day St.
Michael Vickers

Then G Creations
240 Dewey St.
Angelica Dias

Ultimate Home Inspections
379 Rogers Ave.
Theodore Pinkerman

Zen Cowork
865 Memorial Ave.
Karoun Charkoudian

WILBRAHAM

The Law Office of Karen M. Romano, Esq.
1060 Stony Hill Road
Karen Romano

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.

CHICOPEE

Lang J. Moran Electric Inc., 25Lagadia St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Lang Jamal Moran, same. Electrical contractor.

EASTHAMPTON

Mahaw Inc., 44 Pleasant St., Easthampton, MA 01027. Majid A. Malik, 419 Montcalm St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Retail business.

FLORENCE

Northampton Taxpayers Association Ltd., 88 Turkey Hill Road, Florence, MA 01062. John Riley, same. Voluntary organization to study Northampton city expenses and income, especially the new storm water fee.

HOLYOKE

Mont Marie Affordable Land Inc, 32 Lower Westfield Road, Holyoke, MA 01040. Yitzchok Rokowsky, 274 Ridge Ave., Lakewood, NJ 08701. Nonprofit designed to provide housing to seniors and needy people.

SOUTH HADLEY

Pioneer Valley Industrial Hemp Inc., 56 Lincoln Ave., South Hadley, MA 01075. Adam R. Sweet, same. Nonprofit dedicated to the research and education of the uses of industrial hemp.

SPRINGFIELD

I Found Light Against All Odds Inc., 1380 Main St., Suite 409, Springfield, MA 01103. Stefan Davis, 1328 Page Blvd., Springfield, MA 01104. To aid today’s youth and communities by designing and implementing a television talk show program, that addresses social, emotional and economic issues that today’s youth are experiencing in their communities.

Kites of Compassion Inc., 45 Miller St., Springfield, MA 01104. Teresa M. Carrasquillo, same. Nonprofit formed to raise money for individuals and families living in extremely difficult circumstances in need of a helping hand.

Lucky Star Food Inc., 266 Belmont Ave., Springfield, MA 01108. Muhammad A. Nasir, same. General trading.

Montalvo Transportation Inc., 92 Mondrovia St., 2 Fl., Springfield, MA 01104. Anthony Montalvo, same. Trucking.

Mourad Exports Inc., 49 Bartels St., Springfield, MA 01128. Hassan Mourad, same. Used auto exports.

STOCKBRIDGE

Mcelhiney Woodworks Inc., 3 Goodrich St., Stockbridge, MA 01262. Brian Mcelhine, same. Residential construction.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

One Shop Solutions Inc., 130 Elm Street, 1L, West Springfield, MA 01089. Naveen Kumar Sharma, same. IT services and selling of computers and devices.

Briefcase

By
Briefcase Departments

SC Learning Commons to Be Named for Benefactor

SPRINGFIELD — During his lifetime, Rev. Harold Smith dedicated himself and his many gifts to Springfield College. Mary-Beth Cooper, Springfield College president, announced that, to celebrate his rich legacy, the college will name its newly reconstructed learning commons to honor his memory and the many ways in which he helped Springfield College grow and prosper. Smith passed away March 21, 2017, in New York City, at age 83. “Harold had a passion for Springfield College and for the YMCA,” said Cooper. “His life’s work will live on in this learning commons and in the lives of our students who will study and research there.” Smith was a valued member of the Springfield College board of trustees for more than three decades, and served as chair of the board’s investment committee for 25 of those years, as well as on the executive committee and the committee on business affairs. Under his leadership, and through his investment expertise and strategy, the college’s endowment experienced unprecedented growth through a diverse portfolio. Smith was recognized for his dedication and commitment to serving others in the Springfield College tradition when he was awarded the Springfield College honorary doctor of humanics degree in 1998. He was a member of the college Naismith Giving Society, which recognizes donors who have given more than $1 million during their lifetime. He is enshrined in the YMCA Hall of Fame located on the college campus. The Harold C. Smith Learning Commons will be dedicated when the building is opened later this year to honor the man who studied for the ministry, but went on to become the president and chief investment officer of the YMCA Retirement Fund. Reflecting 21st-century library innovations, the learning commons will become the heart of the college’s academic program, providing facilities where students and faculty can study, research, work in groups, and receive writing and other academic support. Renovations of the college’s 45-year-old library began in August 2016, and the new facility will include a 24-hour reading room, a café, and a technology hub designed to promote collaboration between research and information technology, and will be home to the college’s Academic Success Center. Smith was a dedicated philanthropist and volunteer throughout his lifetime and volunteered for the League of Women Voters, the Interfaith Committee of Trumbull, and the Bridgeport Area Foundation. He was a trustee of the YMCA Retirement Fund, YMCA Greater Bridgeport, and Ursinus College, as well as a board member of the YMCA of Greater New York, Bank Mart, and Y-Mutual Insurance. Born in the Bronx, Smith was an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and held a bachelor’s degree and doctor of divinity degree from Ursinus College, a master of divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary, and an MBA from New York University. He was a chartered financial analyst, a member of the New York Society of Security Analysts, and a member of the American Economics Assoc. He had a 40-year dual career in ministry and investments.

STCC to Offer Summer Classes

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) will offer five-week and 10-week on campus and online summer classes. Session One begins June 5, and Session Two starts July 10. Summer classes an ideal opportunity for area college students to earn college credit between June and August, said STCC Dean of Enrollment Management Matthew Gravel. “The majority of classes available during summer session can be used to fulfill requirements at other colleges and universities,” he added. “Classes fill up very quickly, and we continue to offer classes across the curriculum to meet the demands of STCC students, as well as students from other colleges and universities who are home for the summer.” Academic subject areas include accounting, anthropology, biology, business law, chemistry, criminal justice, economics, electronic systems, English, finance, graphic communication and photography, history, IT, math, marketing, medical assisting, music, office information technologies, philosophy, physics, psychology, sign language, sociology, Spanish, and speech. Class schedules are available at www.stcc.edu/summer. Students can register online, by phone at (413) 755-4321, or in the Registrar’s Office, Garvey Hall South, first floor.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook Departments

United Financial Announces Q1 Earnings, Dividend

GLASTONBURY, Conn. — United Financial Bancorp Inc., the holding company for United Bank, announced results for the quarter ended March 31, 2017. The company reported net income of $13.7 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, compared to net income for the linked quarter of $14.6 million, or $0.29 per diluted share. The company reported net income of $11.9 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2016. “Over the last three consecutive quarters, United Financial Bancorp Inc. has averaged a return on average assets of 0.87% and a return on average tangible common equity of 10.89%, as the company continues to make progress on its four key objectives communicated in April 2016,” said William Crawford IV, CEO of the company and the bank. Assets totaled $6.70 billion at March 31, 2017 and increased $97.1 million, or 1.5%, from $6.60 billion at Dec. 31, 2016. At March 31, 2017, total loans were $4.94 billion, representing an increase of $42.3 million, or 0.9%, from the linked quarter. Changes to loan balances during the first quarter of 2017 were highlighted by a $44.6 million, or 6.2%, increase in commercial business loans and a $16.6 million, or 4.0%, increase in owner-occupied commercial real-estate loans. Total residential mortgages increased during the first quarter of 2017 by $11.2 million, or 1.0%. Total cash and cash equivalents decreased $6.3 million, or 6.9%, during the linked quarter, while the available for sale securities portfolio increased by $32.3 million, or 3.1%. Deposits totaled $4.79 billion at March 31, 2017 and increased by $79.2 million, or 1.7%, from $4.71 billion at December 31, 2016. In the first quarter of 2017, money-market deposit accounts increased $157.2 million, or 12.9%, and NOW checking deposits increased $39.2 million, or 7.9%, from the linked quarter, reflective of a seasonal increase in municipal deposits and successful new account acquisition. These increases were offset by a $110.1 million, or 6.3%, decrease in certificates of deposit, some of which migrated to money market deposit accounts. The board of directors declared a cash dividend on the company’s common stock of $0.12 per share to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 28, 2017 and payable on May 10, 2017. This dividend equates to a 2.73% annualized yield based on the $17.58 average closing price of the company’s common stock in the first quarter of 2017. The company has paid dividends for 44 consecutive quarters.

Johnson & Hill Partners with Family Business Center

AMHERST — The Family Business Center of Pioneer Valley has been helping family-owned and closely held companies from around Western Mass since 1994, through a series of educational dinner forums and morning workshops, roundtables and customized consults. The center’s strategic partners contribute to that professional development in the areas of accounting, banking, leadership, insurance, wealth management, staffing, and law, and BusinessWest is the media partner for the center. Now Johnson & Hill Staffing will be taking on the role of the FBC’s staffing sponsor-partner. “As a longtime member of the FBC, we are excited to move into the role of sponsor/partner in our continued support of family business across the Pioneer Valley,” said Andrea Hill-Cataldo, president. “As specialists who staff anything from short-term needs to key direct hire roles in administrative, accounting and finance, legal, and professional settings, the Johnson & Hill team collectively brings decades of staffing insight to the table. Our goal is to provide members of the FBC with that insight to help them evaluate new and innovative ways of acquiring the talent that will drive their business forward.” The schedule of educational events for the Family Business Center is at fambizpv.com.

Berkshire Bank Receives Six Marketing Awards

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Bank was recently honored with six awards for community engagement and marketing of leading-edge products. The bank was recognized at the Financial Marketing Awards in Newport, R.I. and the New England Financial Marketing Awards in Burlington, Mass.; both events took place in March. The Financial Marketing Awards are the oldest financial awards in New England. The program honors banks and credit unions for creative marketing and branding efforts, while the Community Champion Award recognizes a bank or credit union for the difference they make in the community. Berkshire received recognition in the following categories:

• Community Champion Award – Gold for Pittsfield Public Schools attendance billboard;

• Loan Award – Silver for home-equity campaign; and

• Deposit Award – Bronze for Leap Year deposit campaign.

The New England Financial Marketing Assoc. has a diverse membership representing financial institutions with assets ranging from less than $500 million to more than $5 billion. Its annual awards program honors banks and credit unions in the New England states for creative marketing, branding, and community efforts. Berkshire received recognition in the following categories:

• Overall Community Service – 2nd Place for Xtraordinary Day campaign;

• In-Branch Design – 2nd Place for Mid-Atlantic region branch design; and

• Customer Service – 2nd Place for Game Plan point of sale.

Pride Stores Partners with Local Beer Brand White Lion

SPRINGFIELD — White Lion Brewing continues to root itself as Springfield’s craft-beer brand. Pride Stores, which has a beer and wine selection in five of its 30 locations, will feature White Lion as the preferred local beer brand. “The partnership is part of Pride Stores’ commitment to the local community,” said David Horgan, director of Advertising. White Lion has accounts throughout Massachusetts, but company President Raymond Berry said “there is no better feeling than knowing local decision makers like Pride Stores want to be part of our growth. This partnership will put the brand and our portfolio in front of people daily. Both companies are committed to the city and surrounding communities.” The stores will carry White Lion’s portfolio of bottled and soon-to-be-released canned products.

HMC Earns ‘A’ Grade for Patient Safety

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Medical Center (HMC) has once again earned an ‘A’ rating from the Leapfrog Group, ranking it among the safest hospitals in the U.S. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the first and only national healthcare rating focused on errors, accidents, and infections. The program has been assigning letter grades to general acute-care hospitals in the U.S. since 2012. Holyoke Medical Center was one of 823 hospitals to receive an ‘A’ ranking among the safest hospitals in the U.S. “This is the third consecutive ‘A’ rating for Holyoke Medical Center. As a free-standing, independent community hospital, we must rely on providing our patients with the safest, highest-quality, affordable care possible, and we appreciate our staff who join us every day in being dedicated to our mission,” said Spiros Hatiras, president and CEO of Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems Inc.

Sunshine Village Earns CARF Accreditation

CHICOPEE — The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) announced that Sunshine Village has been accredited for a period of three years for its day-habilitation, employment-services, and day-services programs. The latest accreditation is the 10th consecutive successful three-year Accreditation given to Sunshine Village by the international accrediting body. This accreditation decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be given to an organization. An organization receiving a three-year accreditation has put itself through a rigorous peer review process. It has demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site visit its commitment to offering programs and services that are measurable, accountable, and of the highest quality. CARF accreditation is a useful tool to determine the best organization for services. Specifically, the organization was tested against 856 standards in areas including leadership, strategic planning, financial planning, input from people served, risk management, health and safety, human resources, technology, rights of people served, accessibility, and performance improvement, as well as quality individualized services and supports. In the past ten years, this achievement indicates Sunshine Village’s well-established pattern and commitment to practice excellence. “I am so proud that Sunshine Village has again been recognized by CARF with their highest level of accreditation,” said Gina Kos, executive director for Sunshine Village. “This is an outstanding achievement, and it shows that the organization meets our mission of improving the lives of people with disabilities. Every day, more than 230 staff work hard to achieve that mission — and this accreditation is validation of that. It shows that we do deliver on the promise of a great day — and that our employees truly shine.” Now in its 50th year, Sunshine Village is a nonprofit organization with a main campus in Chicopee and additional sites in Chicopee, Springfield, Three Rivers, and Westfield. It has been providing day services for adults with developmental disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum, since 1967.

Mary Ann’s Dance and More Announces Relocation

EASTHAMPTON — Mary Ann’s Dance and More, a local dance-apparel store, announced it will be moving to its new home on Route 10 in Easthampton on July 1. The company will move to 396 Main St., the former home of Fit Body. The location offers easier parking, a more friendly shopping experience, better accessibility, and the ability to host more in-store events. In January, the company launched its app on Google Play and the App Store. It will also be celebrating its 10th anniversary in August. Mary Ann’s Dance and More offers customers dance supplies, including apparel and accessories, as well as novelty and gift items. An active business in the community, the company is recognized as a consistent sponsor of various local organizations.

People on the Move

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Departments People on the Move
Aaron Miller

Aaron Miller

Strengthening its business strategy and development expertise, Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. (MassMutual) named Aaron Miller Head of Strategy & Corporate Development. Miller reports to Betsy Ward, MassMutual’s chief financial officer and chief actuary. In his new role, Miller, who will work closely with MassMutual’s executive leadership team, is responsible for leading the development of the company’s corporate and business strategies, as well as competitive intelligence, helping maximize MassMutual’s long-term performance. Miller joins MassMutual from Capital One Financial Corp., where he spent more than six years as managing vice president of Strategy. In this role, he was responsible for supporting the company’s overall corporate development agenda and evaluating potential acquisition targets. Of note, he led Capital One’s $9 billion acquisition of ING Direct USA in February 2012, and the company’s $2.6 billion acquisition of HSBC’s U.S. credit-card business in May 2012. Prior to Capital One, from 2006 through 2010, Miller was a principal with Boston-based private equity firm Great Hill Partners, where he was responsible for originating and evaluating investment opportunities in the financial-services, Internet, and business-services sectors. He also served on the boards of Ziff Davis Media Inc. (acquired by j2 Global Inc.), and Central Security Group (acquired by Summit Partners), among others. Miller began his career in 1999 with McKinsey & Co.’s North American financial-services practice, eventually becoming a senior consultant. There, he helped Global 1000 and earlier-stage companies address such issues as strategy, new-business development, and operations. Miller received his bachelor’s degree in economics and public policy studies from Duke University, and earned his MBA from the Harvard Business School.

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Kevin Manghan

Kevin Manghan

PeoplesBank announced the appointment of Kevin Manghan to Infinex Financial Advisor, PeoplesFinancial and Insurance Services. Manghan possesses more than 29 years of financial-planning and investment experience. He will be responsible for providing financial planning and investment-portfolio planning to bank customers. PeoplesFinancial and Insurance Services offers access to a wide array of investment and insurance options through Infinex Investments Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Products include mutual funds, annuities, retirement and pension plans, life insurance, long-term care insurance, and 529 college savings plans. Manghan holds a bachelor’s degree from Excelsior College in Albany, N.Y., and is a certified financial planner. He served for more than 20 years on the board of directors for the Quaboag Valley Community Development Corp. and Business Assistance Corp.

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Alfred Albano Jr.

Alfred Albano Jr.

Bacon Wilson announced that Attorney Alfred Albano Jr. has joined the firm. He is a general practitioner with more than 35 years of experience representing clients in Western Mass. Albano is a member of Bacon Wilson’s real-estate, estate-planning, business, and family-law practice groups. To ensure continuity of client service, Bacon Wilson will maintain his current office at 100 Russell St. in Hadley. This new branch will also enhance Bacon Wilson’s presence as a regional, full-service law firm with five locations throughout the Pioneer Valley: in Amherst, Northampton, Springfield, Westfield, and now in Hadley.

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Daniel Carr

Daniel Carr

Attorney Daniel Carr has joined Royal, P.C., the management-side-only labor and employment law firm, and will focus his practice in labor law and complex employment litigation. Carr’s practice includes matters involving labor relations, workplace safety and OSHA, unfair competition and trade secrets, discrimination, harassment and retaliation, wrongful discharge, workers’ compensation, employee privacy, wage-and-hour law, breach-of-contract and unfair-competition claims, and laws related to disability and other leave. His preventive work includes drafting a variety of employment-related manuals and contracts, such as executive agreements, compensation and commission agreements, restrictive covenants, and severance and settlement agreements. Prior to joining Royal, P.C., Carr worked at the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, and has insight into state and federal employment discrimination law and agency regulations. He obtained his juris doctor from the George Washington University School of Law. He received his bachelor’s degree in English and American literature from New York University.

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Glenn Welch, president and CEO of Freedom Credit Union, announced a promotion within the credit union and the appointment of a new mortgage loan originator:

Edward Nuñez

Edward Nuñez

• Edward Nuñez has been promoted to Assistant Vice President of Member Business Lending at Freedom. He has more than 19 years of experience in the financial-services industry, 15 of which have been at Freedom. Most recently, Nuñez led the credit union’s business-development department and led its youth banking, credit union partners program, and financial-literacy programs. He is active in the community, and serves on numerous boards and committees, including the Roger L. Putnam Technical Fund, Elms College board of trustees, the Basketball Hall of Fame finance subcommittee, the executive committee for the Credit for Life Financial Literacy Fairs, and the Greater Springfield Visitors Convention Bureau Howdy Award committee, to name a few. He is a West Springfield Rotarian and treasurer for the Springfield Puerto Rican Parade Committee. In 2012, Nuñez was named one of BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty honorees and was one of the first recipients of the Warren Group’s Credit Union Hero awards recognizing credit-union leaders throughout Massachusetts; and

Lisa Mish

Lisa Mish

• Lisa Mish has joined Freedom as a mortgage loan originator and is responsible for real-estate origination throughout Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties. As she helps expand Freedom’s mortgage services to its members throughout the Pioneer Valley, she will offer her expertise in conventional, FHA, MassHousing, Mass. Housing Partnership’s One Mortgage, as well as USDA and VA loans. Mish has 14 years of experience in the finance industry, including expertise in residential mortgage origination, first-time homebuyer assistance, and secondary-market sales. Most recently, she was loan originator at Lee Bank. Currently, Mish is a board member of the Home Builders and Remodelers Assoc. of Western Mass., a member of the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley, and participates on several committees. She is working at Freedom’s main office branch in downtown Springfield.

