July 25, 2017 - BusinessWest

As Tower Square Hits the Market, Conjecture Abounds

By BusinessWest Staff July 25, 2017

Cover Story

A Matter of Speculation

Since it opened nearly a half-century ago, Tower Square has been both a prominent part of the Springfield skyline and a barometer of sorts for the health and vitality of the city and its downtown. And this explains why there is so much anticipation and speculation accompanying the announcement that the property is being put on the market by owner MassMutual. Experts agree that this will be more than a real-estate transaction — it will likely also be a referendum on Springfield and its apparent resurgence.

Ever since the news broke that Tower Square, the downtown Springfield office tower, hotel, and retail complex, would be put on the market by owner MassMutual, there has been seemingly no end to the speculation about this local landmark.

And it has come in many forms, from questions about why the property is on the block — and why now — to conjecture about who might acquire it and at what price, what the new owner might attempt to do with it, and what role the complex might play in a changing City of Homes.

It was that last question that Bob Greeley found the most vexing.

“What will downtown Springfield look like in 10 or 15 years … I couldn’t answer that one, and I don’t think anyone can — the city can go in one of many directions,” said Greeley, president of RJ Greeley Co. in Springfield and a player in the local commercial real-estate market for four decades.

Most of those other questions were a bit easier to handle, for Greeley and others they were put to. Indeed, there seemed to be general consensus that there will be a healthy market for the property — and for a number of reasons, including its location (much more on that later), Springfield’s ongoing resurgence, the opening of MGM Springfield in 15 months or so, and the solid, consistent performance of the complex’s office tower over the past several decades.

It certainly seems like a good time for MassMutual to explore this option. Not only because of all the recent positive activity in the city, but also because of the large number of regional and national investors looking to acquire long-term strategic assets right now.”

There also seemed to be general sentiment that there would be strong diversity among potential buyers, with interested local parties as well as national and international bidders.

“It certainly seems like a good time for MassMutual to explore this option,” said Ken Vincunas, president of Agawam-based Development Associates. “Not only because of all the recent positive activity in the city, but also because of the large number of regional and national investors looking to acquire long-term strategic assets right now.”

As for the role Tower Square will play in the future and the shape that property will take … here there was far less certainty in the experts’ voices and only conjecture — except when the subject of conversation was the approximately 180,000 square feet of retail space in the complex.

Moving forward, and even now, for that matter, said Greeley, the term ‘retail space’ should probably be replaced by the phrase ‘commercial space,’ because retail, at least in the traditional sense of the word, almost certainly won’t be a big part of Tower Square’s future.

Indeed, urban retail centers, or malls, if you will, which is what Tower Square was 40 years ago, are fast becoming a thing of the past, and, in most ways, they conflict strongly with most cities’ strategies for revitalizing their downtown centers, said Evan Plotkin, president of Springfield-based NAI Plotkin, who has spent considerable time and energy studying that subject.

Bob Greeley is among those who believe the sale of Tower Square should be an effective barometer for Springfield’s resurgence and its prospects for the future.

“I think downtown malls are inappropriate in this day and age,” he explained. “Urban malls take people off the sidewalk, and that’s not what you want; you want that hustle and bustle of people going up and down streets.”

So what can and should happen at Tower Square in the years to come? Plotkin envisions a future with more of what is there now — meaning educational institutions such as UMass Amherst, which has a considerable presence in the complex with its UMass Center at Springfield, and Cambridge College.

If nothing else, the sale of Tower Square should serve as a fairly intriguing barometer regarding the relative health of the city, its worthiness in the eyes of the development community, and its prospects for the future.

“I’m hoping that there will be a strong market for this property because, if there is, that will be a clear indication of where we think Springfield is and where it’s going,” said Kevin Kennedy, the city’s chief Development officer. “Everyone seems to be in agreement that things are going quite well for us here and our future is pretty good; this sale, or potential sale, will go a long way toward validating all that.”

For this issue, BusinessWest presents a snapshot, or summation, of the conjecture surrounding Tower Square, which will be the biggest commercial real-estate deal (outside of the casino, of course) in nearly a quarter-century, but also much more than that. In many ways, as Kennedy noted, it could be a referendum on Springfield — both its present and future.

Right Place, Right Time?

Plotkin often talks about his grandfather, Samuel D. Plotkin, whose full name was over the company’s door for decades, and the real-estate maps he created for not only Springfield, but a host of other cities as well.

The maps were essentially grids that assigned scores, or values, to blocks and individual properties based on location and other factors.

In Springfield, the block of Main Street between what is now Boland Way (years ago, it was Vernon Street) and Bridge Street, has always been what Samuel Plotkin called a ‘100% property,’ said his grandson.

“My grandfather counted how many people walked by a street corner at 12 noon,” Plotkin explained. “And he had some kind of logarithm or formula, and plotted these numbers on these months. The corner of Main and Boland was called a 100% location, and as you go down the blocks, it was 90%, 80%, or 70%; when you were looking for a site for a business, you always wanted to know the areas that had the heaviest foot traffic.”

Area brokers say Springfield’s resurgence, the arrival of MGM in 2018, and the office tower’s historically strong performance should create a solid market for Tower Square.

So historically — and into the future, by most all accounts — Tower Square has that first axiom of commercial real estate — ‘location, location, location’ — well-covered.

But that’s only one of the factors that go into the sentiments of general optimism with regard to the sale of the property, the interest it will generate, the price it will command, and the speculation (there’s that word again) that this will be anything but the fire sale that was the acquisition of Monarch Place by Peter Picknelly in 1994 for $25 million, roughly a quarter of what that complex was built for less than a decade earlier.

Others include the generally high-performing, 370,000-square-foot office tower, said Greeley, adding that location certainly plays a role in that success. And while there is some debate about just how much office space will be needed in the future and where it will be needed, the consensus is that 1500 Main St. will long be a business address in considerable demand.

“The office tower has a low vacancy rate, and it’s almost always been that way,” he noted. “It’s a good location and a good facility.”

Meanwhile, the city’s resurgence and the opening of MGM in the fall of 2018 are forces that are projected to make the Tower Square property — and others, for that matter — more valuable and saleable.

“That property is probably worth more today than it has been for a long time,” said Greeley. “This is a good time to be doing this.”

But the question of what the eventual buyer will do with the balance of the property outside the office tower — meaning the Marriott hotel and the 180,000 square feet of retail space — remains the biggest unknown and a question without an easy answer.

Indeed, while several new tenants, including UMass, Cambridge College, Hot Table, and Valley Venture Mentors (soon to vacate its space and relocate to the Innovation Center) have moved in over the past decade, the vacancy rate in the retail component of the building remains high, so much so that it might become a drag on the property during the sale process, said Plotkin.

“Retail is the piece of Tower Square that has been slow to come back,” said Plotkin, noting that, decades ago — or until the construction of suburban malls like Eastfield and Ingleside, according to many observers — it thrived at that location. “The office tower has always done pretty well, and the hotel has always done pretty well. But you’re saddled with a large amount of retail vacancies; it’s been repurposed, and wisely, with the colleges and a few restaurants, but there are still a lot of vacancies.”

Elaborating, Plotkin and others said the retail scene has changed dramatically over the past several years, with Internet sales taking a huge toll on national chains ranging from Sears to Staples, and also on shopping facilities, including urban and suburban malls.

“Retail has been a struggle across the country,” said Greeley, noting that many suburban malls, including Eastfield, are losing anchors and struggling. “Society is changing, and the boxes of retail are going away — not just downtown, but everywhere.”

Space Exploration

This brings Greeley back to his comment earlier about how the retail space in Tower Square should probably be classified as ‘commercial’ moving forward, a term that has a much broader meaning and one that hints at the wide range of possibilities for that space.

Elaborating, Greeley said that eventual uses for those spaces will still have to be synergistic with the office tower and the hundreds of people working there, a consideration that will in some ways limit what can be done.

“You’re not going to put a Chuck E. Cheese in there,” he said with a laugh, adding that many other forms of entertainment and hospitality, especially those focused on children and families, which are now populating suburban malls, may be similarly inappropriate.

Main Street is going to come back, I think, and the city is poised for a resurgence, but a lot of things have to happen before that can take place. And there’s much more to it than what happens with Tower Square. It has to do with how we think about cities and the automobile.”

Plotkin said some urban malls and properties resembling Tower Square in some ways (it is fairly unique in its overall composition) have been repurposed for housing and other uses, such as higher education, but overall, such assignments require imagination and capital — and in large amounts.

He suggests that more of the “college campus” components, as he called them, might be appropriate and, more importantly, viable.

“Education is one of the directions I would be looking at when it comes to redeveloping the property,” he explained. “It could be a law school, it could be a research facility — there are a number of possibilities.

“We should have something happening there that is going to draw young people to the facility,” he went on, adding that educational facilities could in many ways feed off, and contribute to, the growing entrepreneurial ecosystem in downtown Springfield.

Evan Plotkin says the retail component in Tower Square remains a challenge, and that more education-related facilities may be the most viable option for that space.

Elaborating, he said the Marriott hotel and its 260 rooms could possibly be retrofitted into a dormitory, bringing a residential campus into the realm of possibility and also the prospect of several hundred young people living in the downtown area, which could fuel further growth of hospitality and service-related businesses.

And with the office tower and its broad mix of tenants in sectors ranging from law and marketing to accounting and financial services, there would be ample opportunities for internships and other learning experiences.

“If someone wanted to be right downtown, there are many amenities there,” said Plotkin, in reference to a college or university. “I’ve always looked upon what UMass is doing there as a start. It’s a good start, but it should just be the beginning.”

And from a big-picture perspective, Tower Square will be just one piece of the puzzle, he went on.

“Main Street is going to come back, I think, and the city is poised for a resurgence, but a lot of things have to happen before that can take place,” Plotkin told BusinessWest. “And there’s much more to it than what happens with Tower Square. It has to do with how we think about cities and the automobile.”

Overall, Kennedy said Springfield’s resurgence and a host of additions to the business and cultural landscape — from MGM to CRRC; from a renovated Union Station to the Innovation Center taking shape on Bridge Street — are creating more interest in the City of Homes, and Tower Square could play a role in bringing more businesses here, either through the office tower or its other available spaces.

“I continue to meet with companies that are interested in expanding into Springfield,” he told BusinessWest. “I have my fingers crossed, but I think things are going to work out.”

New Lease on Life?

That last bit of commentary was offered in reference to the city as a whole, but also to the pending sale of Tower Square.

This will be a real-estate transaction, but also much more than that. As Kennedy and others noted, it will be a referendum or bellwether of sorts on Springfield’s ongoing resurgence and prospects for the future.

And it may also be one of the larger determining factors when it comes to what that future might be — for the downtown and the city as a whole.

That’s why all that speculation is going on, and also why this will be a very closely watched real-estate transaction.

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

Bankruptcies

By BusinessWest Staff July 25, 2017

Bankruptcies Departments

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

1st Stop Convenience Store
Falcon, Ricardo
20 Van Horn Place, Fl. 2
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/23/17

Albee Contracting
Albee, Ronald John
417 River Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/23/17

Allen, Paul
1 Commonwealth Ave., Apt. 1
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/20/17

Avalle, Randall James
99 Second St., Unit C-207
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/29/17

Babineau, David A.
Babineau, Hope E.
130 East Housatonic St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/22/17

Badillo, Sally J.
22C Springmeadow Lane
Hampden, MA 01036
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/29/17

Banks, Robyn
14 Sycamore St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/19/17

Basinski, Stephen E.
147 Brighton Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/19/17

Bassett, Jonathan Daniel
119 Cleveland St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/27/17

Baystate Metal Solutions Inc.
Fernandez, Anthony
Fernandez, Patricia A.
668 North Farms Road
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/16/17

Bejarano, Alex A.
32 Lynwood Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/19/17

Blakely, Jason M.
54 Beverly Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/22/17

Brown, James Leroy
121 Lincoln St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/21/17

Calkin, Scott P.
Calkin, Sharon Lynn
110 Monson Turnpike Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/16/17

Chamberlin, Lucy Anne
a/k/a Dunham, Lucy
114 South St.
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/22/17

Cotto, Maria L.
148 King St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/17/17

Danylin, Marilyn
118 Church St., Apt. B3
Williamstown, MA 01267
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/26/17

Dell, Blair K.
Young, Catherine B.
124 College St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/26/17

Gaudet, Cindy J.
234 Deland Road
Royalston, MA 01368
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/20/17

Gavioli, Heather N.
PO Box 506
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/28/17

Gilbert, Vicki J.
25 Pleasant St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/19/17

Giordano, Sherry Lee
250 Norman St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/16/17

Gonzalez, Glenda Liz
253 Wahconah St., #29
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/23/17

Haberern, John E.
221 Pinehurst Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/20/17

Hatton, William B.
19 Reynold Ave.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/23/17

Huard, Steven D.
348 Hampden St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/27/17

Jaramillo, Semirna
256 Walnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/16/17

King, Michael
700 Chestnut St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/28/17

Kingsley, Keith Lynn
1882 Petersham Road
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/16/17

Kleszczynski, Julie M.
4 Crestwood St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/19/17

Kusmierczak, Maureen K.
62 Dubois St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/22/17

Lacross, Mary Beth
18 Pinewood Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/17/17

LeBlanc, George W.
15 Holbrook St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/29/17

LeBlanc, Maurice J.
LeBlanc, Joyce A.
185 New Ludlow Road, Apt. 209L
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/20/17

Liberty Tax Service
Syed Financial Service
Tasneem, Saqib
37 Hatfield St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/18/17

Lipski, Candace Lee
251 Newhouse St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/23/17

Long Plain Farm
Hutkoski, Wayne M.
149 Christian Lane
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Chapter: 12
Filing Date: 06/27/17

Lopes, Ryan V.
131 Cedar Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/20/17

Maldanado, Michael O.
334 Maple St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/25/17

Markewicz, Paul Arthur
30 Huntington Road
Russell, MA 01071
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/16/17

Martin, Gerald A.
775 Pine Meadow Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/20/17

Naylor, Juanita
104 Yale St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/19/17

Nelson, Patrick J.
100 New Marlborough Branch
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/16/17

Nompleggi, Noah Samuel
4056 Main St.
Thorndike, MA 01079
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/16/17

O’Donnell, John S.
181 West St., Apt. C-3
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/22/17

Ong, Bie-Lim
75 Pleasant St., Apt. E-208
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/21/17

Petit, Margaretmary
17 Beacon Dr.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/17/17

Petrin, Debra
18 Second St.
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/26/17

Preston, Janine A.
a/k/a Barkett, Janine A.
52 Chandler Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/19/17

Pycko, Elizabeth Ann
67 Mandalay Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/17/17

Reynolds, Diane L.
121 Waldo St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/26/17

Robinson, Walter B.
110 South St.
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/22/17

Robitaille, Mary C.
15 Bellevue Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/21/17

Rolling Tours
Rundback, Frederic J.
1450 North St. # 208
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/19/17

Rourke Candleing
Rourke, Sean P.
69 Northwest Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/20/17

Santiago, Nelson A.
94 Treetop Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/22/17

Scottoni, George E.
Scottoni, Lizmila M.
137 Union St., Apt. B1
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/23/17

Stafford, Susan F.
37 E. Main St. Apt. 2
Millers Falls, MA 01349
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/19/17

Sullivan, Karen M.
73 Longwood Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/26/17

Walker, Agnes H.
115 Park St., North
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/22/17

Wheeler, Donald Wayne
Wheeler, Karen Ruth
96 West Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/19/17

Doing Business As Certificates

By BusinessWest Staff July 25, 2017

DBA Certificates Departments

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

AMHERST

Aikido of Amherst
7 Pomeroy Lane
James Atchley

CTI-OES JV
37B Pleasant St.
Craig Meadows

Ernie’s Towing
40 Montague Road
Frank Fournier III

WinnResidential, Clark House
22 Lessey St.
Winn Management Co., LLC

CHICOPEE

Basics Plus Mini Mart
190 East St.
Ahmad Amin

Bouchard
135 Slate Road
Marcus Bouchard

Composite Creations
33 Bonnen St.
Nancy LaPierre

DS Express Transportation
58 Clarendon Ave.
Sergey Dikan

FTF Construction
52 Ellsbree St.
Raymond Lucia Jr.

DEERFIELD

Mitch Clark, Builder
67 Hoosac Road
Mitchell Clark

Pure Yoga and Wellness
10C Elm St.
Leanne Fontaine

Serious Fun
2 Crestview Dr.
Gabrielle Richard-Harrington

Sound & Production Services
34 South Main St.
Lawrence Berger

Strategy 2 Design
2 Crestview Dr.
Gabrielle Richard-Harrington

Wells Builders
44 King Philip Ave.
R. David Wells

EASTHAMPTON

Act Too Studio Opera Workshop
15 Cottage St., Apt. 418
Melinda Beasi

C&S Landscaping, LLC
44 Lyman St.
John Sypek

K-Nyame Annex USA
3 Hampton Terrace
Kobing Dawson

Talk More Wireless New England, LLC
104 Union St.
James Ralph

Zimora Studio
14 Russell Lane
Michelle Zimora

EAST LONGMEADOW

Baystate Dental, P.C.
294 North Main St.
Baystate Dental, P.C.

P.J. Lussier Styling
10 Center Square
P.J. Lussier

Quilts & Treasures
56-58 Shaker Road
Valerie Morton

GREENFIELD

Bryan Hobbs Remodeling
576 Leyden Road
Bryan Hobbs

Frugal Movers
199 Deerfield St.
Michael Spence

Green River Farm
22 Conway Dr.
David Conway

Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters
100 Federal St.
Curtis Rich

HADLEY

All Sewn Up
217 Middle St.
Valerie Miller

D. Boivin Property Maintenance
71 Lawrence Plain Road
David Boivin

E.A.T. Honey
9 Cemetery Road
Emily Focosi

Nail Pro
367 Russell St.
Hong Thi Nguyen

P. Valley Property Care
26 Mt. Warner Road
Kevin Burt

Shaolin Kung Fu
1 Mill Valley Road
Jessica Grasmere

Spirit of Halloween Superstore
299 Russell St.
Barry Susson

Trader Joe’s #512
375 Russell St.
Trader Joe’s

Valley View Window Washing
18B West St.
Timothy Perry

HOLYOKE

Commercial Cleaning by Angel V
415 Maple St.
Luissette Arroyo, Jose Vazquez

Edwards Flooring
36 Manor House Court
Kurt Edwards

JDE Corp.
36 Ely St.
Evaristo Almonte

Learn in Motion
92 Race St.
Christopher Gibaldi, Hope Ross

Orson Realty
4 Open Square Way, #219
Deirdre Alton

Union Mart
297 Apremont Highway
Ghulam Safeer

LUDLOW

B & B Global
119 East Akard St.
Peter Buscema

Forbes Testing Labs
563 Center St., Suite 201
Stephen Niec

NORTHAMPTON

AK Construction
710 Florence Road
Alex Komlev

Contemporary Country Builders
82 Coles Meadow Road
Roy Giangregorio

Florence Fitness Club
30 North Maple St.
Natalie Stollmeyer, Scott Flynn

Listener Jewelry
31½ Grant Ave.
Margot Reilly

Mutton & Mead Medieval Festival
8 Hockanum Road, #12
David Agro

Scrappy Do
284 Sylvester Road
Michael Samson

Way Finders Inc.
20 Hampton Ave., Suite 185
Way Finders Inc.

PALMER

All Tied Up
1034 Central St.
Mark Stoner

Humble Pie
2052 Main St.
Jordan Langley

Palmer Foundry
22 Mt. Dumplin Road
Robert Logan

SOUTHWICK

Rick Foy’s Garage
39 Sam West Road
Richard Foy

SPRINGFIELD

Bestlink Consult
1 Federal St., Building 1
Hamror Gabriel

Bosslady Fitcamp & Nutrition
24 Arnold Ave.
Yashira Soto

Broke People Films
17 Pasadena St.
Marie Shappy

Burbu’s Decorations
27 Strong St.
Eric Pagan

Candy Mini Market Inc.
106 Oak Grove Ave.
Robinson Betance

Gallo Mini Mart
431 White St.
Liz Colon

Hair by Alicia
27 Archie St.
Alicia Gibson

Havue, LLC
1271 Page Blvd.
Farhad Iftikhar

Lebuddies Helping Hands
275 Morton St.
Althea Carter

Longhill Mini Market and Deli
26 Longhill St.
Sandy Flores

Lucy Solutions
937 Worthington St.
Fernando Suero

Optical Expressions Inc.
1514 Allen St.
Sheila Gibbs

Property Care Solutions
201 Osborne Terrace
Mark Joseph

River Valley Chiropractic
1003 St. James Ave.
Spencer Burling

Sleek Nation
17 Eldridge St.
Tiffany Jacobs

Valley Sports Foundation
100 Congress St.
Clark Eckhoff

Wall Street for Us
41 Dwight Road
George Mack III

World Wide Missionaries
448 Central St.
Wilkenson Knaggs

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Chaunty Spillane
58 Southworth St.
Chauntel Spillane

CosmoProf
464 Riverdale St.
John Henrich

Footit Medical & CPAP Supplies with Stairlifts Service
340 Memorial Ave.
Richard Spafford

George Abdow Enterprises
30 Capital Dr.
George Abdow

Glass Construction, LLC
774 Main St.
Khayyam Ahmadov

Goffer Construction Inc.
16 Healy St.
Aleksandr Salagornik

Minute Clinic Diagnostic of Massachusetts, LLC
928 Riverdale St.
Kimberley DeSousa

Northern Granite, LLC
380 Union St.
Vyacheslav Katko

Travel Inn
43

Incorporations

By BusinessWest Staff July 25, 2017

Departments Incorporations

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

ASHLEY FALLS

Indwe Learning Centers Inc., 80 Weatogue Road, Ashley Falls, MA 01222. Susan Roeder, same. To provide a quality education, including academics, applied skills and real-world experiences for the orphaned and vulnerable children of South Africa, and for other purposes.

BELCHERTOWN

Invisible Machine Inc., 27 Old Pelham Road, Belchertown, MA 01007. Jeffrey Gnatek, 27 Old Pelham Road, Belchertown, MA 01007. Technology consulting.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Jd Fairbank Inc., 191 Elm St., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Jasvinder Arora, 191 Elm St., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Package store.

INDIAN ORCHARD

JK Tiles Inc., 27 Devens St., Indian Orchard, MA 01151. Jan Kochman, same. Ceramic tiles installation.

SPRINGFIELD

Instituto Biblico Vida, 1655 Main St. Suite 302, Springfield, MA 01103. David Ortiz Nieves, 52 Casino Ave., Chicopee, MA 01013. The purpose is to equip through a teaching of tied influences and Christian leaders to contribute to the strengthening of the church and the community through the knowledge and application of the Bible.

Internacional Multiservices Inc., 2460 Main St., Suite 120, Springfield, MA 01107. Luis E. Liriano, 2460 Main St., Ste 120, Springfield, MA 01107. Multi services and family cloths store.

Jrema Ministries, 9 Federal Court Apt. 3a, Springfield, MA 01105. Isaac Gonzalez, 9 Federal Court Apt 3a, Springfield, MA 01119. The purpose of the corporation is to preach the word of God through teachings of the Bible. Using methods such as conferences and all associated activities that correspond with the learning of the word of God.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Ideal Transport Inc, 15 Browning Ave., West Springfield, MA 01089. Sergey Nikitchuk, same. Trucking.

Iglesias Cristianas Rey De Mi Vida, 214 Elms St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Francisco Brown, 33 Herman St., Springfield, MA 01108. Church.

Innovative Topicals Inc., 26 Duke St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Shawna McDaniel, Same. Sale of topical skincare products.

WESTFIELD

Iron Pioneer Metalsmiths Inc., 99 Springdale Rd., Westfield, MA 01085. David Procopio, same. Metal fabrication, architectural mill-work, forging and iron work.

J & J Home Buyers Inc., 20 School St., Westfield, MA 01085. John Glynn, same. Buy/sell/rehab/let any interest in real property.