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Gary Blanchette

Gary Blanchette

Springfield College announced that Gary Blanchette has been named Vice President for Institutional Advancement. The move marks the return of Blanchette to his alma mater. He received a bachelor’s degree with honors from Springfield College in 1980 with concentrations in psychology and counseling. As vice president, Blanchette will be responsible for the overall leadership and management of the college’s development and alumni-relations efforts, including the development and implementation of a long-range fund-raising strategy. He will serve as a member of Springfield College President Mary-Beth Cooper’s leadership team. Blanchette was the senior vice president of Development for the Junior Achievement USA, where he was responsible for the successful organization and execution of an unprecedented multi-year national campaign to raise $25 million. Previously, he served the regional Junior Achievement of Central Florida in several executive roles over a 20-year term including president for five years. There, he led a strategic planning process and launched a capital campaign that resulted in the establishment of the first JA Academy for Leadership and Entrepreneurship in the country. “It is with sincere gratitude and joy that I accept the position of Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Springfield College,” said Blanchette. “As a proud alumnus, the ability to come home to Springfield College and to be part of the team that will continue to create an environment where future students will have the opportunity to experience the life-changing education that Springfield College provides is a dream come true. Springfield College has made a difference in so many lives, including mine. I look forward to the opportunity to connect with the Springfield College community as together we move our mission forward.”

•••••

Splash Marketing and Creative, a full-service marketing agency located in Westfield, announced the recent hiring of Amanda Myers, a 2016 graduate of Roger Williams University. Myers joins Splash Marketing and Creative as its newest web designer. In this role, Myers will combine creativity and technical savvy to build or redesign websites for clients, improving the aesthetics, functionality, and overall usability of a brand or company’s web presence. Myers earned a bachelor’s degree in web development with a minor in both marketing and graphic design. She has experience building websites for several different industries, including nonprofit, manufacturing, and higher education. Myers also has significant experience in customer service.

Company Notebook

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Company Notebook Departments

United Financial Announces Q1 Earnings, Dividend

GLASTONBURY, Conn. — United Financial Bancorp Inc., the holding company for United Bank, announced results for the quarter ended March 31, 2017. The company reported net income of $13.7 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, compared to net income for the linked quarter of $14.6 million, or $0.29 per diluted share. The company reported net income of $11.9 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2016. “Over the last three consecutive quarters, United Financial Bancorp Inc. has averaged a return on average assets of 0.87% and a return on average tangible common equity of 10.89%, as the company continues to make progress on its four key objectives communicated in April 2016,” said William Crawford IV, CEO of the company and the bank. Assets totaled $6.70 billion at March 31, 2017 and increased $97.1 million, or 1.5%, from $6.60 billion at Dec. 31, 2016. At March 31, 2017, total loans were $4.94 billion, representing an increase of $42.3 million, or 0.9%, from the linked quarter. Changes to loan balances during the first quarter of 2017 were highlighted by a $44.6 million, or 6.2%, increase in commercial business loans and a $16.6 million, or 4.0%, increase in owner-occupied commercial real-estate loans. Total residential mortgages increased during the first quarter of 2017 by $11.2 million, or 1.0%. Total cash and cash equivalents decreased $6.3 million, or 6.9%, during the linked quarter, while the available for sale securities portfolio increased by $32.3 million, or 3.1%. Deposits totaled $4.79 billion at March 31, 2017 and increased by $79.2 million, or 1.7%, from $4.71 billion at December 31, 2016. In the first quarter of 2017, money-market deposit accounts increased $157.2 million, or 12.9%, and NOW checking deposits increased $39.2 million, or 7.9%, from the linked quarter, reflective of a seasonal increase in municipal deposits and successful new account acquisition. These increases were offset by a $110.1 million, or 6.3%, decrease in certificates of deposit, some of which migrated to money market deposit accounts. The board of directors declared a cash dividend on the company’s common stock of $0.12 per share to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 28, 2017 and payable on May 10, 2017. This dividend equates to a 2.73% annualized yield based on the $17.58 average closing price of the company’s common stock in the first quarter of 2017. The company has paid dividends for 44 consecutive quarters.

Johnson & Hill Partners with Family Business Center

AMHERST — The Family Business Center of Pioneer Valley has been helping family-owned and closely held companies from around Western Mass since 1994, through a series of educational dinner forums and morning workshops, roundtables and customized consults. The center’s strategic partners contribute to that professional development in the areas of accounting, banking, leadership, insurance, wealth management, staffing, and law, and BusinessWest is the media partner for the center. Now Johnson & Hill Staffing will be taking on the role of the FBC’s staffing sponsor-partner. “As a longtime member of the FBC, we are excited to move into the role of sponsor/partner in our continued support of family business across the Pioneer Valley,” said Andrea Hill-Cataldo, president. “As specialists who staff anything from short-term needs to key direct hire roles in administrative, accounting and finance, legal, and professional settings, the Johnson & Hill team collectively brings decades of staffing insight to the table. Our goal is to provide members of the FBC with that insight to help them evaluate new and innovative ways of acquiring the talent that will drive their business forward.” The schedule of educational events for the Family Business Center is at fambizpv.com.

Berkshire Bank Receives Six Marketing Awards

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Bank was recently honored with six awards for community engagement and marketing of leading-edge products. The bank was recognized at the Financial Marketing Awards in Newport, R.I. and the New England Financial Marketing Awards in Burlington, Mass.; both events took place in March. The Financial Marketing Awards are the oldest financial awards in New England. The program honors banks and credit unions for creative marketing and branding efforts, while the Community Champion Award recognizes a bank or credit union for the difference they make in the community. Berkshire received recognition in the following categories:

• Community Champion Award – Gold for Pittsfield Public Schools attendance billboard;

• Loan Award – Silver for home-equity campaign; and

• Deposit Award – Bronze for Leap Year deposit campaign.

The New England Financial Marketing Assoc. has a diverse membership representing financial institutions with assets ranging from less than $500 million to more than $5 billion. Its annual awards program honors banks and credit unions in the New England states for creative marketing, branding, and community efforts. Berkshire received recognition in the following categories:

• Overall Community Service – 2nd Place for Xtraordinary Day campaign;

• In-Branch Design – 2nd Place for Mid-Atlantic region branch design; and

• Customer Service – 2nd Place for Game Plan point of sale.

Pride Stores Partners with Local Beer Brand White Lion

SPRINGFIELD — White Lion Brewing continues to root itself as Springfield’s craft-beer brand. Pride Stores, which has a beer and wine selection in five of its 30 locations, will feature White Lion as the preferred local beer brand. “The partnership is part of Pride Stores’ commitment to the local community,” said David Horgan, director of Advertising. White Lion has accounts throughout Massachusetts, but company President Raymond Berry said “there is no better feeling than knowing local decision makers like Pride Stores want to be part of our growth. This partnership will put the brand and our portfolio in front of people daily. Both companies are committed to the city and surrounding communities.” The stores will carry White Lion’s portfolio of bottled and soon-to-be-released canned products.

HMC Earns ‘A’ Grade for Patient Safety

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Medical Center (HMC) has once again earned an ‘A’ rating from the Leapfrog Group, ranking it among the safest hospitals in the U.S. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the first and only national healthcare rating focused on errors, accidents, and infections. The program has been assigning letter grades to general acute-care hospitals in the U.S. since 2012. Holyoke Medical Center was one of 823 hospitals to receive an ‘A’ ranking among the safest hospitals in the U.S. “This is the third consecutive ‘A’ rating for Holyoke Medical Center. As a free-standing, independent community hospital, we must rely on providing our patients with the safest, highest-quality, affordable care possible, and we appreciate our staff who join us every day in being dedicated to our mission,” said Spiros Hatiras, president and CEO of Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems Inc.

Sunshine Village Earns CARF Accreditation

CHICOPEE — The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) announced that Sunshine Village has been accredited for a period of three years for its day-habilitation, employment-services, and day-services programs. The latest accreditation is the 10th consecutive successful three-year Accreditation given to Sunshine Village by the international accrediting body. This accreditation decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be given to an organization. An organization receiving a three-year accreditation has put itself through a rigorous peer review process. It has demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site visit its commitment to offering programs and services that are measurable, accountable, and of the highest quality. CARF accreditation is a useful tool to determine the best organization for services. Specifically, the organization was tested against 856 standards in areas including leadership, strategic planning, financial planning, input from people served, risk management, health and safety, human resources, technology, rights of people served, accessibility, and performance improvement, as well as quality individualized services and supports. In the past ten years, this achievement indicates Sunshine Village’s well-established pattern and commitment to practice excellence. “I am so proud that Sunshine Village has again been recognized by CARF with their highest level of accreditation,” said Gina Kos, executive director for Sunshine Village. “This is an outstanding achievement, and it shows that the organization meets our mission of improving the lives of people with disabilities. Every day, more than 230 staff work hard to achieve that mission — and this accreditation is validation of that. It shows that we do deliver on the promise of a great day — and that our employees truly shine.” Now in its 50th year, Sunshine Village is a nonprofit organization with a main campus in Chicopee and additional sites in Chicopee, Springfield, Three Rivers, and Westfield. It has been providing day services for adults with developmental disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum, since 1967.

Mary Ann’s Dance and More Announces Relocation

EASTHAMPTON — Mary Ann’s Dance and More, a local dance-apparel store, announced it will be moving to its new home on Route 10 in Easthampton on July 1. The company will move to 396 Main St., the former home of Fit Body. The location offers easier parking, a more friendly shopping experience, better accessibility, and the ability to host more in-store events. In January, the company launched its app on Google Play and the App Store. It will also be celebrating its 10th anniversary in August. Mary Ann’s Dance and More offers customers dance supplies, including apparel and accessories, as well as novelty and gift items. An active business in the community, the company is recognized as a consistent sponsor of various local organizations.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

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Chamber Corners Departments

GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.easthamptonchamber.org

(413) 527-9414

• May 11: Networking by Night, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Amy’s Place Bar & Grill, 80 Cottage St., Easthampton. Sponsored by Easthampton Savings Bank.

• June 6: Networking by Night, 5-7 p.m. “Move the Mountain” with the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce, hosted by New City Brewery, 180 Pleasant St., Easthampton. Sponsored by Finck & Perras Insurance Agency Inc. and Westfield Bank.

• June 28: Speaker Breakfast: “Why Ping-pong Tables Do Not Define Your Business Culture,” 7:30-9 a.m., hosted by Williston Northampton School, 19 Payson Ave., Easthampton. Featured guest speaker: Tim Retting of Cincinnati-based InTrust. Sponsored by BusinessWest, Easthampton Savings Bank, Finck & Perras Insurance Agency Inc., Innovative Business Systems Inc., United Personnel, and Williston Northampton School.

GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.explorenorthampton.com

(413) 584-1900

• May 5: Spring Swizzle Auction, 6:30-10:30 p.m. Hosted by Eastside Grill, Strong Ave., Northampton. Cost: $75. Purchase tickets at www.chamberspringswizzle.com.

• May 10: May Arrive @ 5, 5-7 p.m., at Goggins Real Estate, 79 King St., Northampton. Sponsors: Applied Mortgage, Greenfield Community College Foundation, MassDevelopment, and Northeast Solar. Networking event. Cost: $10 for members.

• May 11: “Google Analytics,” 9-11 a.m., at the Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton. Presented by SCORE of Western Mass. What is Google Analytics? A free, powerful analytics tool that provides reports showing how visitors found your website and what they did when they got there. It measures the effectiveness of your online and offline marketing campaigns. Pre-registration is required; space is limited. Cost: free.

• May 18: “Intro To QuickBooks,” 9-11 a.m., at the Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton. Presented by Pioneer Training. This session will cover setting up a new company, invoicing and receiving payments, writing checks, and paying bills. The session will end with a brief introduction to and overview of reports. It is suitable for those who have recently started using QuickBooks and those planning to use it. This session is taught on the PC desktop version, but the basic principles of QuickBooks remain the same for the Windows, Macintosh, and online versions of the program. Be aware that specific details of how to accomplish a task or available features may differ on the different versions, and these differences will not be covered. It is not required, but if you have a laptop or tablet and have QuickBooks installed, you may bring it and follow along. Note: this workshop is designed for training on the basics of QuickBooks and is not intended to troubleshoot problems individuals may currently be experiencing. Those types of questions are better suited to a one-on-one consulting session. Cost: $25 for members, $35 for non-members.

• June 7: June Arrive @ 5, 5-7 p.m., at ConVino, 101 Armory St, Northampton. Sponsors: Keiter Builders and MassDevelopment. Networking event. Cost: $10 for members.

• June 23: “Microsoft Excel: Tips, Tricks & Shortcuts,” 9-11 a.m., at the Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton. Presented by Pioneer Training. Pre-registration is required; space is limited. To register, visit [email protected]. Cost: $35 for members, $45 for non-members.

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.westfieldbiz.org

(413) 568-1618

• May 1: Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, May Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8-9 a.m., hosted by Amelia Park Ice Arena, 21 South Broad St., Westfield. Join us for our monthly Coffee Hour with Westfield Mayor Brian Sullivan. This event is free and open to the public. Call the chamber office at (413) 568-1618 to register for this event so we may give our host a head count.

• May 5: “What to Expect at the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination,” 8:30-10 a.m., hosted by Holiday Inn Express, 39 Southampton Road, Westfield. Imagine one afternoon an envelope from the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) arrives in the mail. You are filled with dread as you discover that a former employee has filed a complaint alleging discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Now what? Join Attorney Timothy Netkovick of Royal, P.C. for a workshop to discuss what to expect at the MCAD. Cost: free for members, $30 for non-members (cash or credit paid at the door or in advance). Light refreshments will be served. Online registration is available at www.westfieldbiz.org. For more information, call Pam at the chamber at (413) 568-1618.

• May 10: May After 5 Connection, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Armbrook Village, 551 North Road, Westfield. Cost: free for members, $10 for non-members (cash or credit paid at the door). Refreshments will be served, and a 50/50 raffle will benefit the chamber’s CSF – Dollars for Scholars fund. Online registration is available at www.westfieldbiz.org. For more information, call Pam at the chamber at (413) 568-1618.

• May 22: The chamber’s 56th annual golf tournament, 10 a.m., the Ranch Golf Club, Southwick. Sponsors: Whip City Fiber, SealRyt Corp., Westfield Bank, Baystate Noble Hospital. Along with a round of golf, bid at the live auction to benefit three $500 student scholarships and win some raffles. Online registration, along with information on sponsorships and foursomes, are available at www.westfieldbiz.org. For more information, call Pam at the chamber at (413) 568-1618.

SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL CHAMBER

www.springfieldregionalchamber.com

(413) 755-1310

• May 3: Business@Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., hosted by Chez Josef, 176 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam. Featuring Peter Sokolowski, Merriam-Webster’s editor at large, who will speak about trending words, Merriam-Webster’s sassy tweets, and some of the 1,000 new words recently added to the dictionary. Cost: $22.50 for members in advance ($25 at the door), $30 for non-members in advance ($35 at the door).

• May 10: Lunch ‘n’ Learn, “The Trump Effect: Potential Impact on Employer Mandates,” 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., hosted by Lattitude, 1338 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Presented by attorney Amelia Holstrom of Skoler, Abbott & Presser. Cost: $25 for members in advance ($30 at the door), $35 for non-members ($40 at the door).

• May 17: Speed Networking, 3:30-5 p.m., hosted by Lattitude, 1338 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Cost: $20 for members in advance ($25 at the door), $30 for non-members in advance ($35 at the door).

• May 23: Professional Women’s Chamber Woman of the Year Celebration, 5:30 p.m., hosted by Storrowton Tavern Carriage House, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield.

• May 30: Pastries, Politics, and Policy, 8-9 a.m., hosted by TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main St., Springfield. Cost: $15 for members ($20 at the door), $25 for non-members in advance ($30 at the door).

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Register online for events at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.ourwrc.com

(413) 426-3880

• May 3: Wicked Wednesday and grand re-opening, 5:30-7:30 p.m., hosted by Curry Printing/Fast Signs, West Springfield. Wicked Wednesdays are monthly social events, hosted by various businesses and restaurants, that bring members and non-members together to network in a laid-back atmosphere. For more information about this event, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or register at www.westoftheriverchamber.com.

• May 10: Job Fair 2017, 3-7 p.m., hosted by Crestview Country Club, 281 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam. The town of Agawam and the West of the River Chamber will be hosting a local job fair. West Springfield and Agawam businesses, along with other employment opportunities, will be showcased. This event is free and open to the public. To be a participating vendor, register online at www.westoftheriverchamber.com.

• May 18: Networking Lunch, noon to 1:30 p.m., hosted by Lattitude in West Springfield. Members or guests of members may attend. Enjoy a sit-down lunch while networking with fellow chamber members. Each attendee will get a chance to offer a brief sales pitch. The only cost to attend is the cost of lunch. Attendees will order off the menu and pay separately the day of the event. We cannot invoice you for these events. For more information or to register, visit www.westoftheriverchamber.com or contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or [email protected].

Agenda

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Agenda Departments

Stroke Assoc. Forum for Survivors, Caregivers

May 3: May is National Stroke Awareness Month, and the American Stroke Assoc., a division of the American Heart Assoc., will once again host a forum open to stroke survivors and their caregivers. The 2017 Pioneer Valley Stroke Survivors and Caregivers Forum, “The Future Belongs to Those Who Dream,” will take place at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the day will include exhibitors, local healthcare providers, and stroke survivors who will educate and share information. The forum will once again be hosted by Boston comedian and American Stroke Assoc. supporter Chris Tabb, whose family has been personally touched by stroke. The Pioneer Valley Stroke Forum is open to the public, and admission is $5, which will include a light breakfast and heart-healthy lunch. For tickets, call the American Heart Assoc. local office at (203) 303-3373.

Kentucky Derby Fund-raiser for Square One

May 6: The Colony Club in Springfield will the setting for hats, horses and hors d’oeuvres to celebrate the 143nd annual Kentucky Derby. Presented by the Gaudreau Group and Northeast IT, with sponsorship support from Nuvo Bank, American International College (AIC), the Colony Club and others, the event, starting at 4:30 p.m., will raise much-needed funds for Square One’s programs and services. Tickets cost $45 in advance and $50 at the door. The event will include big-screen monitors to enjoy the race, hearty hors d’oeuvres, and a complimentary mint julep. Prizes will be awarded for the best Derby attire. Tickets may be purchased via Eventbrite or by calling Heather at Inspired Marketing at (413) 303-0101.

Women Build Week

May 6-14: Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) and future Habitat homeowners will work alongside Lowe’s volunteers and all-female construction crews for Habitat for Humanity’s 10th annual National Women Build Week. The event invites women to help make a difference and devote at least one day to help build decent and affordable housing in their local communities. More than 17,000 women, including Lowe’s Heroes volunteers, are expected to volunteer at construction sites across the country as part of Habitat’s 2017 National Women Build Week. In the Upper Hill neighborhood of Springfield, volunteers will work to frame the exterior walls on the first floor of the house as well as tackle interior walls and prep to start the second floor. This year, Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity will be kicking off its new construction in Springfield as part of National Women Build Week. In support of Women Build Week and Mother’s Day, an annual fund-raising event, Men Can Cook, will be held on May 9, and several men, including local business owners, Habitat board members, and others, will volunteer as chefs and waiters to put on an evening of food and fun to honor the women in their lives.

‘Big Data … Your Strategic Advantage’

May 10: As part of the ongoing BusinessWest and HCN Lecture Series, Comcast Business will host an informative program titled “Big Data … Your Strategic Advantage. The event is part of a series of lectures, panel discussions, and presentations that address timely and important business information. This is an opportunity to meet industry leaders and network with area business professionals. “Big Data … Your Strategic Advantage” will be presented by Dennis Perlot, vice President, Enterprise Architecture at CleanSlate Centers, and former ‘technology evangelist’ at Microsoft and BI specialist master at Deloitte. It will take place at La Quinta Inn & Suites, 100 Congress St., Springfield. Perlot will address how other organizations are using their data to provide them with a competitive advantage. Attendees will learn how data can be analyzed for insights that lead to better decisions and strategic business moves. On-site parking is available. Registration is scheduled for 7:15 to 7:30 a.m., followed by breakfast and Perlot’s presentation from 7:30 to 9 p.m. RSVP by Tuesday, May 2 HERE.

Lunch ‘n’ Learn on the ‘Trump Effect’

May 10: Skoler, Abbott & Presser will present a talk on how Trump administration mandates could potentially affect employers at the Springfield Regional Chamber Lunch ‘n’ Learn from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lattitude restaurant, 1338 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Attorney Amelia Holstrom will discuss recent developments and her predictions about what may happen at both the state and federal levels under the new administration and what it could mean for employers. Holstrom will talk about what is happening with the Affordable Care Act and steps Massachusetts may be taking while the issue is sorted out at the federal level, the potential for paid family leave both at the state and federal levels, and her predictions regarding trends in the enforcement of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission requirements, including the new EEO-1 requirements. She will also address what employers should be watching for relative to medical marijuana and what an employer’s current legal rights are, and her predictions for labor-relations developments under the new National Labor Relations Board. Reservations for the Lunch ‘n’ Learn are $25 for members ($30 at the door) and $35 for general admission ($40 at the door). Reservations may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com or by e-mailing Jessica Hill at [email protected].

Film and Media Exchange

May 12: Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative (BFMC) will partner with Vitec Videocom to bring their nationally touring ‘Roadshow’ to the Sheraton Springfield from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. This will be BFMC’s 4th Film and Media Exchange — a “Day 2 Play” — with workshops and an exhibit hall showcasing the latest in production equipment. The event will focus on cost-effective production techniques designed for anyone in broadcasting, filmmaking, photography, communications, and marketing. The exchange also includes lunch, a keynote speech, and networking opportunities with others in the industry. For more info on programs and tickets, contact BFMC at berkshirefilm.org or (413) 528-4223.

Continued Excellence Award Nomination Deadline

May 12: There’s still time to nominate someone for the Continued Excellence Award, as BusinessWest will accept nominations through Friday, May 12. The winner of the award will be unveiled at the magazine’s 40 Under Forty gala on June 22. Two years ago, BusinessWest inaugurated the award to recognize past 40 Under Forty honorees who had significantly built on their achievements since they were honored. The first two winners were Delcie Bean, president of Paragus Strategic IT, and Dr. Jonathan Bayuk, president of Allergy and Immunology Associates of Western Mass. and chief of Allergy and Immunology at Baystate Medical Center. Candidates must hail from 40 Under Forty classes 2007 to 2016 and will be judged on qualities including outstanding leadership, dedicated community involvement, professional achievement, and ability to inspire. The award’s presenting sponsor is Northwestern Mutual. The nomination form is available HERE. For your convenience, a list of the past nine 40 Under Forty classes may be found HERE.

40 Under Forty

June 22: The 11th annual 40 Under Forty award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke, honoring 40 of the region’s rising stars under 40 years old. An independent panel of judges has chosen the winners, and their stories are told in the April 17 issue and at businesswest.com. The event is sponsored by Northwestern Mutual (presenting sponsor), PeoplesBank (presenting sponsor), Moriarty & Primack, Health New England, the Gaudreau Group, the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst, Six-Point Creative Works, Renew.Calm, and the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield. Tickets cost $75. A limited number of tables are available, and some individual and standing-room-only tickets are also available, but are expected to sell out quickly. To purchase tickets, call (413) 781-8600.

Court Dockets

By
Court Dockets Departments

The following is a compilation of recent lawsuits involving area businesses and organizations. These are strictly allegations that have yet to be proven in a court of law. Readers are advised to contact the parties listed, or the court, for more information concerning the individual claims.

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Patrick Connelly v. New Beginnings Retail, LLC d/b/a Shop Therapy
Allegation: Failure to pay overtime wages: $31,355.60
Filed: 3/20/17

Yankee Home Improvement Inc. v. Jonathan Moore and Brandolini Construction, LLC
Allegation: Breach of contract: $2.3 million
Filed: 3/17/17

Matthew Leary v. AMP Electrical Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract: $25,000+
Filed: 3/20/17

Magali Medina v. Peabody Properties Inc.
Allegation: Slip and fall causing injury: $40,000
Filed: 3/23/17

Michael Morin v. Home Depot USA Inc., USM Inc., and Grant Services Inc.
Allegation: Neglience causing personal injury and property damage: $27,860.87
Filed: 3/23/17

Michael DiRoma v. The Stop and Shop Supermarket Co. Inc.
Allegation: Slip and fall causing injury: $61,627.80
Filed: 3/28/17

Betts Plumbing & Heating Supply Co. Inc. v. Pouliot’s Plumbing & Heating Inc.
Allegation: Monies owed for goods sold and delivered: $84,508.87
Filed: 3/28/17

HAMPSHIRE DISTRICT COURT

Carl Lounder v. Thomas Crossman d/b/a Crossman Properties
Allegation: Non-payment of overtime wages: $4,232.81
Filed: 3/21/17

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

Patrick Connelly v. New Beginnings Retail, LLC d/b/a Shop Therapy
Allegation: Failure to pay overtime wages: $31,355.60
Filed: 3/28/17

Marlene P. Barnett as administratrix of the estate of William D. Barnett a/k/a William D. Barnett Jr. v. David E. Lawton and Lashway Lumber Inc.
Allegation: Wrongful death, motor-vehicle collision with tractor-trailer
Filed: 3/28/17

Debra M. Budrewicz, individually and as personal representative of the estate of Ronald E. Madejewski v. Steven Robinson d/b/a Robinson Properties
Allegation: Breach of contract, negligence: $200,000
Filed: 4/3/17

BFAIR to Hold Second Annual Walk for Independence on June 24

By
Daily News

NORTH ADAMS — Berkshire Family & Individual Resources (BFAIR) announced its second annual Walk for Independence on Saturday, June 24. Last year, the inaugural walk along the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail saw participation of nearly 100 walkers of all ability levels, with this year already set to exceed that number.

A stroll to Cheshire and back (with or any distance in between), the walk will be a fund-raising event in which BFAIR participants, community members, and sponsors can get involved in through sponsored walking, lunch, bucket raffles, and entertainment. Starting and finishing at the Adams Visitors Center, the walk is a day of fun and helps BFAIR share its mission to enrich the lives of people of all ages and abilities by providing positive life experiences and advocacy through distinctive, individualized, quality services.

As a local nonprofit, BFAIR relies on public funds to provide critically needed residential, vocational, habilitative, and clinical services for adults, adolescents, and children with developmental disabilities, autism, and acquired brain injury, as well as home-care services for the elderly.

The registration fee for the walk is $25 for adults and $12.50 for children 10 and younger. Registration includes a picnic lunch and ball-cap giveaway. Interested walkers can register online at thedriven.net/bfairwalk, by calling (413) 664-9382 ext. 40, e-mailing [email protected], or visiting www.bfair.org.

In addition to registering, walkers may seek individual sponsors by asking family and friends to support their walk. Donations are accepted via thedriven.net/bfairwalk, or donation envelopes can be provided for walkers.

Corporate sponsorships are available for the trail, mile, bronze, silver, and gold levels, ranging from $100 to $2,500, respectively. Interested businesses should contact Jennifer Civello at [email protected] for more information. Current gold-level walk sponsors include Greylock Federal Credit Union, MountainOne, and the Print Shop Williamstown.

Monson Savings Bank to Hold Complimentary Workshop on May 16

By
Daily News

MONSON — Monson Savings Bank will host a complimentary workshop titled “Home Care and Financing Strategies: A Workshop for Families and Caregivers,” featuring Paul Hillsburg, president and owner of Amada Senior Care of Western & Central Massachusetts, and Nancy Simms, sales vice president, Long Term Care for Highland Capital Brokerage.

Finding the right senior care for you or a loved one can be overwhelming and time-consuming. This event is designed to help people learn and understand what options there are for care and how to pay for it. Hillsburg and Simms both have extensive backgrounds in long-term healthcare and understand how daunting the process can be. This workshop will be held on Tuesday, May 16 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Monson Savings Bank Corporate, 107 Main St., Monson. It is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

“So many people are concerned about senior care these days,” said Steve Lowell, president of Monson Savings Bank. “The options are confusing, and people want to know how they can help their loved ones live as independently as possible. We want people to know that the event is open to the public, not just our customers.”

Seating is limited. Those interested may call Anna Calvanese at (413) 267-1221 or e-mail [email protected] to RSVP.

AIC Announces Commencement Speaker, Honorary Degree Recipients

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Federal Court Judge Mark Mastroianni, who graduated from American International College (AIC) in 1986, will deliver the commencement address to graduate and undergraduate students and receive an honorary degree from the college at its commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 13 at 2 p.m. at the MassMutual Center. He will receive an honorary doctor of laws degree, awarded for outstanding achievement in the social sciences and for significant community contributions at the local and national levels.

Mastroianni graduated magna cum laude with majors in English and political science. While at AIC, he received the Outstanding Senior Award, Outstanding Achievement in History Award, and Outstanding Achievement in Political Science Award. He was named to the National Honor Society in 1985. Mastroianni attended Western New England University School of Law and graduated with a juris doctorate in 1989. He began his legal career at the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office as a prosecuting trial attorney and later moved to private practice specializing in criminal-defense litigation in both state and federal courts.

In 2010, Mastroianni announced his candidacy for district attorney of Hampden County, and won. He was elected as the only independent to serve as one of the 11 district attorneys in the Commonwealth. During his tenure, he initiated programs focusing on the use of DNA and modern forensic technology to successfully investigate previously unsolved murder and cold cases, and he began community outreach to connect with, educate, and focus on issues faced by diverse members of the community, including elders, school-age children, and those in high-crime neighborhoods.

In 2013, Mastroianni was recommended by a search committee formed by Sen. Elizabeth Warren to fill a judicial vacancy in the U.S. District Court. Warren’s recommendation to fill the judicial position was made to President Barack Obama, who noted that Mastroianni “demonstrated the talent, expertise, and fair-mindedness Americans expect and deserve from their judicial system.” In June 2014, the Senate confirmed the president’s nomination by a 92-2 vote, and Mastroianni received a lifetime judicial commission in June 2014.

Mastroianni has received numerous recognitions, including the Kent B. Smith Award for achievement and dedication to the advancement of the practice of criminal law, the Massachusetts Missing Children’s Day Award for contribution and service to that cause, and a Distinguished Alumni Award from Western New England University School of Law.

AIC alumnus James Hagan, who graduated with an MBA in 1988, will receive an honorary doctor of commercial science degree awarded for outstanding achievement and service in the field of commerce. Hagan has spent his career in the banking business, having been with Westfield Bank for more than 20 years, serving as vice president of commercial lending and chief operations officer before becoming president and CEO.

In addition, Hagan has dedicated himself to lending his time and talent to assist many organizations. He currently is serving a second term on the board of trustees for Westfield State University, where he previously served as board chair. In addition, Hagan is a member of the board of directors for Stanley Park of Westfield Inc., and a trustee of Westfield Academy Westfield Inc. and the Greater Westfield Babe Ruth League Inc. He is also a member of the St. Mary’s Parish finance council, a corporator for Westfield Athenaeum, and a Greater Westfield Babe Ruth League coach.

Building Permits

By
Building Permits Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of March 2017.

EASTHAMPTON

Eastworks, LLP
116 Pleasant St.
$10,000 — Continue walls to ceiling for Puzzled Escape Games

Eastworks, LLP
116 Pleasant St.
$30,725 — Install 10 storefront windows

Eastworks, LLP
116 Pleasant St.
$14,000 — Construct wall for Media Center

Interland Real Estate, LLC
180 Pleasant St.
$13,000 — Install partitions to create office space

Riverside Industries Inc.
1 Cottage St.
$69,500 — Replace roofing on two buildings

EAST LONGMEADOW

Cornerstone Church
15 Kibbe Road
$22,779.48 — Windows and siding

East Longmeadow Housing Authority
39 Wood Ave.
$65,988 — Interior and exterior rehab

GREENFIELD

American Tower Corp.
180 Country Club Road
$35,000 — Swap antennas and add radio heads and other equipment to existing AT&T tower

Clinical & Support Options
140-144 High St.
$2,800 — Rebuild ramp

Donoghue Realty Inc.
238 Main St.
$6,000 — Create storage area and reinforce platform for lightweight storage

Franklin County Community Development Corp.
324 Wells St.
$500 — Fire protection

Greenfield Corporate Center, LLC
1012 Munson St.
$8,000 — Remodeling for commercial office

HADLEY

Pearsons NCS
300 Venture Way
$9,000 — HVAC renovation

Pyramid Mall of Hadley Newco, LLC
367 Russell St.
$352,900 — Various renovations at Planet Fitness

LUDLOW

Charter Spectrum
433 Center St.
$6,000 — Illuminated sign

Site Acquisitions
1 State St.
$30,000 — Cell tower alterations

Beverly Tokarz
109-113 Sewall St.
$7,000 — Reshingle roof

NORTHAMPTON

American Tower Corp.
254 Old Wilson Road
$20,000 — Install three new cellular antennas and related equipment

Bermor Limited Partnership
180 Main St.
$5,600 — Remove partitions

Building 8 Brewing
320 Riverside Dr.
$2,000 — Illuminated wall sign

FMC Assoc.
190 Nonotuck St.
$10,000 — Install handicap openers to front lobby doors

Greenfield Savings Bank
207 Main St.
$26,700 — Install two new windows, new HVAC furnace, basement partition, and toilet room

Nonotuck Mill, LLC
296 Nonotuck St.
$12,000 — Construct interior partitions, wooden platform, insulation, and ceiling finish

Smith College
71 Dryads Green
$17,900 — Roofing

Thornes Marketplace, LLC
150 Main St.
$70,000 — Renovation and alterations of existing first-floor restroom facilities

PALMER

Camp Ramah in New England
39 Bennett St.
$20,000 — Repair or replace floors in the bathrooms of 14 cabins

Pride Limited Partnership Inc.
1045 Thorndike St.
$65,000 — Improvements to create a dental office

SPRINGFIELD

3455 Main Street Associates
3455 Main St.
$750,000 — Interior renovation to second-floor medical office space

3500 Main St., LLP
3550 Main St.
$15,000 — Demolish partition in medical office suite

Linden Towers, LLC
310 Stafford St.
$10,000 — Remove and replace two rooftop antennas, install remote radio unit

Peter Martins
1048 Wilbraham Road
$350,000 — Build a Dunkin’ Donuts

Armand Roy
830 Liberty St.
$90,000 — Install roof-mounted wireless communications facility

Union Station
55 Frank B. Murray St.
$97,000 — Renovate a tenant space for a Dunkin’ Donuts

WARE

Owl’s Nest, LLC
250 South St.
$60,000 — Install basement partitions and remodel baths and kitchens in four units

Wilmington Savings Bank
23 Walnut St.
$11,000 — Strip and re-roof, repair front porch

WESTFIELD

Armbrook Senior Living, LLC
551 North Road
$10,000 — Insulation and drywall

Cumberland Farms Inc.
69 Main St.
$14,850 — Re-roof structure

Whip City Investments, LLC
798 Airport Industrial Park Road
$108,000 — Construct an accessory building

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Islamic Center of Western Mass.
377 Amostown Road
$59,905 — Install wheelchair lift

J & N Salema Family Limited Partnership
2068 Riverdale St.
$6,500 — Charging station at Dunkin’ Donuts

Springfield Country Club
1375 Elm St.
$8,500 — Remove partition walls and erect new walls

WILBRAHAM

Ampersand Collins Hydro, LLC
176 Cottage Ave.
$8,870 — Construct a fire-separation wall

Wilbraham Housing Authority
2 Ridgewood Road
$6,620.75 — Repair front wall from car strike

Educating Staff Pays Many Returns

By
Opinion

Opinion

By Kimberley Lee

Just about every day, I pass the training room. It’s hard to miss because it’s right on the way to my office and typically buzzing with activity. Recently, staff members at the Center for Human Development (CHD) were there taking a CPR course. Groups of staff members have also been learning to be more effective supervisors, prevent the transmission of blood-borne pathogens, apply dielectical behavior therapy, conduct motivational interviews, and more.

Since our founding in the 1970s, CHD has always placed an emphasis on training. Why? Because every day, our diverse, multi-site team of professionals, paraprofessionals, and support staff works with clients who are typically vulnerable and facing complex challenges in their lives. Our mission is to help these people, so we help our staff to successfully identify and address whatever issues their clients are facing.

The nature of our work in fields such as health and wellness, behavioral health, and developmental services means a large proportion of our staff is comprised of highly educated, credentialed professionals. That’s a benefit because we can leverage the advanced knowledge of our own people to develop and present training programs in-house.

For example, social worker Nina Slovik developed and has been presenting a training program called “Suicide Risk: From Despair to Hope.” Her program, which focuses on ways to recognize and respond to suicide risk factors, gives our employees knowledge to use in their daily work. She helps staff understand how to work with folks who have experienced trauma or some other life component that could heighten risk factors related to suicide. She also incorporates conversations about suicide with people who have lived experience with the issue. The tools she teaches staff to apply when working with their clients truly can save lives.

I spoke with my colleague, Carol Fitzgerald, CHD’s vice president of Human Resources, about the role of training at CHD. “Professional development and staff training are embedded in the culture of CHD,” she told me. “It can take the form of on-the-job training, formal training programs developed and presented in-house, and in certain cases off-site training with specialists. Some trainings are mandatory, like those covering compliance and diversity, and those for licensed professionals who need to earn continuing-education credits. Others are programs that staff members can take to respond to a particular client’s needs.

“Say a house manager has a new client who is presenting with a specific behavioral issue,” she elaborated. “Related trainings may be available, often online, that can be used to build capacity with individual staff. Our experience demonstrates that well-trained staff members can more fully understand their clients’ scope of needs and the context that their support is presented in. This helps them serve clients better. We also support employees with tuition reimbursement for formal education where that’s relevant. Actually, we’ve been doing that for decades, long before it was common. In our industry, not every agency is willing or able to do that, and it sets CHD apart.”

Fitzgerald said there’s an additional benefit of employee training that should not be discounted. “It’s an ongoing challenge for all agencies to find licensed, credentialed clinical staff. We want to attract top people who stay engaged and stay here, so one of our strategic objectives is to be the employer of choice in each field and in our industry. We know from experience that effective training programs and the opportunity to apply what is learned on the job can be great recruitment and retention tools.”

A commitment to effective, relevant training helps employees stay current and focused, leverages their ability to deliver quality services, and supports their organization’s human-resources strategy. Give your people something new to learn every day. The results, as they are at CHD, can be positively life-changing.

Kimberley Lee is vice president of Development at the Center for Human Development, a nonprofit, CARF-accredited organization providing a broad range of community-oriented human services to 17,000 children, adolescents, adults, and families each year.