Briefcase

By BusinessWest Staff July 25, 2017

Briefcase Departments

Confidence Rises in June Among Massachusetts Employers

BOSTON — Massachusetts employer confidence rose for the ninth time in 10 months during June amid optimism about an economy that is finally attracting more people into the workforce. The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Business Confidence Index rose one point to 61.8 last month, leaving it 5.7 points higher than a year ago. The Index has gained ground in each of the past two months after slipping in April. The results come a month after state officials reported a long-awaited expansion of the Massachusetts labor market; the labor-force participation rate rose to 66.7% in May, its highest mark since before the Great Recession. “Employer confidence in both the state and national economies remains well above the level we saw a year ago, especially among manufacturers,” said Raymond Torto, chair of AIM’s Board of Economic Advisors (BEA) and lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Design. “Key Massachusetts indicators such as total jobs, wages, and gross state product far exceed pre-recession levels, and that is outweighing concerns about long-term growth.” The AIM Index, based on a survey of Massachusetts employers, has appeared monthly since July 1991. It is calculated on a 100-point scale, with 50 as neutral; a reading above 50 is positive, while below 50 is negative. The Index reached its historic high of 68.5 on two occasions in 1997-98, and its all-time low of 33.3 in February 2009. The index has remained above 50 since October 2013. The constituent indicators that make up the overall Business Confidence Index were mostly positive during June. The Massachusetts Index, assessing business conditions within the Commonwealth, gained 2.1 points to 64.2, leaving it 5.7 points higher than in June 2016. The U.S. Index of national business conditions rose 2.8 points to 57.4 despite lingering uncertainty about federal economic policy. June marked the 87th consecutive month in which employers have been more optimistic about the Massachusetts economy than the national economy. The Current Index, which assesses overall business conditions at the time of the survey, rose 1.5 points to 61.9, while the Future Index, measuring expectations for six months out, increased 0.4 points to 61.7. The Future Index was 5.1 points higher than a year ago. The Company Index, reflecting overall business conditions, was unchanged for the month at 62.4 and up 4.7 points during the 12-month period. The Employment Index fell 0.4 points to 58.1, while the Sales index rose 0.6 points to 62.6. The AIM survey found that 39% of respondents reported adding staff during the past six months while 18% reduced employment. Expectations for the next six months are stable, with 38% expecting to hire and only 10% downsizing. Alan Clayton-Matthews, a professor in the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs at Northeastern University, said the supply of workers remains one of the most important factors in the ability of Massachusetts to maintain long-term economic growth. “There is little slack left in the labor market,” he said. “Unemployment rates are back to pre-recession levels, and employment rates are very close to pre-recession levels. The slack that does remain is largely among young workers, those with less than a high-school education, and part-time workers who have been unable to find full-time work, suggesting that many workers lack the skills that employers are seeking.” Overall participation in the labor force nationally has hovered below 63% during the recovery, compared with more than 66% before the recession. Eastern Mass. companies were more confident in June than those in the western portion of the Commonwealth, posting a 61.8 confidence reading in June versus 60.8 for Western Mass. employers. AIM President and CEO Richard Lord, also a BEA member, said employers are increasingly concerned about a passel of potentially expensive and disruptive Beacon Hill proposals, including a surtax on incomes more than $1 million, paid family leave, and an employer assessment to close a budget gap in the MassHealth program. “Massachusetts employers have led what is now one of the longest and most consistent economic recoveries of the past 100 years. Much of that growth reflects the fact that policymakers have refrained from unnecessarily raising business costs and imposing inefficient regulation,” Lord said. “We look forward to working with the Legislature and the Baker administration to ensure that those policies continue.”

Gaming Commission Approves Workforce-development Grants

SPRINGFIELD — Members of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) approved close to $600,000 in grants — including two for the city of Springfield — for a workforce-development pilot program designed to fund gaming career pathways for local residents. The Workforce Program is a component of the 2017 Community Mitigation Fund, which was established by the state’s gaming law to help entities offset costs related to the construction and operations of gaming establishments. The Workforce Program was developed to provide interested residents in gaming regions the ability to attain academic and occupational credentials needed to work in the most in-demand occupations related to the gaming industry. Additionally, it was established to assist the unemployed or underemployed to either get their GED or Adult Basic Education, which would position them to get future jobs in the casino industry or training in advance by the backfilling of jobs. The two initiatives in Springfield include:

• $171,833 for a program the Springfield Public Schools is working to establish called Ahead of the Game, which will target low-skill, low-income adults interested in pursuing long-term careers with MGM Springfield; and

• $200,000 for Hampden Prep, an initiative involving Springfield Technical Community College in collaboration with Holyoke Community College to develop and implement an innovative high-school-equivalency and workforce-readiness program.

“Workforce-development programs are a critical component of job creation, economic opportunity, and the Commonwealth’s ability to meet gaming’s burgeoning hiring demand,” said MGC Chairman Steve Crosby. “MGC looks forward to further collaborations as we continue to work together to ensure that we are able to deliver on our legislative mandate to establish a highly skilled and diverse Massachusetts workforce for the state’s new casino industry.”

Single-family Home Sales in Pioneer Valley Down in May

SPRINGFIELD — Single-family home sales were down 6.9% in the Pioneer Valley in May compared to the same time last year, while the median price rose 1.2% to $204,500, according to the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley. In Franklin County, sales were down 1.7%, while the median price rose 8.2% from a year earlier. In Hampden County, sales were down 7.4%, while the median price was up 1.9%. And in Hampshire County, sales fell 4.2% from May 2016, while the median price was up 2.5%.

Painted Piano Performances Begin in Downtown Springfield

SPRINGFIELD — Residents, employees, and visitors to Springfield have recently been treated to a series of unusual art installations downtown: painted pianos. Three beautified, moralized, upright units were decorated and placed throughout the Springfield Central Cultural District (SCCD) in early June, with the mission to bring music to the people, and people to the streets. The locations are at 1350 Main St., the Shops at Marketplace, and 1550 Main St. Now, professionals will be playing every Wednesday during lunch. “We’ve seen such a diverse crowd interacting with this public art,” said Morgan Drewniany, executive director of the SCCD. “I saw a construction worker on his break playing a beautiful classical piece at 1350, and videos of children delighted by tinkling the keys at 1550, the School Department building. We want to continue this excitement by programming the pianos.” Local professional pianists will be playing on the painted pianos during the 12-1 p.m. lunch hour. Pedestrians are invited to leave their offices to stop by, or simply enjoy the music on their walk. Programming will continue every Wednesday through August, but between performances, the public is still invited to stop by at their leisure. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno is scheduled to receive his first piano lesson ever on the unit at 1350 Main Street. “Following the mayor’s excitement for the project, we’re even having a special performance on August 9,” said Drewniany. This programming is made possible by individual and organizational sponsors, including the Doleva family, Lessard Property Management, NAI Plotkin, Rus Peotter, Sarno, Springfield Techinical Community College, and state Sen. James Welch. Funding for the pianos was provided by the Springfield Cultural Council, the Community Music School of Springfield, and ChooseSpringfieldNow.com.

CAA Begins Roadway Reconstruction at Bradley International Airport

WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — The Connecticut Airport Authority is beginning the reconstruction and realignment of the main Bradley International Airport entrance roadway at Route 20 and Schoephoester Road. The work will involve the realignment of Schoephoester Road along with a portion of the airport’s lower roadway system, as well as the construction of a modern roundabout. The project will provide a new entrance to the airport from Route 20 and open up a 19-acre site for the future development of Bradley’s ground transportation center. The construction will not interrupt access to the airport from the Route 20 connector. However, there may be slight delays due to the shifting and reduction of lanes. Construction signs and variable message boards are present along the roadway to alert motorists of any changes in traffic patterns. The project will consist of six phases of work and is scheduled to be completed by the fall of 2018. Regular updates will be provided to the public during this time period. “This project begins our preparations for the development of our new, state-of-the-art ground transportation center,” said Kevin Dillon, executive director of the Connecticut Airport Authority. “We anticipate minimal impact to our passengers; however, it is important for them to be aware of the construction.” For more information about this project, visit www.flybdl.org/about/construction.

People on the Move

By BusinessWest Staff July 25, 2017

Departments People on the Move

Harry Dumay

Harry Dumay, who boasts a long and distinguished career in higher education, officially took the helm of Elms College as its 11th president on July 1 (see story, page 17). Dumay was chosen after a nationwide search and has served in higher education finance and administration at senior and executive levels for 19 years. He holds a Ph.D. in higher education administration from Boston College, an MBA from Boston University, and a master’s degree in public administration from Framingham State University. “Dr. Dumay is a multi-faceted leader who understands Elms College and the importance of a liberal-arts education based in the Catholic intellectual tradition,” said Cynthia Lyons, chair of the board of trustees. “He has a collaborative style and a demonstrated record of strengthening organizational and academic effectiveness, and he is enthusiastic about the future of Elms College.” Dumay, who hails from Ouanaminthe, Haiti, most recently resided with his family in Framingham and worked as the senior vice president and chief financial officer at St. Anselm College in Manchester, N.H. Before that, he served as chief financial officer and associate dean at Harvard University’s Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, associate dean at Boston College’s Graduate School of Social Work, and director of finance for Boston University’s School of Engineering. Dumay also served as an adjunct faculty member at Boston College for nine years. Dumay’s inauguration will be held in the fall. The trustees are planning additional autumn events that will allow everyone to meet the new president. He succeeds Mary Reap, who retired June 30 after serving as Elms president for the past eight years.

•••••

Jessie Cooley

Following last month’s retirement of long-time Director Renee Moss, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County (BBBSHC) hired Jessie Cooley as its new director. Cooley has worked for 12 years with the BBBS organization, first in Boston and then in Franklin County, where she grew up. Most recently, she worked as the district director for state Rep. Paul Mark. She earned her master’s degree in education at UMass Amherst, and her bachelor’s degree in Spanish and secondary education from Northeastern University. She is a 2013 graduate of the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts’ Leadership Institute for Political and Public Impact. “I am truly honored to join the phenomenal staff of this great program, and to work with them and our dedicated advisory board to match more children in Hampshire County with caring ‘bigs,’” said Cooley. “Having been a Big Sister myself, and after working with Big Brothers Big Sisters for more than a decade, I know the powerful, positive impact our mentoring programs have on children, their families, their mentors, and the larger community. I couldn’t be more thrilled to have this opportunity.”

•••••

Keith Rhone

Friends of the Homeless, a program of Clinical & Support Options (CSO), recently welcomed Keith Rhone as the new director of Operations, overseeing day-to-day management of the Worthington Street facility. Most recently, Rhone served as assistant director of Safety and Crisis Management with ROCA Inc. of Springfield and established strong connections to community law enforcement and local program providers. He has also served as fiscal director with the Black Chamber of Commerce. Born and raised in Springfield, Rhone earned an associate degree in accounting from Springfield Technical Community College, and his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from American International College.

•••••

Katrina Anop

Tabitha Vianna

Bacon Wilson announced that Katrina Anop and Tabitha Vianna have joined the firm as associate attorneys. Anop is a graduate of the Western New England University School of Law. She is a member of Bacon Wilson’s real estate, family law, probate, employment, and immigration practice groups. Fluent in Spanish, she works primarily from the firm’s Springfield office. Vianna is a cum laude graduate of the Western New England University School of Law. She is a member of Bacon Wilson’s business and corporate practice group, where much of her work is devoted to assisting clients with commercial loan closings. She is licensed to practice in both Massachusetts and Connecticut.

•••••

Barbara Campbell

Michael Tucker, president and CEO of Greenfield Co-operative Bank, announced that Barbara Campbell has been promoted to assistant vice president, Commercial Loans. Campbell has been with the bank since 2010, first as a credit analyst and for the past two years as a commercial loan officer. Prior to joining the institution, she worked at TD Bank, the Bank of Western Massachusetts, and People’s United Bank in various mortgage-lending roles. She is a graduate of Greenfield Community College with a degree in business management.

•••••

Richard Hanchett

Westfield Bank announced that Richard Hanchett has been promoted to senior vice president/Commercial Loan officer. Meanwhile, six other Westfield Bank employees have been promoted to vice president, including Bryan Cowan, Cathy Jocelyn, William Judd, Sarah Medeiros, Kelly Pignatare, and Rick Zabielski.

A 34-year veteran of the local banking industry, Hanchett joined Westfield Bank in 2007 as vice president/Commercial Loan officer. As team leader of the bank’s Commercial Loan Division since 2015, he manages a group of seven lenders in addition to maintaining a large loan portfolio. Prior to joining Westfield Bank, he spent 24 years at the former Westbank, rising through its Commercial Credit Department to senior credit analyst before becoming a Commercial Loan officer in 1986. Civically engaged, Hanchett currently serves on the Springfield Chamber of Commerce legislative steering committee and education & workforce development subcommittee, and is on the board of the Work Opportunity Center in Agawam. He is a graduate of Western New England University.

Bryan Cowan

Cowan, who has been promoted to vice president/Finance, started his career at Westfield Bank in 2001, advancing to accounting associate, then staff accountant by 2005. He was named assistant vice president in 2014 as he developed his skills in financial reporting, forecasting, interest-rate risk, liquidity management, and data analytics. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Westfield State University and an MBA and master’s degree in finance from Northeastern University.

Jocelyn, now vice president/Marketing manager, joined the bank eight years ago as Online Banking coordinator; shortly after, she moved to the Marketing Department as Marketing coordinator, was promoted to Marketing manager, then assistant vice president/Marketing manager, in which position she holds responsibilities for bank advertising, branding, sponsorships, and charitable giving, among other duties. She has extensive experience in the banking industry, and holds an associate’s degree from Bay Path University.

William Judd

Judd, who has been promoted to vice president/Credit Administration, started with the bank as a teller in 1997, moving to the Commercial Loan Group in 2001, becoming Credit Department manager in 2007. In 2012 he was promoted to assistant vice president/Credit Administration; in that role, he has been instrumental in the development of the bank’s commercial-credit underwriting process and in training new credit analysts. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Westfield State University and an MBA from Northeastern University.

Sarah Medeiros

Medeiros, now vice president/Commercial Credit, began her banking career in 2011 as a commercial credit analyst at Chicopee Savings Bank, quickly advancing to Credit Department manager, then assistant vice president in 2013. She has been instrumental in the development of a credit-administration structure to support Westfield Bank’s $1.1 billion commercial portfolio. A former CPA with PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP and director in Risk Management for Forest City Enterprises, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting with a minor in Finance from Providence College.

Kelly Pignatare

Pignatare, who has been promoted to vice president/regional manager, joined the bank in 2007 following five years of experience in the local banking industry as an online banking and cash-management specialist, branch-administration manager, and business-development officer. At Westfield Bank, she quickly advanced to assistant vice president, Small Business Sales manager, then regional manager and assistant VP, Sales Administration and market analyst. She attended Holyoke Community College.

Rick Zabielski

Zabielski, now vice president/Underwriting and Processing manager, has been with the bank since 1996, holding a number of positions before his most recent role as assistant vice president/Underwriting and Processing manager for Retail Lending; he has experience as a consumer loan underwriter, mortgage originator, and manager of the bank’s loan center. In his new role, he is also responsible for underwriting and processing of residential lending, home-equity, and consumer loans. “I am delighted to announce these well-earned promotions,” said James Hagan, president and CEO of Westfield Bank.

•••••

Aimee Furaha Salmon, Harry Montalvo, and Markus Jones have joined the all-volunteer board of directors for the Northampton-based International Language Institute of Massachusetts (ILI). Salmon, currently a student in Greenfield Community College’s Health Science program, is the former administrator of CAMME DRC, a nonprofit organization that helps youth in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) achieve lives free of exploitation. She is a former ILI student and is now the volunteer leader of the school’s International Club. Salmon has a degree in development management from Institut Superieur d’Informatique de Gestion, DRC. Montalvo, Community Development specialist at bankESB, has an extensive background in the private sector, with emphasis on human resources, safety, and business development. His career includes work in his home country of Puerto Rico and in Western Mass, where he founded the Western Massachusetts Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Montalvo earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Puerto Rico and is certified in readiness training, credit counseling, and computer operations. Jones, philanthropy officer at Baystate Health Foundation, brings more than 10 years of experience in fund-raising and the foundation world to ILI. His commitment to community building includes heading up United Way of South Mississippi rehab/rebuild projects for homes and nonprofit offices along the Mississippi Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina. He also provided United Way management support following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Jones holds a bachelor’s degree in advertising from the University of Southern Mississippi.

•••••

Beverly Orloski

At the recent 2017 Mid-Year Mortgage Conference, the Warren Group, publisher of Banker & Tradesman magazine, released its annual report of the top mortgage originators in Massachusetts. Beverly Orloski, vice president and mortgage consultant at PeoplesBank, was named as the top loan originator by volume in Western Mass. She was listed as the top loan originator by volume in the market in 2015 and 2016 as well. Orloski has more than 30 years of financial and banking experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Elms College and is a graduate of the American Bankers Assoc. Residential and Commercial Lending School. She is a member of the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley.

•••••

Berkshire Bank announced the promotion of Joseph Marullo to senior vice president, Commercial Relationship manager from his current position of vice president. Marullo will continue to be responsible for growing both commercial and industrial business, as well as commercial real-estate lending. In addition, he will expand relationships with products and services offered through the bank’s other business lines, including cash management, wealth management, insurance, private banking, and retail banking. Marullo has 15 years of banking experience and has been with Berkshire Bank since 2006. Prior to joining the bank, he held the position of commercial credit analyst with TD Bank, where he received formal credit training. “For the past 11 years, Joe has been an integral part of the Pioneer Valley commercial team, making significant contributions to the bank’s growth and success in the local market,” said Jim Hickson, senior vice president, commercial regional president. Marullo holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Quinnipiac University and an MBA from UMass.

•••••

Tanzania (Tanzi) Cannon-Eckerle

Royal, P.C. congratulates Tanzania (Tanzi) Cannon-Eckerle on her honor as one of the Top Women of Law, as published by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. The award was presented for her efforts in the diligent practice of law, community involvement, and high ethical standards. Cannon-Ecklerle currently serves as owner, general manager, and general counsel for Brew Practitioners in Florence. She successfully balances this with her role as chief development officer at Royal, P.C. She is the third attorney from the firm to be bestowed this award; previous Royal honorees include Amy Royal (2012) and Rosemary Nevins (2013).

•••••

Alice Ferreira

Webster Bank has named Alice Ferreira as senior vice president of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs. She is responsible for all external and internal communications, public relations, and government affairs for the bank, and will oversee the bank’s community-affairs and philanthropy efforts. She reports to Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Dawn Morris. Ferreira joins Webster from UnitedHealthcare, where she was vice president, Corporate Communications for its Medicaid Division, overseeing corporate media relations, internal communications, crisis management, and thought-leadership programs. Prior to that, she was director of corporate communications for HealthNet’s $10 billion Northeast Division. Ferreira serves as honorary chair of the Barnum Museum in Bridgeport, Conn., and is a member of the board of directors of the American Red Cross of Connecticut and Rhode Island.

•••••

Webster Bank announced that John Driscoll Jr. has been appointed regional market executive for Webster Private Bank’s Hartford and New Haven offices. Driscoll, senior vice president and senior relationship manager for Webster Private Bank, joined Webster in 2007. In his new role, he expands his responsibilities as the senior representative in the Hartford and New Haven markets for Webster Private Bank’s line of business and leading the Private Bank’s sales team. He will report to Peter Gabriel, senior vice president, head of Private Banking. Driscoll has more than 31 years of experience in investment, financial, estate, and tax planning, and charitable giving. He is a tax attorney who is a certified  financial planner, a chartered life underwriter, and a chartered financial consultant. A member of the Connecticut and American Bar Associations, he serves on the executive committees of the Estate and Probate section and of the Sports and Entertainment Law section of the Connecticut Bar Assoc. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Connecticut, a law degree from Penn State’s Dickinson School of Law, and a master of laws degree from Boston University School of Law.

•••••

Comcast announced the appointment of four leaders for the company’s Western New England region, which is headquartered in Berlin, Conn. and includes more than 300 communities in Connecticut, Western Mass., New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York. In the Human Resources department, Judith Rudge was named director of Talent Management, while Taissa Gawronski was named director of Human Resources. In Sales and Marketing, Matt Frascone was named director of Retail Sales, and in the Communications department, Elizabeth Walden was appointed manager of Public Relations. Rudge came to Comcast with more than 12 years of recruiting experience. In her new role, she oversees talent management and recruiting efforts for the company’s Western New England Region, which currently employs more than 1,800 individuals across five states. Prior to joining Comcast, she was the senior manager of talent acquisition at Verizon in Atlanta, where she owned the end-to-end recruitment of information technology, engineering, product, and sales positions for 86 national office locations. She graduated from Dickinson College. Gawronski joined Comcast with 10 years of human-resources experience. In her new role, she is responsible for the human-resources needs of the company’s retail and door-to-door sales channels, as well as those on the Comcast Business team and in Sales and Marketing administration. Before joining Comcast, she was director of Human Resources at C&M Corporate, a custom cable manufacturer in Killingly, Conn., where she evaluated and maintained the company’s organizational design, as well as oversaw its workforce-recruitment and retention efforts. She graduated from Framingham State College. Frascone recently relocated from Comcast’s Greater Chicagor to Comcast’s Western New England region to oversee 10 XFINITY stores and three service centers across Connecticut, Western Mass., and Vermont. He is also responsible for Indirect Sales, which involves Comcast’s partnerships with Walmart, Target, and Best Buy. Previously, he spent the last year as director of Comcast’s flagship XFINITY store in Chicago. He joined Comcast with 20 years of retail experience and, prior to Comcast, was a director for two Apple stores in Atlanta, where he managed a staff of 177 sales associates. He was also a U.S. Navy Reservist. Walden came to Comcast with seven years of public-relations experience. In her new role, she is responsible for helping shape the company’s image with external audiences across the Western New England region. Prior to joining Comcast, she was vice president at Quinn, a lifestyle public-relations firm in New York City, where she oversaw a team of public-relations executives who carried out day-to-day media and operations for a portfolio of 20 business, real-estate, and technology clients, in addition to being responsible for building the firm’s client base and developing strategic public-relations campaigns. She graduated from Clark University in Worcester.

•••••

Eric Lineback recently joined Country Business Inc. (CBI), a regionally based New England business-brokerage and merger-and-acquisition firm. He will be focusing his efforts serving clients in Western Mass. Lineback previously worked as a strategic management consultant with McKinsey & Co. in Chicago on projects for various Fortune 500 companies. He then went on to work as a senior analyst for a mid-size private-investment company in Houston and then Washington, D.C., helping to manage a $500 million diverse portfolio of assorted assets, including several operating companies, real-estate investments, equity buy-out funds, and marketable securities. In the mid-’90s, as the Internet was emerging commercially, he co-founded and managed for almost 20 years a successful boutique Internet design and development firm, helping clients create an engaging online and offline presence. Lineback’s work with CBI enables him to apply his entrepreneurial, investment, and financial-management experience in assisting business owners with their succession plans. “We are excited that Mr. Lineback has joined our firm,” said Philip Steckler, a principal with CBI. “While we have managed the sale of numerous businesses in Western Massachusetts over the years, his focus on that region enables us to enhance our services and broaden our client base.” Since 1976, CBI has managed the sale of more than 1,200 businesses, ranging in price from $500,000 to $30 million. The company has represented businesses across many industries and sectors, including manufacturing, distribution, retail, and hospitality. CBI is an industry leader in successfully completing sales of client businesses. The firm traditionally completes 80% to 90% of the businesses it is retained to sell — far higher than industry norms. “I’m excited to be working with such an established and successful company, one which has had a significant positive impact on the local economy,” Lineback said. “My passion has always been working with entrepreneurs and small-business owners.”

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By BusinessWest Staff July 25, 2017

Chamber Corners Departments

1BERKSHIRE

www.1berkshire.com

(413) 499-1600

• July 25: Entrepreneurial Meet Up, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Shire Breu-Hous.

GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.easthamptonchamber.org

(413) 527-9414

• July 28: The Chamber Island Golf Tournament, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., hosted by Southampton Country Club, 329 College Highway, Southampton. Sponsored by BankESB, Polish National Credit Union, Finck & Perras Insurance Agency Inc., Taylor Real Estate, Westfield Bank, Applied Mortgage, Green Earth Energy Photovoltaic, and Richards Fuel & Heating Inc. Registration and breakfast at 9 a.m., shotgun start at 10 a.m., Fun Island Feast to end the day. Breakfast and dinner catered by Myers Catering. Come in your best island attire. Cost: $135 per golfer, $540 for a team. Visit www.easthamptonchamber.org for additional information.

• Aug. 9: “Find Your Strength – Know Your Power,” 9:30 a.m., hosted by Williston Northampton School, Reed Campus Center, Dodge Room. Are you curious why you make certain decisions? Do you wonder why some things are naturally easy for you? Would you like to become more productive in your daily life? Gain an increased self-awareness of your unique strengths and find your natural talents and how to turn them into strengths. Learn how your strengths can enhance your ability to achieve your personal and work-life goals. Register at easthamptonchamber.org or call (413) 527-9414.

GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.holyokechamber.com

(413) 534-3376

• Aug. 9: StrengthsFinder, 8-9:30 a.m., at the Reed Campus Center — the Dodge Room —at Williston Northampton School, 19 Payson Ave., Easthampton. Sponsored by Tandem Bagel and Williston Northampton. Become aware of the natural ways you think, feel, and behave through this StengthsFinder assessment test. Millions of individuals around the world have taken this test and have discovered how to use their strengths every day. Cost is $25 and includes a light breakfast. Sign up online at holyokechamber.com/events.