Public-safety Plan Spurs Springfield Development

By
Community Spotlight Features

Community Spotlight

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno (left) and Police Commissioner John Barbieri

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno (left) and Police Commissioner John Barbieri say community-policing efforts are changing perceptions — and reality — about crime in the city.

Most people are familiar with the major projects underway in Springfield: the $950 million MGM casino, the $90 million renovation of Union Station, and the $95 million CRRC MA rail-car factory being built at the former Westinghouse site.

But a highly successful, multi-pronged program to improve public safety that was created by Mayor Domenic Sarno and the Springfield Police Department has gone on mostly behind the scenes and yielded remarkable results.

“We have had a 20% drop in crime since 2015,” said Police Commissioner John Barbieri.

Officials attribute the dramatic reduction to a number of factors. They include an increase in police officers (48 were added from the last academy, and in about a month another 50 will be sworn in), a highly effective C3 (community policing) program, an ongoing strategic analysis of crime by a division in the police department that has been dramatically increased, leadership classes for police officers, a new computer program on laptops in cruisers that pinpoint where recent crimes have occurred and allows police officers to read reports about them, and other measures that have made a decided difference.

Officials are proud of the recorded success, but know that changing public perception remains an ongoing challenge.

“Perception and attitude equal reality, and we are continuing to battle the negative perceptions people have toward crime and urban cities by enhancing public safety and providing increased police visibility,” Sarno said, noting that, in the past, businesses interested in moving to Springfield typically asked about public safety, but that conversation rarely occurs today.

downtown police presence

The downtown police presence will be boosted by a number of well-lit kiosks and substations.

Barbieri agreed. “The goal for the future is to create a high degree of police visibility downtown which reflects modern-day standards,” he said. “Whenever people travel to a metro area, they worry about crime, but an increase in police presence combats their fear.”

He added that public safety and economic development complement each other, and the entire police department has been reorganized.

“We’ve a made a commitment to the community in terms of accountability and responsiveness,” Barbieri noted, explaining that the department’s approach has differed from most large cities, where attempts to suppress crime are not typically linked to accountability. For example, some police departments might increase arrests or tickets for offenses such as littering, but since 99% of people are law-abiding, those tactics don’t generate cooperation or lead to an increase in information from residents about problems that haven’t yet surfaced.

“Our officers will never know the neighborhoods they work in as well as the people who live there, no matter how long they are assigned to an area,” Barbieri said, as he spoke about the difference community policing has made in establishing respect and rapport between Springfield police officers and residents.

“Crime is complex, and it takes a unified approach by nonprofits, businesses, schools, and local, state, and federal partners to deal with the issues that cause it,” he continued. “Reducing crime is not just about making arrests; it’s about arresting the right people who will not reform or seek help, as well as resolving neighborhood problems.”

They can include derelict properties, and to that end, Sarno created a Quality of Life/Ordinance Flex Squad in 2008 to deal with properties that are neglected or affect the quality of life of nearby residents. Members include the police department, building and code enforcement, the city’s law department, and the mayor’s office. The fire department and housing department also offer assistance when needed, and the collaborative approach has proven effective.

Sarno noted, as an example of success, a project that involved multiple entities to deal with the old River Inn at the corner of State and Thompson streets. It had been a troubled location for two decades before it was condemned in 2011, then purchased by DevelopSpringfield at a foreclosure auction and demolished. There are other examples of success related to the vision of creating a vibrant downtown where people feel safe and can enjoy and appreciate the Innovation District, Union Station, the Quadrangle, the MGM casino, and the businesses and eateries that already exist as well as those that will grow around them.

“But no matter how much money is spent on marketing, word of mouth is key,” Sarno said, adding that highly successful events, such as the Jazz & Roots Festival in August that attracted more than 12,000 people from all over New England and New York, are making a difference in perception and reality, which is critical because Union Station will be used by 4 million people each year and the MGM casino will bring in at least 10,000 guests on a daily basis when it opens.

For this issue, BusinessWest focuses on measures that officials in Springfield and its police department have taken to improve public safety and the overall perception of the City of Homes.

Ongoing Work

When Sarno was elected mayor in 2008, the city had significant problems and was being managed by a state Finance Control Board due to a $41 million budget deficit. But that board was dissolved in 2009, and in addition to addressing the city’s finances, Sarno took steps to improve public safety and quality of life in all of Springfield’s neighborhoods.

New lighting was installed downtown, the police presence was strengthened in the former entertainment district, which had been attracting large numbers of undesirable people, and the size of the police force was increased.

In addition, MGM made a commitment to spend $1.5 million annually for 15 years to create and maintain a public-safety district downtown due to the traffic it will bring to the city. The district runs from the south end of Mill Street to Union Station, to Riverfront Park, which is being renovated, and up to the Quadrangle.

But perhaps one of the most important changes was the establishment of C3 policing in vulnerable neighborhoods where high levels of poverty, truancy, and healthcare problems exist. Special police units have been created and put in place in four areas: Mason Square, the South End, the North End, and lower Forest Park.

MGM will be an important piece of Springfield’s resurgence

MGM will be an important piece of Springfield’s resurgence, Mayor Domenic Sarno says, but it’s only one piece.

Police officers in these units have formed strong bonds with families and children through a number of measures. They have walked thousands of students to school via a program called the Walking School Bus, attend school sports events and cheer students to success, participate in community events, and recently collaborated with neighborhood agencies to hold an Easter-egg hunt.

Every police academy recruit receives C3 policing and de-escalation training and volunteers on a regular basis in the community, where they mix and mingle and take part in a wide variety of activities.

Weekly meetings are held in each neighborhood that are attended by representatives from 60 agencies, including churches, local businesses, and nonprofits such as the YMCA, YWCA, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. The number of residents who attend the meetings is growing, and many provide information about issues that need to be addressed.

“The philosophy of C3 policing is carried over into our entire uniformed division,” Barbieri said, noting that all concerns expressed by residents are taken seriously.

The mayor said the city’s C-3 policing program (which was named a Difference Maker by BusinessWest in 2013) has been so successful, it is being used as a model across the country, and Barbieri has spoken about it before many audiences.

In addition, the police commissioner established a Crime Analysis Unit in 2014 that allows the police department to determine trends and patterns.

“We look at trends from the previous year and hold weekly meetings with all of our commanding officers and supervisors to go over crime that has occurred,” Barbieri said, explaining that they discuss problem properties, prolific offenders, and strategies that will be used to resolve issues. “There is a high level of accountability.”

Sarno works closely with Barbieri and gave a green light to the idea of installing a Crime View program on the laptops in every police cruiser. The technology gives officers detailed information about incidents that have taken place over the previous seven days in the area they are assigned to patrol.

“It pinpoints where the crime occurred and allows officers to read reports related to each incident, including the time of day and day of the week it took place, so they can self-deploy into the areas where they are needed the most,” Barbieri said, noting that residents can also text tips or reports anonymously about problems or concerns.

Although a police presence is not always visible in some neighborhoods, that happens for a reason, as it doesn’t make sense for officers to be limited to a very small area. For example, if a rash of housebreaks are occurring in a neighborhood, an appropriate contingent can move into that area.

However, in the near future, the police presence downtown will increase and be highly visible. Plans are in place to build a number of well-lit police kiosks and substations in the public safety district, and Union Station will have its own police office.

Call-for-service kiosks will also be installed throughout the area, containing cameras that videotape action on the street, and the C3 squads will be expanded.

“People will see blue wherever they go,” Barbieri said, noting that additional police officers assigned to the area will be hand-picked and will adopt a customer-service approach.

In addition, programs in the schools and community centers are yielding positive results: the truancy rate has been cut in half, and young people are forming relationships with police due to their participation in community events and the Walking School Bus program.

The entire police department is making strides, and is the only one in the country that provides peer-to-peer anti-corruption training without being mandated to do so by a federal consent decree. In addition, the strategic crime unit will eventually become a 24/7 operation and will provide information to officers in real time as crime is occurring.

Sarno believes that, as Springfield adds more attractions and confidence rises, there will be an increase in demand for housing downtown, and Baby Boomers who left years ago may want to return.

The $6 million renovation of the former Morgan Square complex at 15 Taylor St., located a block from Union Station, serves as a cornerstone of new residential redevelopment and potential for growth in the future. The complex has been named SilverBrick Lofts Springfield, and 25 of its one- to three-bedroom apartments, with rents ranging from $795 to $1,235, have been reserved for teachers.

Kevin Kennedy, the city’s chief Development officer, said another example of progress is the $40 million renovation of the Chestnut Towers complex by Related Beal. When the towers were built 40 years ago, the property was known for its luxury apartments, but the state foreclosed on the complex in 1996, and after that occurred, it became a hotspot for drugs, violence, and other crimes.

But that is another site where progress is occurring. “Related Beal plans to spend about $100,000 on each of the 489 apartment units,” said Kennedy. “A key component of its plan involves working with the police department to get rid of negative tenants and provide reassurance to the good families who live there.”

He noted that there has been a change in management, the developer is working with police to hire a new security director, and it has partnered with the city to provide better housing and improve the quality of life for new and existing residents.

In addition, Pynchon Plaza will be updated and renovated. It was built in 1976 as a gateway between downtown and the Springfield Museums and Quadrangle, and the city is going out to bid for designer services for a plan to improve it in phases.

New Chapter

Sarno believes confidence in public safety will grow alongside new entertainment venues and spur more investment.

“MGM put Springfield on the map, and the new CRRC MA plant and Union Station revitalization has led to meetings every week with businesses and developers who want to come to Springfield,” he said, noting that the City of Homes has an AA+ rating from Standard & Poor’s, and the last two city budgets were not only balanced, but contained reserves.

Crime — as well as the perception of it — is being reduced, and officials are proud of the work being done by the police department. “When Springfield police officers were asked to stand up to prepare the city for growth, they stood tall and embraced the community,” Barbieri said.

Sarno calls Springfield police officers “sentinels of peace” and says they are making a positive difference 24 hours a day.

“In the next five years, there will be dramatic changes in Springfield,” he said, “and we are working hand in glove with the police department to keep our city safe.”

 

Springfield at a glance

Year Incorporated: 1852
Population: 156,000 (2016)
Area: 33.2 square miles
County: Hampden
Residential Tax Rate: $19.66
Commercial Tax Rate: $39.07
Median Household Income: $38,398 (2015)
median family Income: $43,289 (2015)
Type of government: Mayor; City Council
Largest Employers: Baystate Medical Center; MassMutual Financial Group; Big Y; Center for Human Development; American Outdoor Brands Corp.
* Latest information available

Angela Lussier Finds Her Purpose in Helping Women Find Theirs

By
coverfeaturelussier-0517a
Cover Story Sections Women in Businesss

Words to Live By

lussierbooksIt took just nine words to change Angela Lussier’s life: “you’ll never be ready; you just have to start.” That’s good advice for entrepreneurs of all kinds, but it was especially relevant for a shy, self-conscious, but creative and ambitious woman who decided her path to leadership was learning to overcome her fear of public speaking. Today, through the Speaker Sisterhood, she’s helping women around the world do the same — and, in the process, discover who they really are and what they were meant to do.

Angela Lussier has a surprising entrepreneurial bent — surprising to herself, that is.

It began at UMass, where she studied a VHS tape to learn how to cut her boyfriend’s hair. “My neighbor walked by and said, ‘can I have a haircut too?’ I said, ‘why not?’ Then his roommate walked in and said, ‘can I have a haircut?’ I said, ‘sure.’ Soon a whole bunch of guys on the floor wanted haircuts.”

Soon, she was setting up shop in a back room and charging for haircuts, which she did until the dorm shut her down. It wasn’t until later that she realized she had been an entrepreneur, if only for a short time.

It never occurred to me that it was a business,” she said. “I just wanted to make some money to put gas in the car and buy clothes.”

Lussier tells the story to demonstrate how opportunities cross our paths all the time, and sometimes what seems to be the least likely possibility can become a successful business.

Which explains why someone who was terrified of speaking now runs a business teaching women how to find their voice.

It’s called the Speaker Sisterhood, and it helps women become more effective public speakers. But it’s much more than that, she said. “It creates a safe space for women trying to find out who they are and what they’re meant to do.”

It’s a winding story that can be told only from the beginning, after college, when Lussier went to work in marketing for Rock 102 and Lazer 99.3, a job where her natural creativity was encouraged and rewarded. But she soon learned not every job was like that; an executive at her next employer, an executive recruiting firm, eventually told her, “we knew your creativity would be an issue when we hired you.”

So, in 2009, she started out on her own, initially as a career consultant, helping people figure out what jobs were the best matches for their skills and passions. Her grounding philosophy? “You have to work in a place that respects your talents and gifts and uniqueness.”

Lussier knows something about that, having had to overcome her own physical uniqueness. She stood six feet tall at age 12 and had to endure barbs like “ogre” and “jolly green giant” — experiences which led, she realized years later, to an intense shyness and anxiety about public speaking.

“At the recruiting firm, I realized that being shy was not a great attribute to have. Looking back to the radio station, the people who were the most respected, the most followed, were people who were excellent communicators, and even better public speakers. I had this fear of being seen, being made fun of, but I wanted to be a leader. So I signed up for Toastmasters.”

It didn’t go exactly as planned at first. “I said, ‘OK, I’m going to tackle this fear of speaking because I want to be a leader.’ Six months later, I’d never said a word.” That’s when the club’s leader told her she was on the agenda for the next meeting, where she would deliver a four-minute speech about her job. “I said I wasn’t ready, but she said something that changed my life: ‘you’ll never be ready; you just have to start.’”

It wasn’t easy. In fact, she sat in her car outside that next meeting, petrified of going in, wondering if people would make fun of her or think she sounded stupid. But she took that first step, even though she read completely from notes, never looking up at the audience.

“The important thing was, I didn’t die,” Lussier said with a laugh. “So I continued to go back and give more speeches, and every time I gave a speech, not only did I not die, but I learned something about myself. I learned why I was so shy; I was able to connect it to my adolescent years, feeling so different, feeling like people didn’t understand my creativity, feeling like the black sheep in the family, like I didn’t relate to other people. Public speaking gave me not only a voice, but insight into who I am.”

That recognition would eventually form the basis of the Speaker Sisterhood, though the story would take a few more turns first.

First Steps

Lussier’s first step was recognizing she needed public-speaking skills to advance her career-consulting business, so she developed a free workshop series on how to find a job in a tough economy (remember, this was right after the recession peaked), interviewing skills, self-marketing, résumé writing, and other topics.

She pitched the idea to area public libraries without success, until Forbes Library took her up on it, allowing her to stage two separate eight-week series, a daytime series for unemployed job seekers, and an evening series for people with jobs looking for a change. After that first booking, other libraries came on board.

But she still needed to write the material. And deliver it. And she was still far from fearless on that front.

“When the first workshop came around, I drove there thinking to myself, ‘who do I think I am? No one’s going to come to this. I’m not a business owner. I’m only 28 years old; why would anyone take career advice from me?’ I sat there in the library parking lot, and a voice told me, ‘maybe you should do this because you want to be a leader.’”

Not only was the workshop a success, but Lussier gained a paid booking through it, and people kept showing up at the free library events, leading to more exposure and more paid bookings, including, eventually, one for a local Fortune 500 company. She had no idea of her worth at that point — the firm seemed surprised when she came up with a fee of $200, and she realized later she should have charged 10 times that — but she started to recognize that speaking about careers, which originally was a way to boost her consulting business, had potential as a revenue stream in itself.

“That was a huge turning point for me,” she said. “I had become a professional speaker; I’d built this skill, and people like hearing me speak. I thought, ‘I’m actually a leader; I actually did this. I can’t believe it’s happening.’”

So, while she continued her career-coaching business, she started asking herself a few questions: “where have I been most successful? What do I enjoy doing? What do people always ask me about?”

She sat down one night in front of a fire, coffee at the ready, and filled a journal with the answers to those three questions. And the one common denominator to all three was public speaking, her former nemesis. “It was like a neon sign blinking from the highway. I thought, ‘why did I not see this until right now?’”

She had already enrolled in the Valley Venture Mentors Accelerator program, but decided to switch gears midstream and morph into something different, to build an online school to teach women how to be professional speakers.

Angela Lussier

Angela Lussier addresses a Washington, D.C. audience at a TEDx event in 2010.

“We need more women on stages, more women getting paid what they’re worth, more women leading conferences,” Lussier told BusinessWest. “It took me a long time to see there should be a Toastmasters for women — a place where women can get together and share their voices and be honest and say the things they don’t get to say in the world.”

As an experiment, she co-hosted an open house for her first speaking club to see who would respond. About 10 women showed up, all strangers. At first.

“Each woman shared her story about fear of speaking up, being belitted at work, being told their opinions don’t matter, feeling like they don’t have any idea how to say what they’re thinking. Or, they’re working in a job now where they have to train people, and they’re terrified, but they don’t want to lose their job.”

Something happened that day that surprised Lussier.

“As we went around the circle, it was like each woman was giving the next woman permission to tell the truth. They came as strangers, but they left as sisters. I had never experienced that kind of transformation; I had chills for two hours. I knew this was not just a public-speaking club, but an opportunity for women to walk in the door and shed their role as wife, mother, boss — to show up as themselves and say what’s on their mind.”

She knew she had something special, and the e-mails that followed proved it — e-mails from women who didn’t attend the meeting, but knew someone who did, and wanted to join. So she built waiting lists and eventually launched clubs in Springfield, Northampton, Amherst, and South Hadley, training the women who would lead each one. Recently, a Greenfield club opened its doors, as well as a second club in Northampton.

Gaining Momentum

But Lussier saw potential for the Speaker Sisterhood clubs well beyond Western Mass., creating a curriculum and licensing model to take the concept nationwide and even international. Lehigh, Pa. and Portland, Maine were the first club sites outside the Commonwealth, and a New Zealand club marked the first overseas expansion.

“You don’t have to be a public-speaking expert to start a club, but you do need to have leadership experience and meeting-facilitation experience, and a sincere interest in helping women build this skill set,” she said, reiterating what she considers the heart of the clubs’ popularity.

“Yes, we’re running speaking clubs that teach skills, but these clubs also use public speaking as a tool for self-discovery,” she went on. “What I say to members is, ‘this is your public-speaking journey, and the more you learn, the more you’ll find out how little you know.’”

And they are learning about themselves, she noted. One woman, who works in a healing field, signed up because she wanted to build her skills to teach workshops, and after a few months, she remarked that, when she spoke before a group, she felt like a floating head, disconnected from her body. What she came to realize was that she spent so much time talking to people one on one, in a spirit of empathy, that she started to take on the energy of each person she spoke with.

“She said, ‘I become them, so in front of a group of people, I have no idea who I am. That teaches me I’ve spent my whole life being other people, and now I have to discover who I am.’ To hear someone say that is transformative — not just for the speaker, but for the audience. We’re all learning from each other’s journeys.”

Those journeys vary, she said, from business owners who want to get better at promoting their services, to teachers who interact with kids all day, only to freeze up when they meet with parents. “One has experienced several tragic deaths over the past few years and felt she’s lost herself in grieving those deaths, and she wants to discover herself again.”

The curriculum takes the form of an ‘adventure guide,’ with chapter titles like “Adventures in Storytelling,” “Adventures in Humor,” “Adventures in Audience Interaction,” and so on.