• Aug. 16: Chamber After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at Fiesta Café, 305 Main St., Holyoke. Sponsored by bankESB. Business networking event on the patio. Food, networking, and 50/50 raffle. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-member guests. Sign up online at holyokechamber.com/events.

GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.explorenorthampton.com

(413) 584-1900

• Sept. 13: Arrive@5, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Family Legacy Partners, 48 Round Hill Road, Suite 2, Northampton. Co-host: CheckWriters Payroll. Sponsored by Northeast Solar, Finck & Perras Insurance Agency Inc., and Coldwell Banker Upton-Massamont Realtors. Cost: $10 for members.

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.ourwrc.com

(413) 426-3880

• Aug. 14: Annual Golf Tournament, hosted by Crestview Country Club, 281 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam. A portion of the proceeds benefit the scholarship and business grants offered through the 501(c)(3) foundation. Register or sign up for sponsorships at www.ourwrc.com.

Agenda

By BusinessWest Staff July 25, 2017

Agenda Departments

Scramble Golf Tournament

Aug. 12: I Found Light Against All Odds will present its first annual Scramble Golf Tournament scholarship fund-raiser. The festivities will include golf, food, raffles, and more. The tournament will take place at Veterans Memorial Golf Course, with tee times starting at 11 am. Tournament admission fee is $100 per player, with the top three teams awarded first-, second-, and third-place prizes. Players can register by visiting www.eventbrite.com/e/scholarship-fundraiser-scramble-golf-tournament-registration-35572044944. All money raised from this tournament will go toward awarding scholarships for the 2017-18 school year. The recipients will be formerly at-risk high-school seniors from local high schools, who have overcome the darkness in their lives, now finding the light in education and headed to college.

Real-estate Sales Licensing Course

Sept. 6 to Oct. 12: Beginning Sept. 6, the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley will sponsor a 40 hour, 14-class, sales-licensing course to help individuals prepare for the Massachusetts real-estate salesperson license exam. The course will be completed on Oct. 12. Tuition is $359 and includes the book and materials. The course curriculum includes property rights, ownership, condos, land use, contracts, deeds, financing, mortgages, real estate brokerage, appraisal, fair housing, consumer protection, and Massachusetts license law, and more. Classes meet Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. at the association office, 221 Industry Ave., Springfield. For an application, contact Joanne Leblond at (413) 785-1328 or [email protected], or visit www.rapv.com.

Walk for Love

Sept. 9: Shriners Hospitals for Children – Springfield will host the eighth annual Walk for Love Walkathon and Barbecue. The Walkathon begins at the hospital and continues through Van Horn Park and back to the hospital for a barbecue. It is an easy, three-mile walk and will be held rain or shine. Registration begins at 9 a.m., followed by the walk at 10 a.m., and the barbecue and entertainment from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The $25 cost ($5 for children 10 and under, and $40 for families) includes walk registration and T-shirt (to be given on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last). Free parking is available at the Boys and Girls Club located directly across from the hospital on Carew Street. To sign up online, visit www.walkforlove.org. For more information, contact Lee Roberts at (413) 755-2307 or [email protected].

Healthcare Heroes

Oct. 19: BusinessWest and the Healthcare News will present the inaugural Healthcare Heroes Awards at the Starting Gate at GreatHorse in Hampden. This new recognition program was created by the twin publications to recognize outstanding achievement across the region’s broad and diverse healthcare sector. Nominations were accepted in a number of categories, including ‘Patient/Resident/Client Care Provider,’ ‘Innovation in Health/Wellness,’ ‘Community Health,’ ‘Lifetime Achievement,’ and many others, and reviewed by a panel of judges (see story, page 13). American International College and Trinity Health are the presenting sponsors of Healthcare Heroes. Additional sponsors are Bay Path University, Baystate Health, Elms College, and Renew.Calm. Nominations will be reviewed by a panel of judges, and the winners will be profiled in the Sept. 4 issue of BusinessWest and the September issue of HCN and honored at the awards ceremony on Oct. 19. Tickets to the event are $85 each, with tables available for purchase. For more information or to order tickets, call (413) 781-8600.

Business & Innovation Expo of Western Mass.

Nov. 2: Comcast Business will present the Business & Innovation Expo of Western Mass. at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield, produced by BusinessWest and the Healthcare News. The seventh annual business-to-business show will feature more than 150 exhibitor booths, educational seminars, breakfast and lunch programs, and a day-capping Expo Social. Current sponsors include Comcast Business (presenting sponsor), Johnson & Hill Staffing and Wild Apple Design Group (executive sponsors), Inspired Marketing (show partner), MGM Springfield (corporate sponsor), Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst (education sponsor), Xfinity (social sponsor), and the Better Business Bureau (contributing sponsor). Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. Exhibitor spaces are also available; booth prices start at $800. For more information on sponsorships or booth purchase, call (413) 781-8600, ext. 100.

Court Dockets

By BusinessWest Staff July 25, 2017

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 DISTRICT COURT

New England Industrial Uniform Rental Service Inc. v. the Mattabassett District
Allegation: Failure to pay for lost, unusable, or damaged garments: $9,282.50
Filed: 6/5/17

Justin Morin v. Chicopee Concrete Service Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of wages: $15,000
Filed: 6/5/17

Orlando Pagan Jr. p/p/a Maribel Pagan v. Springfield Boys & Girls Club Inc.
Allegation: Injury sustained during youth basketball clinic: $1,613.07
Filed: 6/9/17

Rosa Leo v. the Stop and Shop Supermarket Companies, LLC
Allegation: Slip and fall causing injury: $1,325
Filed: 6/13/17

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Thomas Fournier v. Action Air Inc., Paul Chevalier, and Marci Chevalier
Allegation: Unpaid wages, including overtime: $35,000+
Filed: 6/1/17

Daniel Rice v. Smith & Wesson Corp. and Thompson/Center Arms Co. Inc.
Allegation: Product liability, barrel of rifle exploded upon discharge, causing injury: $66,609
Filed: 6/1/17

Barbara Wojick v. Walmart Stores Inc.
Allegation: Slip and fall causing injury: $82,827.16
Filed: 6/2/17

Rachel Ellis v. U-Haul International
Allegation: Employment discrimination: $25,000+
Filed: 6/5/17

Shelly Nichols v. Sabis International Charter School and Ernest Floyd
Allegation: Employment discrimination: $25,000+
Filed: 6/5/17

Manuel Gonzalez v. Noah J. Epstein, M.D. and Holyoke Medical Center Inc.
Allegation: Medical malpractice: $150,000
Filed: 6/14/17

Ellen Davilli, personal representative of the estate of Martin Davilli v. Richard B. Wait, M.D.; David L. Penner, M.D.; William J. Wagner, M.D., and Stephanie Jones, RN
Allegation: Malpractice: $25,000+
Filed: 6/21/17

Pride Convenience Inc. v. Anderson Services, LLC
Allegation: Money owed for goods sold and delivered: $31,983.60
Filed: 6/26/17

Caroline Wilson v. M & M Comfort Zone Inc.
Allegation: Negligence causing injury, struck by dolly moving fixtures: $26,110
Filed: 6/30/17

HAMPSHIRE DISTRICT COURT

Weston Agricultural Products Inc. v. Hakala Brothers Corp.
Allegation: Money owed for goods and services provided: $11,900
Filed: 5/8/17

Scott R. Rhodes v. Aaron Scott d/b/a Artisan Builders & Craftsmen
Allegation: Breach of contract, failure to return deposit: $8,350
Filed: 5/31/17

Mary Wiseman v. Demoulas Supermarkets Inc. d/b/a Market Basket
Allegation: Negligence, slip and fall causing injury: $24,999
Filed: 6/12/17

Picture This

By BusinessWest Staff July 25, 2017

Departments Picture This

Meeting the Need

Home Health Aide program at Springfield Technical Community College

Eighteen graduates were recently honored with certificates upon completing the Home Health Aide program at Springfield Technical Community College, which is administered by Training and Workforce Options (TWO), a collaboration between STCC and Holyoke Community College. The program was supported by a 2016 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education’s Training Resources and Internship Networks (TRAIN) Program. Because the grant ended this year, Skinner’s class represented the fourth and final cohort of TRAIN home health aide graduates, although TWO hopes the state will revisit funding for the program. Fifty people have graduated from the four cohorts, and the majority of them have landed jobs. The graduates are highly sought after by employers, said Arlene Rodriguez, vice president of Academic Affairs at STCC. “It is one of the highest-demand occupations, not only in the Springfield area, but throughout the Commonwealth.”

Flipping Out

The Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce held its 40th annual pancake breakfast on July 13 at South Middle School. The community event featured music, a bounce house, face painting, bingo, and other activities in addition to the breakfast itself. BusinessWest was among the media sponsors. Top, students enjoy their meal. Above, Justin Klaubert helps serve up pancakes to attendees.

SkinCatering Opens Second Location at D. Hotel & Suites

By BusinessWest Staff July 25, 2017

Daily News

HOLYOKE — SkinCatering has scheduled its grand opening D. Hotel & Suites for Tuesday, Aug. 1 from 5 to 7 p.m. Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse and Pat Duffy, legislative aide to state Rep. Aaron Vega, will be in attendance for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to take place at 5:15 p.m.

The spa is located on the first floor of the hotel and features two massage rooms as well as separate spaces for manicures, pedicures, and facials. The location offers luxurious treatments as well as a selection of the high-end products currently developed and created through SkinCatering’s skin-care line.

The menu for the spa includes packages such as “Nature, to Nurture You” and “Farm to Facial.” These services utilize elements, plants, and other ingredients found locally and throughout Massachusetts. The spa has a modern New England farmhouse aesthetic, featuring neutral colors and reclaimed natural woods.

“I am very excited to provide now a health and wellness option at our Boutique Hotel,” said Linda Rosskothen, proprietor of D. Hotel & Suites. “The beauty and comfort of the spa offers locals and travelers a chance to enjoy our buildings. I am especially excited to see our guests combine their spa experience with their wedding plans, business-travel stay, exceptional dining, or just making it a special treat.”

Guests are welcome to begin booking services, as well as monthly membership packages. D. Hotel & Suites offers complimentary breakfast, access to conference and meeting spaces, and two on-site restaurants, as well as local shuttle services to wedding parties.

“The entire Delaney Log Cabin family has been very welcoming to us,” said Leanne Sedlak, chief visionary officer of SkinCatering. “We look forward to treating their guests and the local public to a wonderful spa experience with locally sourced and natural ingredients.”

Baystate Wing Hospital Hosts Topping-off Ceremony for New ED

By BusinessWest Staff July 25, 2017

Daily News

PALMER — Baystate Wing Hospital celebrated a milestone in the construction of its new Emergency Department with the ceremonial topping-off of the 17,800-square-foot steel structure. Construction workers, employees, physicians, community members, and donors gathered to sign the steel beam before it was hoisted atop the new hospital building.

“Our Emergency Department is frequently the front door of the hospital for many patients,” said Dr. Robert Spence, chief of Emergency Medicine for Baystate Health’s Eastern Region. “This new space will enhance the great care we already provide and allow us to better respond to our current demands for emergency-care services. While the new facility is being built, the existing emergency room will remain open.”

The new Emergency Department, which is expected to open in the fall of 2018, will feature separate ambulance and public entryways and include 20 patient rooms, including trauma and other dedicated specialty-care areas; private rooms to enhance patient privacy; and a dedicated space for behavioral-health patients. Additionally, patients will have access to the most sophisticated medical technology, including CT scan and radiology (X-ray) services. Once the new building is completed, the current Emergency Department space, which was built in 1995, will be retrofitted for other uses.

A $2.8 million Baystate Wing Emergency Department capital campaign is underway. To encourage community participation, Ed and Ellen Noonan, campaign co-chairs, are matching all new gifts up to an overall total of $100,000. Gifts of all sizes will make an important difference. The overall cost of the new emergency department at Baystate Wing Hospital is $17.2 million, with Baystate Health committing funding to the project with capital investments and bonds in addition to the support of community members and area businesses.

“It is incredibly exciting to see this project progress as we build the foundation of emergency care for generations to come,” said Michael Moran, president and chief administrative officer for Baystate Health’s Eastern Region. “Along with the emergency care provided at Baystate Mary Lane, this new Emergency Department will ensure that patients continue to receive care close to home in an innovative and highly efficient space that reflects the expertise and commitment of our emergency department teams.”

To learn more about the capital campaign or to make a gift, call Teresa Grove at (413) 370-5798.

Chamber Breakfast Event to Feature Agawam Mayoral Debate

By BusinessWest Staff July 25, 2017

Daily News

AGAWAM — The West of the River Chamber of Commerce announced its September Breakfast event, which will bring members and non-members together for a morning of breakfast, debate, and town updates.

The event will take place Wednesday, Sept. 13 from 7 to 9 a.m. at Chez Josef in Agawam. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with local business people over breakfast and listen to the Agawam mayoral candidates discuss their views and ideas on how they plan to stimulate local business success. The moderator for this event will be Robert MacDonald of Work Opportunity Center in Agawam. Questions from the public and businesses can be submitted to [email protected].

In addition, West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt will be on hand to discuss business-development plans for his community.

Event sponsors include United Bank and bankESB. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Tickets cost $35 for members and $45 for non-members. To register or sponsor this event, visit www.westoftheriverchamber.com.

Real Estate Transactions

By BusinessWest Staff July 25, 2017

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

50 Creamery Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Stephen M. Burke
Seller: Pamela M. Wrisley
Date: 06/14/17

BUCKLAND

39 Avery Road
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $407,000
Buyer: Monica M. Reynolds
Seller: John W. Carter
Date: 06/23/17

145 Charlemont Road
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $259,000
Buyer: Angelique Britt
Seller: Balboni FT
Date: 06/19/17

CONWAY

1165 Shelburne Falls Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $384,000
Buyer: Thaddeus A. Bennett
Seller: Deborah Maia LT
Date: 06/23/17

411 South Shirkshire Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $177,850
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Martha Pauig
Date: 06/15/17

DEERFIELD

315 Conway Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $273,000
Buyer: Kenneth E. Carson
Seller: Kevin Shepard
Date: 06/12/17

21 Crestview Dr.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $677,000
Buyer: Andrew Diruzza
Seller: Junghee Cho
Date: 06/15/17

141 Greenfield Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $2,000,000
Buyer: Store Master Funding 10
Seller: Vesh Development LLC
Date: 06/16/17

10 Stillwater Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Bryant P. Rother
Seller: Edward Gadomski
Date: 06/20/17

ERVING

65 High St.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $277,000
Buyer: Ruben Garcia
Seller: James M. Hackett
Date: 06/12/17

GILL

11 Deer Run Lane
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Levey LT
Seller: Gregg K. Mullens
Date: 06/15/17

2 Set Back Lane
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Adam B. Feldman
Seller: Rafaela C. Calicchio
Date: 06/16/17

5 West Gill Road
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Helen M. Blanchard
Date: 06/13/17

GREENFIELD

56 Bank Row St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Abercrombie Greenfield
Seller: Studio Junction LLC
Date: 06/14/17

50 Gold St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Maura M. Morrison
Seller: Jerry S. Moore
Date: 06/14/17

87 Meadow Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $288,000
Buyer: Maria J. Heidenreich
Seller: Mary J. Laus
Date: 06/13/17

24 Peabody Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $271,000
Buyer: Amy H. Swisher
Seller: Suzanne Gluck-Sosis
Date: 06/22/17

25 Pleasant St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Michael S. Noyes
Seller: Irina Vartanyan
Date: 06/23/17

5 Russell St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Gillian E. O’Flaherty
Seller: Jama Moore
Date: 06/19/17

HEATH

16 Ledge Road
Heath, MA 01346
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Lynne-Marie Reveliotis
Seller: George Harris
Date: 06/13/17

LEVERETT

16 Juggler Meadow Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $354,900
Buyer: Noah Paessel
Seller: Dann Sauer-Kelty
Date: 06/23/17

473 Long Plain Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: Joel W. Jukiro
Seller: Blair Maerowitz
Date: 06/14/17

MONTAGUE

206 Avenue A
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Army Salvation
Seller: George Maniatty
Date: 06/22/17

24 Coolidge Ave.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $121,975
Buyer: MHFA
Seller: Sarah T. Fitzpatrick
Date: 06/13/17

36 Randall Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Colton Hallett
Seller: Brad A. Richotte
Date: 06/23/17

12 Sunderland Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $308,000
Buyer: Alan P. Laus
Seller: Henry Komosa
Date: 06/13/17

NORTHFIELD

804 Pine Meadow Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Michael J. Doherty
Seller: Sean J. Conlon
Date: 06/13/17

ORANGE

50 East Myrtle St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Frances Deluca-Hadsel
Seller: Bradley Jacques
Date: 06/23/17

3 Sandrah Dr.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Kim E. Dumont
Seller: Karen E. Allen
Date: 06/16/17

ROWE

100 Leshure Road
Rowe, MA 01367
Amount: $221,000
Buyer: Michael A. Denson
Seller: Cynthia A. Baldwin
Date: 06/21/17

SHUTESBURY

5 Cove Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $234,900
Buyer: Timothy J. McKinney
Seller: William J. Couture
Date: 06/22/17

20 Great Pines Dr.
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Todd Tietchen
Seller: Jaime Campbell-Morton
Date: 06/12/17

367 Montague Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: Aaron P. Hoholik
Seller: Milton H. Harris
Date: 06/20/17

12 Old Egypt Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Wootton FT
Seller: Ruth Flohr
Date: 06/16/17

27 Wendell Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Todd E. Jansen
Seller: Thomas R. Kearns 2011 FT
Date: 06/16/17

SUNDERLAND

189 Plumtree Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $349,900
Buyer: Beth A. Bidlack
Seller: Raymond H. Goodrow
Date: 06/16/17

WHATELY

125 Haydenville Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $383,100
Buyer: Michael J. Vallee
Seller: Steven T. Hoffman
Date: 06/16/17

17 Laurel Mountain Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Mark C. Pierce
Seller: Paul Duga
Date: 06/14/17

284 Long Plain Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: Jenna M. Gagnon
Seller: Ann Lankarge
Date: 06/12/17

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

25 Clifton Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Asbel Nunez
Seller: Citizens Bank
Date: 06/19/17

117 Doane Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Patrick D. Dunphy
Seller: Patriot Living LLC
Date: 06/19/17

110 Federal St., Ext.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $119,000
Buyer: Thomas G. Petraitis
Seller: Christopher T. Pennock
Date: 06/12/17

143 Forest Hill Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $292,500
Buyer: Gary M. Giannini
Seller: Renee C. Hamilton
Date: 06/23/17

71 Granger Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Timothy M. Murphy
Seller: Domenic Cecchetelli
Date: 06/12/17

27 High Meadow Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $162,500
Buyer: Jeremy A. Casey
Seller: Stephen E. Gallagher
Date: 06/22/17

50 Main St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $161,000
Buyer: Route 75 Main Street AGA
Seller: Patrick T. Knowles
Date: 06/23/17

15 Mardale Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Joan A. Tetreault
Seller: Marylyn D. Sullivan
Date: 06/22/17

185 North St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $154,980
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Michael B. Vieira
Date: 06/13/17

316 North St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $168,000
Buyer: Bank New York Mellon
Seller: Mark D. Catchepaugh
Date: 06/14/17

52 Northwood St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $209,900
Buyer: Thomas J. Aussant
Seller: William H. Gensheimer
Date: 06/15/17

28 Pleasant Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: James R. Spear
Seller: Dianne P. Richardson
Date: 06/15/17

35 Rising St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $389,999
Buyer: Paul M. Brown
Seller: David W. Damario
Date: 06/15/17

921 River Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Reed J. Powers
Seller: Susan M. Depelteau
Date: 06/15/17

47 Russo Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: LTG Realty LLC
Seller: Davignon, James A., (Estate)
Date: 06/19/17

49 Russo Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: LTG Realty LLC
Seller: Davignon, James A., (Estate)
Date: 06/19/17

67 South West St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Nikita S. Peabody
Seller: Steven Peabody
Date: 06/23/17

61 Senator Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $226,500
Buyer: Peter J. Gorski
Seller: Elizabeth M. Robinson
Date: 06/19/17

23 Spear Farm Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Kenneth E. Becker
Seller: Diane M. Haggerty
Date: 06/16/17

567-569 Springfield St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $182,500
Buyer: Elias Family LP
Seller: Christopher L. Longo
Date: 06/13/17

BLANDFORD

4 Huntington Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $135,130
Buyer: Citizens Bank
Seller: Thomas J. Breault
Date: 06/20/17

BRIMFIELD

31 Cubles Dr.
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Steven L. Williams
Seller: Christopher J. Leary
Date: 06/23/17

71 Hollow Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Gary B. Watts
Seller: Randall S. Weston
Date: 06/19/17

30 Little Alum Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Justin Symczak
Seller: Herbert F. Seymour
Date: 06/14/17

CHICOPEE

97 Arnold St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Deanna L. Chocquette
Seller: Steven P. Hebert
Date: 06/15/17

63 Beauregard Terrace
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Brett T. Drewnowski
Seller: James A. Nai
Date: 06/23/17

26 Belcher St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Muni Management Inc.
Seller: Michael E. Fregeau
Date: 06/16/17

72 Borys Circle
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $141,000
Buyer: Wendy D. Burns
Seller: William H. Burns
Date: 06/20/17

52 Boulay Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Ryan Merritt
Seller: Carolyn F. Devries
Date: 06/20/17

582 Britton St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Xaviel L. Colon
Seller: Thomas M. Corjay
Date: 06/12/17

611 Britton St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Heinz H. Hochrein
Seller: Thomas M. Bacis
Date: 06/20/17

665 Burnett Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $128,000
Buyer: Viktor Moshkovskiy
Seller: Keybank
Date: 06/15/17

138 Cochran St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Vyacheslav Paliy
Seller: Wells Fargo Bank
Date: 06/16/17

Dwight Court
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Pioneer Housing LLC
Seller: CDB Realty LLC
Date: 06/14/17

48 Edgewood Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $153,000
Buyer: Stephanie A. Pelland
Seller: Mary V. Brown
Date: 06/19/17

34 Ferry St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $147,325
Buyer: Armando Rodriguez
Seller: MS Homes LLC
Date: 06/23/17

105 Gardner Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Connie M. Brown
Seller: Corey McKinstry
Date: 06/13/17

260 Grove St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Karl E. Lawrence
Seller: Frances M. Kuselias
Date: 06/16/17

46 Harvard St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $213,000
Buyer: Lisa M. Fournier
Seller: Harvard Home LLC
Date: 06/13/17

40 Highland Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $159,750
Buyer: Thomas P. Rondeau
Seller: Michael P. Nareau
Date: 06/14/17

502 Irene St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $249,000
Buyer: Patricia B. Hay
Seller: Oak Ridge Custom Homes
Date: 06/14/17

66 Irene St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $229,500
Buyer: Cassandra D. Keller
Seller: Amy E. Hebert
Date: 06/15/17

565 Lafleur Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $202,000
Buyer: Julio A. Funes-Rodriguez
Seller: Sergey N. Dikan
Date: 06/19/17

52 Leary Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $160,272
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: James M. Kelly
Date: 06/14/17

118 Leo Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $211,000
Buyer: Janet F. Horne
Seller: Gilles J. Fugere
Date: 06/15/17

50 Leona Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $187,900
Buyer: Jessica A. Spear
Seller: Serge M. Harvey
Date: 06/23/17

31 Marshall Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Luis J. Rosario
Seller: Choquette, Bruce N., (Estate)
Date: 06/23/17

42 Mount Carmel Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Valley Opportunity Council
Seller: Mazurowski, Chester, (Estate)
Date: 06/16/17

23 Naomi St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Hutheyfa F. Jameel
Seller: Mary J. Lakota
Date: 06/16/17

76 Nelson St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $184,900
Buyer: Mark J. Romani
Seller: DCL General Construction
Date: 06/16/17

250 Old Lyman Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $204,900
Buyer: Adeline G. Monroe
Seller: Daniel A. O’Sullivan
Date: 06/19/17

50 Oxford St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: Jose A. Aponte
Seller: Douglas W. Prive
Date: 06/23/17

62 Pine St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Kim I. Bosshart
Seller: Jason M. Nietupski
Date: 06/12/17

40 Raymond Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $134,000
Buyer: Diana Colon-Castro
Seller: Robert L. Glasgo
Date: 06/22/17

57 Ruskin St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $169,900
Buyer: Yoni Benitez
Seller: Theresa J. Chapdelaine
Date: 06/19/17

546 Springfield St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Ryan W. Jopson
Seller: John Robitaille
Date: 06/23/17

170 State St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $160,680
Buyer: Jeffrey Allaire
Seller: Carpenterkenneth, L., (Estate)
Date: 06/12/17

17 Tanglewood St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $204,000
Buyer: Crystal Mosko
Seller: Heinz H. Hochrein
Date: 06/20/17

101 Wanda St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $229,900
Buyer: Zachary J. Pirog
Seller: Peter A. Wilk
Date: 06/23/17

89 Woodcrest Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Louis A. Harrison
Seller: Annette L. Menard
Date: 06/22/17

EAST LONGMEADOW

28 5th St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $216,900
Buyer: Anne-Marie Glasser
Seller: Jennifer A. Assad
Date: 06/12/17

85 Avery St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Michelle B. Milo
Seller: Margaret K. Trase
Date: 06/19/17

7 Edgewood Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Daniel F. Hansberry
Seller: Sandra Lyall
Date: 06/23/17

31 Ericka Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $528,500
Buyer: Harry E. Dumay
Seller: Larry L. Kinn
Date: 06/22/17

14 Fisher Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Dennis M. Welch
Seller: Zofia Ilinski
Date: 06/15/17

60 Lombard Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Robert H. Coolong
Seller: Paul J. Sears
Date: 06/16/17

285 Maple St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $139,000
Buyer: Michael J. Ross
Seller: James L. McCormack
Date: 06/16/17

99 Meadow Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $223,000
Buyer: Jillian Goodwin
Seller: Blueline Management LLC
Date: 06/23/17

595 Parker St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Jennifer A. Dickinson
Seller: Matthew C. Karsten
Date: 06/23/17

99 Rogers Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Lauren M. Weiner
Seller: Margaret M. Swords
Date: 06/19/17

157 Smith Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $162,481
Buyer: Zin Property Solutions
Seller: USA HUD
Date: 06/19/17

170 Tanglewood Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Thomas J. Mazza
Seller: James B. Sheils
Date: 06/14/17

7 West Allen Ridge Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $218,000
Buyer: Rita M. Mercieri
Seller: Donatangelo Dangelo
Date: 06/15/17

HAMPDEN

59 Allen Crest St.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $150,786
Buyer: Gabrielle M. Morgan
Seller: Wells Fargo Bank
Date: 06/22/17

20 Colonial Village
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Jennifer L. Johnson
Seller: Christopher R. Bilodeau
Date: 06/22/17

54 Forest Hill Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $407,000
Buyer: Kevin P. Moriarty
Seller: Jennifer M. Garman
Date: 06/13/17

24 Kibbe Lane
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $452,380
Buyer: Scott A. Perrier
Seller: Custom Homes Development Group
Date: 06/22/17

HOLLAND

15 Cherokee Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Brian Gagnon
Seller: Nicholas R. Romano
Date: 06/16/17

HOLYOKE

177-179 Allyn St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Max C. Hebert
Seller: Nancy H. Adams
Date: 06/23/17

30-32 Arlington St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $191,450
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Luis A. Cordero
Date: 06/13/17

12 Cedar Hill Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Michael E. Windoloski
Seller: Barbara Granata
Date: 06/22/17

20 Dunn Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: James P. Ross
Seller: Cathy B. Doherty
Date: 06/20/17

18 Knollwood Circle
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $176,000
Buyer: Jenna Kaeppel
Seller: Michael J. Haas
Date: 06/15/17

29 Mayer Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Maureen Lucey
Seller: Gregory, Charles R., (Estate)
Date: 06/22/17

71 Queen St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $163,500
Buyer: Sandra J. Bodkin
Seller: Kiely E. Rigali
Date: 06/23/17

244-246 South St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $199,900
Buyer: Maria Munet
Seller: Robert Galica
Date: 06/23/17

64 Waldo St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Sara Luttrell
Seller: Brent A. Alderman-Sterste
Date: 06/16/17

LONGMEADOW

61 Birch Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $272,000
Buyer: Matthew K. Smith
Seller: O’Connell John Patrick, (Estate)
Date: 06/22/17

192 Converse St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Trevor H. Agnitti
Seller: Jeffrey A. Carterud
Date: 06/22/17

824 Converse St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $2,000,000
Buyer: Genesis Lifecare Corp.
Seller: Genesis House 2 Inc.
Date: 06/12/17

832 Converse St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $3,001,000
Buyer: Genesis Lifecare Corp.
Seller: Genesis House Inc.
Date: 06/12/17

14 Essex Court
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Jonathan Crowley
Seller: Marla J. Renius
Date: 06/22/17

13 Glenwood Circle
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Raymond Beattie
Seller: Kimberly Guarnaccia
Date: 06/20/17

74 Inverness Lane
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $476,000
Buyer: Anthony Mancini
Seller: Gaurav Chawla
Date: 06/16/17

741 Laurel St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $299,900
Buyer: Timothy J. Casey
Seller: Andrew J. Oleksak
Date: 06/16/17

547 Maple Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $218,000
Buyer: Marissa Carterud
Seller: Matthew K. Smith
Date: 06/22/17

79 Maple Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Patriot Living LLC
Seller: Karen L. Hachadourian
Date: 06/23/17

8 Nevins Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $353,000
Buyer: Brian C. Newburn
Seller: Brian M. Torpey
Date: 06/23/17

191 Pinewood Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $520,000
Buyer: Gerald R. Lazarus
Seller: Steven M. Seay
Date: 06/15/17

65 Quinnehtuk Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $357,000
Buyer: Victor Chuku
Seller: Neil Brittman
Date: 06/20/17

849 Shaker Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Danh Dang
Seller: Margaret L. Bresnahan
Date: 06/22/17

34 Tanglewood Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $463,000
Buyer: Kranti K. Bhagi
Seller: Jun Jiang
Date: 06/22/17

347 Williams St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $256,000
Buyer: Hesse Wegner
Seller: Wayne M. Robinson
Date: 06/15/17

LUDLOW

17 Brimfield St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $199,000
Buyer: Michael T. Narey
Seller: Grace M. Dias
Date: 06/15/17

45 Canterbury St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Jeffrey E. Salvador
Seller: Karen Kaboray
Date: 06/16/17

36 Fairview St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Eliud Rosado
Seller: Guy D. Baillargeon
Date: 06/16/17

Harvest Dr. #37
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $134,900
Buyer: Brian H. Martins
Seller: Whitetail Wreks LLC
Date: 06/12/17

231 Holyoke St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $229,900
Buyer: Amanda Keeley
Seller: Alexander H. Degobbi
Date: 06/22/17

140 Kirkland Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $222,000
Buyer: Ali Ozdemir
Seller: Maria R. Fortunato
Date: 06/21/17

52 Joy St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $117,260
Buyer: Bank Of America
Seller: Jason W. Smith
Date: 06/13/17

152 Lakeview Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $167,000
Buyer: Melissa G. Riel
Seller: Michael S. Freitas
Date: 06/19/17

125 Letendre Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Sergio Pereira
Seller: Alan P. Sagan
Date: 06/13/17

29 McLean Pkwy.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: James T. Gagne
Seller: Sharon M. Dowd
Date: 06/23/17

31 Victoria Terrace
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $159,900
Buyer: David M. Vigneault
Seller: Nicholas W. Daviau
Date: 06/23/17

24 Woodland Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $347,400
Buyer: Joseph C. Wadsworth
Seller: Michael J. Pio
Date: 06/20/17

MONSON

4 Oak St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $222,000
Buyer: James A. Holmes
Seller: Gary Fountain
Date: 06/23/17

110 Thayer Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: H&L Tassinari Builders
Seller: Monson Savings Bank
Date: 06/13/17

168 Wales Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $274,000
Buyer: Justin M. Butler
Seller: Ryan McDowell-Smith
Date: 06/15/17

PALMER

206 Boston Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $199,900
Buyer: Krystal Gemelli
Seller: Timothy J. Cienciwa
Date: 06/13/17

166 Breckenridge St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Christina Lapointe
Seller: Raymond E. Tibbetts
Date: 06/13/17

250 Breckenridge St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $139,900
Buyer: Lisa Desroches
Seller: Claire L. Kennett
Date: 06/16/17

2004-A&B Calkins Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Kristopher D. Collignon
Seller: Cheryl P. Soper
Date: 06/14/17

4006-4008 Church St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $146,450
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Patrick M. Fitzgerald
Date: 06/22/17

40 Mechanic St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $209,000
Buyer: Jennifer A. Laflash
Seller: Matthew J. Swindlehurst
Date: 06/15/17

5 Ruggles St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Daniel R. Biegner
Seller: April M. Beston
Date: 06/15/17

124 South High St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: John D. Polito
Seller: Carl A. Beauregard
Date: 06/12/17

RUSSELL

1190 Huntington Road
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $2,200,000
Buyer: Hitchcock Hydro LLC
Seller: Littleville Power Co Inc.
Date: 06/22/17

134 Huntington Road
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $318,000
Buyer: Nicholas E. Debarge
Seller: Dale L. Stimpson
Date: 06/22/17

SOUTHWICK

18 George Loomis Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Allissa A. Barnish
Seller: Christian C. Gonthier
Date: 06/16/17

204 Hillside Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $264,000
Buyer: David J. Virella
Seller: USA VA
Date: 06/23/17

4 Iroquois Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $328,000
Buyer: Edmund A. Babski
Seller: Michael Diotalevi
Date: 06/23/17

S Longyard Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $1,000,000
Buyer: Franklin Land Trust Inc.
Seller: South Longyard Holding Co.
Date: 06/23/17

23 Southwick Hill #23
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $357,500
Buyer: Marla J. Renius TR
Seller: 20 Depot Square LLC
Date: 06/22/17

SPRINGFIELD

1187 Allen St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $179,900
Buyer: Ayele Beraki
Seller: FHLM
Date: 06/16/17

240 Arthur St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Lynn A. Boivin
Seller: Julian May
Date: 06/12/17

19-23 Baldwin St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Rachel Thomas
Seller: Michael J. Bailey
Date: 06/15/17

63 Beaumont St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $182,000
Buyer: Purna Chhetri
Seller: Mark S. Babineau
Date: 06/21/17

90 Bolton St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Diane L. Martin
Seller: Luke Rutkowski
Date: 06/15/17

155 Bolton St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: Joseph J. Giannini
Seller: Cheryl A. Cheetham
Date: 06/19/17

80 Bowles St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Gerald J. Bergeron
Seller: Bowles Street Holding LLC
Date: 06/23/17

79 Brandon Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $135,877
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Thomas M. Clune
Date: 06/23/17

72 Colorado St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $154,900
Buyer: David Dandeneau
Seller: Rita T. Potito
Date: 06/12/17

37-39 Commonwealth Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Safee A. Idrees
Seller: Kenrick Ngo
Date: 06/20/17

602-604 Dickinson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $117,000
Buyer: Wilmington Savings
Seller: Miguel A. Laboy
Date: 06/12/17

81 Drexel St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $139,000
Buyer: Edith I. Santiago
Seller: Evangelio Gonzalez
Date: 06/20/17

19 Edendale St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $117,260
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Carlito Gonzalez
Date: 06/23/17

69 Edendale St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $118,510
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Jose D. Gonzalez
Date: 06/16/17

96 Embury St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $124,500
Buyer: Melissa Gendreau
Seller: SLC Associates LLC
Date: 06/21/17

68 Forest Park Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Marcelino Vazquez
Seller: Gennadiy A. Kamyshin
Date: 06/16/17

52-54 Fremont St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $152,500
Buyer: Andrew Laing
Seller: Anthony Carnevale
Date: 06/16/17

151 Garnet St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Brian T. Kennedy
Seller: Ryan W. Howell
Date: 06/19/17

81 Geneva St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $148,500
Buyer: Jonathan Valentin
Seller: Kristopher D. Collignon
Date: 06/14/17

99 Gilman St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Rosalie Garcia
Seller: Sandy H. Tan
Date: 06/13/17

269 Greenaway Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $129,900
Buyer: Matthew Brownlie
Seller: Moses K. Kibara
Date: 06/23/17

296 Hartwick St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Christopher M. Abel
Seller: Mya Realty LLC
Date: 06/23/17

54 Herbert Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Raymond A. Herrera
Seller: Teressa D. Williams
Date: 06/12/17

34 Higgins St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $147,000
Buyer: Jaime Betancourt
Seller: Jennifer J. Allain
Date: 06/16/17

100 Hudson St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $128,750
Buyer: Frank P. Garelli
Seller: Richter, Gisela, M., (Estate)
Date: 06/15/17

14 Lancaster St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $197,500
Buyer: James Labrecque
Seller: Ryan M. Geisler
Date: 06/22/17

74 Lorimer St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $149,500
Buyer: Manuel Melendez
Seller: Rice, Dona A., (Estate)
Date: 06/19/17

96 Manhattan St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $237,000
Buyer: Tehran Lewis
Seller: Grahams Construction Inc.
Date: 06/13/17

167 Middle St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Iris N. Rodriguez
Seller: Cahill, Daniel, (Estate)
Date: 06/16/17

307 Oakland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $129,900
Buyer: Latoya Lynch
Seller: JF Inc.
Date: 06/19/17

71 Oregon St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: James J. Craig
Seller: William C. Sullivan
Date: 06/23/17

1367 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $184,900
Buyer: Susan Almahrwuth
Seller: Stephen A. Dean
Date: 06/19/17

1956 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Hector R. Velez
Seller: FNMA
Date: 06/16/17

113 Pennsylvania Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $182,000
Buyer: Lilliam Calvo
Seller: Jeffrey J. Bienvenue
Date: 06/16/17

147 Pineywoods Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: Thomas Hansen
Seller: Mary R. Ryan
Date: 06/23/17

90 Pinta Circle
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $144,000
Buyer: Suraji S. Omar
Seller: Abdallah Soulemane
Date: 06/23/17

647 Plumtree Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Victor M. Serrano
Seller: Sophia Rodriguez
Date: 06/15/17

15 Portulaca Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Vernon L. Johnson
Seller: Theresa A. Bennett
Date: 06/23/17

241 South Branch Pkwy.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Nepal Tamang
Seller: PCI Construction Inc.
Date: 06/19/17

1229 South Branch Pkwy.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Tonn Q. Cao
Seller: John H. Eisenbeiser
Date: 06/16/17

36-38 Shawmut St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $168,000
Buyer: Madino W. Idoor
Seller: Dawn D. McDonald
Date: 06/16/17

44-46 Sterling St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Juan D. Rios
Seller: Acacio M. Ferreira
Date: 06/16/17

71 Sunbrier Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $146,000
Buyer: Omy Rouse
Seller: Noah G. Giard
Date: 06/14/17

100 Surrey Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: Victor M. Burgos
Seller: Steven C. Baglio
Date: 06/23/17

288 West Allen Ridge Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $187,500
Buyer: Roger J. Chicoine
Seller: Arlene F. Howe
Date: 06/13/17

42 Wexford St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $196,000
Buyer: Amanda E. Berthiaume
Seller: Derek J. Conway
Date: 06/16/17

116 White Birch Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $205,500
Buyer: Edward Heaton
Seller: Shane M. Manning
Date: 06/16/17

2072 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $202,400
Buyer: Maritzabel Vidal
Seller: Heather M. Leone
Date: 06/19/17

2330 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $169,900
Buyer: James Collins
Seller: Todd Ostrowski
Date: 06/13/17

31 Wilton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $146,000
Buyer: Tara T. Woods
Seller: Global Homes Properties
Date: 06/22/17

106 Windemere St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: John M. Baez
Seller: Gretchen A. Dubbs
Date: 06/12/17

125 Woodlawn St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $162,000
Buyer: Donna J. Campbell
Seller: FNMA
Date: 06/15/17

1090 Worthington St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: James S. Reisinger-Kindle
Seller: Bridge Home Inc.
Date: 06/23/17

WALES

Lynch Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $196,000
Buyer: Christopher D. Adams
Seller: Teresa M. Smart
Date: 06/22/17

WEST SPRINGFIELD

686 Amostown Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Jose T. Almonte
Seller: Duc Truong
Date: 06/22/17

37 Angeline St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Catherine M. Pena
Seller: David M. Atwell
Date: 06/22/17

70 Benedict St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Maksim Kolesnichenko
Seller: Matthew B. Andre
Date: 06/20/17

11 Central St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Town of West Springfield
Seller: Robert D. Wroble
Date: 06/22/17

Claremont St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Eric N. Morgan
Seller: David B. Givans
Date: 06/19/17

21 Dale St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $166,489
Buyer: Michelle L. Bernardi
Seller: USA HUD
Date: 06/15/17

Elm St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Iglesias Cristianas Rey
Seller: Wardens & Vestry Of Church
Date: 06/22/17

114 Forest Glenn
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Evan M. Breeding
Seller: Christopher J. Lemanski
Date: 06/19/17

122 High St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $181,000
Buyer: Mark L. Tenggren
Seller: Edward J. Zitka
Date: 06/19/17

112 Highland Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $227,000
Buyer: Emily M. Davila
Seller: Home Equity Assets Realty
Date: 06/23/17

55 Lyman St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Zhi Tan
Seller: USA HUD
Date: 06/23/17

14 Lynne Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $294,000
Buyer: Moulaye A. Haidara
Seller: Kathleen Fisher
Date: 06/22/17

66 Maple Terrace
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $244,900
Buyer: Sean T. Powers
Seller: Cesare R. Ferrari
Date: 06/23/17

89 Massasoit Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Tek N. Kharel
Seller: James P. Foley
Date: 06/23/17

138 Pine St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Timothy Page
Seller: Richard P. Thompson
Date: 06/23/17

11 Sikes Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Cara F. Clifford
Seller: Sharbel Hannoush
Date: 06/15/17

39 South Blvd.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Karen Kerpelman
Seller: Brian Kolodziej
Date: 06/16/17

1626 Westfield St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Win T. Da
Seller: Duc Truong
Date: 06/14/17

2284 Westfield St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: 2284 Westfield Street LLC
Seller: Ashley Enterprises Inc.
Date: 06/23/17

WESTFIELD

49 Berkshire Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $191,000
Buyer: Amy K. Cherry-Hathaway
Seller: Brian L. Osowski
Date: 06/23/17

36 Cabot Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $251,900
Buyer: Robert C. Girard
Seller: Edward F. Jaeger
Date: 06/15/17

72 Eastwood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $232,500
Buyer: Kathleen M. Cotnoir
Seller: William Hamby
Date: 06/16/17

70 Heggie Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Carlo A. Cressotti
Seller: Carlo Cressotti
Date: 06/23/17

70 Highland Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $219,000
Buyer: Kimberly A. Avery
Seller: Edith L. Sullivan
Date: 06/16/17

111 Hillcrest Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Nicholas A. Krolicki
Seller: James M. Callahan
Date: 06/19/17

22 Jefferson St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $198,500
Buyer: Jean A. Arce-Vazquez
Seller: Thomas P. Flaherty
Date: 06/13/17

36 Parker Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $161,999
Buyer: Janice E. Erricolo
Seller: Wilmington Savings
Date: 06/20/17

18 Pinewood Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $184,900
Buyer: Matthew M. Smith
Seller: Patricia A. Popielarczyk
Date: 06/21/17

4 Pearl St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: Tasos FT
Seller: Antonios N. Kapsanis
Date: 06/16/17

59 South Maple St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $215,900
Buyer: Brittney L. Kelleher
Seller: Steven C. Girard
Date: 06/15/17

5 Stephanie Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $289,900
Buyer: Matthew P. Thompson
Seller: Debra A. Merriam
Date: 06/23/17

191 Susan Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $302,000
Buyer: Brian S. Thompson
Seller: Harold J. Pechie
Date: 06/22/17

82 West Silver St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $143,500
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Kevin R. Burns
Date: 06/16/17

54 Western Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $299,900
Buyer: Erin M. Burke
Seller: Christopher D. Avery
Date: 06/16/17

50 Wilson Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $156,900
Buyer: John M. Volpe
Seller: Lynn M. Savage
Date: 06/15/17

WILBRAHAM

34 Brainard Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $239,900
Buyer: Dale L. Stimpson
Seller: Janet J. Stabile
Date: 06/23/17

11 Branch Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Shane Manning
Seller: Jennifer Caine
Date: 06/16/17

11 Carla Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $435,750
Buyer: Jason W. Leclerc
Seller: Lance D. Bruce
Date: 06/15/17

3 Country Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $224,000
Buyer: Michael F. Ware
Seller: Thomas M. Guilbault
Date: 06/23/17

3 Craigwood Terrace
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Alfonso S. Conselino
Seller: Eduardo C. Llamas
Date: 06/14/17

16 Devonshire Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $269,900
Buyer: Stephanie M. Nordstrom
Seller: Bruce A. Forsythe
Date: 06/12/17

4 Jewell Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Derek H. Wayne
Seller: Richard A. Schieding
Date: 06/14/17

35 Longview Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Jeffrey J. Bienvenue
Seller: Lisa Byam-Mooney
Date: 06/16/17

31 Ruth Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $279,900
Buyer: John M. Beston
Seller: Joseph Celetti
Date: 06/15/17

Squire Dr. #11
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Boston Road Properties LLC
Seller: Crane Hill LLC
Date: 06/14/17

83-85 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Jamie Tomas
Seller: Halena Ramos
Date: 06/15/17

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

883 Bay Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $174,000
Buyer: Ana Devlin-Gauthier
Seller: Snyder, Ellen J., (Estate)
Date: 06/16/17

80 Chapel Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $312,000
Buyer: Jacob Miller-Mack
Seller: Joseph R. Kislo
Date: 06/15/17

55 Gray St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $346,500
Buyer: Samuel A. Macleod
Seller: Thomas F. Devine
Date: 06/16/17

92-94 High St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: CIBA LLC
Seller: RBABB Realty LLC
Date: 06/12/17

173 Middle St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $346,000
Buyer: Denise A. Spence
Seller: Andrew W. Phillips
Date: 06/14/17

239 Pelham Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Joseph C. Black
Seller: Marc J. Solomon
Date: 06/23/17

66 Pine St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $218,500
Buyer: Metin Yavuz
Seller: Mitchell S. Koldy
Date: 06/23/17

288 Shays St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Ellen Brout Lindsey RET
Seller: Cory M. Baxter
Date: 06/23/17

611 South East St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $277,000
Buyer: Maria J. Caizan
Seller: Joanne S. Jones
Date: 06/15/17

505 Sunderland Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Hsiang A. Chu-An
Seller: Richard A. Profio
Date: 06/14/17

BELCHERTOWN

620 Amherst Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $249,000
Buyer: Amber L. Kapoor
Seller: Michael J. Jercinovic
Date: 06/14/17

268 Bay Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Max A. Bourgeois
Seller: Peter S. Wojtowicz
Date: 06/19/17

74 Bay Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $207,000
Buyer: Thomas A. Bliss
Seller: Marie C. Gallerani
Date: 06/23/17

27 Blue Meadow Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $248,000
Buyer: Katherine S. Nickel
Seller: Bliss A. Young
Date: 06/12/17

41 Edelcy Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $282,000
Buyer: Thomas A. Emerson
Seller: Brian P. Kosiorek
Date: 06/13/17

9 Heritage Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Sarah D. Martineau
Seller: Tilo R. Schiffer
Date: 06/22/17

37 Hickory Hill
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $389,900
Buyer: Jeffrey A. Rakers
Seller: J. N. Duquette & Son Construction
Date: 06/12/17

31 Jabish St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $288,500
Buyer: Amy D. Lanham
Seller: Adam D. Daniell
Date: 06/12/17

56 North Main St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Robert H. Adair
Seller: Shannon M. Kurzeski
Date: 06/23/17

8 Old Farm Circle
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Karen A. Guilmette
Seller: Richard C. Poissant
Date: 06/16/17

13 Pine St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $266,000
Buyer: Michael O. Doyle
Seller: David J. Bertsch
Date: 06/14/17

32 Railroad St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Thomas Desharnais
Seller: Kathleen C. Sacco
Date: 06/23/17

127 River St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: John Corcoran
Seller: Matthew J. Soja
Date: 06/15/17

442 South Gulf Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Justin C. Deblois
Seller: Louis H. Beauregard
Date: 06/12/17

408 Springfield Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Bruce A. Forsythe
Seller: Jason T. Roberts
Date: 06/16/17

231 State St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $242,000
Buyer: James L. Pratt
Seller: Scott Roth
Date: 06/21/17

163 Summit St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $344,085
Buyer: Dennis C. Driscoll
Seller: USA HUD
Date: 06/20/17

7 Town Beach Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Matthew T. Schiffer
Seller: Elaine M. Cox
Date: 06/20/17

EASTHAMPTON

17 Concord Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: April Realty Investments
Seller: Lucyna B. Drozdal
Date: 06/20/17

443 East St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $372,500
Buyer: Aimee M. Petrosky
Seller: Julianne Kinsman
Date: 06/15/17

65-67 Emerald Place
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Noelle K. Doherty
Seller: Joseph D. Squires
Date: 06/23/17

25 Garfield Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Camille Kerr
Seller: Erica Hatoum
Date: 06/15/17

26 Hannum Brook Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $351,000
Buyer: Ryan E. Quinn
Seller: Philip J. Marquis
Date: 06/16/17

40 Maine Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Nonotuck Properties LLC
Seller: Pine Valley Realty Corp.
Date: 06/13/17