“It was a thoughtful decision to call it an adventure because anything can happen. It’s not about perfection; it’s not about doing it right. The emphasis is not on trying to be a perfectionist, but enjoying the journey. It helps a lot to reframe public speaking that way.”

By prioritizing sharing experiences over perfection, she added, participants feel less alone as they realize so many others feel the same way they do. “And that helps them build confidence in themselves.”

The meetings include prepared speeches, but also a lot of improv games, which challenges club members to be present in the moment while stretching their creativity. She knows it’s a lot to ask from new members, many of whom are approaching the club from a place of anxiety.

“The first day, there’s a lot of fear. Their voices are trembling; they’re looking around the room, thinking, ‘do I belong here?’ Then they speak again at the end, and there’s a transformation over two hours. They go, ‘wow, I’ve never been able to speak like this. This is what I need.’ I feel like the biggest step you take on your public-speaking journey is the first step. Every single step after that gets easier. So I always applaud the guests for showing up. That’s not easy.”

By the Book

Amid her transformation into the leader she’d long wanted to be, Lussier has also shared her words with the world through her books. The first, The Anti-Résumé Revolution, was a direct result of that first eight-week workshop, inspired by one attendee asking her for her notes — which totaled 120 pages. So she combined them with her own story, interviewed others who had followed her advice, and self-published in 2009.

“The whole concept is not just waiting for opportunities to show up on a job board or the newspaper, but to go out and create your own future and taking action on your ideas,” she explained.

She managed to get the book into the hands of Seth Godin, one of her heroes and the author of Purple Cow, which drives home the importance of being different and standing out fron the crowd. He recommended Lussier’s book on his blog, broadening her visibility immensely.

“That changed my whole perspective on what’s possible,” she said. “I wrote a book in my basement which was now being shared with millions of readers, being taught in colleges, and being read by people all over the world. It helped me see that, even if you think what you’re doing is only for a small audience, you never know what could happen.”

Two more books followed. She published Who’s with Us? in 2015 — sporting the subtitle From Wondering to Knowing If You Should Start a Business in 21 Days. It was the result of talking to hundreds of people about their business ideas, and takes the form of 10 self-assessments potential entrepreneurs can use to gauge their next move. She recently followed that with Do + Make: The Handbook for Starting Your Very Own Business, which progresses beyond the assessment phase and dives into practical action.

Clearly, Lussier has found multiple outlets for her entrepreneurial bent and her passion for writing. But her heart lies mostly in the work she’s doing with women — not to give them a voice, but to help them discover their own.

“It’s the most amazing work I’ve ever done. I know I was born for this reason — to start the Speaker Sisterhood and build clubs around the world,” she told BusinessWest. “I want to help thousands, if not millions, of women discover who they are, and how amazing they are, so they can go out and do what they were put here to do. Ever since I was 5 years old, even when I was a teenager and felt like an outcast, I knew I would do something important someday.”

That’s the voice that echoed in her head the night she sat in her car, stricken with anxiety, ready to drive away and abandon her dream of becoming a better speaker.

However, “I thought, ‘I’m not going to do something important if I go home.’ And even when I started my business, that was just the road to the thing; it wasn’t the thing. Now, every meeting I go to, I can’t believe I get to do this; I can’t believe this woman is discovering things about herself because, years ago, I sat in a car and said, ‘you’re going to go in and give a speech.’ That blows my mind.”

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Leadership Initiative for Young Women Taps Steering Committee

By
Sections Women in Businesss

Laying the Groundwork

The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts recently announced a slate of initial appointments to the steering committee of the Partnership for Young Women’s Progress (YWP), its multi-sector partnership aimed at driving economic prosperity for young women in Springfield.

In February, the MassMutual Foundation and the office of state Treasurer Deb Goldberg announced their participation as lead corporate and government partners, respectively, for the project. The MassMutual Foundation awarded $150,000 to the Women’s Fund to support the launch of the partnership, while Goldberg’s office will offer its Women’s Economic Empowerment series, share state-agency-generated research and data, and participate in final recommendations.

“The YWP initiative is a new, innovative way to showcase the talent and leadership skills of young women in the city of Springfield. We are excited to be a part of this initiative and look forward to working with the young women selected for the program,” said Sarah Williams, vice president of Global Capital Risk at MassMutual, and one of the steering committee members chosen in April.

The YWP aims to elevate the leadership of local young women (ages 12 to 24) and design a lasting blueprint for investing in the Springfield community that addresses the needs, programming, best practices, policies, and research that will build the pathways to economic prosperity for themselves, their families, and their community.

The pilot is made up of two core groups, the Young Women’s Leaders Advisory Council (YAC) and the steering committee. The YAC will consist of up to 20 young women (again, ages 12 to 24) who will be selected by a competitive, city-wide nomination process that opened last month.

The steering committee is comprised of cross-sector leaders from the education, government, business, philanthropy, and nonprofit sectors (see list below). The committee’s purpose is to provide thought leadership, as well as leadership development and mentorship opportunities, for the young women on the YAC. They will also help facilitate community outreach, help attract additional resources to the project, and assist with sequencing final recommendations.

“What we know from available data is that young people, and particularly young women, are leaving our region for perceived lack of economic opportunity,” said Layla Taylor, board chair of the Women’s Fund. “While these statistics are troubling, we are excited about the opportunity to work closely with city leaders to make this project transformative for our community, and as a model for peer cities across the country.”

The three-year YWP challenges partners to:

• Create leadership and high-level decision making opportunities for young women, and reward their efforts as part of the YAC;

• Encourage the participants to become peer educators by launching philanthropy clubs or hosting workshops at their school;

• Analyze available data, examine current investments, and identify where partners can make a lasting impact;

• Create a public document with young women’s economic growth and empowerment recommendations;

• Engage message research conducted by a leading national firm to help shape strategic communications, which will be aimed at creating a positive shift from the current negative cultural narratives regarding young women; and

• Generate and fund a phased action plan for the region that will include re-granting partnerships.

“What a wonderful opportunity this initiative offers for young women in our community,” said Lydia Martinez-Alvarez, assistant superintendent of Springfield Public Schools and a member of the steering committee. “I am extremely proud and excited to be part of an initiative that will make a real difference in the lives of our young women. The guidance and mentorship they will receive is beyond measure, and we will be keeping our eyes on these young women and expecting great things from them in their future.”

Besides Williams and Martinez-Alvarez, other members of the steering committee include Ann Burke, vice president, Western Mass. Economic Development Council; Michael Clark, senior advisor and director of Strategic Engagement, office of state Sen. Eric Lesser; Dawn Creighton, Western Mass. regional director, Associated Industries of Massachusetts; Ernesto Cruz, legislative aide to state Rep. José Tosado; Dawn Forbes DiStefano, chief finance and grants officer, Square One; Pattie Hallberg, CEO, Girl Scouts of Central & Western Massachusetts; Denise Hurst, Springfield School Committee member; Justin Hurst, Springfield City Council member; Ronn Johnson, President and CEO, MLK Family Services; Rachel Parent, vice president, MassMutual, and chief of staff, MassMutual U.S. Business; Suzanne Parker, executive director, Girls Inc. Holyoke; Marian Sullivan, communications director, office of Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno; and Samantha Washburn-Baronie, deputy director, Office of Economic Empowerment, office of the state treasurer.

“As a husband and father of two daughters, I recognize the importance of young women being able to have equal opportunities to succeed and contribute to their communities,” Tosado said.

Added Sarno, “this is all about empowerment access and pathways to secure better educational, social, and economic-development opportunities for the women of our community.”

Goldberg noted, when the YWP program was launched, that public-private partnerships like this one are crucial in creating opportunities to empower young women across the state.

“We truly value this partnership that leverages available resources in an innovative and collaborative way,” added Ali Mathias, MassMutual’s director of Charitable Giving and vice president of the MassMutual Foundation. “This program will not only expand the economic opportunity for young women, but also economic development in the city of Springfield.”

Even as it transitions from the leadership of former president Elizabeth Barajas-Román, who stepped down in March, the Women’s Fund has been busy with new initiatives. It recently announced a partnership with Bay Path University aimed at driving women’s leadership and educational access by providing college credits as part of the Women’s Fund’s Leadership Institute for Political and Public Impact (LIPPI) program.

Through that partnership, which aims to educate women for leadership roles, LIPPI will give participants access to Bay Path’s online classroom tools, including virtual sessions with instructors. LIPPI participants will also be able to earn three undergraduate or graduate credits from Bay Path or, upon approval, credits that can be transferable to a college or university of their choice. To date, more than 250 women have graduated from the LIPPI program.

Girls Inc. of Holyoke Builds Confidence, Future Success

By
Nonprofit Management Sections

Strong Foundation

By Kathleen Mellen

eureka-2The reach of Girls Inc. of Holyoke — which operates programs for elementary-school-aged girls as well as teenagers — is striking, serving more than 1,750 girls each year through programs, peer education, and community outreach on a budget of $1.3 million. But other numbers are more impressive, such as statistics showing that Girls Inc. participants are more likely than their peers to get good grades, attend college, and find learning fun and valuable. What it all adds up to is a priceless foundation for success.

You could call it a lunch break on wheels.

Every Monday through Friday during the school year, Dianette Marrero uses her lunch hour to drive her daughters, Jasminn, 7, and Tatianna, 10, from their hometown of Chicopee to 52 Nick Cosmos Way in Holyoke, where the girls attend a licensed after-school program for ages 5 to 12, sponsored by Girls Inc. of Holyoke. And when her workday is done, Marrero returns to pick her daughters up.

Marrero says she doesn’t mind the drive in the least. She’s been sold on the nonprofit organization that educates and empowers girls from underserved communities ever since her daughters started attending its girls-only after-school program nearly two years ago. Through the program’s breadth of activities — including an in-depth literacy program, educational field trips, outdoor activities, and experiential, hands-on learning opportunities — she says her daughters are learning to be confident and motivated young women.

“Girls Inc. allows the girls to be confident with their peers,” Marrero told BusinessWest. “We’re a girls-only family, so this has been great for my daughters.”

Stella Cabrera, 16, has had a similarly positive experience: she has participated in nearly every program offered by Girls Inc. of Holyoke since joining up in the fifth grade. She first heard about the organization from a friend, and pleaded with her mother to let her attend.

The Girls Inc. Eureka! program is a STEM-based approach to education

The Girls Inc. Eureka! program is a STEM-based approach to education that places girls in labs and classrooms at UMass Amherst for intensive training.

“I was getting bullied by boys at school, and I wanted to try something new,” Cabrera said in an interview at the Girls Inc. administrative office and teen center at 6 Open Way in Holyoke. “It was really exciting because I’d never been in a place where it was just girls.”

Since then, she’s become more confident, and she credits Girls Inc. with the transformation.

“When I started out, I was a really shy person; I didn’t talk to many people,” she said. “Now I make friends with everybody. I don’t judge people. I’ve learned to accept people for who they are.”

Testimonials like these are music to Suzanne Parker’s ears.

“It’s our mission to inspire girls,” said Parker, the organization’s executive director. “The work that we’re doing, helping them to be successful, is really important.”

Girls Inc. of Holyoke, formerly the Holyoke Girls Club, operates programs for elementary-school-aged girls, as well as Holyoke’s only teen center just for girls. Serving more than 1,750 girls each year through programs, peer education, and community outreach, the organization aims to equip girls to navigate gender, economic, and social barriers, and grow up to be healthy, educated, and independent. It is one of more than 90 Girls Inc. affiliates of a network across the U.S. and Canada that serves more than 138,000 girls, ages 5 to 18.

“The programs we provide are developed to meet the very specific needs of girls,” Parker said. “Having the research and the support of the national organization really helps us with that.”

Why Girls Only?

Girls live in a society with different expectations about success for boys and girls, Parker said, and Girls Inc. aims to close that gap. By teaching personal-development and communications skills, conflict resolution and problem solving, and how to make healthy choices relating to their bodies and relationships, it aims to “inspire girls to be strong, smart, and bold by offering life-changing experiences and real solutions to the unique issues girls face,” according to its website.

“We work to build up their confidence, making sure they have self-esteem, but first and foremost, we make sure they’re exposed to opportunities that they wouldn’t otherwise have,” Parker said. “All of those things are best done, we feel, in a girl-only environment, where they feel safe. They know they have a sisterhood here.”

From left, Girls Inc. of Holyoke participants Brandy Wilson and Stella Cabrera with Executive Director Suzanne Parker.

From left, Girls Inc. of Holyoke participants Brandy Wilson and Stella Cabrera with Executive Director Suzanne Parker.

The organization’s hallmarks are its mentoring programs, the girls-only environment, and its research-based, hands-on approach to learning. It also advocates for legislation and policies to increase opportunities for all girls.

The staff includes 11 full-time and four part-time professionals year-round, as well as an additional eight to 10 staff members who work in the full-day summer programs. In addition, more than 100 community members volunteer with the organization in a number of ways.

Nearly 70% of those who attend programs at Girls Inc. of Holyoke live in households earning $30,000 a year or less; one in 10 lives below the $10,000 line. The majority of members are Latina, Parker noted. While most live in Holyoke, some come from Chicopee, like Jasminn and Tatianna, and others live in Longmeadow, Wilbraham, South Hadley, Westfield, and West Springfield.

The organization’s newest strategic plan includes initiatives to broaden the organization’s reach, with in-school programs now being developed in Holyoke’s Peck Middle School, as well as Alfred G. Zanetti Montessori Magnet School and M. Marcus Kiley Middle School, both in Springfield.

In April, the organization was one of 17 Girls Inc. affiliates to receive a three-year grant award of $100,000 from the S.D. Bechtel Jr. Foundation to expand strategically to serve more girls growing up in low-income communities.

“Girls Inc. of Holyoke has a strong track record of making a measurable difference in the lives of girls,” said Judy Vredenburgh, president and CEO of Girls Inc. “As a well-run, sound organization, they are poised for expansion and growth, preparing more girls for responsible and confident adulthood, economic independence, and personal fulfillment.”

The programming reflects those initiatives, and its successes are measurable. For example, according to a national survey, one in six girls will not finish high school; by contrast, three-quarters of high-school girls who attend Girls Inc. programs report earning As and Bs on report cards, and 85% say they plan to attend college.

Finding Their Voice

Still, Parker said, girls who do well in math and science can pay a price socially at school, where they are often teased, even bullied, by other students. “We hear it from girls all the time. Bullying continues to be a major issue with girls across the country. And when you’re in school and you’re facing that, it’s hard to be successful.”

Girls Inc. addresses these gender-specific problems — and, more importantly, crafts solutions — in its girls-only environment.

“In order to be successful, girls have to have confidence, and they have to understand they have a voice and that they have the tools needed to be successful in that co-educational world we all live in,” she told BusinessWest. “There’s a need to provide a space for girls where they can come together, where they can take risks, try things they wouldn’t otherwise try.”

To that end, the organization fashions programs that promote academic success for girls in fields previously thought to be the domain of males. Chief among them is the Eureka! program, a STEM-based approach to education for eighth- through 12th-graders, which places girls in labs and classrooms at UMass Amherst for intensive training in science, technology, engineering, and math.

More than 100 girls are currently involved in Eureka!, attending the program for four weeks in the summer and on one Saturday a month during the school year, where they work with UMass professors who volunteer their time to offer hands-on experiences in fields like nanoscience, robotics, DNA research, and forensic science. In addition, the students are active daily in physical fitness and sports training, healthy living, and financial literacy.

Data shows that girls participating in Eureka! stay engaged in math and science throughout high school; many go on to higher education, often becoming the first in their family to attend a college or university, Parker noted. According to a recent survey, the percentage of girls participating in the program who identify themselves as “smart” increased by 13%, girls who think math is fun and interesting increased by 10%; and girls who feel comfortable in science class increased by more than 20%.

“Exposing girls to STEM skills and proficiencies is absolutely critical,” she went on. “While they might not all go into traditional STEM careers, the types of skills they’re learning, and the exposure they’re having, is absolutely critical. I believe that to the core.”

In the same survey, more girls also reported a positive body image, and nearly 90% of Eureka! girls see school as an opportunity “to learn as much as I can.” It also showed that the percentage of girls planning to go to a four-year college increased more than 10%.

Cabrera, now a high-school junior, and one of the original Eureka! scholars, wants to be a math teacher, and plans to attend college after she graduates from high school.

“I’ll be the first grandchild [in my family] to graduate and plan to go to college,” she said, adding that the program has significantly bolstered her confidence. “I really thrive, and I’ve gotten so much support for being strong. It’s a really inspiring program, and it really does help girls to understand their power and their impact on the world, and the amount of strength they have in themselves that they probably haven’t tapped yet.”

Avenues of Support

Girls Inc. of Holyoke’s annual budget is about $1.3 million, with between 55% and 60% of funding coming from the state. As a licensed after-school provider, it receives some funding from the state Department of Early Care. The teen center also receives support from the state Department of Public Health to run programs in pregnancy prevention and youth violence prevention. Specifically, the organization’s Healthy Relationships module helps girls learn to “identify, establish, and cultivate healthy relationships through assertiveness and negotiation skills,” and Project Bold works to “ensure that girls have the skills, knowledge, and support to be safe and reduce their risk of experiencing violence.”

But, Parker says, those funds don’t begin to cover the cost of providing a high-quality experience. For the past 10 years, the organization has held a Spirit of Girls breakfast, its signature fund-raising event; this year, on April 4 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke, a record crowd of about 450 people donated more than $140,000.

The organization also relies on foundation grants, as well as corporate and private donors. Indeed, Parker says there’s been a significant uptick in recent years in support from individuals. For example, participation in the three-year-old Champion for Girls initiative, through which individuals donate $1,000 or more, has risen from 15 annual donors to close to 100.

The organization also launched a program this year for ‘corporate champions,’ which is also seeing growing success, Parker said, with recent donations from CheckWriters Payroll, MassMutual, and PeoplesBank.

“Companies are definitely seeing the value of partnering with Girls Inc.,” she added. “We have to work hard; we’re always looking for people who are interested in investing in our work. We can’t do it alone.”

That work continues to enrich the lives of its members, from the STEM education of Eureka! to myriad teen-center programs offered on a drop-in basis, including art, creative writing, spoken-word expression, computer coding, and entrepreneurship, among others, as well as myriad field trips, classes, and workshops.

The success-based programming is not just reserved for the older girls. Last year, for example, a group of younger students, including Jasminn and Tatianna, developed a business model for a lemonade stand and put it into practice; the girls tested their lemonade recipe, did a market survey, and created a business plan to determine how much were they would charge for the lemonade. Then they launched their business in a real-life setting, setting up their stand at Celebrate Holyoke. Finally, the girls deposited the proceeds into a bank account and, together, decided how they would spend it.

That program, like others at Girls Inc. of Holyoke, builds a knowledge base that is useful in the real world, while building self-confidence, said Brandy Wilson, director of middle- and high-school programs.

“It’s all about exploring their options. So many times, girls who come in from what we consider an underserved community don’t know what their options are,” she explained. “We’re giving the girls experiences that make that lightbulb go off — that makes them realize, ‘I can do this.’”

HAPHousing Becomes Way Finders to Reflect Scope of Its Work

By
Nonprofit Management Sections

Growing Opportunities

Peter Gagliardi

Peter Gagliardi says Way Finders’ mission comes down to helping people solve problems, not just getting them into homes.

When the Housing Allowance Project opened its doors in 1973, the idea of providing people with assistance to pay their rent was a novel concept.