8 West Green St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $232,000
Buyer: Michelle M. Kim
Seller: Gene R. Talsky
Date: 06/16/17

GOSHEN

8 Lilly Pond Lane
Goshen, MA 01032
Amount: $217,000
Buyer: Cory D. Powell
Seller: Francis Phelps
Date: 06/21/17

GRANBY

147 Batchelor St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $193,400
Buyer: Erica C. Conlon
Seller: Scott G. Bombardier
Date: 06/13/17

70 Burnett St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $540,000
Buyer: Mark I. Nickerson
Seller: Sarah V. Wilson
Date: 06/23/17

2 Deerbrook Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $312,000
Buyer: Peter Gladstone
Seller: John R. Mikalchus
Date: 06/15/17

HADLEY

233 Bay Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $278,000
Buyer: Susan N. Pawlishen
Seller: Mark P. McLeod
Date: 06/15/17

38 Huntington Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Sharon L. Fetler
Seller: Jonathan A. Fetler
Date: 06/23/17

6 Indian Pipe Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $785,000
Buyer: Jay H. Levin
Seller: Bercume Construction LLC
Date: 06/19/17

7 Ladyslipper Lane
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $384,000
Buyer: Matthew J. Howell
Seller: Lengieza RET
Date: 06/19/17

13 Meadowbrook Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Michael Oakes-Rooney
Seller: William J. Mellen
Date: 06/16/17

15 Morning Star Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $312,000
Buyer: Valley Building Co. Inc.
Seller: Linda R. Polonsky
Date: 06/22/17

397 Russell St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $675,000
Buyer: Focus Realty Group LLC
Seller: Barry Drucker
Date: 06/16/17

HUNTINGTON

47 Old Chester Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $267,700
Buyer: Elizabeth Stansky
Seller: Alexandr Goretskiy
Date: 06/16/17

MIDDLEFIELD

4 Bryan Road
Middlefield, MA 01243
Amount: $129,600
Buyer: Carolyn C. Porter
Seller: USA HUD
Date: 06/14/17

11 Skyline Trail
Middlefield, MA 01243
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Efrain Cruz
Seller: Michael Labarre
Date: 06/14/17

NORTHAMPTON

12 4th Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Jamie A. Hernandez
Seller: Inness, Julie C., (Estate)
Date: 06/15/17

15 Avis Circle
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $382,500
Buyer: Apoorva N. Bajaj
Seller: Stylianos P. Scordilis
Date: 06/23/17

Burts Pit Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $400,400
Buyer: City Of Northampton
Seller: Tofino Associates LLC
Date: 06/23/17

49 Ford Xing
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $555,183
Buyer: William Knorr
Seller: Sturbridge Development
Date: 06/16/17

195 Grove St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Miriam Gladstone-Helak
Seller: Hoksung Yau
Date: 06/19/17

23 Hayes Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Jessica L. Jones
Seller: Denise Orenstein
Date: 06/14/17

76 Industrial Dr.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Vam Logistics LLC
Seller: Frank J. Basile
Date: 06/15/17

591 Kennedy Road
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Paul J. Reitano
Seller: Susan Dreiband
Date: 06/15/17

49 Mann Terrace
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Jennifer L. Depiero
Seller: Tara C. Lagu
Date: 06/12/17

North King St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Red Barn Realty LLC
Seller: Dave & Marion Dulong FT
Date: 06/16/17

110 Overlook Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $237,100
Buyer: David C. Velez
Seller: Amy J. Lapointe
Date: 06/23/17

33 Prospect Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $581,650
Buyer: Mara Benjamin
Seller: Jennifer Bryan
Date: 06/15/17

Stoddard St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Carl J. Mahaney
Seller: Laura A. Battles LT
Date: 06/15/17

9 West Farms Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $168,000
Buyer: Scott Carrier
Seller: Lawrence J. Jones
Date: 06/15/17

PELHAM

17 Harkness Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $458,500
Buyer: Margarette G. Bullock
Seller: Kathryn K. Maude
Date: 06/16/17

SOUTH HADLEY

12 Atwood Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Katherine A. Piedra
Seller: Stray Horse Properties
Date: 06/15/17

3 Eagle Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $429,000
Buyer: Dorothy J. Yagodzinski
Seller: Mitchell E. Roy
Date: 06/16/17

44 Garden St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Douglas W. Ogden
Seller: Ryan Gray
Date: 06/20/17

5 Marcel St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $228,000
Buyer: Dianne M. Young
Seller: Jason M. Holmes
Date: 06/12/17

166 North Main St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $267,500
Buyer: Jeremy J. Kele
Seller: Wesley K. Couture
Date: 06/23/17

104 Pittroff Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Arthur L. Williamson
Seller: Charles J. Emma
Date: 06/23/17

River Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Amy Jamrog
Seller: Heather A. Plouffe
Date: 06/15/17

SOUTHAMPTON

63 Coleman Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: David W. Damario
Seller: David Garstka Builders
Date: 06/16/17

Woodmar Lane
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: David Garstka Builders
Seller: Chester J. Kellogg
Date: 06/16/17

WARE

102 Church St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: John M. Robitaille
Seller: Barrasso, Laverne, (Estate)
Date: 06/23/17

21 Robbins Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $263,376
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Tela J. Bartram
Date: 06/12/17

10 Sczygiel Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $173,000
Buyer: Bank Of New York
Seller: Linda M. Dematte
Date: 06/16/17

182 West St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Cold Spring Medical LLC
Seller: Cumberland Farms Inc.
Date: 06/22/17

17 Williston Dr.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $308,000
Buyer: Kyle Landry
Seller: Joseph M. Pagnoni
Date: 06/15/17

WESTHAMPTON

88 Montague Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $505,000
Buyer: Kristopher E. Galenski
Seller: Bret A. Lafrance
Date: 06/23/17

WILLIAMSBURG

102 Old Goshen Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $119,000
Buyer: Edward W. Hathaway
Seller: Greenwood, Richard E., (Estate)
Date: 06/23/17

84 Petticoat Hill Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Samuel J. Rowlett
Seller: Joan Muellner
Date: 06/12/17

Building Permits

By BusinessWest Staff July 25, 2017

Building Permits Departments

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

AGAWAM

Genesis Health Ventures of Massachusetts Inc.
65-67 Cooper St.
$10,000 — Construct cement housekeeping pad for generator

Town of Agawam
68 Main St.
$26,179 — At Agawam Middle School, install four concrete equipment pads, infill masonry opening, cut opening in existing chimney stack for new fire-rated access door, remove existing louver and reinstall panel in its place for two new boilers

Walnut Plaza, LLC
365-385 Walnut St. Ext.
$2,000 — Install laundry room for new massage-therapy business

CHICOPEE

Kirby Ward
21 Alvord Ave.
$10,250 — Roofing

DEERFIELD

Yankee Candle
25 Greenfield Road
$50,000 — New roof over restaurant area

Yankee Candle
25 Greenfield Road
$222,210 — Cosmetic changes to restaurant kitchen

EASTHAMPTON

Polish Pulaski Club
79 Maple St.
$12,000 — Install hood system with associated ductwork

Tubed Products
44 O’Neill St.
$90,000 — Roofing

Williston Northampton School
191 Main St.
$75,000 — Interior renovations to convert from dormitory to single-family apartment unit

Willison Northampton School
87 Park St.
$22,100 — Roofing

EAST LONGMEADOW

Heritage Park Plaza
436 North Main St.
$5,500 — Commercial interior renovations

Reflections by Claudia
87 Shaker Road
$35,000 — Commercial alterations

GREENFIELD

Center for Human Development
102 Main St.
$150,000 — Build out dental suites

Center for Human Development
102 Main St.
$82,100 — Renovate existing fire-sprinkler system

Greenfield Corporate Center, LLC
101 Munson St.
$125,000 — Remodel existing space for Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission

Quality Realty Partners II, LLP
55 Federal St.
$136,000 — Renovate interior office space

Rachael Katz
229-231 Main St.
$55,972 — Remove metal facing on front and sides of building, rebuild front of building

HADLEY

Gary Pelissier
1 Russell St.
Install concrete pad for above-ground storage tank

W/S Hadley Properties II, LLC
337 Russell St.
$3,400 — Remove and replace three wall signs at Walmart

LUDLOW

Heron Machine & Engineering
100 State St.
$4,000 — Commercial alterations

Ludlow Mill Housing
68 State St.
$14,000 — Two non-illuminated signs

Tony Nails
263 East St.
$1,100 — Two non-illuminated signs

NORTHAMPTON

94 Industrial Drive, LLC
94 Industrial Dr.
$27,000 — Roofing

94 Industrial Drive, LLC
94 Industrial Dr.
$29,500 — Install truck ramp with retaining wall and overhead door, install new overhead door

100 Main St. Florence, LLC
100 Main St.
$75,000 — Interior renovations for a new law office

American Benefits Group
320 Riverside Dr.
$38,000 — Remove built-in partitions to install cubicles

City of Northampton
170 Glendale Road
$19,000 — Replace antenna, add radio heads at leachate treatment facility

Continental Cablevision of Western New England Inc.
790 Florence Road
$90,000 — Add ground equipment, cables, and three antennas to existing guyed tower

Emerald City Partners
17 New South St.
$44,980 — Frame interior walls, install two entry doors and three bifold doors, install trim

Gandara Mental Health Center Inc.
18 Summer St.
$38,443 — Strip and shingle roof, repair chimney

McDonald’s Corp.
221 King St.
$395,000 — Update exterior of building, remove building arcades, configure drive-thru for side-by-side layout, interior remodel including dining area and restrooms, new roof, ADA updates

Pioneer Contractors
32 Masonic St.
$82,000 — Replace windows

Smith College
123 Elm St.
$25,000 — Remove and replace three antennas and related accessories for AT&T

Smith College
102 Lower College Lane
$70,500 — Convert decommissioned stairs to former balcony into storage space

Smith College
186 Elm St.
$550,000 — Remodel space for first-floor laundry, bathroom, kitchenette, and lounge area

Thornes Marketplace, LLC
150 Main St.
$25,000 — Remove and improve facade Suite 170, replace five windows, and relocate non-structural partition wall

Unique Lodging, LLC
74 Bridge St.
$241,500 — Add three-season room, deck, and elevator

PALMER

Baystate Wing Hospital
40 Wright St.
$269,900 — HVAC duct systems for the hospital and Emergency Department expansion

MPact
1659 North Main St.
$31,500 — Roofing

St. Joe’s Club
18-20 Commercial St.
$29,000 — Roofing

SPRINGFIELD

Baystate Health
759 Chestnut St.
$804,650 — Interior renovations to North Cafe at Baystate Medical Center

Howard Belliveau
1414 Main St.
$478,043 — Tenant fit-out in former bank space for a new bank space

Mercy Medical Center
175 Carew St.
$141,100 — Renovation to existing space

Springfield College
263 Alden St.
$95,000 — Remove existing floor and wall; frame new walls; install new finishes, ceiling, wall and floor tile in Cheney Hall

WARE

Charbonneau Funeral Home
30 Pleasant St.
$25,000 — Remove wall and ceiling covering, insulation, replace wiring, heating, new wallboard and trim

WS Development, LLC
352 Palmer Road
$5,000 — Two signs

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Drew Moyes
958 Riverdale Road
$4,400,000 — Construct new structure to house dryer process equipment at Agrimark building

Salamon Realty
103 Myron St.
$45,849 — Roofing

Superior Auto Properties
501 Memorial Ave.
$41,895 — Roofing

July Commercial Real Estate

By BusinessWest Staff July 25, 2017

Commercial Real Estate Sections

For Sale, for Lease

A listing of available commercial properties in Western Mass. for July 2017

Hampden Grows While Retaining Its Character

By BusinessWest Staff July 25, 2017

Community Spotlight Features

Community Spotlight

By Kathleen Mellen

A third-generation selectman, John Flynn says the community desires to grow its commercial base, but not lose its small-town character.

In many ways, the town of Hampden seems like a throwback to an earlier way of life.

The Western Mass. community of just over 5,000 is just east of East Longmeadow and less than a 20-minute drive from the bustling metropolis of Springfield. But with its rural feel, old-fashioned New England charm, mom-and-pop businesses, and neighborly sensibility, it seems worlds away. There’s not even a traffic light in town.

“Heck, the bear population is exploding now; there are sightings every day,” said John Flynn, chairman of the town’s three-member Board of Selectmen. “Once people are in this town, they don’t like to leave it. It’s a great community. We’re still old-fashioned New England.”

Flynn knows whereof he speaks: he grew up in Hampden, where his great-grandfather, John J. Flynn, and his father, John M. Flynn, both served as selectmen before him.

“I’m a third-generation selectman,” said Flynn, who was elected in 2005. “My dad was the guy who’d get the phone call at 2 in the morning … now I get the texts and phone calls.”

While the population has remained fairly constant for decades, Flynn says, there have always been new faces, and they are welcome. Some have come to open businesses, or to work at the nearly four-decades-old Rediker Software, owned by Rich and Gail Rediker, another longtime Hampden family, or, more recently, at GreatHorse golf and country club, a relative newcomer that opened in 2015. Still others work out of town, but are drawn to live in Hampden by its Americana flavor.

“It’s just like Cheers,” Flynn said, referring to the NBC sitcom that ran in the late ’80s and early ’90s. “Everybody knows your name.”

A Cautious Approach

While much has remained the same in Hampden during Flynn’s lifetime, he said, growth and change are both inevitable and desired. But, he stressed, the town strives to ensure that its essential qualities will always be preserved.

“We’re happy to get that growth, but you have to be careful not to lose what made Hampden Hampden,” Flynn told BusinessWest. “You want to make sure that the reasons people are in Hampden are still there. We can’t sell part of ourselves just to give it away to business.”

That said, there is plenty of potential for growth in town, including in two already-established business districts, one on Main Street and one in the area of Rediker Software, the town’s largest non-municipal employer, located at the main intersection of East Longmeadow, Wilbraham, and Somers roads and Allen Street.

Andrew Anderlonis says Hampden has been a great home for Rediker Software.

Founded in 1979 by Rich Rediker, the company’s CEO, Rediker Software provides administrative software to schools. It employs about 90 people at its headquarters on Wilbraham Road that was constructed in the 1990s and expanded in 2005, and designed to blend in with the New England character of the town.

“It’s built like a house,” said Andrew Anderlonis, the company’s president and Rediker’s son-in-law. “Rich didn’t want a corporate building; he wanted to build something that would really be a part of the town and the community.”

That’s what Flynn is talking about.

“We would love to expand more Rediker-type businesses — that’s the look we want,” Flynn said. “We want people to drive through Hampden and feel the old New England town.”

With customers in all 50 states and more than 115 countries, the family-owned Rediker Software is one of the 30 fastest-growing tech companies in the state.

Hampden at a glance

Year incorporated: 1878
Population: 5,296 (2016)
Area: 19.7 square miles
County: Hampden
Residential tax rate: $19.29
Commercial tax rate: $19.29
Median Household Income: $81,130 (2016)
Median family Income: $86,848 (2016)
Type of Government: Board of Selectmen
Largest Employers: Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District, Rediker Software, GreatHorse
Latest information available

Theoretically, it could probably be headquartered anywhere in the world, Anderlonis said, but it started in Hampden, and it will stay in Hampden.

“We’re a small family business, so we really promote the family atmosphere here, and the town helps that effort,” he explained. “People like the small-town feel. There are local places they can go eat, it’s nice and green and lush, and they don’t have to fight for a parking spot in the morning. Hampden has been a great home for Rediker, and the road ahead looks really healthy.”

In return, the company gives back to the community through such things as its sponsorship of Link to Libraries, a literacy program that distributes some 100,000 books a year to schoolchildren. The company also collaborates with the Hampden/Wilbraham school district, offering internships and career placement.

“We’re also one of the town’s firewater suppliers. We have a 10,000-gallon tank in our parking lot that we maintain and service,” Anderlonis said. “We try to be involved where we feel we can help.”

Flynn says Rediker’s continued good health is good for the town, too. Indeed, that business, along with a new Northeast Utilities substation and the GreatHorse country club, have added to the town coffers through the property taxes they pay. It’s in large part thanks to those businesses that the town was able drop its tax rate last year from $19.36 to $19.29.

“I don’t think there are many communities in Western Mass. that were able to do that,” he said.

Mane Street

The 260-acre GreatHorse golf club, built on the site of the former Hampden Golf Club for a price tag in the neighborhood of $55 million, would be an asset to any town, said Bryan Smithwick, the club’s general manager. “We’re a major contributor of taxes to the town, and we play a major role in providing infrastructure support and community support.”

During its high season, the year-round facility employs 150 to 160 people, most from the local community, and about 75% of the club’s 300-and-climbing membership lives within a 20-minute drive, with a fair amount coming from Hampden.

Bryan Smithwick says the social fabric of GreatHorse and Hampden are very similar in that they are both tight-knit communities.

While it might surprise some to find the opulent facility in such a small town, Smithwick says the club is thriving not in spite of its location in the tiny burg, but because of it.

“The social fabric that makes up Hampden and the social fabric that is part of the GreatHorse culture are very similar to each other. Hampden is such a tight-knit community, and GreatHorse is the same,” Smithwick said. “Some of the members have known each other their entire lives. Some met last week and now play rounds of golf together. That small-town, family culture is a huge part of our success.”

GreatHorse, like Rediker, also gives back to the local community — through such things as sponsorship of benefit events and collaboration and internship programs with local schools.

With GreatHorse’s growing popularity, Smithwick said owner Guy Antonacci would like to add overnight lodging for its guests. But because the entire town is served by a well and septic system, the potential for such growth is limited.

The club has approached the town about the feasibility of bringing town water and sewer to the facility, something Flynn says is under consideration.

“That would be nice for them,” he said, “but anything we do has to be right for Hampden.”

That said, Flynn says he sees potential in the proposal, which would bring water and sewer into Hampden to service the western part of town, including the school, the senior center, the police station, and parts of the business district.

“If they were connected to city water, you could see some good growth there, and it’s a place people could work. People in town would love a five-minute commute,” he said. “If we could get the business district built up, the potential is staggering. I’m stunned at the possibilities.”

The goal, as always, will be to help the town fulfill its vast potential, while always meeting that mission Flynn mentioned earlier — maintaining what makes Hampden Hampden.

High-speed Rail Should Be Studied

By BusinessWest Staff July 25, 2017

Opinion

Editorial

Count us among those who are disappointed that a proposal to subsidize a study of a proposed high-speed rail system that would link Springfield and Boston was quietly dropped during the state budget process.

Not because we’re ardent supporters of such a system — not yet, anyway — but because we really think the matter should be studied. There is widespread belief that an east-west high-speed rail system would make the state significantly smaller and, somehow, level the playing field when it comes to the huge discrepancy in overall vibrancy between east (specifically inside the Route 128 corridor) and west (meaning pretty much everything west of Worcester).

We’re not so sure, at least when it comes to that part about leveling the playing field (high-speed rail would certainly make the state smaller), so, therefore the matter should be studied — and studied properly.

We say properly because studies mean different things to different people, especially in government circles. Many times, bodies like the state House and Senate move to study something when they don’t know what to do with a given proposal or project or don’t want to do anything with it.

We’ll just say it was curious — and frustrating. Maybe legislators thought the cost of the study is too high. Maybe they thought the cost of building a high-speed rail system is way too high, so they decided not to even bother studying it. Maybe Peter Picknelly got in their ear. Maybe they don’t want to level the field between east and west.”

So they study it. And when the study comes back, it sits on the shelf for awhile. Sometimes, it sits there for so long, they need to study it again before they can do anything, or not do anything, as the case may be.

Hence the phrase ‘studied to death,’ which must have been coined by someone in — or frustrated by — municipal, state, or federal government.

Given all that, a study of high-speed rail sounds like something the Legislature should approve. Only it didn’t, which left state Sen. Eric Lesser, a vocal supporter of such a system, to call the vote to shelve the proposal “sketchy.”

We’ll just say it was curious — and frustrating. Maybe legislators thought the cost of the study is too high. Maybe they thought the cost of building a high-speed rail system is way too high, so they decided not to even bother studying it. Maybe Peter Picknelly got in their ear. Maybe they don’t want to level the field between east and west.

No one seems to know.

We do know that high-speed rail looks good on paper. But as we said, we’re not sure it will bring to this region all that Lesser and other supporters believe it will.

High-speed rail will bring Boston a lot closer to Springfield and vice versa, but what, exactly, will that mean for this region? Does it mean the high-tech companies that now gravitate to the 128 corridor because that’s where the people they want to hire all live will suddenly find Western Mass. more attractive, because people could live out here and work in Boston, this giving this region a stronger workforce? Maybe.

Does it mean that people who need to live in or near Boston to work there might now move out here because they would no longer have to live in or near Boston to work there? Probably. And what would that do for this region?

Would more people who are educated in this region now stay here because they could work in and around Boston and live out here? Probably. But what would that do for this region?

Overall, and to the casual observer, high-speed rail would present more opportunities for people to live in the western part of the state and work in the eastern part of the state. Will this level the playing field? Or will it just make Greater Springfield a suburb of Boston, one where the price of living will certainly skyrocket because it is now that much closer to Boston?

Good questions. No easy answers.

This thing needs to be studied by a group like the UMass Donahue Institute. Only it won’t, until at least year.

Which, as we said, is very frustrating.

A Waterway Worth Protecting

By BusinessWest Staff July 25, 2017

Opinion

No one would argue against the concept of clean water. But many people, even those living in the vicinity of the Connecticut River watershed (a group that includes most Pioneer Valley residents), may not understand all the reasons why.

When Dr. Joseph Davidson, founder of the Connecticut River Watershed Council, toured the river in 1959 to highlight its issues, those problems were easily understood; specifically, some areas were so infested with sewage and filth that people — smart people, anyway — couldn’t swim in the water, or even paddle.

Davidson’s organization — which recently rebranded as the Connecticut River Conservancy — has spearheaded efforts to clean the river for more than six decades, both through its own hard work and by advocating for stricter local, state, and federal environmental laws. As a result, the river and its tributaries are now havens for outdoor creation, from kayakers to fishermen (and women); from raft riders to dragon-boat enthusiasts.

By funding the removal of long-defunct dams, it is bringing back wildlife, including fish that swim upstream from the ocean to spawn. By creating an interactive website where people can test the bacteria levels at various points and post them — and soliciting help on trash cleanups and other projects — it is engaging the public on ecological issues and helping them understand that river stewardship is a public trust. And by putting science at the forefront, it is providing an antidote to common misperceptions about climate change.”

But the CRC has done much more than that. By funding the removal of long-defunct dams, it is bringing back wildlife, including fish that swim upstream from the ocean to spawn. By creating an interactive website where people can test the bacteria levels at various points and post them — and soliciting help on trash cleanups and other projects — it is engaging the public on ecological issues and helping them understand that river stewardship is a public trust. And by putting science at the forefront, it is providing an antidote to common misperceptions about climate change.

Tying all these threads together is the impact the watershed — which actually covers some 11,000 square miles in four states — has on quality of life in the region and, by extension, the economy. “We know that when you have cleaner, healthier, and more abundant natural resources, your economy flourishes, and quality of life flourishes,” said Andrew Fisk, CRC director. “We want to see both economic and ecological abundance.”

It’s the economic impact many people don’t often think about, from the small businesses that benefit from river recreation — such as marinas, raft-tour operators, boat dealers, and stores that specialize in fishing, camping, and outdoor gear — to people and businesses that might choose to move to Western Mass. for quality-of-life reasons, clean and vibrant waterways being one of them.

In short, the CRC’s work — which is rapidly expanding along with a budget that has nearly quadrupled in the past five years — is a prime example of how economic and ecological interests don’t need to be at odds, but actually share much common ground. It’s why the conservancy is excited about what will happen over the next 65 years — and why we should be, too.

Judges Score More Than 70 Nominations for Healthcare Awards

By BusinessWest Staff July 25, 2017

Features

The ‘Heroes’ Have Been Identified

A panel of esteemed judges is now finished with its work.

And soon, the region will learn the identities of this region’s first class of Healthcare Heroes.

“It’s a very intriguing class, and one that certainly speaks to the excellent, forward-thinking, community-minded work being undertaken by men and women across this region’s broad healthcare sector,” is all Kate Campiti, associate publisher of BusinessWest and the Healthcare News, would say about the first group of winners at this point.

Much more will be said, of course, in the Sept. 4 issue of BusinessWest and the September issue of HCN, when the magazines will tell the seven winners’ stories and explain why they, and all the other nominees, are worthy of that phrase ‘Healthcare Hero.’

The winners will be honored at the inaugural Healthcare Heroes Awards Gala on Oct. 19 at the GreatHorse in Hampden. Tickets are $85 each, with tables of 10 available. For more information or to order tickets, call (413) 781-8600.

Overall, there were more than 70 nominations across seven categories:

• Patient/Resident/Client Care Provider

• Innovation in Health/Wellness

• Community Health

• Emerging Leader

• Collaboration in Health/Wellness

• Health/Wellness Administration/Administrator

• Lifetime Achievement

These nominations were evaluated and scored by three judges:

Dr. Henry Dorkin

• Dr. Henry Dorkin, president of the Massachusetts Medical Society. Dorkin is director of the Pulmonary Clinical Research Program, co-director of the Cystic Fibrosis Center, and co-director of the Cystic Fibrosis Therapeutic Development Center, all at Boston Children’s Hospital. He is also the immediate past clinical chief of the Division of Respiratory Diseases (2008-16) and the Cystic Fibrosis Center (2010-15), both at Children’s. A former professor of Pediatrics at the Tufts University School of Medicine, he is currently associate professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, a position he has held since 2002. An MMS member since 1982, Dorkin has served the society in a number of capacities. He was president-elect in 2016-17 and vice president in 2015-16. He has served as chair of the Task Force on EHR Interoperability and Usability as well as a member of the Task Force on Opioid Therapy and Physician Communication.

Christopher Scott

• Christopher Scott, dean of the School of Health & Patient Simulation at Springfield Technical Community College. Previously, he served as assistant dean for the School of Health & Patient Simulation at STCC and director of Clinical Education and the SIMS Medical Center. Scott played a key role in expanding the facility when he was hired as director in 2010. At the time, the medical center included 18 patient simulators and five rooms and provided 3,000 simulation experiences each year. Today, there are 52 simulators and 12 rooms, or simulation areas, and more than 20,000 simulation experiences. Scott, who holds a master’s degree in Health Education and Curriculum Development from Springfield College, is currently completing his doctorate in higher education administration from Northeastern University in Boston.

Katie Stebbins

• Katie Stebbins, formerly the assistant secretary for Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In that role, she co-chaired the governor’s Digital Health Council and led investment efforts into the health-tech ecosystem. After serving in this position for two years, she recently began serving as vice president of Economic Development for the UMass system in Boston. A 20-year veteran of public service and economic development, she has also started three of her own companies.

College Leaders Say It’s More About Student Success Than Keeping Up with the Joneses

By BusinessWest Staff July 25, 2017

Education Sections

The ‘Arms Race’

Westfield State University President Ramon Torrecilha says investments like the school has made in its food services are necessary in a changed landscape in higher education.

When people hear the phrase ‘arms race in higher education’ — and they’re hearing it a lot these days — what usually comes to mind are dining commons that offer more choices than a five-star restaurant, dorms that look more like hotel suites, and elaborate gyms, rock-climbing walls, and related athletic facilities.

And while that’s certainly part of the picture when it comes to this arms race — terminology generally used to describe a heightened competition for students and especially top talent — there are aspects to this equation that are far less obvious to the casual observer, according to the college presidents we spoke with, including:

• A new administrative position — director of Enrollment Management — at Westfield State University, noted its president, Ramon Torrecilha;

• A considerable investment in additional personnel and facilities in the Career Services Office at Western New England University, said its long-time president, Anthony Caprio;

• Development of a “student experience master plan,” said UMass Amherst Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy, noting, for example, that the dormitory towers in the Southwest residential area do not exactly lend themselves to social interaction; and

• Renovations to the Hatch Library at Bay Path University to create what President Carol Leary called “collaborative and adaptable spaces for group learning in an environment that is also sensitive to technology.”

These steps and others are being taken because this arms race — a phrase that none of these presidents seemed particularly eager to say out loud because of the somewhat negative connotation attached to it — is about much more than competing for what has long been a smaller, seemingly more discerning, pool of high-school students with ramped-up facilities. Indeed, it’s also about — or more about, according to those we spoke with — helping these students succeed and generating value for the huge investment that they and their parents are making in their education.

UMass Amherst Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy says that, as schools compete for students, geographic boundaries and the line between public and private schools have become blurred.

Thus, you’re hearing words and phrases that college administrators hardly ever said out loud until recently — like ‘value,’ ‘customers,’ and ‘return on investment.’

“The value proposition of higher education has changed insofar as the discourse these days is on the return on that investment,” said Torrecilha. “There is a much bigger emphasis on outcomes; students and parents are very interested in knowing what the outcome will be from a four-year education.”

More to the point, they’re interested in securing a solid outcome, meaning a job with a salary worthy of four years of tuition and fees.

“As the cost of education has escalated, more attention has been paid — and rightly so, frankly — to what the student is getting out of their education,” said Subbaswamy. “As the cost has shifted from the state to those families over the years, both students and families are more aware of what they’re giving up, and universities are more attuned to providing value.”

Meanwhile, the presidents we spoke with said there is a fine line between making an investment in a new dorm, dining commons, student union, or science center because it helps in the recruitment process — and because competitors have already built such things — and doing so because these are necessary investments in efforts to help students succeed.

And they would argue that, on their campuses, it has been more for the latter than the former.

SEE: List of Colleges

“At Bay Path, our response to the ‘arms race’ is all about value — how we provide students with the academic experiences that will best prepare them for the future,” said Leary. “In response to our students’ expectations for value, we strive to contain the cost of education. We are one of the lowest-priced private colleges in the Northeast, and the American Women’s College is exceptionally cost-effective. The investments we make, and increasingly the areas where our donors support Bay Path, are in financial aid, academic advising, and career preparation, including paid internships.”

While Subbaswamy admitted there was one facility on the UMass Amherst that might — that’s might — fall into the category of “keeping up with the Joneses,” as he put it (the John Francis Kennedy Champions Center for UMass Basketball), he and other presidents said their schools are not spending money on items that don’t add to the value proposition and the overall learning experience.

Said Leary, who recoiled at the word ‘amenities’ as it is so often used in discussion of the arms race, “there are not many frills with a Bay Path education.”

For this issue and its focus on education, BusinessWest takes an in-depth look at the many aspects of this arms race, and especially the ways in which area schools are heightening their focus on student success and generating that sought-after return on investment.

Food for Thought

Subbaswamy couldn’t recall the exact wording or many of the specific design details, but the advertisement in the Boston Globe several months ago certainly caught his attention.

It was placed by the University of Pittsburgh, which, to his recollection, was touting itself in that advertisement as the “best public university in New England.”

“Since when did Pittsburgh become New England?” he asked BusinessWest, adding that this marketing initiative speaks volumes about what’s happening in higher education today and the forces that are fueling this arms race.

In short, borders, geographic and otherwise, are coming down as schools recruit needed students, said Subbaswamy and others we spoke with, adding that there is now little distinction between public and private four-year schools — especially as many states pull back on funding and shift the burden to students and their parents. Meanwhile, many institutions, like the University of Pittsburgh, are casting a wider net in the search for students, and taking steps to land them.

And marketing efforts, like that Boston Globe ad, are just one vehicle. For example, in 2015, the University of Maine launched something called its Flagship Match program, whereby students in Massachusetts, for example, could enroll at the Orono campus for the same price they would pay to attend UMass Amherst, a deal that slashes roughly half off Maine’s nearly $30,000 out-of-state rate.

And the tactic has worked. Indeed, the number of Massachusetts students planning to attend UMaine has nearly doubled since the introduction of the program.

But, as noted, discounting the cost of an education is only one of the strategies being put to use. New dorms, dining commons, and, yes, the occasional rock-climbing wall have been built in an effort to turn the heads of students and especially their parents, said Caprio.

Anthony Caprio
We’re aware that the audience has changed. They want bigger, they want more modern, they want to have privacy, they want a lot of room around them.”

And they’re doing it because such facilities are now expected, and, to some extent and with some constituencies, demanded, he went on.

“We’re aware that the audience has changed,” Caprio explained, using that term as a collective for students and their parents. “They want bigger, they want more modern, they want to have privacy, they want a lot of room around them.”

In some respects, that’s because this is what they’ve grown up with, not only at home, but also at some of the high schools going up in communities across the state and the country. “Some of these high schools have better athletic facilities than we do,” he said, without a trace of exaggeration in his voice.

Caprio noted that even elite, Ivy League schools such as Harvard and Yale have been making huge investments in non-academic aspects of their campuses, presumably because even these institutions need to do so in this changed environment.

Torrecilha agreed. “When students come to a new-student orientation, they don’t ask to see the classrooms — they want to know where they’re going live; they want to see what the residential hall looks like and feels like,” he said.

This focus on campus life also explains why WSU recently made a huge investment in creating its own food-services department and significantly upgrading its offerings.

The ambitious project, undertaken in partnership with UMass Amherst, which currently has the top-rated food-service division in the country, was described by Torrecilha as a risk, one he considers well worth taking.

“I spent a lot of nights thinking about this because it meant bringing a $13 million operation into the school budget,” he said, adding that WSU previously used an outside vendor to prepare food. “And once you hire these people, they become part of your payroll. So it was risky, but it was worth it; our participation rate is up considerably.”

Meanwhile, WNEU is also investing in a new dining commons, a $28 million renovation Caprio said is being undertaken out of necessity, not exactly a desire to keep pace, although he acknowledged that’s part of the ‘necessity’ part.

“When we deliberated about this, we said, ‘we have to modernize,’” he explained. “We had a building that was very nice, but it was totally inadequate — it was too small and not conducive for anything but students chowing down their food and getting the heck out of there because someone was trying to grab their seat. That’s not the kind of place we want it to be.

“Students are used to different kinds of diets, and there’s such a new awareness about the quality of food, the types of food available, and how it’s prepared,” he went on. “It’s simply impossible to ignore all of that, and you need to have the right facilities to do it.”

A Study in Value

But while the competition for students has escalated, thus adding to the building and renovating boom talking place on many campuses, so too has the need to show a return on the investment that students and their parents are making, said Torrecilha, adding that both phenomena are part of a still-changing landscape in higher education.

“We’re much more outcomes-driven than ever before,” he told BusinessWest, using that collective to refer to colleges and universities of all shapes and sizes. “Institutions of higher education are being asked to demonstrate that their students will be able to be placed in a job or, in some cases, transition to graduate school.”

And this sea change has led to other types of investments, some of them far less visible — such as those in counseling, career-placement facilities, and enrollment-management efforts designed to not only get students into a school but also get them onto the podium at commencement ceremonies — yet are also part of the arms race.

Carol Leary says that ‘value’ in higher education is not about rock-climbing walls, but instead about providing a solid return on the investment made in attending college.

Leary said such efforts fall into that broad category of ‘value,’ and noted that this concept is so important to the school and its administrators that it is one of the four main tenets of its Vision 2019 strategic plan and was the primary area of focus for the board of trustees during this past academic year.

“Last fall, the board participated in a series of focus groups with students, parents, alumni, and employers so trustees could hear first-hand how our customers define value,” she went on. “What we learned — and it was no great surprise to us — is that the cost of education, academic advising, and career preparation are top of mind. Not one word was mentioned about luxury dorms, rock-climbing walls, Jacuzzis, or other amenities that some people think of when they hear the term ‘arms race.’”

She believes these focus-group responses are directly attributable to the diversity of students Bay Path serves — more than half are first-generation college students, and an equal number hail from families with what she called “extraordinary financial need.”

“And the majority of our students work one if not multiple jobs to pay for their education,” she went on, adding that two-thirds of Bay Path’s undergraduate students are adult women enrolled through the American Women’s College (AWC), which offers programs online.

“While unique, their expectations are aligned with our traditional students,” Leary said of the AWC students. “They want a major and an experience that will enable them to excel in careers or graduate school.”

And with that phrase, she summed up succinctly what has become a point of heightened emphasis for all schools.

Indeed, while ‘student success’ is not exactly a recent phenomenon, that two-word phrase wasn’t heard much in the corridors and offices within higher-education facilities until this century, said Subbaswamy.

Now, it is the primary directive, and there are many elements that go into this quotient, including facilities like new science buildings (UMass Amherst, WSU, Bay Path, WNEU, and other schools have one, by the way), additional personnel and resources in career centers, WSU’s director of Enrollment Management, and, yes, even those new dining facilities.

“The fields we’re expanding into at this school are ones that require very modern facilities,” said Caprio, echoing the thoughts of his colleagues as he spoke. “We need to have modern laboratories, whether we’re teaching pharmacy or any of the sciences we’ve expanded into, or engineering, or our new programs, like occupational therapy.

“You need to have ultra-modern, up-to-date, current laboratories, because without those tools, these students cannot be prepared to go out and work in the profession they’re choosing to go into,” he went on. “We’re not doing it for show, nor are we doing it because the students can’t tolerate anything more simple; we know what we have to provide in order to provide the kind of education these students need and that they expect to get the jobs they desire.”

Leary used similar language as she talked about Bay Path’s renovations to science labs on its main campus and the building of the Philip H. Ryan Health Science Center in East Longmeadow.

“We created state-of-the-art facilities to make sure our students have hands-on experience with cutting-edge equipment,” she noted. “Advanced technology has literally transformed teaching and learning in disciplines like neuroscience, occupational therapy, and physician assistant studies. Thus, these new facilities are driven purely by academic needs. I think that is important.”

At UMass Amherst, said Subbaswamy, the more than $1.8 billion in campus infrastructure work undertaken over the past 10 years has been far more about replacing neglected facilities built 50 or 60 years ago — “catching up,” as he called it — than keeping up with the competition.

Course of Action

As he talked about the arms race and the greater emphasis on outcomes today, Torrecilha mentioned another new and apparently necessary expenditure for his institution — the purchase of student names from the College Board.

When I meet with parents, or at our open houses, I talk about how we bring about return on investment to them, and how we’re not at all ashamed or hesitant to say that believe in art for art’s sake and education for education’s sake. We really work hard at trying to provide services and guidance to our students so they understand the world of work and understand the pathways to getting effective jobs.”

This is something the school has never done before (many colleges and universities have been doing it for decades), but is doing now as part of the heightened focus on enrollment and enrollment management, he explained, adding that the school will be acquiring roughly 100,000 names at 42 cents each.

These are the names of young people, most all of them in Massachusetts and the bulk of them from the eastern part of the state, an area WSU has traditionally recruited many of its students from. And they are considered to be potentially solid fits for the institution.

“We’re being more strategic in the way in which we recruit students,” he explained, adding that, as part of this initiative, he wants WSU to start the recruitment much earlier than a student’s junior year in high school — when it traditionally begins — and perhaps as early as elementary school.

WSU’s purchase of students’ names is part of that heightened emphasis on outcomes, said Torrecilha, adding that the school’s new director of Enrollment Management also falls into that category. It’s an important hire, and it speaks to how the business of higher education is changing.

“Westfield State University, like a lot of state institutions, didn’t have to think about enrollment until very recently,” he said, driving home his point by noting that, until this year, the school processed all applications by hand. “It was one of those cases of ‘build it and they will come’; we never had to think about the incoming class, but times have changed.”

Today, the school is far more focused on attracting students, creating what Torrecilha called the “right mix” of students, and guiding those students to success — be it in graduate school or the job market.

This is increasingly a sector-wide approach, said Subbaswamy, noting that his school, like most others, is making greater investments in the realm of student success, many of them outside the classroom — through everything from additional behavioral health services to larger staffs and more resources for the career centers, to that aforementioned effort to improve social interaction in 20-story dormitories.

“Students are here for four years — and we are really acting on behalf of their parents,” he said. “It’s an awesome responsibility to have 22,000 18-to-22-year-olds under your care for eight months of the year, and that’s how we have to approach it.”

All this brings Caprio back to that phrase ‘return on investment,’ one that the individual holding his job three decades ago likely wouldn’t have uttered.

“But I use it just about every day,” he said. “When I meet with parents, or at our open houses, I talk about how we bring about return on investment to them, and how we’re not at all ashamed or hesitant to say that believe in art for art’s sake and education for education’s sake. We really work hard at trying to provide services and guidance to our students so they understand the world of work and understand the pathways to getting effective jobs.”

Torrecilha agreed. “We want our students to identify their passion and find a major to fulfill that passion, but also be productive citizens in the sphere of work or graduate school.”

Bottom Line

Returning to the subject of WNEU’s new dining commons, Caprio described that facility in a way that effectively articulates the many components to this arms race and why it is changing the landscape on so many campuses.

“This will be a place where students come all day and eat, and have space to work if they wish, and work in groups to continue the learning experience in a very comfortable manner that’s convenient to them,” he explained. “Some people would say that really is unnecessary, that it’s unneeded extravagance.

“But it’s not,” he went on, “if you define yourself as a place where people come to learn and learn in groups and have meaningful exchanges in that particular setting. It’s no longer just a cafeteria. It’s a learning center for all practical purposes.”

Thus, it’s an important part of the nationwide effort to bring new emphasis to that word ‘value’ and produce a return on an obviously huge investment.

This is a new age in higher education, one of hotel-like dorms, dining facilities with ‘Mediterranean’ and ‘gluten-free’ stations, and a ‘student-experience master plan’ at the state university.

And all institutions are still adjusting to this new order.

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

Harry Dumay Takes the Reins at Elms College

By BusinessWest Staff July 25, 2017

Education Sections

Determined Course

Harry Dumay says Elms College generated considerable momentum under Sr. Mary Reap, and he hopes to build on that progress.

Soon after Harry Dumay reached that point professionally where he determined he was ready and willing to pursue a college presidency, he did what many people in that situation do.

He put together a wish list, or a preferred list, if you will, of the type of institution he eventually wanted to lead. And he did so because, in such situations, as so many eventual college presidents have told BusinessWest over the years, ‘fit’ is all-important — to both the candidate and the school in question.

When asked about what he preferred, Dumay ran off a quick list:

• A Catholic institution would be ideal — he had already worked in high-level positions for two of them, Boston College and St. Anselm College in New Hampshire;

• A sound financial footing was also high on the list — and there are many institutions not on such solid ground;

• A commitment to strong academics was a must; and

• Above all else, he desired to lead a school with a strong track record for diversity — not merely ethnic diversity (although that was certainly important), but the broad range of student and educational diversity (he would get into that more later).

Because Elms College in Chicopee could check all those boxes and others as well, Dumay not only desired to fill the vacancy to be created by the announced retirement of Sr. Mary Reap last year, but he essentially made the nearly 90-year-old school the primary focus of his presidential aspirations.

The more I started looking into Elms College, the more I started to become fascinated by it, and I just fell in love with the place.”

“The more I started looking into Elms College, the more I started to become fascinated by it, and I just fell in love with the place,” he told BusinessWest.

Dumay, who was serving as vice president for Finance and chief financial officer at St. Anselm when Elms commenced its search, said he was quite familiar with the school through another role he has carried out for several years — as a member of the New England Assoc. of Schools and Colleges’ Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.

He knew, for example, that not long ago, the school wasn’t on that sound financial ground he desired, and that it was only through a significant turnaround effort orchestrated by Reap that the school was no longer on a list of institutions being watched closely by NEASC for financial soundness.

“Sister Mary has essentially completed a turnaround of the financial situation at the institution over the past eight years,” he noted. “She took it from numbers that were not satisfactory to having successive years of positive margins and putting the college very well in the black.”

But as she put Elms on more solid financial footing, Reap also maintained and amplified what Dumay called “an entrepreneurial spirit” that manifested itself in new academic programs and construction of the Center for Natural and Health Sciences, which, when it opened in 2014, was the first new academic building on campus in more than 30 years.

And she led efforts that enabled the school to make great strides in what has become a nationwide focus on student success and, overall, greater return on the significant cost of higher education.

As he talked about his goals and plans moving forward, Dumay, who arrived on campus July 1, said his immediate assignment is to meet as many people within the broad ‘Elms community’ as possible. This means faculty, staff, trustees, and area business and civic leaders, he said, adding that his primary role in such meetings is to listen to what such individuals are saying about Elms — its past, its present, and especially its future.

This listening and learning process will continue at a retreat next month involving the school’s leadership team, he went on, adding that his broad goal is to attain a common vision concerning where the school wants to be in the years to come and how to get there and execute that plan.

But in most all respects, Dumay said his primary focus is on keeping the school on the upward trajectory charted by Reap. For this issue and its focus on education, BusinessWest talked at length with Dumay about that assignment and his approach to it.

A Stern Test

As he prepared to sit down with BusinessWest on a quiet Friday afternoon earlier this month, Dumay was wrapping up one of those meet-and-greets he mentioned earlier — this one a quick lunch with trustee Kevin Vann, president of the Vann Group.

As noted, there have been several of these sessions since he arrived, and there are many more to come as Dumay continues what could be described as a fact-finding, opinion-gathering exercise concerning not only Elms College but the region, and students, it serves.

As he mentioned, Dumay already knew quite a bit about Elms — and most of this region’s colleges and universities, for that matter — before arriving on the Chicopee campus. He is determined, though, to add to that base of knowledge.

SEE: List of Colleges with MBA Programs

He’s learned, for example, that nearly a third of the school’s students are first-generation, meaning that they’re the first in their family to attend college. Dumay said that statistic certainly resonates with him — he, too, is a first-generation college graduate — and that his career in some way serves as a model to the students he will soon lead.

A native of Quanaminthe, Haiti, Dumay came to the U.S. to attend college, specifically Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo., a historically black, public, land-grant university founded by African-American veterans of the Civil War.

He graduated magna cum laude, and would continue his education with a master’s degree in public administration from Framingham State University, an MBA from Boston University, and a doctorate in higher education administration from Boston College.

He would put those degrees to use in a number of different positions at some of the nation’s most prestigious schools.

He worked as director of Finance for Boston University’s School of Engineering from 1998 to 2002 (he was hired and later mentored by Charles DeLisi, who played a seminal role in initiating the Human Genome Project), before becoming associate dean at Boston College’s Graduate School of Social Work from 2002 to 2006, a rather significant career course change — in some respects, anyway.

“From engineering to social work … those are vastly different worlds,” he explained, “but my job was essentially the same: working on aligning resources —— technology, processes, and people — to support the work of the faculty.”

Dumay then took a job as chief financial officer and associate dean at Harvard University’s Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences in 2006, and served in that capacity until 2012.

That timeline is significant because he was at Harvard at the height of the Great Recession, which took a 30% bite out of Harvard’s huge endowment and not only prompted the delay of an ambitious initiative to expand the campus into Allston — a plan that included the School of Engineering — but also brought about campus-wide efforts to create greater operating efficiencies. And Dumay played a significant role in those efforts.

“That was some of the most rewarding work I’ve been part of,” he said. “And there were some great opportunities for learning how organizations can structure themselves to be more efficient.”

He then took another significant career course change, moving on to St. Anselm, where, instead of working for a specific school or division, he become CFO of the institution and later became senior vice president and, in many respects, the right hand of the president. In that role, he played a key role in developing a new strategic plan for the school.

After nearly two decades of work in higher education in these leadership roles, Dumay said he considered himself ready, professionally and otherwise, to pursue a presidency.

And others were encouraging him to take that next step.

“For a while, being a number two on a campus seemed to be very satisfying and very appealing,” he explained. “But, progressively, my former president started to encourage me to seek a presidency, even though I had been thinking about it as well.”

Harry Dumay says Elms College, like most colleges and universities today, is putting a strong focus on student success.

At the advice of his former president, he attended a year-long program sponsored by the Council of Independent Colleges designed to help individuals discern whether they have a ‘vocation for a college presidency.’

“Those are their words,” said Dumay. “They want people to think about this not as a job, not as a step in one’s career, but as a vocation, as a calling, because there’s a certain work to be done as a college president.

“It eventually became clear to me that the influence that I wanted to have and the way I wanted to contribute to higher education, a presidency was the best position, the best vantage point to make that happen,” he went on.

While many who reach that point where they can truly say this is a calling cast a somewhat wide net as they explore and then pursue opportunities, Dumay took a more specific focus. And when Reap announced her intention to retire last year, Elms became the focus of his ambition.

“This was the one search I was seriously involved in,” he said.

School of Thought

What intrigued him was the institution Elms has become over the past 89 years, and especially the past few decades — one that could easily check all those boxes mentioned earlier, and especially the one concerning diversity and the many forms it takes here.

The student body is just one example, he said, adding that it has historically been ethnically diverse and added a significant new dimension when men were admitted for the first time in 1997.

But it is diverse in many other respects as well, including the depth of its programs and the nature of “how teaching happens,” as Dumay put it.

“Elms College has a diversity of formats in which it provides a strong Catholic liberal-arts education,” he explained. “It happens on campus, it happens through online education, it happens with the residential population, it happens with people who commute, and it happens off campus through a number of sites. That’s a broad definition of diversity that appealed to me.”

Beyond the diversity, the school also has that solid financial footing that Reap had created, momentum in the form of new programs in areas from health sciences to entrepreneurship, and something else that Dumay identified — “courage.”

He used that term in reference to the school’s decision to admit men 20 years ago, but said it has been a consistent character trait.