“Giving people a housing allowance was a radical concept, but poor people were concentrated in projects and high-rises that had become real problems, especially in large cities,” said Peter Gagliardi, president and chief executive officer of Way Finders in Springfield and Holyoke. “Many were poorly built and filled with children who had no place to play other than the hallways and elevators, so the idea was to stop building projects where the poor were all housed in one place, and give people choices about where they could live.“

HAPHousing, which changed its name to Way Finders on March 31, was one of 10 sites across the country selected to host a three-year experimental federal pilot program to provide this rental assistance. The project led to the creation of Section 8 housing, a federal program that provides vouchers to low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities to help them afford decent, safe places to live in the private market.

When the pilot program morphed into Section 8, HAPHousing was tasked by the state to administer it in Hampden and Hampshire counties. But today, that is only a small part of the scope of its work, which has extended into many arenas.

The organization holds periodic strategic planning sessions, and in 2014 it became clear that its name and narrative did not convey the agency’s purpose and may have led potential clients to believe they couldn’t find the help they needed from their staff.

“Our old name didn’t provide a sense of the magnitude of our work,” Gagliardi said, noting that, although the Section 8 housing program still exists, 28,600 people in Hampden and Hampshire counties and more than 100,000 people across the state are on waiting lists. Since new vouchers are not being issued given today’s turnover rate, the statewide wait equates to 166 years.

“People need better options than vouchers that don’t exist,” he continued, explaining that the agency’s clients have needs ranging from finding jobs to getting an education, improving their credit scores, and other measures that open up opportunities for a better life.

“Getting people into homes is important, but having a roof that is affordable over your head is just the beginning,” Gagliardi noted, as he spoke about difficulties homeless families face and the multi-faceted approach Way Finders takes to connect clients to appropriate resources.

The organization’s history has been marked by many twists and turns as it responded to crises caused by changes in the economy, so choosing an appropriate new name was important to everyone who worked there.

HAP hired TSM Design in Springfield to facilitate the effort. The name Way Finders resulted from a collaborative brainstorming effort by staff members dedicated to ensuring their moniker reflected their mission, coupled with the creativity of TSM Design, which was responsible for suggesting names that matched the passion and commitment of the staff. Every employee participated in a survey that asked them about the most important part of their job, and a committee of 12 was eventually formed to represent the findings and share the thinking of the staff as a whole.

“Our mission came down to finding a way to help people solve problems. It begins by finding them a decent place to live, but we wanted to let the public know that we offer a wide range of programs through collaborations with partners that include finding jobs for people who don’t know where to start,” Gagliardi said, noting that, in the past three and a half years, the agency has helped place 480 people into jobs as an alternative to those non-existent housing vouchers he talked about.

Indeed, the new name is fitting because clients literally need help finding their way to a better life.

“We started out with a staff of about 20, and this year we have 250 employees who are very mindful of our philosophy,” Gagliardi said. “When they go home at the end of a day, they know that someone has a better home or opportunity in life than they did when they arrived.”

Over the past four decades, the organization has grown from an experimental housing-assistance program to an agency that provides rental assistance, housing-support services for homeless families as well as prevention, education about home ownership, foreclosure counseling, real-estate development, property and asset management, and community building and engagement in neighborhoods to improve health and safety.

For this issue and its focus on nonprofits, BusinessWest looks at the storied history of Way Finders and how the agency stepped in to help people and improve the community through the many changes in the economy.

Critical Response

When the Housing Allowance Program morphed into the Section 8 housing program, the state Department of Housing and Community Development hired eight regional agencies to administer it, including HAPHousing.

“For the first time, people in every town and city in the state had an opportunity to live where they wanted,” Gagliardi noted.

During the early ’80s, HAP added a program for first-time homebuyers that included information about how families could strengthen their credit so they would be eligible for bank loans. Some were purchasing multi-family houses, so they also needed to learn how to become a good landlord, and HAP published a manual that contained all of this and more, which has undergone multiple revisions and is sold on Amazon.

By the mid-’80s, homelessness had become a glaring problem, and HAPHousing opened Prospect House in Springfield, which was the first family shelter in Massachusetts funded by the state.

“We started out with nine families and a manager,” Gagliardi said, noting that the shelter is still operating and the program has served thousands of people.

In the ’90s, when the U.S. entered a recession, HAP took action again and focused its efforts on distressed properties on Byers Street in Springfield. Its work led to the creation of the Armory Quadrangle Civic Assoc., which still exists and plays an active role in the neighborhood.

HAPHousing continued to acquire properties and create affordable housing as the years went on, and eventually became involved in the Old Hill neighborhood after a Springfield College study showed it was home to 4,500 people and 150 vacant lots and boarded-up buildings.

“About 10% of the residential properties were blighted, and we worked with the neighborhood, the city, Springfield College, and our housing partners, Springfield Neighborhood Housing Services and Habitat for Humanity, to renovate properties that could be saved and replace housing that couldn’t be repaired. We also filled in some of the vacant lots with new homes,” said Gagliardi, adding that the collaboration between Springfield College, HAPHousing, and Habitat resulted in 50 new or renovated homes.

After the recent recession hit in 2008, HAP again took the lead in helping homeless families. It created a new partnership with the Center for Human Development and New England Farm Workers Council in anticipation of the state’s new HomeBASE program, and when the tornado hit in 2011, representatives from all three groups were able to work with the city and others to help more than 400 displaced families.

“These groups had never joined forces before, and the way everyone worked together was unprecedented. By the time FEMA showed up, we were already getting people into housing,” Gagliardi noted.

After that was accomplished, HAPHousing began implementation of the state’s new HomeBASE program, which offers an alternative to living in a shelter for families at serious risk of becoming homeless. It provides them with time-limited assistance that allows them to find long-term accommodations and get help from stabilization services, which is paid for buy the state.

But this avenue wasn’t new to HAP, because it had pioneered a program in the ’80s that worked with landlords and tenants to negotiate settlements to prevent homelessness. It had attorneys on staff and was able to resolve many situations that would otherwise have resulted in eviction.

Programs to prevent homelessness continue to be offered, although they have changed over the years. Gagliardi said many clients have lost jobs and fallen behind in their rent, missed work due to illness, or been part of a family breakup that led them to get behind in their rent. “These situations can easily spiral out of control if they are not addressed,” he told BusinessWest.

The current program, known as RAFT (Residential Assistance for Families in Transition), serves 600 to 700 families a year at an average cost of $2,500, which is a small investment compared to the $3,000 a month it costs the state to house a family in a shelter, especially since the average length of stay is six months.

But HAP has always stepped in when it was needed, and in 2008, it played a significant role in the formation of the Western Mass. Foreclosure Prevention Center.

“The number of people losing their homes was staggering, and we helped families through a partnership with the attorney general’s office that saved their homes or allowed them to make a graceful exit without completely ruining their credit,” Gagliardi said.

He noted that the agency has assisted thousands of property owners over the past eight years, and although the worst of the crisis has passed, over the past year, it helped 85 homeowners. “Thirty-five managed to preserve their homes, 25 were successful loan modifications, eight were able to bring their mortgage current, and two refinanced into more sustainable mortgages,” he continued, adding that another 43 were referred to legal assistance, and only two lost their homes.

Over the years, HAP also became involved in developing affordable housing and managing rental properties. Today, it has its own management company that oversees 700 units in towns and cities including Amherst, Hadley, Southwick, Southampton, Easthampton, Northampton, Charlton, Ware, Wales, Springfield, and Holyoke. It has also built and renovated properties, and has 10 projects underway, including construction of a $19.9 million, four-story, mixed-use building on Pleasant Street in Northampton that will have 2,600 square feet of retail space on its first floor and 27 studio apartments and 43 one-bedroom units in its upper stories.

“We also played a leadership role in creating the Western Mass. Nonprofit Housing Developers Group 20 years ago, and partnered with Nueva Esperanza in Holyoke and another organization to restore a number of four-story apartment buildings in South Holyoke,” Gagliardi said, as he recounted decades of work in Hampden and Hampshire counties.

Growing Enterprise

The mission of Way Finders continues to expand, and Gagliardi said its new name belongs to the next generation of leaders.

“We found that the best way to create affordable housing and revitalize a neighborhood is to collaborate, and in several situations organizations have become our affiliates,” he noted, explaining that news of the name change was accompanied by an announcement that Way Finders is forming strategic partnerships with Common Capital Inc. of Holyoke and MBL Housing and Development LLC of Amherst that will allow the parties to develop and finance projects that will benefit area residents, businesses, and communities.

Common Capital provides small loans to help businesses, while MBL Housing consults with developers interested in building affordable housing. That group was in danger of closing because the owner wanted to retire, but Way Finders found a way to allow it to stay in business.

“We know that no organization can do everything, but we have played a leadership role, and collaboration has always been important to us,” Gagliardi said. “Stable housing is a starting point, not an end point, and we have seen many former voucher holders move into new homes.”

So, although the sign in front of its Springfield office reads “Way Finders Housing Center,” the hope is that this rebranding will attract people in a variety of situations who need help finding a path to a better life.

Technology Allows Women to View Breast-surgery Results in Advance

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virtualtechfeature0517a
Sections Technology

Virtual Breakthrough

Dr. Glen Brooks

Dr. Glen Brooks demonstrates how patients can adjust specifications on a screen before viewing themselves with virtual-reality goggles.

Dr. Glen Brooks, who runs a cosmetic-surgery practice in Longmeadow, says he was initially “awed” by a virtual-reality device that allows breast-surgery patients, using 3D goggles, to view their own post-surgery bodies — before the actual surgery — in a virtual-reality space. He says Crixalix, as the technology is known, has helped ease patients’ anxieties, while assuring him they’re getting exactly what they want.

Dr. Glen Brooks understands that preparing for cosmetic surgery can be an anxious time, especially for women unsure of what the end result will look like. Take breast augmentation, for example.

“The biggest fear of the patient is that she’s going too big. But the biggest fear of the doctor is that I have to reoperate because she’s gone too small,” Brooks said, explaining that, while the fear of choosing too large an implant is a common concern, the patient typically discovers she had nothing to worry about.

Still, he added, “I don’t want to do a revision, and the patient wants to get it right the first time. A revision costs someone money, takes time, and has risks. If we can avoid a revision, that’s an excellent outcome.”

If only there were a way for a woman to see the end result, on her own body, before the surgery.

Now there is.

Five months ago, Brooks, who owns Aesthetic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, P.C. in Longmeadow, started using Crisalix, a virtual-reality technology developed in Switzerland that allows patients, using 3D goggles, to view their own bodies — not just on a screen, but in a virtual space, as if they were looking down at themselves — exactly how they will look after the breast surgery.

“I was really awed when I watched a demonstration,” Brooks said of his first exposure to the device. “What it allows us to do is create a 3D image of someone’s chest. Then, we can image every single breast manufacturer, any size, any shape implant, and using 3D goggles, the patient can view herself from all angles.”

The result, he said, is a true ‘a-ha moment.’

“The first time they look down and see they have cleavage, they’re like, ‘oh my God.’ It’s an a-ha moment because they’re seeing themselves; it’s a real view of what they look like, not like in a mirror.”

Indeed, Crisalix markets itself as a way for doctors and patients to answer the common question, ‘how might I look after the procedure?’ The goal is to increase patient satisfaction and decrease anxiety, both during the consultation and post surgery.

brooksscreen1art

Crisalix markets itself as a leader in web-based, three-dimensional, virtual-reality simulations for plastic surgery and aesthetic procedures. The company is a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, a fast-growing life-science cluster, and the Institute of Surgical Technology and Biomechanics at the University of Bern.

“It gives the patient a chance to see herself,” Brooks said, “and know precisely what she’s going to look like afterward.”

First Steps

But first, the patient sees herself on a screen. Brooks scans her chest and uploads the image to a tablet, where he can help the woman decide on which implant manufacturer to use and which volume and shape to use. They can test out myriad options on the screen, rotating the image to see the change from multiple perspectives.

When both doctor and patient are comfortable with a particular option, the patient dons goggles and enters a 3D, virtual-reality world where she can view herself with the new breast size and shape, and either approve the specifications or go back to the tablet for something else.

Brooks told BusinessWest that breast augmentation, reduction, and reconstruction — Crisalix is effective on all three — are more science than art, a matter of delivering precisely what the patient is asking for. What the VR technology does is help the patient clearly communicate that decision.

“The patient predetermines beforehand what volume they want to have — ‘this is what I am, and this is what I want to be,’” he noted. “It’s a very different type of technological advance because so much of the surgery is objective, but showing patients their size in advance in this way is more powerful than a verbal discussion.

“Most of the other technological advances in this field tend to be things like lasers and non-surgical devices to either remove fat or tighten skin,” he went on. “This is more on the side of patient awareness of outcomes than the actual outcome. It’s the first device that helps on the awareness side so well. There are other imaging systems out there, but this is the first true VR system, and it’s so simple to use.”

The reasons women ask for augmentations varies greatly, Brooks said, but there are a few common categories: early-20-somethings whose breasts are mismatched in size; women in their late 30s or early 40s who want a “mommy makeover,” feeling they’ve lose some volume and gained some sag after having kids; and women of any age who feel more attractive or confident with a different look, to name a few.

“This gives them a really great education in what I need to correct,” he said, adding that the technology is just as effective with reconstructions, typically after mastectomies with cancer patients, in that it can formulate a completely symmetrical look to the patient’s specifications.

According to data from the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer among U.S. women after skin cancer, representing nearly one in three cases. Furthermore, the ACS notes, seven out of 10 women diagnosed with breast cancer who are candidates for breast reconstruction are not aware of their options. As a result, fewer than one in five American women who undergo a mastectomy go on to have breast reconstruction.

“Many women are able to get an immediate breast reconstruction performed at the same time as the mastectomy, but that option depends on what treatment is necessary after surgery,” Brooks said. “Patients with breast cancer have numerous options to help them restore a breast to near-normal shape, appearance, and size following mastectomy or lumpectomy.”

Seeing the Future

Crisalix is only the latest option to reach that goal, and Brooks said patients have been pleasantly surprised at what the virtual images tell them. The technology to convert 2D images to 3D virtual reality is currently being used on five continents.

Dr. Glen Brooks says he was “awed” the first time he used the Crisalix technology.

Dr. Glen Brooks says he was “awed” the first time he used the Crisalix technology.

“Months ago, they asked whether I would re-up next year for the software license, and I said ‘absolutely,’” he told BusinessWest. “It makes what I do so much more precise, putting together the right outcome by showing exactly what we’ll provide to patient. It’s absolutely a home run.”

And it’s far from the only potential use of VR in the surgical world. The Wall Street Journal recently reported on others, such as GE’s early-stage testing of technology that will allow a doctor wearing a Rift headset to take a virtual tour of a patient’s brain and perhaps determine how surgery might affect various parts of it, and pediatric surgeons at Stanford University Medical Center who have used a virtual-reality platform from EchoPixel, a California startup, to plan surgeries on newborns missing pulmonary arteries. Another promising use of VR may be in medical training, as universities that can’t afford to store cadavers for education may be able to rely on virtual reality instead.

Even in cosmetic surgery, Crisalix isn’t limited to breast surgeries; the company also touts its use for eyelids, faces, and other body parts, though Brooks says the impact on patients’ expectations isn’t as dramatic.

“For breast surgeries, it’s absolutely fantastic,” he said. “It’s a great feeling, seeing the change for themselves.”

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

UMass Amherst Project Boosts Deep Learning Research

By
Sections Technology

View to the Future

By Janet Lathrop

With a new cluster of specialized graphics processing units (GPUs) now installed, UMass Amherst is poised to attract the nation’s next crop of top Ph.D. students and researchers in such fields as artificial intelligence, computer vision, and natural-language processing, said Associate Professor Erik Learned-Miller of the College of Information and Computer Sciences (CICS).

“GPUs are critical for modern computer-science research because they have such enormous computational power,” Learned-Miller said. “They can address extreme computational needs, sol­­ving problems 10 times faster than conventional processors, in days rather than months. They can run neural network algorithms that are prohibitively slow on lesser machines. Our new network of 400 GPUs is unusually large for an academic cluster.”

UMass Amherst’s new GPU cluster, housed at the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center in Holyoke, is the result of a five-year, $5 million grant to the campus from Gov. Charlie Baker’s administration and the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative last year. It represents a one-third match to a $15 million gift supporting data science and cybersecurity research from the MassMutual Foundation of Springfield.

Deep-learning research uses neural network algorithms to make sense of large data sets. The approach teaches computers through trial and error to categorize data, much as human brains do.

“Deep learning is a revolutionary approach to some of the hardest problems in machine reasoning, and is the ‘magic under the hood’ of many commercial products and services,” said Learned-Miller. “Google Translate, for example, produced more accurate and natural translations thanks to a novel deep-learning approach.”

Andrew McCallum, professor and founder of the Center for Data Science at UMass Amherst, added that “this is a transformational expansion of opportunity and represents a whole new era for the center and our college. Access to multi-GPU clusters of this scale and speed strengthens our position as a destination for deep-learning research and sets us apart among universities nationally.”

He noted that the campus currently has research projects that apply deep-learning techniques to computational ecology, face recognition, graphics, natural-language processing, and many other areas.

The state funds must be used for computing hardware at UMass Amherst, its Springfield Center for Cybersecurity and for terminals at Mount Holyoke College and the UMass Center in Boston, the researchers noted.

Learned-Miller says he and colleagues are now in the first year of the grant, during which about $2 million has been spent on two clusters: the GPU cluster dubbed ‘Gypsum’ and a smaller cluster of traditional CPU machines dubbed ‘Swarm II.’ Gypsum consists of 400 GPUs installed on 100 computer nodes, along with a storage system and a backup system. It is configured with a leading software package for deploying, monitoring, and managing such clusters.

Not only do the researchers hope the GPUs will accelerate deep-learning research and train a new generation of experts, but an important overall goal is to foster collaborations between UMass Amherst and industry. For example, if MassMutual data scientists design a practical problem with high computational needs, they can collaborate with sponsored UMass faculty and graduate students to solve it on the Gypsum cluster.

Janet Lathrop is associate news editor and science writer for the UMass Amherst Office of News & Media Relations.

Simple Password-protection Policies Can Help Keep Businesses Safe

By
Sections Technology

The Best Defense

By Sean Hogan

Hogan Technology recently announced it is educating small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) on password-protection policies to help safeguard their businesses from a variety of threats.

Sean Hogan

Sean Hogan

Password management has become increasingly important, with daily attacks from hackers specifically targeting SMBs. For example, some 6 million LinkedIn account passwords were compromised just few years ago, and the list of breaches has grown dramatically since. Anyone who has been using major social-media sites, like LinkedIn, may have received a notification forcing them to reset their passwords. This is the result of colossal breaches in Internet security, and Hogan Technology has been advising businesses on how to protect themselves.

As the Internet continues to expand in complexity, so do its vulnerabilities. In order for business owners to protect their organizations, they need to utilize best practices in password security. Here are some steps that business owners can take immediately.

1. Never use the same password twice. One of the most effective ways to prevent breaches is also the simplest: never use the same password for multiple accounts. Strong, unique passwords, with symbols, numbers, and capital letters are usually far more effective than anything else.

2. Enable two-step authentication and verification. This is one of the other simple ways a business can instantly upgrade the security of its entire network by simply passing a company policy. Two-step password authentication essentially means that, when a user logs into their account, they’ll be required to confirm that log-in attempt by replying to a text message or phone call. This best practice makes it much harder for hackers to impersonate the true account owner because it requires them to have access to multiple accounts before their hacking attempts can be effective.

3. Stay vigilant against phishing. Hackers have long relied on phishing, a common strategy in which a hacker attempts to defraud an online account holder of financial information by posing as a legitimate company. For example, a hacker will gain access to your account information by purchasing your e-mail and password on the black market, and then they will log into your e-mail and send a desperate note to one of your contacts, posing as you, something like, “John! My transmission just blew, and I’m stranded out here. My phone is about to die. Can you send me $2,000 to this account? I’ll pay you back as soon as I get into town.”

Users need to constantly remain vigilant against attacks like this because they are prevalent and have proven effective over the years. While these are a few proactive steps a company can take in the right direction, they are only a mere shadow of what is possible if they work with a true managed IT services provider. Hogan Technology partners with SMBs that need to secure a competitive advantage with advanced technology and want to remain focused on growing their business, instead of keeping up on the latest in online security.

Sean Hogan is president of Easthampton-based Hogan Technology, a business-technology company that specializes in increasing customer profitability and efficiency through the use of technology; (800) 929-5201; teamhogan.com

New England Orthopedic Surgeons Offers Specialized Care

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Health Care Sections

Skeletal System

Dr. Steven Wenner, who specializes in hand surgery, and nurse practitioner Jessica Drenga

Dr. Steven Wenner, who specializes in hand surgery, and nurse practitioner Jessica Drenga show off a model of the bones beneath the skin.

Rehabilitation is a very broad term in the medical community, encompassing a range of services — ambulatory, cardiac, developmental, the list goes on — with one basic aim: to help patients achieve, or rediscover, the quality of life they desire. This story and the ones that follow demonstrate how area facilities are doing just that.

Thirty years ago, Dr. Joseph Sklar and Dr. Sumner Karas were among a group of physicians who gave birth to a medical practice that was ahead of its time: a place where every orthopedic surgeon had a subspecialty and only saw patients whose problems related to their area of expertise.

New England Orthopedic Surgeons (NEOS) was opened in 1987 by seven doctors and three physician assistants who made the decision to merge Mulberry Orthopedics and Chestnut Orthopedics, which were both in Springfield. The roster of physicians included Sklar and Karas, who met doing their residencies and fellowships at Mass General Hospital, liked the model they saw there that focused on subspecialties, and presented the idea to their partners, which became a central focus as they orchestrated the merger.

Over the past three decades, the practice has been highly successful. It has grown to 18 physicians and 22 physician assistants who see 700 patients a day in their Springfield office and two physical-therapy locations.

“We were a little ahead of the game, but thought this was the best way to deliver optimal patient care,” Sklar told BusinessWest, explaining that the idea stemmed from the belief that, if a doctor focused all of his or her energy on a subspecialty and did the same surgery frequently, their skill would improve, which would result in improved patient care and outcomes.

“We also believed if each doctor specialized in one area, the likelihood would increase that they would be able to recognize unusual problems and know the best way to treat them,” he added.

At the time, no studies had been done to substantiate these beliefs, but over the past several decades, a wide range of benefits from treatment by subspecialists have been documented; they range from accurate diagnoses to a low incidence of post-operative complications.

Today, NEOS is the largest surgical orthopedic practice in the Pioneer Valley. Patients range in age from infants to people in their 90s, although children who need reconstructive surgery for conditions such as congenital hip or spinal disorders or a club foot are usually treated at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Springfield.

Dr. Sumner Karas, Dr. John Corsetti, and Dr. Joseph Sklar

Dr. Sumner Karas, Dr. John Corsetti, and Dr. Joseph Sklar say New England Orthopedeic Surgeons has grown to be the largest subspecialty practice of its kind in Western Mass.

But NEOS does provide care for many young people with traumatic injuries that include broken bones, dislocated shoulders, meniscus tears, or other sports-related problems.

Dr. John Corsetti, who specializes in sports medicine, arthroscopy, and shoulder and knee surgery, joined NEOS in 1995. He was impressed by the practice and said the number of surgeries its physicians perform today is significantly higher than orthopedic groups in Boston.

“Orthopedic surgeons in private practice usually do about 300 to 400 surgeries a year, but our doctors can do as many as 1,300 every year,” he said, noting that many of their patients are referred by other doctors for diagnosis refinement and confirmation.

The practice continues to grow, and on June 5 a new location was opened on Benton Drive in East Longmeadow with the goal of making care more convenient for patients who live in that area or in Connecticut. To that end, the NEOS physical-therapy office in the Sixteen Acres area of Springfield also moved to East Longmeadow.

Two new jobs for physician assistants were created, and an aggressive growth plan is in place for the future, but in the meantime, changes have been put into place that have reduced the time it takes to get an appointment.

In the past the wait was often several months, but NEOS has established a waiting list, and as soon as an appointment is cancelled, a receptionist picks up the phone and begins calling people until someone is found to fill the slot. It has led to 80 additional appointments each week, due in part to a ripple effect: when a cancellation slot is filled, the appointment time the person originally scheduled opens up.

In addition, X-rays no longer need to be taken in advance of an appointment. They can be done while the patient is in the office, which makes it easier for people to get the care and treatment they need in an expedited manner.

For this issue and its focus on rehabilitation and sports medicine, BusinessWest examines the growth of NEOS, the types of problems its doctors treat, and its plans for the future.

Storied History

Karas and Sklar moved to Springfield from the Boston area after completing orthopedic fellowships, which requires an extra year of training in a specialized area after a surgeon fulfills his or her residency requirements.

Sklar joined Mulberry Orthopedics, while Karas joined the Chestnut practice, and although they knew each other, they never dreamed they would play a major role in developing the largest orthopedic practice in Western Mass.

Sklar told BusinessWest he had enjoyed working with children at Boston Children’s Hospital, and one of the things that attracted him to Mulberry Orthopedics was the fact that its doctors provided staffing for Shriners.

It turned out that surgeons from both Mulberry and Chestnut covered for each other on weekends there, and the relationship between Sklar and Karas deepened through their shared work ethics and similar beliefs.

When the decision to merge and form NEOS was made, the two practices had nine doctors between them, but one retired and another moved, leaving seven doctors when the group opened their doors at 300 Carew St. in Springfield.

But forming the new partnership was a complex endeavor. In addition to requiring complete trust and a willingness to send each other patients, there were also financial implications. Since the surgeons agreed to see only patients whose problems fell into their areas of specialized expertise, they had to find a way to share incomes, because limiting their work meant some were no longer doing routine procedures that accounted for a significant percentage of their earnings.

But NEOS quickly became known, and as referrals from other orthopedic surgeons with challenging cases as well as the general public mushroomed, it added a physical-therapy area to its medical office.

“It allowed us to work closely with the therapists, which was particularly important for post-operative patient care,” Karas said, adding that it also enhanced their goal of providing the highest quality of care possible.

Fifteen years ago, NEOS moved to a much larger location at 300 Birnie Ave. in Springfield, and today, it is the only subspecialized comprehensive orthopedic surgical practice in Western Mass. Its physicians are all board-certified and focus on sports medicine, knee and hip replacements, hand and wrist care, foot and ankle surgeries, total joint care, trauma and fracture care, spine care, and orthotic services.

Each surgeon has completed a fellowship in at least one of these areas, but the physician assistants and nurse practitioners are generalists.

“This is important because sometimes it is not clear what the problem is; the neck can cause shoulder pain, while a problem with the spine can result in pain in the hip or knee,” Sklar explained, adding that PAs often determine which doctor the patient should see.

Surgery accounts for only half of the services provided at NEOS because medications, different types of injections, and physical therapy are often the best way to treat muscular-skeletal problems. For example, frozen shoulders can be helped with injections, people with arthritis in their knees or shoulders can experience relief with the help of medication and physical therapy, tendinitis in the hands can improve with splints, and ankle pain can be relieved with a splint or brace, which patients often get before they leave the practice, thanks to the wide array of durable medical equipment that NEOS stocks in its office.

A large number of the surgeries undertaken by NEOS physicians are performed at Baystate Orthopedic Surgery Center, and the results are reviewed by Baystate Medical Center.

“We also keep up with technology,” Karas said, adding that NEOS adopted an electronic medical-records system, has digital X-ray machines, and does casting on site.

Patients also benefit from communication that takes place between the surgeons, especially when a case involves complex injuries. “We come up with a plan and help each other with surgery, which gives everyone a great deal of comfort,” Corsetti said.

Sklar says being able to focus on one aspect of orthopedic medicine gave him the time and experience to create tools and implants that would make a difference in knee surgery, which, coupled with sports medicine, has been his primary focus.

He designed and co-designed two fixation devices that anchor grafts to reconstruct torn ACL ligaments into the bones inside the knee, has developed tools to make arthroscopic surgery more successful, secured a grant from the National Institutes of Health to study the effect of a patient’s outlook on their recovery from ACL surgery, and is an advocate of preventive measures that athletes or anyone engaging in exercise can take to avoid injury.

Changing Landscape

Corsetti said NEOS treats every type of orthopedic problem, and has a large population of patients with degenerative disorders. It continues to specialize and keep current in its respective fields, but thanks to minimally invasive surgical procedures, the length of a hospital stay after surgery has been greatly reduced.

“People used to be in the hospital for five to seven days after a total knee replacement, but now are in for two or three days. In the past, a shoulder surgery could involve a five- to seven-day stay, but today people sometimes return home right after it,” Corsetti told BusinessWest, noting that 60% of the patients they operate on go home the same day and often return to work several days later.

It’s all part of staying ahead of the curve in an ever-changing field, which NEOS has done since its early beginnings when Sklar, Karas, and their partners imagined a new way of delivering orthopedic care in Western Mass. — and made it a reality.

Weldon Rehabilitation Hospital Hones Its Outpatient Programs

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Health Care Sections

Small Steps Toward Wellness

Jill LeGates

Jill LeGates says Weldon’s outpatient services have become both more personalized and more regionalized as the healthcare industry continues to change.

Almost 600,000 Americans died of cancer last year. But almost 15 million were living with — and often well beyond — a cancer diagnosis, a figure expected to rise to 19 million by 2024, as cancer treatments continue to improve and Americans live longer than ever.

That trend poses opportunities in the world of outpatient rehab — opportunities Weldon Rehabilitation Hospital in Springfield has embraced.

“We went through a cancer rehab certification program to offer additional services to cancer patients. It’s a large area of growth,” said Jill LeGates, director of Rehabilitation Services at the facility. “More patients are surviving cancer treatments, but now they have fatigue, pain, dysfunction. We can help return them to the activities of daily living, so that’s been a huge focus for us.”

Specifically, Weldon is certified by the STAR Program (Survivorship Training and Rehabilitation) program, a nationally recognized certification that focuses on improving the lives of cancer survivors who experience side effects caused by treatment.

A team of therapists, physicians, and nurses has undergone training to provide patients with individualized cancer rehabilitation treatment to improve the symptoms that affect their daily functioning and quality of life. It’s similar to rehabilitation that people undergo after a serious illness or injury, but tailored to the unique issues they face as a cancer survivor.

“Our rehabilitation professionals can help you with a wide variety of treatment-related conditions and the symptoms they cause, targeting not just pain and fatigue, but balance and gait problems, memory and concentration issues, swallowing and speech problems, and lymphedema.

“You might expect your oncologist to say to you, ‘I did my job; you’re wonderful. This is your new normal,” LeGates said. “But some patients are saying, ‘I still have this pain.’ So, is there a way we can manage their pain and fatigue, increase their endurance, get them back to working, back to caring for their children, back to living? Rehab can be a huge part of that.”

It’s just one example, actually, of how Weldon — founded in 1974 and part of the Sisters of Providence Health System (SPHS), which includes Mercy Medical Center — continues to change with the times to meet rehabilitation needs.

The most obvious change is the new location of its outpatient services, a block away from the main Weldon facility, in the medical office building the health system opened in 2015 on the corner of Carew and Chestnut streets.

“When we were at the old building, we had multiple outpatient services in different places, scattered throughout the building,” LeGates said. “Here, all the outpatient services are together in one suite — physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and some specialized programs.”

Those programs include occupational, physical, and speech therapy; hand therapy for a variety of conditions; specialized programs for lymphedema, swallowing disorders, vestibular therapy, and voice disorders; a wheelchair clinic; a driver-advisement program to help people determine whether it’s safe for them to drive; a broad pediatric program; and the STAR program for cancer patients.

“As a mission-driven hospital organization, our focus is on patient-centered care,” LeGates said. “We strive to provide patients with the individualized care and treatment plans they require. If someone needs more specialized care, we have therapists with those specialties to consult and help patients increase their function.”

Meeting Needs

Patients arrive in Weldon’s outpatient programs in a number of ways, but post-hospital care remains a key focus, especially at a time when the accountable-care model in healthcare is putting a premium on discharging patients sooner than before and emphasizing preventive and rehabilitative care outside the hospital setting.

“They’re coming out of the hospital faster, and health systems are looking at cost containment,” LeGates said. “So the environment where patients receive therapy services is a huge component — how is that patient functioning, and what are their needs?”

While many patients are referred from hospitals, others may be referred directly from physician practices. “They go to the doctor, who identifies an illness, something that requires the services of a therapist. We also see patients that have an injury on the job, and they may need therapy services in order to return to work.”

The pediatric wing of Weldon Rehabilitation Hospital

The pediatric wing of Weldon Rehabilitation Hospital features therapeutic and sensory tools that are both effective and fun.

Since SPHS absorbed the former Hampden County Physician Associates practices and is affiliated with Riverbend Medical Group’s network, these referrals are an especially critical pipeline. “As a huge health system, we want to maintain the integrity of where our patients receive services,” she noted. “Keeping all those services within the health system has been a huge opportunity.”

In short, she went on, “we always knew if we were in strong alignment with referral resources, we would see growth. And we do have a very positive referral base, and we are continuing to grow. Our physical-therapy services are extremely busy, and we’ve added additional therapists to absorb that growth, which is great.”

The growing need for services is also being driven by an aging population, as the Baby Boomers surge into their senior years but are often living with a host of conditions that require therapy. But at the other side of the age spectrum, Weldon has broadened its pediatric services, working with children dealing with autism, sensory-processing disorders, Down syndrome, developmental delays, handwriting difficulty, speech apraxia, language delays and speech issues such as stuttering, neuromuscular disorders, ADHD, and a host of other conditions.

Weldon’s pediatric therapists evaluate each child’s needs and develop an individualized treatment plan that may include one-on-one occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy, all provided in a colorful, child-centered environment, LeGates said.

“We may work in collaboration with schools or with home services — there’s a lot of collaborating with the pediatric world,” she added. “We’re treating the whole person and all the child’s needs, whether educational, medical, or social. We also have a well-established animal-assisted therapy program with the Zoo at Forest Park; animals seem to bring out a lot in people. That’s a huge piece of what we do as well.”

Regional Focus

Since SPHS became part of a much larger, regional health system, Trinity Health New England, Weldon has begun to assess the regional big picture for rehab services, and perhaps find ways to collaborate on population-health initiatives with facilities like Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital in Hartford and St. Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury, which boasts several outpatient rehab centers.

“How can we expand to grow and regionalize some of this?” LeGates said. “As we look to the future, as we move from fee for service into all kinds of payment changes, we may be able to collaborate on this from a regional perspective.”

Despite that big-picture outlook, however, rehabilitation remains, at its core, a one-on-one connection between therapist and patient.

“It’s a wonderful profession,” she told BusinessWest. “You’re helping people and truly seeing people gain back their independence, gain back function, and return to the activities they had stopped doing.”

In the end, success stories are based on more than hard work in the gym; they rest on strong relationships — which don’t necessarily end when the care does.

“We’ve had patients come back and show us how they’re doing, tell us how they went back to school or went back to work,” LeGates said. “It’s a rewarding career, and the people who work here are a people-driven team.”

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs Help Keep Hearts Healthy

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Health Care Sections

Safety Net

Larry Borysyk takes Lucille Chartier’s blood pressure

Larry Borysyk takes Lucille Chartier’s blood pressure as she exercises in Holyoke Hospital’s cardiac rehabilitation gym.

 

Lucille Chartier had no idea she had heart problems until a day last October when she got out of the shower, began sweating, and felt like she was going to pass out.

“I knew something was really wrong,” said the 68-year-old Chicopee woman, who was diagnosed with a heart attack after an ambulance took her to the hospital.

While there, she was told about a cardiac-rehabilitation program in a gym, but wasn’t given much information, and since she had never exercised on machines, she was hesitant to sign up.

Several months later, she spoke to Larry Borysyk at Holyoke Medical Center (HMC), and after he explained its program in detail and why it was important, Chartier decided to give it a try.

That was two months ago, and today she would advise anyone who has had a cardiac event to take part in cardiac rehabilitation. She enjoys walking on the treadmill as well as the camaraderie between staff and participants, and says it has helped her gain strength and confidence.

Borysyk, cardiac rehabilitation counselor at HMC, said Chartier’s initial reaction was not unusual.

“Cardiac rehabilitation is life-saving, but it can be a scary adjustment for people who have never exercised in a gym, so we try to reduce their mental and physical stress,” he told BusinessWest, adding that individuals need to slowly acclimate to the equipment. Meanwhile, people who exercised on a regular basis before a cardiac event need to relearn what they can do, and how long and hard they can safely push themselves.

Exercise can be problematic because people can become hyper-vigilant after a heart attack and think any symptom is a precursor to another event. But cardiac rehabilitation can help them learn what is normal.

“Each participant is assessed by a nurse while they are exercising to make sure they stay within their limits,” said Kelley Weider, department director of Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Berkshire Medical Center, adding that patients are connected to wireless telemetry monitors, and if they experience symptoms during exercise they are worried about, they are immediately evaluated.

Holyoke, Baystate, and Berkshire medical centers all have cardiac-rehab programs, and participants exercise in their gyms two or three times a week for 10 to 12 weeks under close supervision. Their blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rhythm are measured during activity, and routines are tailored to meet individual needs and fitness levels.

Participants must have a doctor’s referral, and although the majority have had a heart attack or stent placement, others have had bypass surgery, a heart-valve replacement, congestive heart failure, a heart replacement, or angina.

Kelly Weider says studies show regular exercise can help decrease the risk of a second cardiac event.

Kelly Weider says studies show regular exercise can help decrease the risk of a second cardiac event.

In addition to monitoring that takes place during each session, participants receive education on topics that include diet, stress reduction, smoking cessation, and other factors that affect heart health, and slowly build strength, get used to exercising, and understand it needs to become part of their lifestyle.

People also learn the importance of genetics and how that factor and their lifestyle have affected their health. “Heart disease does not happen overnight,” Borysyk said.

For this issue, BusinessWest examines the importance of cardiac rehabilitation, how treatment has changed, and how it helps people understand what they do can safely — and when symptoms should not be ignored.

Changes in Care

Borysyk has worked in cardiac rehab since the early ’70s, and has seen changes due to technology and medical advances that allow heart disease to be detected and treated earlier than in the past, which results in better outcomes.

“Coronary-care units were set up in the ’60s, but before that, nurses did everything for patients after a heart attack, including feeding them. They worried about compromising their damaged hearts, and as a result, people ended up as cardiac cripples,” he said, noting that, in the late ’70s and early ’80s, people were kept in the hospital for two weeks after a heart attack, but today they are released after two or three days.