“Institutions that have made big shifts like that … to me, that shows resiliency, forward thinking, and courage,” he explained, “because it takes courage to change an institution’s trajectory like that and make decisions that will not be popular with all constituents. To me, that was impressive.”

Equally impressive has been progress at the school in that all-important area of student success.

I’m not sure how that effort is going to continue with the current administration, but higher-education institutions have, in general, taken that message to heart. Instead of getting that mandate from the federal government, this sector has been telling itself, ‘we’d better to be able to prove ourselves … we need to show how our students are receiving value for the dollars they’re investing in their education.”

This isn’t a recent phenomenon, he noted, but there has been considerably more emphasis on ROI as the cost of education has continued to climb.

The Obama administration made that focus a priority, he went on, adding it worked to put in place measures for how well a specific school’s degree programs were translating into success (salary-wise) in the workplace.

“I’m not sure how that effort is going to continue with the current administration,” he went on, “but higher-education institutions have, in general, taken that message to heart. Instead of getting that mandate from the federal government, this sector has been telling itself, ‘we’d better to be able to prove ourselves … we need to show how our students are receiving value for the dollars they’re investing in their education.”

Measures created or emphasized in this regard include everything from graduation and retention rates to the starting salaries of graduates in various programs, he continued, adding that Elms has achieved progress in this regard as well.

“Sister Mary had started an initiative to really focus on student success as part of our strategic plan,” he explained. “And as part of that, there is a plan to create a center for student success, and she started a campaign to raise funds for it.”

That facility will likely be ready by the end of summer, he said, adding that the school’s commitment to not only enrolling students but giving them all the tools they will need to graduate and achieve success in the workplace was another factor in his decision to come to Elms.

Moving forward, Dumay said that, after several more meetings like the one he had that day, and after the leadership retreat in August, and after gaining a better sense of where the college is and where it wants to go, he will commence what he said is the real work of a college president.

“That is to ensure the coherence and the articulation of a common vision, so we can all be pulling in the same direction,” he explained, adding that this is the essential ingredient in achieving continued progress at any institution. “Anything that anyone has been able to do has begun with getting everyone in the same frame of mind and saying, ‘this is what we’re going to do.’”

Grade Expectations

As he talked about that process of getting everyone at an institution of higher learning on the proverbial same page, Dumay acknowledged that this can often be a stern challenge in this sector.

“The theory is, higher education is like steering a car on ice,” he said with a smile on his face, adding that such work can be made easier through clear articulation of a vision and the means through which it will be met.

And this is the essence of a college president’s job description, he said, adding that, back at that year-long program for aspiring college presidents, he definitely came away with the sense that he did, indeed, view this as a calling, or vocation, and not a job or stepping stone.

And Elms, as he noted, was the natural landing spot.

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

Connecticut River Conservancy Keeps Watershed Efforts Flowing

By BusinessWest Staff July 25, 2017

Environment and Engineering Sections

Keeping Current

A paddlers group celebrates today’s Connecticut River.
Photo by Craig Norton Photography

When the Connecticut River Watershed Council was formed in 1952, its leaders brought attention to the river’s obvious problems, most notably the raw sewage floating in it. Sixty-five years later, the organization, which recently rebranded as the Connecticut River Conservancy, has assembled a long record of not only cleanup, but dam removals and other efforts to protect wildlife, advocacy for environmental issues at the state and national levels, and public engagement that has connected thousands of volunteers with efforts to create a healthier watershed. And they’re only getting started.

In 1959, seven years after helping to found the Connecticut River Watershed Council, Dr. Joseph Davidson embarked on a week-long source-to-sea trip — from the river’s source, Fourth Connecticut Lake in New Hampshire, near the Quebec border, to Long Island Sound — to highlight the problem of river pollution.

Dr. Joseph Davidson brought attention to the Connecticut River filth levels in 1959.

During its first decade, in fact, the CRWC spent much of its energy raising public consciousness about what was then described as “America’s best-landscaped sewer.”

Much has changed since then, both along the river itself and in the CRWC, which rebranded in April as the Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC). To celebrate those changes, the organization’s director, Andrew Fisk, is repeating Davidson’s 400-mile trek with what he’s calling the Jump In Journey, this time focusing on the many ways people enjoy the river, rather than reasons to actively avoid it.

“We’ve had a tremendous amount of success in 65 years, and we want to celebrate that, but also highlight the work that still needs to be done,” he told BusinessWest two days before beginning the trip, which began at the river’s source on July 16 and will end at the sound in Connecticut on July 30. “We’ll be traveling by many different modes to celebrate the ways people love the river.”

Fisk and a few traveling companions will navigate the river via canoes, kayaks, motorboats, dragon boats, sculls, handmade boats, swimming, scuba diving, even waterskiing, taking part in community events along the way. In addition, he’s organizing ‘splash mobs’ at various locations to draw in locals.

Andrew Fisk with water samples from various spots along the Connecticut River watershed being tested in CRC’s lab.

The fact that Fisk can do all this without wading through raw sewage, as Davidson did, is reason for celebration, but the board of the CRC considers this rebranding year just the beginning, with plenty of work ahead.

“We’re the second-oldest watershed organization in the country — not environmental organization, but watershed organization,” Fisk explained. “We were started in 1952 by a group of local citizens, business leaders, and elected officials who thought they might be able to address quality of life and quality of the environment on a regional scale, by doing it from a watershed perspective. That was unique at the time.”

Those early years were largely informational, he explained, with members compiling reports, figuring out what they knew about the watershed — which covers 11,000 square miles in four states — and determining what issues they should be working on.

In the 1960s, the group became more active in specific projects, such as advocating for the creation of the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission, spearheading land-conservation efforts, and developing strategies for oil-spill control and cleanup at a time when barges moved huge amounts of crude up and down the river.

When Fisk arrived in 2011, the board had just completed a strategic plan for the coming years, which boiled down to growing into its mission and “doing good work well,” a concept he would come back to more than once during his talk with BusinessWest.

With the rebranding, Fisk said, the Greenfield-based CRC is putting a new face on the organization, one aimed at growing its work further and bringing more partners into the fold.

“That goes back to how this organization works,” he said. “It means collaborating and supporting other organizations and bringing a variety of people to the table to deal with these issues. We knew in 1952 we couldn’t do it all. We worked to create local watershed organizations, and today we do work with many smaller organizations and also collaborate with regional and national groups.”

All of that is aimed at turning the Connecticut River into a waterway that’s protective of wildlife, welcoming to migratory fish, and safe for swimmers and boaters. Davidson’s journey, after all, was just the beginning.

Rising Tide

With 10 full-time employees, and revenues that have grown from $480,000 in 2011, when Fisk arrived, to $1.8 million this year, the CRC has grown in myriad ways. “We have very generous supporters and believers in their river,” he said. “That’s the realization of the board’s aim to grow the organization and do more work and do it well. We’re definitely succeeding.”

It does so though three basic missions: Advocacy, public engagement, and restoration.

A deadbeat dam in Groton, Vt. is removed, one of dozens of similar projects the CRC has tackled to make the waterway more welcoming to wildlife.

“We’re an advocacy organization, so we argue for ambitious water-quality standards,” he told BusinessWest. “We certainly have high expectations for our rivers and streams, and that’s why we work hard to get public investment in things like sewer and water systems. We advocate for strong regulations because it’s important to recognize the rivers as a public trust.”

Fisk then explained what public stewardship of the river means to him.

The law says you, as a member of the public, can set the standards. Sixty-five years ago, we had recreational goals, but now, we’ve set the goals much higher. We’ve succeeded, and we know that when you have cleaner, healthier, and more abundant natural resources, your economy flourishes, and quality of life flourishes. We want to see both economic and ecological abundance, and we do that through advocacy.”

“The law says you, as a member of the public, can set the standards. Sixty-five years ago, we had recreational goals, but now, we’ve set the goals much higher. We’ve succeeded, and we know that when you have cleaner, healthier, and more abundant natural resources, your economy flourishes, and quality of life flourishes. We want to see both economic and ecological abundance, and we do that through advocacy.”

The second arm, engaging the public, involves giving people opportunities to collect information that can be used to improve the health of rivers and streams.

“We measure water quality for bacteria, provide people with opportunities to restore freshwater mussels, which do a tremendous amount of work in filtration, and help people remove invasive aquatic plants, the kind of plants that choke waterways and affect the ecosystem and recreation,” he explained. “We have 900 people on the e-mail list, and they’re people who want to do something.”

The “Is It Clean?” initiative, for example, solicits local groups, municipalities, schools, and individuals to monitor for bacteria and post information on a collaborative, interactive website that gives a color-coded bacteria reading for 150 different spots along the river, May through October. They can either test the water themselves or send it to the CRC’s in-house lab.

“You then make your own decision. We don’t tell people to stay out of the water,” he said. “Instead, we’re saying, ‘here’s the information; you take your own risk.’”

These public-engagement efforts, he said, can fill in the gaps where government agencies can’t reach, and also helps cultivate a more sophisticated public that understands environmental issues at the scientific level, are willing to engage in discourse on the issues, and are less likely to be swayed by pseudoscience and climate-change denial.

The CRC’s third point of focus, restoration, requires the most resources in terms of both money and time. One of the goals is to make the river a welcoming place for fish swimming up from the ocean to spawn and multiply. Many of the habitats they might use, however, have been blocked by dams and other barriers.

“The river doesn’t smell anymore — it’s not raw sewage — but what’s missing? There should be millions and millions of migratory fish moving up and down the river, but there aren’t,” Fisk said, due partly to defunct dams and improperly designed culverts. “These are impediments to migratory fish. So we do dam removals, upgrade culverts, repair riverbanks, and plant trees and native vegetation to rebuild the riverbanks.”

The dams are often abandoned mill dams, ranging from four to 20 feet tall. Municipalities are typically grateful for the CRC’s work, as dam-removal projects often lie dormant because there’s no budget for them. “We bid these projects out to excavators and contractors, and we do the final tree planting and restoration work. Basically, we offer turnkey services for these projects.”

These projects reconnect habitats and make communities and individual landowners more adaptable to a changed climate, Fisk said, as well as bringing beneficial flood impacts. “It’s not going to stop flooding, but it will reduce the damage from flooding and make property owners more resilient.”

Just Keep Swimming

The CRC’s next highly visible project will be its annual Source to Sea Cleanup — slated for Sept. 22-23 — which is a comprehensive trash cleanup of the Connecticut River system along the four-state watershed, including rivers and streams, shorelines, parks, boat launches, and trails.

Each fall, volunteer group leaders coordinate local cleanup sites where thousands of participants of all ages and abilities spend a few hours picking up trash. The CRC uses trash data collected during the cleanup to support legislation and other efforts to keep trash out of the environment. That might mean expanding bottle bills to put a deposit on more plastic bottles, making curbside recycling easier and more accessible, and requiring tire manufacturers to run free tire-disposal programs to discourage illegal tire dumping.

The Connecticut River Conservancy, formerly the Connecticut River Watershed Council, has been based in Greenfield since its inception 65 years ago.

“We also do work to install and increase recreational infrastructure — opportunities for people to get to and enjoy the river in different ways, and help us build business opportunities through recreation,” Fisk said, efforts that include advocating for the completion of the Connecticut River Paddlers Trail, a network of campsites and access points to help lovers of the outdoors navigate the entire length of the river.

Meanwhile, the CRC continues to pursue affiliations with smaller watershed associations, providing the administrative and educational services that will allow affiliates to focus more on programming.

In short, the Connecticut River Conservancy isn’t slowing down. And with climate change presenting what Fisk calls “the most important issue that’s in front of us,” those efforts are more than justified.

“I think there’s a widespread understanding of climate change. People are invested in knowing what it means for them, what they can do, and, in this current political climate, what the initiatives coming out of Washington, D.C. might mean.”

It really boils down, he continued, to that idea of a public trust, of responsibility to each other.

“Living in a watershed means something you do at your home is going to have consequences for people downstream. A farmer in Vermont has an obligation to Long Island Sound. I think people understand that.”

If they don’t, Fisk hopes his current two-week journey — one far cleaner and more pleasant than the one Dr. Joseph Davidson took — will remind them.

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Brownfield Funding Aims to Promote Economic Redevelopment

By BusinessWest Staff July 25, 2017

Environment and Engineering Sections

Raising Their Sites

The U.S. Envirommental Protection Agency (EPA) recently awarded 14 communities in Massachusetts — most of them in Western Mass. — grants totaling $4.92 million for brownfield site revitalization and technical assistance. These communities are among 172 across the country to receive EPA brownfields funding.

Nationwide, a total of $56.8 million has been awarded by EPA to fund selected recipients for brownfield site assessment and cleanup as initial steps toward redeveloping vacant and unused properties, transforming them to productive reuse that will benefit communities and local economies.

EPA’s brownfields grants and assistance to Massachusetts this year are among other significant annual investments by EPA to help New England communities address brownfield properties. The awards in Massachusetts (to be distributed community-wide, except where noted) include:

• Belchertown Economic Development Industrial Corp. ($400,000 for cleanup at the former Belchertown State School site);

• Berkshire Regional Planning Commission ($300,000 for site assessment);

• Chicopee ($600,000 for cleanup of the former Uniroyal complex);

• Framingham ($300,000 for site assessment);

• Great Barrington ($300,000 for site assessment);

• Lawrence ($350,000 for site assessment, $200,000 for cleanup, and $200,000 for job training);

• Ludlow Mills ($120,000 for technical assistance);

• Lynn Economic Development Industrial Corp. ($300,000 for site assessment and $200,000 for cleanup);

• Merrimack Valley Planning Commission ($300,000 for site assessment);

• New Bedford ($200,000 for cleanup of the former Polyply facility);

• North Adams ($300,000 for site assessment);

• Seekonk ($350,000 for assessment of the former Attleboro Dye Works site);

• Williamstown ($200,000 for cleanup of the former Photech Imaging Systems site); and

• Worcester ($300,000 for site assessment).

Across the six New England states this year, EPA is awarding a total of $10.4 million for 32 communities to assess or clean brownfields, as well as $750,000 for technical assistance to six communities. A brownfield is a property for which the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.

There are estimated to be more than 450,000 brownfields in the U.S. Cleaning up and reinvesting in these properties increases local tax bases, facilitates job growth, utilizes existing infrastructure, takes development pressures off undeveloped land, and both improves and protects the environment.

“EPA is committed to working with communities to redevelop brownfields sites which have plagued their neighborhoods. EPA’s assessment and cleanup grants target communities that are economically disadvantaged and include places where environmental cleanup and new jobs are most needed,” said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. “These grants leverage considerable infrastructure and other investments, improving local economies and creating an environment where jobs can grow. I am very pleased the president’s budget recognizes the importance of these grants by providing continued funding for this important program.”

Continued Attention

In New England, since the beginning of the brownfields program, EPA has awarded 382 assessment grants totaling $103.9 million, 73 revolving-loan-fund grants and supplemental funding totaling $90 million, and 290 cleanup grants totaling $69.9 million. These grant funds have paved the way for more than $2.4 billion in public and private cleanup and redevelopment investment and for nearly 15,499 jobs in assessment, cleanup, construction, and redevelopment. These investments and jobs target local, underserved, and economically disadvantaged neighborhoods — places where environmental cleanups and new jobs are most needed.

Nationwide, about $17.5 million of the latest round of assessment and cleanup funding will benefit small and rural communities with populations of less than 10,000. Approximately $25 million will go to communities receiving assessment and cleanup funding for the first time. Selected recipients will each receive between $200,000 and $600,000 in funding to work on individual sites or several sites within the community. These funds will provide communities with necessary resources to determine the extent of site contamination, remove environmental uncertainties, and clean up contaminated properties where needed. Brownfields assessment and cleanup activities represent a stride toward realizing a site’s full potential, while protecting public health and the environment.

Chelsea site during and after cleanup and redevelopment at the former Lawrence Metals Site

For example, the site where a former industrial and textile manufacturing company operated in Chelsea is in the center of the city, where more than 45,000 people live within a one-mile radius. Hundreds of Chelsea High School students walk by the property every day. After all the manufacturing operations, the site was contaminated with PCBs and other contaminants. An EPA team involving multiple EPA cleanup programs, including brownfields investment, worked closely with the city and state to create a multi-party-funded cleanup and redevelopment opportunity. The development expanded the presence of lodging services in the Chelsea downtown with the building of the Homewood Suites Boston Logan Airport Chelsea Hotel.

Addressing and cleaning up sites, like those in the Chelsea neighborhood, across the nation will ultimately boost local economies and leverage redevelopment jobs while protecting public health and the environment, the EPA notes. Brownfield sites are community assets because of their locations and associated infrastructure advantages. Studies have shown that residential property values near brownfields sites that are cleaned up increase between 5% and 15%.

The study also determined that brownfield cleanup can increase overall property values within a one-mile radius. A study analyzing data near 48 brownfield sites shows that an estimated $29 million to $97 million in additional tax revenue was generated for local governments in a single year after cleanup. This is two to seven times more than the $12.4 million the EPA contributed to the cleanup of those brownfields.

There are an estimated 450,000 abandoned and contaminated waste sites in America. As of May 2017, more than 124,759 jobs and $24 billion of public and private funding has been leveraged as a result of assessment grants and other EPA brownfields grants. On average, $16.11 was leveraged for each EPA brownfields dollar, and 8.5 jobs leveraged per $100,000 of EPA brownfields funds expended on assessment, cleanup, and revolving-loan-fund cooperative agreements.

The Bing Arts Center Raises Its Profile — and Needed Funds

By BusinessWest Staff July 25, 2017

Creative Economy Sections

The Show Must Go On

Brian Hale hopes an ambitious fund-raising plan will transform the Bing Arts Center into a widely known destination.

Folks who grew up in Springfield’s Forest Park area or near the X commercial district have fond memories of attending movies at the Bing Theater — at least, until it was shuttered in 1999 for non-payment of taxes. But a 13-year (and counting) effort to revitalize the site into a multi-purpose arts center has the place buzzing again, with a regular schedule of arts events. Now comes the bigger challenge — renovating the Bing’s main theater and turning it into a regional destination.

Brian Hale remembers growing up near Springfield’s historic X district and watching movies on Saturdays at the Bing Theater. Those excursions, he understands now, were helping to lay the foundation for a lifetime of appreciating the arts — not just film, but art in all forms.

“A lot of people today don’t realize the impact going to the movies had,” he told BusinessWest. “People today take them for granted; you can watch a movie on your phone or your computer. But back then, going to the movies on a Saturday — that was excitement.”

Hale, owner of Design WorkShop Inc. in Springfield and president of X Main Street Corp. (XMSC), the nonprofit that owns the Bing, spends a lot more time there these days than he did as a kid, not just appreciating the arts, but trying to raise their profile and make the facility the community centerpiece it once was.

It hasn’t been an easy road, and there’s still a long way to go, but there is once again a palpable buzz about what is now known as the Bing Arts Center.

“It’s very intimate, very sociable; it’s a listening room, not a bar,” he said of the unassuming structure on Sumner Avenue, which is slowly being renovated while hosting music and educational events in its small lobby, flanked by two small art galleries. “It’s a welcoming space where people can feel comfortable coming and meeting friends. This is about making the community a better place, and a good way to do that is through the arts.”

I get frustrated with the state of the world and the community as much as anyone. But I feel like nothing brings people together like the arts, and having a community space that attracts a wide variety of people from the city who might not otherwise run into each other.”

Since reopening for cultural and community events in 2010, the Bing has quietly built a busy schedule of performances, all of which take place in the building’s front lobby because the former theater space is in need of a serious remodel. But Hale’s vision, and that of his fellow board members and area arts supporters, is to see the entire venue open once again, with multiple spaces housing gatherings both large and small, indoors and outdoors, perhaps even on the roof — all of it, he told BusinessWest, aimed at bringing people together over shared passions during a time when Americans increasingly feel polarized by current events.

“I get frustrated with the state of the world and the community as much as anyone,” he added, “but I feel like nothing brings people together like the arts, and having a community space that attracts a wide variety of people from the city who might not otherwise run into each other.”

The Bing has achieved part of that goal already. The rest will take a lot more work — and money. But the end result, Hale said, will be one more attraction to further stamp Springfield as a city clearly on the rise.

Reel Life

The building wasn’t always a theater, but originally housed Kossaboom’s Service Station through the ’20s, ’30s, and ’40s. When it closed, the pumps were removed, the front of the building reconfigured, and an auditorium was built in the rear.

The Bing Theatre, named for then-superstar Bing Crosby, opened in 1950 with a showing of Samson and Delilah. For the next half-century, the movies kept coming, concluding that era with Gus Van Sant’s shot-by-shot remake of Psycho. That was in 1999, when the city of Springfield took the property for non-payment of taxes, and all activity ceased on the property.

With the main theater currently unusable, the Bing hosts myriad concerts, lectures, films, and other activities in its lobby.

But before long, a group of arts advocates and business people held a series of meetings and suggested the theater should be used as an arts center.

“The city put out an RFP for some type of community arts use, and our organization, the X Main Street Corp., made up of local business people, got involved,” Hale said. “These Main Street corporations are all over the country, and are generally created to try to revitalize urban commercial districts like the X.”

The organization was formed in 1995 to help revitalize the Forest Park neighborhood, the X commercial district, and the Sumner Avenue corridor, with efforts like starting the Forest Park Farmers’ Market, operating a food-security program, and securing significant streetscape improvements for the area, including new streetlights, benches, planters, and other touches to make the neighborhood more attractive. The XMSC also managed a façade-improvement program and developed and presented a series of technical-assistance seminars for local businesses.

The Bing posed a more significant challenge — but a great opportunity as well.

“When I saw this space was available, I said to the board, ‘this would make a great arts center. We could stimulate development, get people here at night; it’ll be good for local restaurants.’”

In 2002, the board of directors decided to adopt the strategy of arts accessibility to strengthen the community culturally and economically. XMSC then became the preferred developer for the former Bing Theater and, in December 2004, finally convinced the city to sell the property to the nonprofit.

Plans were formulated to convert the storefronts to gallery space, bring everything up to code, and use the former lobby as a multi-purpose space. The marquee and façade were also renovated. After six years of planning, fund-raising, and work, the Bing Arts Center opened in June 2010, and now presents regular cultural and educational programming — everything from visual arts and film screenings to musical performances and art classes — in addition to hosting meetings for other community groups, serving as a neighborhood hub.

“We’ve made an impact. We wanted it to be an arts center and offer as much diverse, eclectic content as we could,” Hale said, rattling off some of the performers who had been through in only the past few weeks, ranging from local rock bands to chamber ensembles to a folksinger from Sweden. Meanwhile, local artists are invited to display their work in rotating exhibits in the storefront galleries that flank the lobby.

“We also have a pop-up gallery where anyone can put their art on the wall for an evening and sell it,” he added. “We have refreshments and music; it’s a fun thing. People who want to see their work in a public space can come in and do it.”

The center also promotes connections between artists and the public instead of building walls between them, he added.

“A filmmaker makes a movie and shows it here, and people enjoy talking to them — ‘how did you do this?’ ‘How did you shoot this scene?’ That’s a good way to experience the arts.

“Springfield does big arts pretty well,” he went on. “We have Symphony Hall, CityStage, the MassMutual Center, and Theodores’ is a great little club; there’s a lot of good things to do. But there isn’t really anything else like the Bing in the area.”

Coming Attractions

To reach Hale’s goal of restoring the large theater, with the goal of featuring national-release independent and art films, preparations for phase 2 are underway. The theater will initially be configured for 300 to 350 seats, including a mezzanine, which it did not have before. The original theater held more than 900 seats, but the plan, as designed by local architect Stephen Jablonski, will accommodate two separate spaces, the main room for larger audiences and a smaller, adjoining space for smaller events.

Phase 1 of the Bing’s revitalization saw its façade, lobby, and gallery space renovated, while phase 2 aims to bring back its large theater.

Achieving all that will take about $1 million in fund-raising, but Hale also envisions creating a roof space for outdoor events, which could also be rented out for parties and receptions. “It would be the coolest arts venue in the valley if we had that,” he said, but admitted that addition could push the price tag close to $4 million.

Support for the main theater restoration has come from unexpected places, including a woman Hale went to school with in Springfield; she lives in Arizona now, but the two have kept in contact on Facebook, and she has donated periodically to the Bing’s revitalization. Recently, she and her husband reached out with a request to purchase naming rights to a program, and after a $25,000 donation, her parents have been memorialized with the Richard and Ethel Hanley Arts Education Program.

Understanding that the valley is full of companies and individuals with the resources to make large gifts, Hale hopes it won’t be the last such naming opportunity. It’s an investment worth making, he added, noting that people talk about the rise of Springfield’s downtown, but only a few thousand people actually live there, while some 26,000 call the X and Forest Park area their home.

“Younger people are coming back to cities; they don’t want to live out in the suburbs, and this is definitely a crucial piece,” he said of attracting that new, younger generation of city dwellers.