Cardiac procedures and surgeries are not done at Holyoke Medical Center, and in many instances patients who go to their emergency room are transported by ambulance to Baystate Medical Center.

Heidi Szalai, manager of Baystate Medical Center’s cardiac-rehab program, which is the largest in the area, told BusinessWest that, although rehab doesn’t usually start in the hospital, staff members get patients up and moving.

“We want to make sure they’re walking and that it is safe for them to go home,” she said, adding that healing speeds up when they leave the hospital and they are told about programs available to them when they are discharged.

However, cardiac rehab doesn’t begin for a week or two after a person leaves a medical center, especially if they have had surgery, because the heart needs time to recover.

The programs start with individual assessments to determine the best plan of action. In addition to an exercise routine that is created for each participant, they are taught about risk factors that include high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, stress, nutrition, and lack of exercise.

“They are usually on new medications, and we need to make sure they understand them,” Szalai said, explaining that some prescription drugs may slow their heart rates, and their doctors receive periodic reports about their blood pressure and how the heart responds during exercise, which helps them determine how well a medication is working and if adjustments need to be made.

Heidi Szalai

Heidi Szalai said cardiac rehab helps patients know how they should feel when they exercise and when to seek medical help.

Lifestyle changes are also discussed. “Some people have always eaten well and are doing everything they should, but need to learn to control stress and cope with it so it doesn’t affect their heart,” she continued, adding that patients have a clinician trained in mindfulness-based stress management. “We tell people that exercise is a dose of medication and has positive affects on risk factors; it helps lower blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and improves their overall sense of well-being.”

The goal is to get people exercising five days a week, which can make a profound difference because studies show finishing a cardiac-rehab program can lower the likelihood of another event.

Insurance typically covers the cost of the programs, but some people have high co-pays and cannot afford to attend all of the sessions.

When that occurs, staff in cardiac programs do their best in a limited number of sessions. Berkshire Medical Center has a program that pays half of co-pays of $15 or more for qualified individuals, and although it can help, it may not be enough.

“We’ve seen people with co-pays that are $80 a session, so even if they receive financial help, attending 36 sessions may be cost-prohibitive,” Weider said, adding that, in some instances, they have modified the program into six sessions, which is less than ideal, but helps to give a patient security and knowledge about what they can do safely.

“During the intake process, we get a sense of what they’ve done in the past as well as their level of conditioning,” she noted. “About 90% of people haven’t been exercising on a regular basis, but some were running five miles a day.”

Exercise machines are integral to the program and include different types of stationary bicycles, a treadmill, and resistance bands, which are used for strength training.

The final phase of the program is maintenance, and although people can join gyms or exercise on their own, if they still want to be monitored, most hospitals have ongoing exercise programs that cost $40 to $45 per month and are overseen by cardiac rehabilitation staff members who are available to take their blood pressure or put them on a cardiac monitor if they feel it is needed.

Some people like the idea of having that safety net ,and Weider said Berkshire Medical Center’s maintenance program has about 320 participants who want the peace of mind that comes from knowing that, if any concerning symptoms arise, they can be assessed.

“We’ve sent some people to the emergency room, but many times they simply need to be checked out and reassured that they are OK,” she said, noting that a nurse is always available.

Future Outcome

Borysyk says people with cardiac conditions who don’t exercise are at greater risk of not being able to do the things they want as they get older, especially if their diet is poor and they smoke. And although some people avoid cardiac rehab because they want to bury the memory of the event, learning what they can do safely is an excellent way to help ensure their heart health in the future.

“Many studies show that exercise is the biggest modifiable factor to decrease the risk of another heart event,” Weider said, citing one study showing that participants in a cardiac rehab program reduced their risk of another event by 25%.

In addition, it helps participants understand how they should feel when they exercise, what the red flags are, and when they need to call their doctor or go to the emergency room.

“It helps them return to what is important to them in life and gets them into a routine of exercising 150 minutes a week that they can continue when they finish the program,” Szalai said.

It’s definitely an investment of time and money, but one that yields positive results and can lead to a healthier and happier lifestyle.

Tree-service Companies Branch Out into Specialty Work

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Landscape Design Sections

Weighty Business

Joseph AlexopoulosTrees serve both practical and aesthetic functions, and people can become quite attached to them. But work to maintain, trim, and even remove trees should be left to the professionals, who say their profession is often dangerous, but in all ways rewarding.

Joseph Alexopoulos has given many customers quotes for taking down a tree. But he will never forget the day he arrived at a house, saw a rope hanging from the tree the homeowner wanted removed, and asked about it.

“I was told the man they hired before me died trying to fell it,” said the president of Tree 413 in Longmeadow, adding that the tragedy is an example of how dangerous the work can be.

Local experts agree it’s critically important to hire professionals with the knowledge, training, proper equipment, and insurance to prevent homeowners from being sued if an accident occurs on their property.

The Tree Care Industry Assoc. says successfully felling a tree requires knowledge of tree physics, biology, dangerous tools, and advanced cutting techniques, and homeowners who attempt their own tree removal may be injured by falling limbs, malfunctioning equipment, or the tree itself.

The work is hazardous by nature, and professionals are completely outfitted in protective gear and trained to climb trees, operate cranes, and use chainsaws, ropes, wood chippers, and stump grinders safely.

Manager Randy Sample of Arbortech Tree Service LLC in Springfield says the company holds weekly meetings led by employees to discuss situations they encounter and the safest way to deal with them.

“Unforeseen scenarios can occur, but we go to great lengths to eliminate the possibility of accidents,” he said, adding that employees use a wide range of equipment, adhere to OSHA standards, and are certified annually in electrical hazard and prevention, which ensures they are familiar with equipment utility companies use to provide electricity and the dangers associated with tree care and utility lines.

Tree pruning and felling is a major source of income for most local tree-service companies, but many have branched out, and the scope of their work includes a wide variety of jobs.

Arbortech created a Plant Healthcare Division five years ago to keep trees healthy, because problems almost always begin in the root system.

Randy Sample

Randy Sample says Arbortech employees meet weekly to discuss potentially dangerous situations and how to handle them.

“By the time they are noticeable, it may be too late to save the tree,” Sample said, adding that he has heard countless stories from families about their emotional attachment to a particular tree, and, therefore, the company strives to prevent damage that can threaten the health of these woody plants.

Tree 413, meanwhile, specializes in difficult tree removal that typically requires cranes, special equipment, and skilled climbers. “Many trees literally need to be lifted over the house with a crane as a whole or in pieces; it’s not a job where you can cut corners,” said Alexopoulos, adding that the company’s business has doubled every year for the last three years and workers do everything possible to ensure that limbs don’t fall on a roof, power line, vehicle, or anywhere else that could cause damage.

The company also does excavation and demolition, plans to start selling colored mulch, and recently opened a store in Southwick that carries equipment for professionals and homeowners that can be rented or purchased. It ranges from heavy-duty machinery to chainsaws and leaf blowers and includes clothing appropriate for tree work, because professionals are outfitted from head to toe to ensure safety.

Northern Tree Service Inc. in Palmer does a wide range of residential, industrial, and commercial work in three divisions that include tree service, land clearing, and construction. Its work ranges from felling trees to identifying potential hazards such as overhanging branches, dead limbs, or diseased trees for municipalities, golf courses, and other venues, as well as providing access for utilities.

For this issue and its focus on landscape design, BusinessWest looks at the scope of work that tree service companies do and the reasons they are called upon for help.

Diverse Services

Local tree-service companies say homeowners should never hire anyone without asking for proof they have liability and workers’ compensation insurance.

Nick Powers

Nick Powers says Northern identifies problems like weak limbs for its clients before they cause damage or injury.

“Many small contractors let their insurance lapse, so even if the person hands you a copy of a policy, you should call the phone number on it to ensure they are paid up to date,” Alexopoulos told BusinessWest.

Sample concurred. “People need to do their homework; the level of danger is very real, and there are many companies that are not qualified to do this type of work,” he said, adding that homeowners should also ask for referrals, make sure the company adheres to industry standards, and check if its arborists are certified through websites such as www.treesaregood.com, which offer educational materials and links to helpful information.

In addition to tree trimming and removal, Tree 413 performs excavation and demolition ranging from removing a sidewalk to an entire garage and foundation, or a Gunite pool made entirely of concrete. When the demolition is complete, workers fill in the cavity, spread topsoil over it, then seed it.

The company recently took down three trees for a homeowner in a project that was similar to a major demolition project, because they weighed a total of 60,000 pounds.

“The job was very involved and required skilled tree climbers, a crane, and a police officer in the road near our groundsmen who were cutting and chipping sections and putting logs in a truck to be taken away,” Alexopoulos said.

He added that dead trees are very difficult to take down, and the job often has to be done in sections. “If a cut branch slams into a dead tree, it can shatter,” he explained, noting that a small limb can weigh 600 pounds.

Arbortech also does a large amount of residential work, but its slogan is “more than just tree removal.” The company employs certified arborists who evaluate trees, shrubs, and woody plants and diagnose and treat disease, insect problems, and the type and amount of fertilizer needed for optimal growth.

SEE: List of Landscape Design Companies

“We try to care for trees from the roots up; we focus on tree preservation rather than removal,” Sample said, adding that indications that a tree is in trouble include problems such as leaves that fall too early.

He told BusinessWest that most problems stem from improper planting. Trees can be too close to a driveway, home, or power line, and choosing the right location for a specific species and its future growth is critical.

“The root system is the foundation of a tree and is typically as large as its crown or the drip line from the farthest branch,” Sample said.

The company’s arborists uncover roots, which are usually buried a foot or two beneath the ground, take soil samples, and inspect the root collar to make sure roots aren’t choking each other, which can affect the nutrients the tree is able to absorb.

Arbortech also plants trees and maintains orchards for customers that include apple, pear, and peach trees, as well as raspberry and blueberry bushes.

In addition, it sells mulch, loam, topsoil, and both green and 100% seasoned firewood.

“It can be a frustrating endeavor to buy firewood that is dirty, not properly seasoned, and doesn’t give the heat people are looking for,” Sample said, noting that the company purchases wood from logging contractors that has been specially cut to fit their machines, tests it with a moisture meter, rotates it so it will dry properly, then puts it through another screening process after it is purchased to ensure the delivered product doesn’t include any loose bark or chunks of wood.

Northern Tree Services performs jobs in many settings. It builds roads and work pads for utility companies, and has cleared sections of land that range from a half-acre to 550 acres to make way for power lines, solar fields, gas and oil pipelines — including the Keystone Pipeline — and large commercial contractors.

The company has 220 employees across the U.S., but the majority of its work is done in New England, and it also has contracts with colleges, golf courses, apartment and condominium complexes, 40 airports, the cities of Springfield and Boston, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, the state Department of Transportation, and Eversource. It has also developed a Google Earth program to identify trees that need to be pruned, thinned, or felled.

“It’s our job to identify hazards before they happen,” said company spokesman Nick Powers, noting that Northern also has a contract with the state Department of Conservation and Recreation, which is responsible for monitoring and maintaining vegetation on its roads, including the well-traveled Storrow Drive in Boston.

The company also does residential and commercial plantings and tree removal and pruning, which is especially important for utility companies because falling limbs can cause power outages.

Kevin Ferguson, project manager and estimator, told BusinessWest that arborists identify weak limbs that need to be supported or removed so they don’t fall during a windstorm or from the weight of snow.

“It doesn’t take much wind to knock deadwood out of a tree,” he said, explaining that, when they are called to a home, they examine the entire property and point out potential dangers. Some trees can be thinned to eliminate shade and the growth of moss on a roof, while helping prevent gutters from getting clogged with leaves, while others need low-hanging or dead limbs removed.

Safety First

Local tree companies do everything in their power to prevent accidents, but tree work is a risky business and can lead to damage or injury when unqualified people are hired to do a job.

It all comes down to respecting the power of nature and checking a company’s credentials, but anyone who hires licensed professionals to plant, prune, or fell trees can rest assured that every possible safety precaution will be taken, and their trees will add beauty and life to their property and be enjoyed by generations to come.

For Homes and Businesses, Mulch-n-More Has Things Covered

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Landscape Design Sections

Barking Up the Right Tree

James Wawrzyk

James Wawrzyk says the mulch business soars in the spring, and the colder months are spent preparing for the inevitable surge.

James Wawrzyk is a successful entrepreneur twice over, after starting his second business specifically to meet a need in his first.

That initial company was Growing Concern, a Wilbraham-based landscaping firm he launched in 1981, offering a wide range of outdoor services, from lawn installation to irrigation; from fertilizing to tree and shrub maintenance.

One of those services was applying mulch, but he had grown frustrated at the quality of the products he was encountering. “People were cutting topsoil with sand and cutting bark mulch with wood and ash. I guaranteed my work, so I needed to start off with the best products available. So I started Mulch-n-More in 1996 to supply my own landscaping company with quality material.”

He soon recognized that processing and selling mulch was a huge business opportunity in itself, so he eventually transitioned out of the landscaping field to grow Mulch-n-More, also based in Wilbraham, full-time.

“What I realized was, these customers I was supplying through Growing Concern, their neighbors wanted material — quality material — and that’s what ended up happening.

“What we do is bring in the raw material — 100% bark — and grind it. We add nothing to it,” Wawrzyk went on. “By doing the processing ourselves, we eliminate the middleman, so no foreign matter is added to the bark. From start to finish, we make sure it’s 100%.”

Bark contains a natural insect repellent, which is one reason many homeowners prefer it to wood-pulp-based mulch, while others are just looking to save a few bucks with cheaper products.

“It’s the almighty dollar — people are trying to save money. But when you buy these products that aren’t bark, they can run into trouble with mold spores, insects, and termites,” he noted. “The biggest problem now is called artillery fungus, which comes from the decomposition of green, rotting wood, and it shoots mold spores, which are nearly impossible to remove. They’ll stick to cars, houses, and if they get in vinyl siding, you can’t take it off.”

Colorful Description

Despite these considerations, however, most customers come in most concerned about color. Wawrzyk enjoys educating them on the different aspects of each product beyond the shade.

“Cedar has the highest percentage of insect repellent, and is fastest to fade, but slowest to decompose. Just like with cedar fence, clapboard siding, or shingles, cedar has the longevity,” he explained.

“Hemlock is what we call a rusty red color. Sable is a dark chocolate brown,” he went on. “Spruce is a dark brown, and it holds the color the longest of all the natural barks.”

mulchhouse1

For customers who value long-lasting color above all else, Mulch-n-More carries a dyed wood-fiber product, in red or black, that keeps its color longer than natural bark. “The dyed material we carry is kiln-dried and then dyed with FDA-approved food coloring; it has only 12-18% moisture content, so there are no worries about mold spores, insects, or termites.”

The company also carries topsoil — a clay-based product that holds moisture well — and stone products for decorative landscaping, drainage, patio base material, and other uses.

The landscape-supply business is an oddly paced one, said Wawrzyk as he brought BusinessWest to a large dirt lot where a loader was scooping huge piles of raw bark into a machine that grinds it into much finer pieces. The vast majority of all purchases are made between April and June, when homeowners are focused on their yards, and it’s impossible to know when the first flood of orders will pour in.

“The weather has a lot to do with mulch,” he noted. “Most people are not going to put mulch down until they’re done cleaning out their yard. Some people, though, always order the second week of April, and that’s when they’ll be mulching, hell or high water. Mostly, it’s based on weather. So that’s tough for us; we have to be ready no matter what happens. And when Mother Nature says ‘go,’ we’re ready.

Last year, for instance, the mulch season started much earlier than usual after a mild winter. Two years ago, however, the region was slammed with snow, and landscape-related businesses dealt with a later start.

Customers are split almost 50-50 between landscapers and homeowners, he said, adding that orders from landscaping companies are easier because they bring their own trucks. Still, Mulch-n-More delivers mulch, priced by the cubic yard, to more than 30 towns throughout the region — often well over 50 deliveries a day during peak season.

Backyard Changes

There have been many peak seasons in the two decades since Wawrzyk started processing and selling his own mulch, although the economy can often cause ripples — and larger waves — through this industry. “We flatlined in 2008 like everyone, but we’ve had a steady increase ever since then. More homeowners are convincing themselves that mulch is an easy way to improve a yard.”

They also understand that the more mulch they use, the less mowing and lawn maintenance they need to do.

“Mulch is expensive, but it is not as expensive as maintaining turf grass,” he told BusinessWest. “If you want to make your backyard a garden paradise, mulch or stone will be the biggest complement to your shrubs and flowers — if you use the right mulch, they’ll really pop.”

After 36 years in the landscaping field, Wawrzyk finds himself learning new things, especially the growing importance of social media in raising the company’s profile. But he’s also a believer in old-fashioned customer service.

“We have a good customer base; they tend to come back every couple years,” he said. “And I’m still the primary person they talk to. When people call, I answer the phone. And when we say we’ll be there, we will be there.”

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Editorial

By
Opinion

Valley Gives Day Highlights Area Needs

It’s an inspiring — and important — 24 hours.

It’s called Valley Gives, and organizers — including the event’s founder and host, the Community Foundation of Western Mass. — hope to top last year’s haul, when more than $1.6 million was donated to 450 nonprofit organizations in one day. Since Valley Gives was launched in 2012, nearly 20,000 donors, both local and far away, have opened their hearts and wallets to the tune of $7.2 million.

This year, the big day is Tuesday, May 2, and for 24 hours — from midnight until 11:59 p.m. — individuals are invited to log into valley-gives.org and, well, give. It couldn’t be easier: participants are asked to choose an organization or cause (or multiple ones) from Hampden, Hampshire, or Franklin county and how much they want to donate.

The goal of Valley Gives is threefold: to raise money for organizations throughout the Pioneer Valley that serve the needs and address the aspirations of its communities, to expand and enhance philanthropy and the spirit of giving throughout the region, and to provide support and tools to organizations in the region to effectively increase their capacity to raise funds and share their stories.

It’s a deceptively simple idea, in that it highlights for one day just how great the needs of nonprofits are, how many such organizations there are, and how expansive their work is. The existence of Valley Gives doesn’t mean residents of Western Mass. aren’t generous year-round; they certainly are. But by turning giving into an event — a festival of funding, if you will — it brings extra awareness, and financial support, to needs people may not have considered before. And the online nature of the event is easier than even writing and mailing a check.

The organizations benefiting from Valley Gives have a varied and broad range of missions, but all are focused on their community’s hopes and needs. And all are counting on the generosity of their neighbors.

Let the giving begin.

Museum School Offers Spring and Summer Classes for Kids, Adults

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Museum School at the Springfield Museums is currently offering classes and experiential learning opportunities for both children and adults. Spaces are still available for spring and summer courses and trips. Gift certificates are also available.

All classes are led by experienced and supportive instructors, in topics tied to the museums’ collections and special traveling exhibits. Summer courses for young people include explorations ranging from turtles to samurai to Marc Chagall. Offerings for adults include silk painting and ‘learning to look.’ Many courses are one-day offerings, allowing even the busiest adults to participate.

Adult travel opportunities are also being planned, including trips to MASS MoCA, the MFA in Boston, and Glimmerglass. The Museum School is also offering a cruise through Southeast Alaska.

For complete course descriptions, travel itineraries, fees, and registration information, visit springfieldmuseums.org and select ‘classes’ under ‘programs,’ or call (413) 263-6800, ext. 377 or 382.