“The arts can’t change a place by itself, but they are vital, no doubt,” he added. “A city has to think of itself as a business. You need residents moving into your city. There aren’t enough places for musicians to play, for artists to exhibit, places for arts education that bring artists and the community together, where they can actually interact. But it’s happening here.”

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Northampton Facility Offers Affordable Space for Creatives

By BusinessWest Staff July 25, 2017

Creative Economy Sections

A Dream Home for the Arts

By Kathleen Mellen

An architect’s rendering of the new facility on Hawley Street in Northampton.
Thomas Douglas Architects

It’s been four long years since the Northampton Center for the Arts had a place to call home. But that’s about to change.

In September, the center will become the first tenant of a building at 33 Hawley St. in Northampton, purchased in 2013 by Northampton Community Arts Trust, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to preserve space for use by artists. It was conceived on the principle of a land trust, in which land is purchased with a particular intention, such as preservation.

“The arts trust’s mission is to preserve, in perpetuity, spaces for the use of arts,” said Penny Burke, executive director of the Center for the Arts, who has been involved in the development of the trust since its inception. “We need a multi-purpose, multi-functioning community place for the arts.”

The need for such a space became abundantly clear in 2013, when the nonprofit Center for the Arts lost its home of nearly 30 years at the former D.A. Sullivan School complex in downtown Northampton, after its non-renewable lease expired.

As Burke searched for new space that could accommodate the center’s programming of music, dance, theater, and visual arts — a process that took far longer than she had anticipated — she was forced to mothball much of its equipment and programming, and run the operation out of a small office on Strong Avenue, or, at times, from her home.

After a number of disappointing false starts, Burke said, the center entered into a collaborative search for space with interested city residents and other arts organizations, including Available Potential Enterprises, Ltd. (APE), which, in 2006, had moved out of its 10,000-square-foot home in Thornes Marketplace after the building was sold. APE has since relocated to a much smaller space on Main Street, which doesn’t accommodate many of the performances that had been a major part of its programming.

interiorstairs

The spacious interior of the new facility in Northampton provides ample space for artists.

“Our interest is not in occupying the space,” said Gordon Thorne, the founding director of APE, “but we want to have input into programming in the building. We were looking for a way to replicate what we had in Thornes, to replace our performance capacity. This is really completing that goal for us.”

Northampton has long had a reputation as a premier arts town. It is home to scores of visual and performing artists who have been flocking to the city since the mid-’70s, when an economic downturn resulted in storefront vacancies and cheap rent. That was like a siren call to artists, who typically have limited economic resources.

With the resulting influx of creative individuals, by the early 2000s, the arts had become integral to the personality, character, and economic health of the city. Not only has it been dubbed one of the best small arts towns in the country, it has also been named one of the nation’s top 25 arts destinations.

Richard Wagner says artists need affordable space, and the new facility created by Northampton Community Arts provides it.

But all that has come at a price to the artists, says Richard Wagner, president of the Northampton Community Arts Trust’s volunteer board of directors. As the arts have helped propel the city’s renewed economic vibrancy, vacancies have been filled, and prices for space have exploded, leaving many of the artists to discover that they have unwittingly helped price themselves right out of their artistic homes.

“The end state of any creative economy is going to be where creativity has been pressed out of the market,” Wagner said. “Artists need space, and if you want to keep artists, if you want to keep the creativity, you’ve got to lock in affordability, or they go somewhere else. That’s what’s happening in Northampton.”

The Northampton Community Arts Trust aims to stem that tide.

Planning a Reboot

To be sure, Burke’s organization has not been dormant during the past four years, but programming has been minimal; she has continued to present the center’s annual chalk art, ice art, and en plein air painting festivals, as well as hosting Northampton’s First Night Celebration — a venture the center will turn over to the Northampton Arts Council this year after running it for 32 years.

Now, Burke says, she’s excited to have a home where she can reinstate the plethora of arts and community activities that have been the center’s hallmark. “It’s been a huge hole,” she noted.

The Center for the Arts will serve as an operational and managerial tenant of the Hawley Street building, and will facilitate much of the core programming. With that slated to begin right after Labor Day, Burke explained, she’s hustling to get her ducks in a row, reaching out to the center’s resident companies, including the Lisa Leizman Dance Co. and the Happy Valley Guitar Orchestra, and booking space for classes, rehearsals, and, eventually, performances. Other organizations are expected to follow the center into the space shortly, including Northampton Community TV, which will have an education and media center there.

We wanted to create a building with minimal operating expenses, where artists can actually afford to work, and that meant not borrowing money. I had the capital, so I paid it.”

The center’s move to Hawley Street is one step in a long journey that began in earnest with the $1.5 million purchase in 2013 of the former site of Northampton Lumber, a 25,000-square-foot building on 1.5 acres of land. Money for the purchase was initially raised through private donations and a short-term loan, but was ultimately paid in full by Thorne, who reimbursed the trust for the cost of the building.

“We wanted to create a building with minimal operating expenses, where artists can actually afford to work, and that meant not borrowing money,” Thorne said. “I had the capital, so I paid it.”

While some events were held in the building for several months after it was purchased, all that was put on hold in 2015, when construction began to build the trust’s dream home for the arts.

The $6.5 million project (which includes the purchase of the building) is being done in three phases, under the guidance of Thomas Douglas Architects. Phase one, with a cost of just over $1.86 million, is nearly complete, and has included an overall renovation of the building and indoor framing.

“We had to do basic development work because of the shape the building was in,” Wagner told BusinessWest. “We framed out the spaces, added an elevator … we took a beat-up box of a building and gave it a new skin.”

That work also included the addition of energy-efficient features, such as a highly insulated shell and roof, as well as a solar array, donated by Thorne, which should provide the building with essentially free electricity. “Our HVAC costs should be minimal,” Wagner said.

Phase 2 will be a complete build-out of the building’s interior, including a lobby and mezzanine, an 800-square-foot exhibit gallery, and space for performances, events, and workshops, as well as site work and landscaping. With an estimated cost of $2.5 million, that phase will have to wait while the trust secures further funding, but Burke and Wagner say they hope it will be completed by the end of 2018.

In the meantime, in order to accommodate an initial, limited public use of the building, the city awarded the trust a limited-occupancy permit to utilize space on the lower level of the two-story building, including a 1,200 square-foot multi-purpose studio for rehearsals, classes, and small performances, events, and meetings.

Burke has already booked some art classes and is working with local choreographer Kelly Silliman to create a dance program that will utilize a 900-square-foot dedicated dance studio that will be available for use on the upper level.

There will also be a series of outdoor events this summer, dubbed “Outside the Box,” that will feature film, music, and poetry presentations.

Looking Ahead

The current plan for phase 3 will be the creation of a 3,800-square-foot black-box theater on the lower level, capable of seating more than 200 patrons, as well as ancillary space, such as dressing rooms and a green room. That will be undertaken when the rest of the building is complete, Burke said, but only after members of the local theater community, including APE, have an opportunity to weigh in on its design.

We want to create a separate body of people who will take on the design and management of that space. We need to take into consideration not only technical aspects of theater, but to ask where that whole realm of creative work will be in the future.”

It’s a concept that still needs a lot of thought before a budget and timeline can be established, Thorne told BusinessWest.

“We want to create a separate body of people who will take on the design and management of that space,” he said. “We need to take into consideration not only technical aspects of theater, but to ask where that whole realm of creative work will be in the future.”

To date, the trust has raised roughly $4.38 million through gifts from individual donors, as well as government and institutional grants, including $50,000 from the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, $35,000 from the Beveridge Family Foundation, $25,000 from C&S Wholesale Grocers, $180,000 from the state Executive Office for Administration and Finance, and $140,000 and $300,000 in separate grants from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. The Center for the Arts contributed $400,000 — money that had been saved over the years from First Night revenue specifically to pay for a new home.

While what Wagner calls the “quiet” phase of the capital campaign continues, focusing on individual donors and other grant opportunities, he said a public capital campaign will be launched at a future date.

As those plans move ahead, Thorne said, it will be incumbent upon the trust to articulate its plans and its mission to the public. “We need to educate the community about what this is, our bigger mission.”

To that end, Wagner hopes the programming that will take place under the partial occupancy allowance will generate public awareness, and interest in supporting the space and the trust.

“One of the reasons we’re doing this is to get the building back into use,” he said. “We want to open it up to the public, so they can feel and taste the possibilities.”

New Strategies Are Being Applied to Age-old Efforts to Align Teeth

By BusinessWest Staff July 25, 2017

Health Care Sections

Some Straight Answers

By Kathleen Mellen

Dr. Linda Rigali shows off a model of traditional braces, which have been replaced for many patients by newer, more cutting-edge models.

Dental care has come a long way in the past few decades, with high-tech equipment, less noticeable materials, and less intrusive procedures the order of the day. For proof, look no further than how the art and science of braces have evolved. In short, area dentists say, there’s never been a better time to straighten those teeth.

As long as there have been mouths to feed, there have been crooked teeth. And since ancient times, it seems, we’ve been trying to fix them.

As early as 400-300 BC, the Greek physician Hippocrates was looking for ways to align teeth, and there’s archeological evidence that ancient people sometimes wrapped metal bands around their teeth, presumably in an effort to straighten them. Apparently, even Cleopatra wore braces.

While no one knows for sure how effective those early efforts were, experts say the ancients were on the right track, applying sustained pressure to teeth in an effort to move them into a more favorable position.

It’s essentially the same thing we do today, albeit with much more elegant systems (and presumably less pain), through the practice of orthodontics, a dental specialty that deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of teeth that are not properly aligned.

Modern-day orthodontics was born when, in 1728, French dentist Pierre Fauchard first used a device called a Bandeau, a horseshoe-shaped piece of iron that helped expand the palatal arch. By the mid-19th century, orthodontia was recognized as a science, and by 1901, orthodontists had their own scientific organization, the American Society of Orthodontics, which evolved in the 1930s to the American Assoc. of Orthodontists.

Early training was minimal. The first school of orthodontics, which opened in 1899, offered a three- to six-week course for dentists. Today, the training is extensive, and generally includes four years of undergraduate study, four years of graduate study at a dental school, and two years of post-graduate study in orthodontics.

You literally had to tie the teeth into the wires, and there was a lot more force involved. Today’s braces are tiny, and are bonded onto the teeth, rather than tied around them.”

Just as education has changed over the past century, so, too have materials and techniques, improving outcomes, as well as the patient experience — and much of that has occurred in just a generation or two.

Not Your Grandmother’s Braces

As braces gained popularity during the 20th century, dentists wrapped bands around each tooth and connected them by a wire, inserted into brackets, or braces, that were cemented to the teeth. Gold and silver were popular materials, although each had its drawbacks: gold was expensive and soft, requiring more frequent adjustments; silver was less expensive, but also less malleable.

Dr. Linda Rigali says braces can treat issues like overbites, underbites, crowding, excess spacing, and asymmetries.

Those materials were largely replaced by stainless steel in the early 1960s, but, even then, braces were bulky and uncomfortable, said Dr. Linda Rigali of Rigali & Walder Orthodontics in Northampton.

“You literally had to tie the teeth into the wires, and there was a lot more force involved,” Rigali said. “Today’s braces are tiny, and are bonded onto the teeth, rather than tied around them.”

Materials have improved further since Rigali opened her practice 31 years ago. “We use nickel-titanium, which holds its shape and gets more active with body temperature,” she said. “They very slowly express the forces over a period of time. It’s just as effective as the old ones, but definitely a lot more gentle,” and not as painful as some adults might remember from their own childhoods.

That might help account for the fact that more than 4 million people in the U.S. are undergoing orthodontic treatment, according to the American Assoc. of Orthodontists (AAO).

SEE: List of Dental Services

A century ago, most patients made their first trip to an orthodontist in their 20s, but today, the AAO recommends children see an orthodontist at about 7 years old, when the permanent teeth are emerging, to evaluate whether they will need braces and, in some cases, to do interceptive treatments that can change problematic growth patterns. Indications for treatment with braces are predominantly functional, Rigali says, and can include overbites, underbites, crowding, excess spacing and asymmetries.

Once a need for braces is established, a treatment plan will be devised. A first visit will include a thorough examination, close-up photographs, and X-rays, which have also changed for the better, Rigali says, since she joined the profession.

“Thirty-one years ago, we were hand-dipping X-rays in a dark room,” she said. “Now that’s all digital — we get it all on the computer.”

Among the more dramatic recent advances is the use of nearly invisible Invisalign braces, which are taking off in the industry; about 35% of Rigali’s patients now use the clear, flexible, lightweight plastic aligners that combine advanced 3-D computer-graphics technology with the 100-year-old science of orthodontics.

We do a three-dimensional scan, get a virtual model on the computer, then I can move the teeth, on the computer, through all the stages. Once I have the staging the way I want it, the company produces a series of clear plastic aligners. They’ve got a couple hundred bioengineers working on the process. This has changed things a lot.”

While the theory is much the same as traditional braces — that slow, steady pressure will move teeth — the material and the treatment plan are revolutionary, Rigali said.

“We do a three-dimensional scan, get a virtual model on the computer, then I can move the teeth, on the computer, through all the stages,” she told BusinessWest. “Once I have the staging the way I want it, the company produces a series of clear plastic aligners.” Each set is worn for two weeks, and then is switched out for the next, she added. “They’ve got a couple hundred bioengineers working on the process. This has changed things a lot.”

For example, the use of 3-D scanning technology has nearly eliminated the need for dental impressions, which require pressing a tray of gooey material into the top and bottom teeth.

“It’s the hottest thing now,” said Dr. Janice Yanni, owner of Yanni Family Orthodontics (YFO), who utilizes the ITero Element Scanner in each of her offices, in Longmeadow, West Springfield, and Tolland, Conn. “Our practice is going impressionless — so no more gagging on those impressions.”

Dr. Janice Yanni says she takes advantage of modern technology to make visits fun for patients.

The advent of the Invisalign braces in 1997 might well have contributed to the 40% rise in the number of adults who sought orthodontic treatment between 1996 and 2015, as reported in the Wall Street Journal. About 20% of Rigali and Yanni’s patients are adults, and many request Invisalign braces, which are used by about 30% of Yanni’s patients in total.

Form Follows Function

As the practice of orthodontics has changed, so, too, have orthodontists’ offices, says Craig Sweitzer, the owner of Craig Sweitzer & Co. General Contractors, who has built some 200 dental offices over his 34-year career.

“When we began, there was different equipment, different decorations — it was a whole different feel,” he said. “The equipment drives the design, and the stress nowadays is to keep things clean, uncluttered, and to hide the equipment. It’s become more friendly-looking.”

In Yanni’s Longmeadow office, for example, there are no visible hoses, lines, cables, or orthodontic tools, even in the treatment room, where, as is typical in orthodontists’ offices, multiple bays are set up in a single, large room for fittings and adjustments. Extra-bright ceiling lights have eliminated the need for the bulky workstation lamps that used to loom overhead, so patients can chat with family members or watch a movie on one of the large, flat-screen TVs mounted on the wall. (“The hot movie right now is Beauty and the Beast,” Yanni said.)

Sweitzer says he and his sons Michael and Brian, who have joined their father’s company, work closely with the doctors on office design.

“It’s nice to control the project, get a relationship with the doctor, from square one,” said Michael Sweitzer, who designed and built Yanni’s Longmeadow office. “It’s really cool, drawing it, then seeing it come to life.”

The company does collaborate with architects, as is required by law. “In Massachusetts, you have to have a registered architect to pull a building permit for a commercial project, anything over 35,000 cubic feet,” Craig Sweitzer said.

Having Fun

There’s more to keep up with these days than advances in the science and technology of orthodontics, and practices like Yanni’s and Rigali’s take advantage of interactive and social media to help make the experience a pleasant one for their tech-savvy young customers.

At Yanni’s Longmeadow office, for example, patients can use one of four iPods set up at a station in the waiting room, designed by Michael Sweitzer with input from an IT specialist.

In addition, YFO sponsors a number of online contests, including #YFOPromPosals, in which patients submit photos of themselves asking someone to the prom to the practice’s Instagram and Facebook pages. They earn points for likes and shares, and the winner receives up to $250 to cover the cost of hair, flowers, and transportation for the prom. (Incidentally, YFO can be found on Snapchat as well.)

Rigali & Walder also holds virtual contests, such as Where in the World is Rigali and Walder Orthodontics? and Hero Dad, which are designed to keep young patients entertained and engaged.

“You’ve got to make it fun,” Yanni said.

Much of today’s research in orthodontia focuses on the biology of tooth movement, and looking for ways to speed up the process. “Everybody wants it done faster,” Rigali said.

One new device, AcceleDent, appears to move things along. Used with traditional or Invisalign braces, the vibrating mouthpiece is worn for 20 minutes a day to stimulate bones, which leads to faster bone remodeling.

“There are studies that show it is speeding tooth movement up to 30% to 50%,” Rigali said. “Studies are still coming out, but we’ve seen some really great results with this.”

Another promising technique, Propel Orthodontics, uses micro-osteoperforations to accelerate tooth movement and bone regrowth.

“We make little perforations right through the gum tissue into the bone. That sets up a wound response that gets the bone metabolism to go faster,” Rigali told BusinessWest. “This has some very legitimate studies; it is based on really good, sound research.”

In spite of advancements that promise to hasten the process, Yanni cautions her patients that there are no quick fixes. She tells them to plan to commit to a two- or three-year period, and once those teeth are straight, a retainer will still be required to keep them from moving back.

“There is no instant gratification in the world of orthodontics,” she said. “You’re either in it, or you’re not.”

Strong & Healthy Smiles Stresses Preventive Care

By BusinessWest Staff July 25, 2017

Health Care Sections

Nothing to Fear

Dr. Sue Keller (far right) with some of her staff at Strong & Healthy Smiles: from left, dental assistant Chettele Houle, dental hygienist Michelle Engstrom, and office administrator Cassie Roule.

Dr. Sue Keller jokes that she’s been interested in dentistry since she was 6, when she wasn’t able to eat cookies with loose teeth, so she figured out how to wiggle them and get them out as soon as possible.

But she does have other fond childhood memories of dentistry, like getting a cavity filled around age 9 and the floaty feeling from the nitrous oxide the dentist used. Or her blue-collar father working two jobs to make sure she and her brother could get braces to fix their crooked teeth and regain their confidence to smile. Both memories influenced the kind of practice she would one day run as Strong & Healthy Smiles in Florence.

“I hear about people having a bad experience at the dentist, but that doesn’t have to be the case. I had good experiences, and they can have good experiences, too.”

There’s a joy in taking someone who hasn’t been to the dentist in five or 10 years and helping them get back on track and healthy again, so they keep coming back for maintenance.”

During her residency at Hartford Hospital, Keller considered an orthodontic practice, but decided — after training in settings from preventive care to trauma situations, working on accident victims — to practice more generally.

In 1995, she opened her practice in Greenfield, moving to a larger space in Florence in 2007, and has brought with her some of the concepts forged during her formative years, from conscious-sedation dentistry to an innovative program to help people pay for care — in other words, ways to make visiting the dentist a positive experience, not a negative one.

“There’s a joy in taking someone who hasn’t been to the dentist in five or 10 years and helping them get back on track and healthy again,” she told BusinessWest, “so they keep coming back for maintenance.”

Root Causes

While dentists obviously know how to clean teeth, fill cavities, and install implants, Keller said she sees her role as helping people minimize those aspects of care by taking care of their oral health at home.

“We have a strong preventive-care program,” she told BusinessWest, adding that people often stay away from the dentist out of fear, which only compounds as their teeth deteriorate over the years. If she can get them in good shape and convince them to continue good habits at home, the fear goes away as the visits get easier and easier.

Dr. Sue Keller says she wants to get to the bottom of why patients get cavities, not just treat them when they emerge.

To that end, she explained, “we test saliva six different ways and go through a very detailed evaluation of your habits at home, your diet, what you’re drinking, what teeth-cleaning products you’re using — and most of the time, we’re able to find out the likely reasons you’re getting cavities.”

Patients might receive special toothpastes, rinses, other tools, but more important, they get dietary and lifestyle advice to help them care for their teeth and prevent new cavities, she explained. “A good diet and good habits at home really keep people in good stead.”

Many dental habits ingrained in Americans for decades should be reconsidered, she went on. Take the common advice to brush twice a day, a message that emerged in advertisments from toothpaste makers in the 1950s. Since then, most people assume that means brushing upon waking up and going to bed, when the most critical times to brush are immediately after eating.

“Every time you eat, it puts carbohydrates in your mouth, which produce acids,” she explained, before relating a slightly gross metaphor she uses with kids. “I ask them if they wash their hands after they go to the bathroom to get the germs off. Well, when they eat, I say, they poop and pee in their mouth. That usually gets their attention.”

Rather than the wake-up and bedtime brushing regimen, Keller emphasizes brushing after every meal or snack. That’s usually no problem at breakfast and dinner, but people generally don’t feel like bringing a toothbrush to work, so she recommends after-lunch habits like Xylitol rinses and gums, or simply rinsing out the mouth with water. For people loath to floss, she recommends tools like GumChucks that make it easy to reach back into the mouth.

“Whatever someone’s problem is, I have a tool for them to try, as long as they’re willing to put in the effort,” she said. “I want to set you up for success. Maybe you can’t brush after every meal, every day, but if you can embrace the concept of cleaning your mouth after meals, and do it over the course of a lifetime, you’ll need very little dental care.”

When I meet someone with significant dental problems and can help them get their smile back, when they thought it was hopeless and nothing could be done, that makes me happy. We can always do something for someone. Sometimes we have to replace teeth, but usually we can just maintain their health.”

For people who do need more attention, Keller is one of the few offices in the region offering nitrous oxide gas and sedation pills and non-surgical treatment of gum disease with lasers.

“When I meet someone with significant dental problems and can help them get their smile back, when they thought it was hopeless and nothing could be done, that makes me happy,” she said. “We can always do something for someone. Sometimes we have to replace teeth, but usually we can just maintain their health.”

Keep Smiling

Of course, it’s not just fear that keeps people away from the dentist; cost is a factor as well. It’s a particular problem for those without dental insurance through their employers, who decide they don’t want to pay out of pocket for cleanings and other basic procedures, which can lead to long-term issues.

That’s where Keller’s Smile Shares program comes in. Inspired by the region’s farm-share programs where people pay farmers up front and reap a harvest all year, Smile Share members pre-pay a discounted rate at the start of the year for their preventive care and then can access other discounted services throughout the year as well.

“Normal, regular care is affordable and protects you from more expensive, emergency care down the line,” she told BusinessWest. And that’s the key — getting people who have avoided the dentist back to good health, and keeping them there.

“That’s really fun for me, to take someone with brown teeth and turn them into white teeth,” she said. “Then, it’s great when they come in for a regular maintenance visit, and they look great and don’t need much cleaning at all. That’s my ultimate success, when they keep up the good work on their own. There’s great satisfaction in keeping them motivated and on track.”

And smiling, of course.

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Red Lion Inn Welcomes Fabien Riviere, Jim Corcoran

By BusinessWest Staff July 25, 2017

Daily News

STOCKBRIDGE — On the heels of a recent $1 million kitchen renovation, the Red Lion Inn recently welcomed new management and culinary talent with two strategic hires: Director of Food & Beverage Fabien Riviere and Sous Chef Jim Corcoran.

Both will work with Vice President of Culinary Development Brian Alberg to continue to evolve the inn’s commitment to local sourcing and service excellence.

“The continued success of the Main Street Hospitality Catering, with projects like Seeds Market Café at Hancock Shaker Village, calls for bringing in additional expertise,” said Sarah Eustis, CEO of Main Street Hospitality Group. “Fabien and Jim will help strengthen the Red Lion Inn, our culinary hub, and continue to heighten our quality, hospitality, and service.”

With more than 20 years of restaurant-management experience, Riviere joins the Red Lion Inn from Studio Restaurant at the Montage Hotel in Laguna Beach, Calif. This marks his return to the Red Lion Inn, where he was sommelier from 2003 to 2005. Working stateside and abroad, Riviere’s résumé includes Felix Restaurant at the Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong, Mix Restaurant by Alain Ducasse, and Restaurant Aureole at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. In his new role as Director of Food & Beverage, Riviere will manage all aspects of food and beverage operations, as well as the supervision and direction of all restaurant staff, among other responsibilities.

Corcoran joins the Red Lion Inn culinary team from Allium Restaurant + Bar in Great Barrington, where his seasonal menus reflected his passion for locally grown ingredients and the diversity of his background. Corcoran has worked at restaurants throughout New York, including Manhattan’s Delmonico’s Restaurant, Brinkley’s Broome Street, Angolo SoHo, and April Bloomfield’s Breslin, before becoming lead chef of Allium Restaurant + Bar.

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